{{Short description|American video streaming service}} {{For|the paid subscription service also owned by Amazon|Amazon Prime}} {{Use American English|date=August 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2025}} {{Infobox website | name = Prime Video | logo = Prime Video logo (2024).svg | logo_size = 240px | logo_alt = Logo for the Prime Video service | logo_caption = Prime Video's logo used since 2024 | screenshot = Amazon Prime Video example screenshot.png | collapsible = yes | collapsetext = Screenshot | caption = Screenshot of Prime Video's international website in January 2025, including a public domain film, ''Nosferatu'' | company_type = Division | type = OTT platform | language = {{plainlist| * Arabic * Bengali * Chinese * Czech * Danish * Dutch * English * Filipino (Tagalog) * Finnish * French * German * Greek * Hebrew * Hindi * Hungarian * Indonesian * Italian * Japanese * Kannada * Korean * Malay * Malayalam * Marathi * Norwegian * Polish * Portuguese * Romanian * Russian * Spanish * Swedish * Tamil * Telugu * Turkish }} | language_count = 30 | headquarters = Seattle, Washington, US | country_of_origin = United States | area_served = Worldwide (except Belarus, mainland China, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, <ref name="Russia">{{cite journal|last=Malik|first=Aisha|title=Amazon suspends access to Prime Video in Russia, halts shipments to the country|journal=TechCrunch|date=March 9, 2022|url= https://techcrunch.com/2022/03/09/amazon-suspends-access-to-prime-video-in-russia/|access-date=March 13, 2022}}</ref> Sudan, Syria, and Vietnam)<ref name="Vietnam">{{cite journal|last=Luu|first=Quy|title=Amazon Prime Video to leave Vietnam|journal=VnExpress|date=October 16, 2023|url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/amazon-prime-video-to-leave-vietnam-4665351.html/|access-date= November 11, 2023}}</ref> | owner = Amazon | industry = {{hlist|Entertainment|mass media}} | products = {{hlist | Streaming media | video on demand | digital distribution }} | services = {{hlist | Film production | film distribution | television production | television distribution }} | subsidiaries = {{plainlist| * Prime Video Slate<ref>{{cite news |last = Amadeo |first=Ron |date=May 10, 2016 |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/05/amazon-video-direct-takes-aim-at-the-professional-side-of-youtube/ |title='Amazon Video Direct' takes aim at the professional side of YouTube |work=Ars Technica |access-date=July 27, 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Support – Prime Video Direct |url=https://videodirect.amazon.com/home/help?topicId=G202110120 |website=videodirect.amazon.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128015543/https://videodirect.amazon.com/home/help?topicId=G202110120 |archive-date=November 28, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Jacob |first=Vijay |date=December 4, 2024 |title=Amazon Video Direct: A Creator's Guide to Making Money |url=https://productscope.ai/blog/amazon-video-direct/ |website=ProductScope AI |access-date=July 27, 2025 |archive-date=January 23, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123212949/https://productscope.ai/blog/amazon-video-direct/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Welcome to Prime Video Slate |url=https://videocentral.amazon.com/support/welcome-to-prime-video-slate |website=videocentral.amazon.com |access-date=April 10, 2026}}</ref> * Bray Film Studios }} | url = {{Official URL}} | commercial = Yes | registration = Required | users = {{increase}} 205 million<br />({{As of|2025|8|6|lc=y|df=US}})<ref name="Hollywood Reporter 2022">{{Cite web |date=September 3, 2022 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/lotr-rings-of-power-day-1-record-viewing-amazon-1235211790/ |title=Amazon Claims First-Day Record Audience for 'Rings of Power' |website=The Hollywood Reporter }}</ref> | launch_date = {{Start date and age|2006|9|7}} | current_status = Active }} '''Amazon Prime Video''', known simply as '''Prime Video''', is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming television service owned by Amazon. The service primarily distributes films and television series produced or co-produced by Amazon MGM Studios or licensed to Amazon, as Amazon Originals, and also hosts content from other providers, content add-ons, live sporting events, and video rental and purchasing services. Prime Video is offered both as a standalone service and as part of Amazon's Prime subscription. Amazon Prime Video is the second-most-subscribed video on demand streaming media service after Netflix, with about 205 million paid memberships worldwide.<ref name="Hollywood Reporter 2022" />
In some places, the service requires a full Prime subscription to access. In the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany, it can be accessed without a full Prime subscription,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/getstarted/ref=sv_atv_5#prime_video|title=Amazon Prime Video subscription|website=Amazon|access-date=November 28, 2017}}</ref> while in Australia, Canada, France, India, Turkey, and Italy, it can be accessed only on a dedicated website. Additionally, Prime Video offers a content add-on service in the form of channels, called Amazon Channels, or Prime Video Channels, which allow users to subscribe to additional video subscription services from other content providers within Prime Video.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kleinman |first=Alexis |date=April 23, 2014 |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/netflix-amazon-prime_n_5197950 |title=Amazon Prime Just Got Way Better with a Ton of Old HBO Shows |work=The Huffington Post |access-date=April 23, 2014 }}</ref>
