As one of the last bastions of ad-free streaming, Prime Video has taken a significant turn. The service, long celebrated for its uninterrupted viewing experience, has now introduced advertisements to its platform. This transition, effective from January 29, has left many subscribers pondering over the new landscape of their favorite streaming service. Let’s delve into the details and explore the options available for those seeking an ad-free experience.
Prime Video Enters the Ad-Supported Arena
The Transition to Ads
Prime Video’s leap into the ad-supported domain marks a notable shift in the streaming industry. Following an announcement made last year, the service has now aligned itself with other platforms that balance free and premium viewing experiences. Subscribers witnessed this change firsthand on January 29, as all Amazon service accounts were automatically converted to an ad-supported plan.
The Inevitable Question: The Ads
Naturally, this transition raises questions. Are the ads too intrusive? How can one avoid them? After some thorough investigation, which included firsthand viewing experiences, we’ve gathered key insights about the nature of these new ads on the Amazon service.
Steering Clear of Ads: The Ad-Free Path
Upgrading to an Ad-Free Experience
For those looking to reclaim the ad-free experience, the Amazon service offers a solution. At an additional cost of $2.99 per month, on top of the standard Amazon Prime subscription fee, viewers can opt out of ads. This upgrade process is straightforward:
- Navigate to ‘Accounts and Settings’ and select ‘Your Account’.
- Choose the ‘Go Ad-Free’ option.
- Click on ‘Start Subscription’.
These steps are applicable whether you’re using a desktop, mobile, or the Prime Video app on various streaming devices and smart TVs. It’s worth noting that Prime Video remains a part of the Amazon Prime Membership, priced at $15/month.
Amazon Prime Video will start showing ads starting January 29, 2024 for non-paying members
– This is being done to "invest more" in creating content for Prime Video
– There is an ad-free option available for an extra $2.99 per month for U.S. Prime members
– The change will first… pic.twitter.com/XyGM228KEZ— Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings) January 29, 2024
Understanding Prime Video’s Ad Landscape
What Content Will Feature Ads?
With this new model, all content on Prime Video, ranging from Amazon Originals like ‘Saltburn’, ‘Reacher’, and ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’, to a diverse selection of films and series, will now include ads. However, titles under Amazon Freevee will continue to be ad-supported, regardless of whether you upgrade to an ad-free account. Also, live sports, live TV, and certain Prime Video Channels add-ons will retain their ad-supported nature.
Ad Frequency and Duration
Here’s a brief overview of the ad frequency observed in various formats:
- Hour-long TV episodes, like ‘The Boys’, featured a 15-second pre-roll ad and a mid-episode ad of similar length.
- Half-hour episodes, such as ‘Fleabag’, had a single mid-episode ad break, with the second episode auto-playing with a 15-second pre-roll ad.
- Feature-length movies like ‘Saltburn’ started with two ads (30 seconds in total), with no interruptions indicated during the movie.
In comparison to other services, Prime Video’s ad frequency is relatively less, averaging fewer ads per show and shorter ad durations before movies.
Adapting to the New Prime Video
Prime Video’s foray into ad-supported streaming is a significant change for its user base. While the inclusion of ads might alter the viewing experience, the platform offers a clear path for those seeking to maintain an ad-free environment. Understanding the specifics of this new model and how it impacts various content types is crucial for subscribers navigating this change.
With these insights, viewers can make informed decisions about their subscription preferences, ensuring their Prime Video experience aligns with their viewing desires.
