In a not so suprising turn of events, Amazon has announced that they will be the latest streamer introducing limited advertisements to their popular service, Prime Video. Starting from July 2, Prime Video’s library of movies and TV shows will be showcasing a limited number of ads.
Amazon’s decision to include advertisements within their streaming service is a strategy aimed at increasing their investment into more compelling content. The move is claimed to result in higher quality and more diverse content offerings for Prime members. Amazon assures its members that the number of ads will be significantly lower than the ad volume on linear TV and other streaming providers.
The introduction of ads will not result in any changes to the current price of the Prime membership. However, for members who prefer an ad-free experience, Amazon will be offering a new ad-free option for an additional AUD 2.99 per month.
In a message to customers the shopping giant said ”
Dear Prime member,
We are writing to you today about an upcoming change to your Prime Video experience. Starting July 2, Prime Video movies and TV shows will include limited advertisements. This will allow us to continue investing in compelling content and keep increasing that investment over a long period of time. We aim to have meaningfully fewer ads than linear TV and other streaming TV providers. No action is required from you, and there is no change to the current price of your Prime membership. We will also offer a new ad free option for an additional A$2.99 per month* that you can sign up.
There will be no other changes to your Prime membership. Prime members will continue to enjoy a wide range of shopping, savings, and entertainment benefits “
Prime membership continues to offer a wide range of shopping, savings, and entertainment benefits, with advertisements only affecting the Prime Video experience.
This announcement from Amazon is a significant shift in the company’s strategy and aligns it more closely with other streaming services that also have started introducing ad revenue. How this is received by users will remain to be seen, but some have sommented it seems same money for less move, with Netflix also the latest giant to once again increase prices for its Australian customers.
Despite the change, Amazon’s statement committed to providing the best possible experience for its members. The company’s investment in content has been steadily increasing over the years, and this move is expected to further boost that trend.