Launched on September 7, 2006, as '''Amazon Unbox''' in the United States, the service grew with an expanding library and added the Prime Video membership upon the development of the Prime subscription. It was later renamed '''Amazon Instant Video on Demand'''. After acquiring the UK-based streaming and DVD-by-mail service LoveFilm in 2011,<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2011 |first=Josh |last=Halliday |title=Amazon takes full control of Lovefilm |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2011/jan/20/amazon-buys-lovefilm |access-date=November 6, 2020 |website=The Guardian }}</ref> Prime Video was added to the Prime subscription in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Austria in 2014;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sawers|first=Paul |date=February 21, 2014 |title=Amazon Launches Prime Instant Video in UK & Germany |url=https://thenextweb.com/media/2014/02/21/amazon-lovefilm/ |access-date=November 6, 2020 |website=The Next Web }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Amazon launches Prime streaming in Austria |url=https://www.digitaltveurope.com/2014/11/21/amazon-launches-prime-streaming-in-austria/ |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=DigitalTVEurope|date=November 21, 2014 }}</ref> continuing the plan of LoveFilm Instant, it is available on a monthly subscription of £/€8.99 per month.<ref>[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/prime/pipeline/landing Amazon Prime, Prime is Fast Delivery and More]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130190836/https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/prime/pipeline/landing |date=January 30, 2018 }}. Looking for the Prime Video Monthly Membership? "After your free trial, Prime Video is just £5.99/month. You can cancel your membership at any time". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved June 16, 2016.</ref> The service was available in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, until 2013.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/06/10/amazons-lovefilm-pulls-its-subscription-dvd-and-streaming-service-out-of-scandinavia/|title=Amazon's LOVEFiLM Pulls Its Subscription DVD And Streaming Service Out Of Scandinavia|website=TechCrunch|last1=Lawler|first1=Ryan|date=June 10, 2013}}</ref> On April 18, 2016, Amazon split Prime Video from Amazon Prime in the US for $8.99 per month.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://9to5mac.com/2016/04/18/video-streaming-race-heats-up-amazon-now-offers-its-instant-video-service-independent-of-prime-subscription-for-8-99mo/ |title=Video streaming race heats up, Amazon now offers its Prime Video service independent of Prime subscription for $8.99/mo |author=Benjamin Mayo |date=April 18, 2016|website=9to5Mac}}</ref>
On December 14, 2016, Prime Video launched worldwide (except for mainland China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria) expanding its reach beyond the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, and Japan. Among the new territories, the service was included with Prime in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Turkey, and Spain; in all other countries, it was made available for $/€2.99 per month for the first six months and $/€5.99 per month thereafter.<ref name="worldwide1">{{cite web|url=https://press.aboutamazon.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2229623|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305012150/http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2229623|archive-date=March 5, 2017|title=Amazon Prime Video Now Available in More Than 200 Countries and Territories Around the World|publisher=Nasdaq Investor Relations|access-date=December 14, 2016}}</ref>
Alongside Amazon MGM Studios, Prime Video constitutes one half of Amazon's membership in the Motion Picture Association (MPA), which it joined on October 1, 2024.
==History== The service debuted on September 7, 2006, as '''Amazon Unbox''' in the United States.<ref name="PR1">{{cite web |url=https://press.aboutamazon.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=903244 |title=Amazon.com Launches Amazon Unbox(TM), a Digital Video Download Service with DVD-Quality Picture |date=September 7, 2006 |work=Amazon.com Media Relations |access-date=April 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125160302/http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=903244 |archive-date=January 25, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On September 4, 2008, the service was renamed Amazon Video on Demand.<ref name="vodlaunch">{{cite web |url=https://press.aboutamazon.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=NewsArticle&id=1193455 |title=Amazon Customers Can Now Instantly Watch Ad-Free Movies and TV Shows on Macs, PCs and Compatible Sony BRAVIA Televisions Starting Today on Amazon Video On Demand |work=corporate-ir.net }}{{Dead link|date=October 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/ontv/player |title=Amazon.com Help: Amazon Instant Video |work=Amazon.com }}</ref>
{{As of|2014|08}} the service is no longer available for downloading purchased instant videos. On February 22, 2011, the service rebranded as '''Amazon Instant Video''' and added access to 5,000 movies and television shows for Amazon Prime members, including content from Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. Entertainment, PBS, BBC, Magnolia Pictures, IFC Films and National Geographic.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fritz |first1=Ben |title=Amazon.com launches video-streaming service |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2011-feb-23-la-fi-ct-amazon-20110223-story.html#:~:text=The%20online%20retail%20giant%20on,connected%20devices%20such%20as%20televisions.&text=Amazon%20has%20signed%20up%20two,cable%20networks%20Starz%20and%20Epix.&text=Amazon%2C%20however%2C%20is%20in%20talks,familiar%20with%20the%20matter%20said. |access-date=20 September 2025 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=23 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://mashable.com/archive/amazon-prime-instant-video |title=HANDS ON: Amazon's Prime Instant Video |work=Mashable |first=Christina |last=Warren |date=February 22, 2011 |access-date=November 27, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="primevideoslaunch">{{cite web|url=https://press.aboutamazon.