Prime Video - Watch movies and TV shows

Enjoy exclusive Amazon Originals as well as popular movies and TV shows. Watch anytime, anywhere. Start your free trial.Enjoy exclusive Amazon Originals as well as popular movies and TV shows for USD 5.99/month. Watch now, cancel anytime.

1. Basic Information and Development Journey
   • Origin and Renaming: The platform was initially launched on September 7, 2006, in the U.S. under the name Amazon Unbox. It was later rebranded as Amazon Instant Video on Demand before being officially renamed Prime Video and spun off as an independent service in the U.S. in April 2016. A key milestone came in 2011 when Amazon acquired the UK - based streaming and DVD - by - mail service Lovefilm, which helped Prime Video expand its footprint into European markets like the UK and Germany by integrating into local Prime subscriptions in 2014.
   • Global Reach and User Scale: Currently, its service is available in over 200 countries and regions worldwide, excluding mainland China, Cuba, Russia, and Vietnam, among others. It supports content in 30 languages, catering to diverse regional audiences. As of August 6, 2025, Prime Video boasts around 205 million paid global memberships, and it even surpassed Netflix in the number of U.S. subscribers back in December 2022. Its headquarters is located in Seattle, Washington, U.S..
2. Membership Plans and Core User - Friendly Features
   • Flexible Subscription Options: Prime Video is typically bundled with an Amazon Prime membership, which also includes perks like free shipping and Prime Music. In regions such as the U.S., the UK, and Germany, it can also be subscribed to as a standalone service. In 2023, Amazon announced plans for an ad - supported tier, which launched in early 2024. Users who want an ad - free experience now need to pay an extra $3 per month, and the basic plan no longer supports audio - visual features like Dolby Atmos. Additionally, there is a 7 - day free trial for new users to explore the service.
   • Convenient Viewing Functions: The platform allows streaming on up to 3 devices simultaneously via its official website (www.primevideo.com) or its mobile app on iOS and Android devices, as well as selected smart TVs. It offers an offline download feature for mobile devices, enabling users to watch content without an internet connection. A unique feature called X - ray lets viewers identify actors and songs in videos, and access actor biographies and trivia, enhancing the viewing experience. It also provides a data - saver mode to help users control data usage when streaming or downloading on mobile devices.
3. Diversified Content Ecosystem
   • Acclaimed Original Content: A large portion of its content library consists of originals produced or co - produced by Amazon MGM Studios. These include award - winning works such as Mozart in the Jungle and Transparent, as well as popular series like The Man in the High Castle and The Grand Tour. These originals have helped the platform gain significant recognition in the global entertainment industry.
   • Rich Supplementary Content: Beyond originals, Prime Video hosts a vast collection of licensed movies and TV shows from other providers. It also runs the Prime Video Store, where users can rent or purchase additional content without a Prime membership. Through Prime Video Channels, subscribers can add premium and specialty channels from third - party providers without the need for extra apps. In October 2024, U.S. users were able to directly subscribe to Apple TV+ through the platform.
   • Expanding Live Sports Coverage: The platform has aggressively ventured into live sports streaming. It has secured broadcasting rights for major events such as Premier League and NBA games. Looking ahead, it will serve as a domestic U.S. broadcaster for the Masters Tournament in 2026, marking a significant step into premium sports content. It has also partnered with Main Street Sports Group to launch 16 regional sports channels, available for a monthly fee of $20.
4. Business Adjustments and Industry Impact
   • Strategic Content Integration: In July 2025, Amazon announced the shutdown of its free standalone streaming service Freevee, with all its content integrated into Prime Video. This move consolidated its content resources and offered more free content options to users without requiring a Prime subscription. Later that year, the platform increased ad duration to 4 - 6 minutes per hour, aligning it with the industry average, and expanded its ad - supported service to 15 countries including Brazil, India, and Japan.
   • Influential Market Position: As one of the top streaming services globally, Prime Video has redefined how audiences consume video content and spurred fierce competition in the global streaming industry. Its innovative combination of entertainment streaming with e - commerce membership benefits has set a new model for the industry. It has also continuously expanded its business boundaries through partnerships and content integration, solidifying its status as a key player in the global mass media and entertainment sector.