Big adjustments are on the horizon for Amazon Prime Video, affecting its viewers directly.
Due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a decrease in viewership, Amazon Prime Video is following in the footsteps of Disney and Netflix.
What’s Changing in Prime Video?
Reports from Reuters suggest that Amazon may introduce advertisements in its cheaper Prime Video subscription plans, similar to what Netflix started doing recently.
This change is expected to roll out in 2024, initially in the US, UK, Germany, and Canada, with potential expansion to France, Italy, Spain, Australia, and Mexico.
To enjoy an ad-free experience, subscribers may have to pay a higher fee than before. However, there’s no information available regarding India at this time.
How Much Will You Pay?
For an ad-free Amazon Prime subscription, users may need to pay $2.99 per month, as opposed to the current monthly fee of $14.99.
The annual subscription cost is currently $139, but starting next year, users might pay $17.98 monthly or $141.99 annually instead of the previous rates.
Why Is Amazon Making These Changes?
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, viewership on OTT platforms has been steadily declining.
Initially, during the pandemic’s early stages and lockdowns in many countries, OTT platforms saw a surge in viewership.
However, as the pandemic subsided, the numbers decreased. To cover expenses, Amazon, like Netflix, is making these adjustments.