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1531234|title=Amazon Prime Members Now Get Unlimited, Commercial-free, Instant Streaming of More Than 5,000 Movies and TV Shows at No Additional Cost|work=corporate-ir.net|access-date=December 20, 2012|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306173555/http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1531234|url-status=dead}}</ref> On February 8, 2012, Amazon signed a deal with Viacom to add shows from MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, TV Land, VH1, CMT, Spike, BET, and Logo TV to Prime Instant Video.<ref>{{cite news |last=Robertson |first=Adi |title=Amazon adds shows from MTV, Nickelodeon, and seven other channels to Prime Instant Video |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/2/8/2784460/amazon-viacom-agreement-prime-instant-video-addition |access-date=July 14, 2021 |work=The Verge |date=February 8, 2012 }}</ref> On March 14, 2012, Amazon signed a deal with Discovery Communications, Inc. to add shows from Discovery Channel, Science Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Military Channel and Investigation Discovery to the Prime Instant Video service.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Perez |first1=Sarah |title=Amazon's Biggest Deal Yet: Discovery Brings 3,000 More Titles To Amazon Instant Video |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/03/14/amazon-signs-deal-with-discovery-now-has-17000-streaming-video-titles-available/ |access-date=20 September 2025 |work=TechCrunch |date=14 March 2012}}</ref> On May 23, 2012, Amazon partnered with movie studio Paramount Pictures to stream hundreds of movies on the service.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Perez |first1=Sarah |title=Amazon Partners With Paramount, Brings Hundreds More Movies To Prime Instant Video Service |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/05/23/amazon-partners-with-paramount-brings-hundreds-more-movies-to-prime-instant-video-service/#:~:text=Amazon%20is%20continuing%20to%20grow,is%20growing%2C%20and%20relatively%20quickly. |access-date=20 September 2025 |work=TechCrunch |date=23 May 2012}}</ref> On June 13, 2012, Amazon announced a deal with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to stream movies and television shows on the Prime Instant Video service.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lieberman |first1=David |title=Amazon To Stream MGM Movies And Shows |url=https://deadline.com/2012/06/amazon-to-stream-mgm-movies-and-shows-285664/ |access-date=22 September 2025 |work=Deadline |date=13 June 2012}}</ref> On July 20, 2012, Amazon announced a deal with Warner Bros. Television to stream two shows ''The West Wing'' and ''Fringe'' exclusively on Prime Instant Video.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wallenstein |first1=Andrew |title=Amazon lands first exclusive content deal |url=https://variety.com/2012/digital/news/amazon-lands-first-exclusive-content-deal-1118056868/ |access-date=22 September 2025 |work=Variety |date=20 July 2012}}</ref> On September 4, 2012, Amazon signed a deal with pay-television channel Epix (now known as MGM+ and since March 2022 owned by Amazon itself) to feature movies on their streaming service, in a move to rival their competitor Netflix.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://adage.com/article/media/amazon-adds-epix-movies-streaming-service/237003 |title=Amazon Adds Movies to Streaming Service in New Challenge to Netflix |website=AdAge |date=September 4, 2012 }}</ref> On December 17, 2012, Amazon announced a deal with Turner Broadcasting System to stream two shows from TNT, ''The Closer'' and ''Falling Skies''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lieberman |first1=David |title=Amazon Reaches Exclusive Streaming Deal For 'Falling Skies' And 'The Closer' |url=https://deadline.com/2012/12/amazon-prime-closer-falling-skies-389989/ |access-date=20 September 2025 |work=Deadline |date=17 December 2012}}</ref> In January 2013, Amazon signed a deal with A+E Networks to stream shows from A&E, The Biography Channel, History Channel and Lifetime networks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lomas |first1=Natasha |title=Amazon Inks A+E Networks Content Licensing Deal To Beef Up Prime Instant Video Service: Now Showing 33,000+ Movies, TV Episodes |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/01/04/amazon-inks-ae-networks-content-licensing-deal-to-beef-up-prime-instant-video-service-now-showing-33000-movies-tv-episodes/ |access-date=30 October 2025 |work=TechCrunch |date=4 January 2013}}</ref> In April 2013, Amazon premiered the comedies ''Alpha House'' and ''Betas'', original series available exclusively online via the Prime Instant Video service. Amazon offered the first three episodes of both series at once for free, with each subsequent episode released weekly thereafter for Prime members.<ref>{{cite web |agency=Associated Press |title=Amazon's Original Series "Alpha House" Debuts Friday |date=November 12, 2013 |url=https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/11/12/amazons-original-series-alpha-house-debuts-friday.aspx |work=The Motley Fool |access-date=November 25, 2013 }}</ref> In July 2013, Prime Instant Video began streaming movie titles from Miramax.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Spangler |first1=Todd |title=Amazon Adds Miramax Pics to Streaming Lineup |url=https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/amazon-adds-miramax-pics-to-streaming-lineup-1200560949/ |access-date=30 October 2025 |work=Variety |date=10 July 2013}}</ref>
