Amazon Prime Video, the popular streaming service, has announced that it will begin incorporating “limited advertisements” in early 2024. This move is aimed at allowing the company to invest further in creating compelling content while gradually increasing their investment over time.
Initially, the introduction of ads will be implemented in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada, after which it will be extended to other countries later in the year. Remarkably, Prime members will not be required to take any action, and the current price of Prime membership will remain unchanged throughout 2024.
To cater to those who prefer an ad-free viewing experience, Amazon will also offer a new ad-free option for an additional $2.99 per month exclusively for U.S. Prime members. However, it’s important to note that live sports events on Prime Video, including popular Thursday Night Football NFL games, will still feature ads.
This announcement comes on the heels of Disney’s recent price increases for its ad-free Disney+ and Hulu plans. Subscribers to the ad-free version of Disney+ will witness a monthly increase to $13.99, while ad-free Hulu plans will rise to $17.99 per month.
Despite efforts to curb password-sharing, Netflix has reported strong sign-ups in the United States during July. The streaming giant continues to stand out as a major player in the industry.
Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery has entered the streaming market with its new platform, Max, offering different membership plans with varying prices and features. As the competition in the streaming industry intensifies, Amazon aims to differentiate itself by having fewer ads than traditional linear TV and other streaming TV providers.
With the introduction of ads in the coming years, Amazon Prime Video is looking to strike a balance between captivating content and providing options for an ad-free experience. As the streaming landscape evolves, viewers will have a multitude of choices and price plans to suit their preferences and budgets.
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