In 2014, Amazon announced that the streaming service of its UK subsidiary LoveFilm would fold into the Instant Video service on February 26.<ref>{{cite web |title=Amazon takes on Netflix with rebrand of LoveFilm video-on-demand service |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/feb/21/amazon-lovefilm-revamp-film-tv-rental |first=Mark |last=Sweney |date=February 21, 2014 |work=The Guardian |access-date=February 21, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Mance|first=Henry|title=Amazon finds less passionate name for Lovefilm streaming service|url=https://www.ft.com/content/11ba5f00-9ae6-11e3-946b-00144feab7de?siteedition=uk#axzz2txvwImkn|access-date=February 21, 2014|date=February 21, 2014}}</ref> In January 2015, ''Transparent'' became the first show produced by Amazon Studios to win a major award and the first series from a streaming video service to win the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1018724/000101872415000004/amzn-20141231xex991.htm |title=Amazon.com Announces Fourth Quarter Sales Up 15% to $29.33 Billion |work=United Securities and Exchange Commission |format=XBRL |date=January 29, 2015 }}</ref>
On July 30, 2015, Amazon announced that it had hired Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May to produce an untitled motoring show for Amazon Prime Video that was later named ''The Grand Tour''. Neither Jeff Bezos nor Amazon said how much Clarkson, Hammond, or May were paid to produce the program via their production company The Grand Tour, but Bezos said the deal was "very expensive but worth it".<ref>{{cite web |agency=The Guardian |title=Amazon boss says Jeremy Clarkson's Top Gear follow-on show 'expensive but worth it' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/aug/16/amazon-boss-jeff-bezos-top-gear-show |first=Hilary |last=Osborne |date=August 16, 2015 |work=The Guardian |access-date=August 16, 2015 }}</ref> The show's budget was not officially announced, but former Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman said each episode had a budget of around £4.5 million, nine times larger than Top Gear's budget.<ref>{{cite web |first=Christopher |last=Hooton |title=Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May's new Amazon Prime show has an absolutely insane budget|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/jeremy-clarkson-richard-hammond-and-james-mays-new-amazon-prime-show-has-an-absolutely-insane-budget-10444856.html|work=The Independent|access-date=November 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807160732/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/jeremy-clarkson-richard-hammond-and-james-mays-new-amazon-prime-show-has-an-absolutely-insane-budget-10444856.html |archive-date=August 7, 2015}}</ref> Also in July, Amazon announced plans to expand the service to India.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/retail/amazon-readies-5-billion-chest-for-bigger-play-in-india-to-launch-subscription-based-ecommerce-services/articleshow/48137506.cms |title=Amazon readies $5 billion chest for bigger play in India, to launch subscription-based ecommerce services |author1=Jayadevan PK |author2=Pankaj Mishra |date=July 20, 2015 |work=Economic Times |access-date=July 22, 2015 }}</ref>
In September 2015, the word "Instant" was dropped from its title in the US, and it was renamed '''Amazon Video'''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Soper |first=Taylor |title=Amazon drops 'Instant' from 'Instant Video,' streamlining its streaming brand |date=September 4, 2015 |url=https://www.geekwire.com/2015/amazon-drops-the-instant-from-video-service-now-called-simply-amazon-video/ |work=GeekWire |access-date=September 5, 2015 }}</ref> In November 2016, the ''Wall Street Journal'' reported that Amazon was pursuing streaming rights to US professional sports leagues to further differentiate the service.<ref>{{cite news |last=Spangler |first=Todd |title=Amazon Wants Live-Streaming Sports Rights for Prime Video, but What Will It Really Be Able to Secure? |url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/amazon-sports-rights-prime-video-1201923915/ |newspaper=Variety |date=November 21, 2016 |access-date=November 23, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Shalini | first = Ramachandran | title = Amazon Explores Possible Premium Sports Package With Prime Membership: Has held talks for live game rights with leagues including NBA, MLB, NFL and MLS | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-explores-possible-premium-sports-package-with-prime-membership-1479757001 | newspaper = The Wall Street Journal | date = November 22, 2016 | access-date = November 23, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Crum | first = Rex | title = Biz Break: Amazon's looking at adding live sports to Prime video service | url = https://www.mercurynews.com/2016/11/22/biz-break-amazons-looking-at-adding-live-sports-to-prime-video-service/ | newspaper = San Jose Mercury News | date = November 22, 2016 | access-date = November 23, 2016}}</ref>
Amazon announced in November 2016 that it planned to stream ''The Grand Tour'' globally, which led to speculation over whether the full Prime Video service would begin a wider international rollout to compete with Netflix.<ref>{{cite web |title=Amazon Prime Video is finally going global to give Netflix some serious competition |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/11/17/amazon-prime-video-global/ |first=Jon |last=Russel |date=November 17, 2016 |website=TechCrunch |access-date=November 18, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2016/11/18/amazon-netflix-global/|title=Amazon Is Gunning for Netflix With Global Launch of Prime Video|last=Ingram|first=Matthew|date=November 18, 2016|work=Fortune Magazine|access-date=December 9, 2016}}</ref> On December 14, 2016, Prime Video expanded into 200 more territories.<ref name="thr-globallaunch">{{cite web|title=Amazon Takes Video Streaming Service Global in Challenge to Netflix|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/amazon-take-video-streaming-service-global-challenge-netflix-949556/|first=Natalie|last=Jarvey|date=December 14, 2016|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=December 27, 2016}}</ref> In 2017, Amazon Studios purchased the global television adaption rights to ''The Lord of the Rings,'' the product of which, ''The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power'', streams on Prime Video.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 13, 2017 |title=Amazon announces Lord of the Rings TV adaptation |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/nov/13/lord-of-the-rings-amazon-tv-show-confirmed |access-date=March 28, 2025 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 }}</ref> On October 12, 2017, Amazon announced an agreement with DHX Media to stream 13 shows, including ''Caillou'', ''Johnny Test'', ''Yo Gabba Gabba!'', ''Inspector Gadget'', and ''In the Night Garden...'' on Prime Video.<ref>{{cite web |title=DHX MEDIA AND AMAZON PRIME VIDEO STRIKE THEIR LARGEST DEAL TO DATE FOR KIDS’ CONTENT |url=https://investors.wildbrain.com/2017-10-12-DHX-MEDIA-AND-AMAZON-PRIME-VIDEO-STRIKE-THEIR-LARGEST-DEAL-TO-DATE-FOR-KIDS-CONTENT |website=Investors - WildBrain |access-date=1 May 2026 |date=12 October 2017}}</ref> On April 4, 2019, Amazon announced an agreement with The Jim Henson Company to stream select Henson programming on Prime Video.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Petski |first1=Denise |title=More Jim Henson Company Programming Available On Amazon Prime |url=https://deadline.com/2019/04/jim-henson-company-programming-available-amazon-prime-video-1202588534/ |access-date=26 October 2025 |work=Deadline |date=4 April 2019}}</ref> In 2020, Prime Video expanded its marketing campaigns and local productions to Latin America with El Presidente (Chile & Colombia), La Jauría (Chile), and Súbete a mi moto.
On May 17, 2021, Amazon entered negotiations to acquire Hollywood studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).<ref>{{cite news |last=Spangler |first=Todd |title=Amazon Said to Make $9 Billion Offer for MGM |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/amazon-mgm-acquisition-talks-9-billion-1234975168/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Variety |date=May 17, 2021 }}</ref> On May 26, it was announced that Amazon would acquire MGM for $8.45 billion, subject to regulatory approvals and other routine closing conditions, with MGM continuing to operate as a label alongside Amazon Studios and Amazon Prime Video.<ref name="auto">{{cite news|date=March 9, 2020|title=Guardian cartoon of cow in relation to Priti Patel sparks outrage amongst diaspora in Britain|newspaper=The Hindu|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/guardian-cartoon-of-cow-in-relation-to-priti-patel-sparks-outrage-amongst-diaspora-in-britain/articleshow/74557770.cms|url-status=live|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200911224645/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/guardian-cartoon-of-cow-in-relation-to-priti-patel-sparks-outrage-amongst-diaspora-in-britain/articleshow/74557770.cms|archive-date=September 11, 2020}}</ref> The deal closed on March 17, 2022, after receiving all governmental approvals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/amazon-mgm-merger-close-1235207852/ |title=Amazon Closes $8.5 Billion Acquisition of MGM |date=March 17, 2022 }}</ref> In July 2021, Amazon and Universal Pictures reached a multi-year deal to bring Universal's films to Prime Video, as well as IMDb TV (now Amazon Freevee). As part of the deal, titles from Universal's library and future theatrical releases would become available on Amazon's streaming services after their first pay window and four months after release on Peacock. The deal makes major franchises such as ''Fast & Furious'', ''Jurassic Park'', and ''Bourne'' eligible to stream on Prime Video.<ref>{{cite news|last=Keck|first=Catie|date=July 9, 2021|title=Universal films will head exclusively to Amazon Prime Video after their run on Peacock|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/7/9/22570590/universal-films-prime-video-streaming-peacock|work=The Verge|access-date=July 10, 2021}}</ref> Prime Video later signed a deal with Nigerian studio Anthill Studios.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ritman |first=Alex |date=January 7, 2022 |title=Amazon Prime Video Signs Deal with Second Nigerian Studio |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/amazon-anthill-studios-nigeria-nollywood-1235070733/ |access-date=January 8, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter }}</ref> This was part of its expansion to Nigeria, where Prime Video offers its services at subsidized rates while publishing original Nigerian content on the platform tagged Prime Video Naija.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Odebiyi |first=Emmanuel |date=November 21, 2024 |title=How Much is Prime Video Subscription in Nigeria? (2024) |url=https://thescoove.africa/prime-video-subscription-nigeria/ |website=The Scoove Africa |access-date=November 30, 2024 |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203001209/https://thescoove.africa/prime-video-subscription-nigeria/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
On February 9, 2022, Amazon signed a long-term deal with Shepperton Studios for exclusive use of new production facilities.<ref>{{cite news |title=Amazon Prime Video Pacts With Pinewood to Take U.K. Studio Space at Shepperton |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/global/amazon-shepperton-studio-space-lord-of-the-rings-1235175581/ |work=Variety |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=February 9, 2022 }}</ref> On July 31, 2022, it was announced that the service would expand to Southeast Asia, and be offered in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The offerings would include localized content, as well as localized interface and subtitles for non-local content.<ref name="Southeast Asia">{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/streaming/asia/amazon-prime-video-local-versions-southeast-asia-1235329007/|title=Amazon Launches Local Versions of Prime Video in Southeast Asia|last=Frater|first=Patrick|date=July 31, 2022|website=Variety |access-date=July 31, 2022}}</ref> In January 2024, it decided to cut the original productions for both Southeast Asia and Middle East and North Africa as it shifted on European productions and even licensing.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Frater|first1=Patrick|last2=Ramachandran|first2=Naman|date=January 13, 2024|title=Prime Video Drops Original Productions in Southeast Asia, Cuts Singapore Staff|url=https://variety.com/2024/global/news/prime-video-southeast-asia-singapore-staff-cut-1235871006/|website=Variety|access-date=January 23, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Yossman|first=K.J.|date=January 18, 2024|title=Prime Video Cuts Funding in Africa, Middle East in Favor of Focusing on European Originals|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/global/prime-video-africa-middle-east-european-originals-1235876354/|website=Variety|access-date=January 23, 2024}}</ref> Similar layoffs took place in West and South Africa divisions a few months later amid competition with Showmax.<ref name="Hollywood Reporter 2022" /><ref>{{cite news|publisher=Rest of World|title=How Prime Video failed so spectacularly in Africa|first=Jesusegun|last=Alagbe|date=March 21, 2024|url=https://restofworld.org/2024/amazon-prime-video-africa-layoffs/}}</ref>
In December 2024, Amazon Prime Video announced significant changes to its operations in India to enhance customer satisfaction and comply with local regulations. These updates included some drastic changes to its subscription model in India, reflecting Amazon's effort to cater to Indian users' preferences in a highly competitive OTT market.<ref>{{cite web |last=Patil |first=Harshavardhan |date=December 22, 2024 |title=Amazon Prime Video Changes in India: What You Need to Know |url=https://indiantime.com/all/news/amazon-prime-video/amazon-prime-video-changes-in-india-what-you-need-to-know/articleshow/678.cms |access-date=December 23, 2024 |publisher=Indian Time |archive-date=December 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223083623/https://indiantime.com/all/news/amazon-prime-video/amazon-prime-video-changes-in-india-what-you-need-to-know/articleshow/678.cms |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Content==
===Original programming=== {{Further|List of Amazon Prime Video original programming|List of ended Amazon Prime Video original programming|List of Amazon Prime Video original films|label1=Current original programming|label2=ended original programming|label3=original films}} {{Further|List of Amazon Prime Video exclusive international distribution programming|List of Amazon India originals|topic=Amazon Prime Video international offerings|label2=Amazon Prime Video India originals}}
=== Creative executives === Amazon Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios (television and film) are led by Mike Hopkins, with Peter Friedlander joining him in September 2025 as Head of Global Television.<ref name="Friedlander">{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=2025-09-25 |title=Peter Friedlander Joins Amazon MGM Studios As Head Of Global TV |url=https://deadline.com/2025/09/peter-friedlander-amazon-mgm-studios-head-of-global-tv-1236556314/ |access-date=2026-04-06 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> Under Friedlander, Blair Fetter is Head of Worldbuilding Genre, Tom Lieber is Head of Worldbuilding (under Fetter), Jen Chambers is Head of Creative Synergy, Kelly Day is Head of International Television, Nicole Clemens is Head of International Original Television, Melissa Wolfe is Head of Animation, Jenn Levy is Head of Unscripted, Lauren O'Connor is Head of Global IP, and Lindsay Sloane is Head of MGM Television.<ref name="Friedlander" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=2026-01-26 |title=Amazon MGM Studios Shakeup: Laura Lancaster & Nick Pepper Leaving, Blair Fetter Joins TV Chief Peter Friedlander In New Genre-Based Structure |url=https://deadline.com/2026/01/amazon-laura-lancaster-nick-pepper-leaving-blair-fetter-1236690472/ |access-date=2026-04-06 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=2026-04-03 |title=Amazon MGM Studios' Worldbuilding Team Restructure; Matt King Leaving |url=https://deadline.com/2026/04/amazon-mgm-studios-blair-fetter-restructuring-matthew-king-1236772925/ |access-date=2026-04-06 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Amazon Channels=== In 2015, Amazon launched the Streaming Partners Program (now known as Amazon Channels), a platform offering subscription-based third-party channels (a la carte subscription services) and streaming services to Amazon Prime subscribers through the Amazon Video platform. These services are separate from the Amazon Video offering and must be purchased separately. The original launch in the US included services such as Curiosity Stream, Lifetime Movie Club, AMC's Shudder, Showtime, and Starz.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/12/08/amazon-makes-a-bid-for-cord-cutters-adds-showtime-starz-and-more-streaming-partners-to-prime/|title=Amazon Makes A Bid For Cord Cutters, Adds Showtime, Starz And More Streaming Partners To Prime|work=TechCrunch|last=Lunden|first=Ingrid|date=December 8, 2015|access-date=August 2, 2017}}</ref><ref name="tc-channelsuk">{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/23/amazon-expands-amazon-channels-to-uk-germany-taking-aim-at-pay-tv-users/|title=Amazon expands Amazon Channels to UK, Germany, taking aim at pay-TV users|work=TechCrunch|last=Lunden|first=Ingrid|date=May 23, 2017|access-date=August 2, 2017}}</ref> The service then added other partners, such as HBO, Cinemax, Boomerang, Discovery Channel, Fandor, Noggin, PBS Kids, Seeso, and Toku.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/hbo-cinemax-amazon-prime-1201931116/|title=HBO, Cinemax Now Available on Amazon Prime's Channels Program|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=December 1, 2016|work=Variety|access-date=August 2, 2017 }}</ref> In January 2017, Amazon announced Anime Strike, an anime-focused Amazon Channels service.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/amazon-anime-channel-subscription-1201958402/ |title=Amazon Launches Anime Channel for $5 Per Month, Its First Branded Subscription Channel |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=January 12, 2017 |newspaper=Variety |access-date=January 13, 2017 }}</ref> In May 2017, Amazon Channels expanded into Germany and the UK; in the UK, the company reached deals to offer channels from Discovery Communications (including Eurosport), and live/on-demand content from ITV.<ref name="tc-channelsuk" /><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/may/23/amazon-netflix-sky-uk-itv-eurosport-hayu |title=Amazon steps up battle with Netflix and Sky by adding new UK channels |last=Sweney |first=Mark |date=May 23, 2017 |work=The Guardian |access-date=August 2, 2017 |issn=0261-3077 }}</ref>
Anime Strike and Heera (a Channel devoted to Indian films and series) were discontinued as separate services, and their content was merged into the main Prime Video library at no additional charge.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/5/16854300/amazon-cancels-anime-strike-exclusives-shows-films|title=Amazon closes Anime Strike and includes exclusive anime in Prime Video|last=Liao|first=Shannon|date=January 5, 2018|website=The Verge |access-date=January 25, 2020}}</ref>
===Sports programming=== {{Main|Sports on Amazon Prime Video}}
{{Further|NFL on Prime Video|Thursday Night Football|NBA on Prime Video|Monday Night War}}
In April 2017, Amazon began to make sports-related content acquisitions, first acquiring non-exclusive rights to stream parts of the NFL's ''Thursday Night Football'' games during the 2017 NFL season to Prime subscribers in the United States as part of a $50 million deal, replacing a previous deal with Twitter.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-17/amazon-s-nfl-deal-said-to-include-30-million-in-free-marketing|title=Amazon's NFL Deal Includes $30 Million in Free Marketing|author=Scott Soshnick|date=April 17, 2017|work=Bloomberg.com|access-date=August 3, 2017}}</ref> In August, Amazon acquired the British television rights to the ATP World Tour beginning in 2019, replacing Sky Sports. The deal ran until 2023 and exclusively showed all masters 1000 events and 12 500 and 250 series tournaments. Amazon was the third-party pay TV provider for the ATP finals and starting in 2018 for Queens Club and Eastbourne tournaments.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/aug/01/amazon-outbids-sky-to-win-exclusive-atp-tour-tennis-rights|title=Amazon outbids Sky to win exclusive ATP tour tennis rights|last=Sweney|first=Mark|date=August 1, 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=August 2, 2017 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref name="atpworldtour.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/atp-atp-media-expand-partnership-with-amazon-prime-video|title=ATP And ATP Media Expand Partnership With Amazon Prime Video - ATP World Tour - Tennis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118221948/https://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/atp-atp-media-expand-partnership-with-amazon-prime-video|archive-date=November 18, 2017|access-date=November 17, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In September the ATP announced a two-year deal for Amazon to stream the Next Generation ATP Finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nextgenatpfinals.com/en/news-and-media/tennis/atp-media-amazon-prime-video-next-gen-atp-finals-2017|title=ATP And ATP Media Partner With Amazon Prime Video To Deliver Global Coverage Of The Next Gen ATP Finals - Next Gen ATP Finals|access-date=November 17, 2017|archive-date=December 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231141157/https://www.nextgenatpfinals.com/en/news-and-media/tennis/atp-media-amazon-prime-video-next-gen-atp-finals-2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> In November it was announced that Amazon had acquired the British television rights to the US Open for five years from the 2018 edition, for a reported £30 million. Eurosport, which owned the pan-European rights, extended its deal with the US Open but excluded the UK, even though Amazon had reached a deal with the broadcaster to stream its channels.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2017/11/15/amazon-continues-foray-tennis-broadcasting-uk-rights-us-open/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2017/11/15/amazon-continues-foray-tennis-broadcasting-uk-rights-us-open/ |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Amazon continues foray into tennis broadcasting with UK rights to US Open for next five years |last=Rumsby |first=Ben |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=November 15, 2017 |via=Telegraph.co.uk }}{{cbignore}}</ref> The ATP also announced that Amazon would screen the tennis channel Tennis TV in the US from 2018.<ref name="atpworldtour.com" />
In June 2018, it was announced that Amazon had secured the UK rights to broadcast 20 live Premier League football matches from the 2019–20 season on a three-year deal. This was the first time the league was shown on a domestic live streaming service as opposed to exclusively on television.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44396151|title=Premier League TV rights: Amazon to show 20 matches a season from 2019–2022|work=BBC News|date=June 7, 2018|access-date=March 24, 2019|language=en-GB}}</ref> The deal was later extended another three years, until the 2024–25 season.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Premier League agrees TV rollover deal |work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57098432|access-date=May 13, 2021}}</ref> On March 18, 2021, Prime Video announced that it had renewed its deal to be the exclusive broadcaster of ''Thursday Night Football'' between the 2022 and 2033 seasons in the US.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NFL announces new broadcast deals running through 2033 season|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-new-broadcast-deals-running-through-2033-season|access-date=March 18, 2021|website=NFL.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318201337/https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-new-broadcast-deals-running-through-2033-season|archive-date=March 18, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Because Prime Video is a subscription service, the NFL requires Amazon to syndicate the games to over-the-air television stations in the teams' local markets.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NFL completes long-term media distribution agreements through 2033 season|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-completes-long-term-media-distribution-agreements-through-2033-season|access-date=March 22, 2021|website=NFL.com }}</ref>
On July 1, 2022, it was announced that Amazon had acquired a share of the UK rights to the UEFA Champions League beginning in the 2024–25 season, holding rights to 17 Tuesday-night matches. TNT Sports continues to hold the remainder of the rights.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sweney |first=Mark |date=2022-07-01 |title=Amazon and BBC break BT stranglehold on Champions League football |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/jul/01/amazon-and-bbc-break-bt-stranglehold-on-champions-league-football |access-date=2025-12-12 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
On July 24, 2024, Prime Video announced an 11-year agreement with the NBA beginning in the 2025–26 season, including 66 regular season games in the US, the NBA Cup semifinals and finals, all NBA Play-In Tournament games, and selected playoff games (including one conference final in odd-numbered years).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weprin |first=Alex |date=July 24, 2024 |title=NBA Officially Reveals Long-Term TV Deals With Disney, NBCUniversal and Amazon |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/nba-officially-announces-new-tv-deals-espn-nbc-amazon-prime-video-1235957233/ |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=Hollywood Reporter |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 24, 2024 |title=NBA, ESPN renew deal; NBC returns, while Amazon replaces WBD |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/40633927/nba-rejects-warner-bros-discovery-tnt-offer-enters-partnership-amazon-prime-video |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |last2=Hayes |first2=Dade |date=July 24, 2024 |title=NBA Rejects Warner Bros Discovery Bid For Amazon; WNBA Renews Disney, Prime Video Deals & Links Up With NBCU – Update |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/nba-rights-amazon-deal-1236020528/ |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=Deadline |language=en}}</ref>
==Advertising== At the end of January 2024, the service began featuring "limited" advertisements. Avoiding them would cost an additional $2.99 per month. Prime Video joined many other streaming services in featuring ads, which can be more lucrative than ad-free options.<ref>{{Cite news |last2=Goldman |first1=Jordan |last1=Valinsky |first2=David |date=December 28, 2023 |title=Why Amazon just sent you an email about ads on Prime Video |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/28/media/amazon-prime-video-ads-price/index.html |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=CNN Business }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roettgers |first=Janko |date=September 23, 2023 |title=Why every streaming service wants you to watch ads now |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90956587/why-every-streaming-service-wants-you-to-watch-ads-now |access-date=February 16, 2024 |website=Fast Company }}</ref>
The ad-supported tier is available in select markets, such as the US, Canada, the UK, and some European territories.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://advertising.amazon.com/products/prime-video-ads |title=Prime Video ads: Your brand alongside premium content |website=Amazon Ads }}</ref>
==Availability==
===Requirements=== thumb|Availability of Prime Video in the world {{as of|2023|10|lc=on}}
Prime Video is available worldwide (except for mainland China, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Russia, Belarus,<ref name="Russia" /> Syria and Vietnam<ref name="Vietnam" />).<ref name="worldwide1" /> Initially it was available only to residents of the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and Austria.<ref>{{cite web |last=Patrick |first=Nick |date=December 3, 2014 |url=http://streamsidekick.com/can-get-amazon-prime-video/ |title=Where Can You Get Amazon Prime Video? |work=Stream Sidekick |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014164723/http://streamsidekick.com/can-get-amazon-prime-video/ |archive-date=October 14, 2018 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.amazon.de/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201422920 Filme und Serien kaufen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005081229/https://www.amazon.de/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201422920 |date=October 5, 2016 }}, Amazon.de. Retrieved June 29, 2016.</ref>
The service supports online streaming via web player,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.primevideo.com/help/ref=dv_web_help_nd_nd?_encoding=UTF8&nodeId=202064920 |title=Supported Devices & Features |website=Prime Video: Help |archive-date=June 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629114031/https://www.primevideo.com/help/ref=dv_web_help_nd_nd?_encoding=UTF8&nodeId=202064920 }}</ref> as well as apps on Amazon Fire-branded devices, and supported third-party mobile devices, digital media players (particularly Roku), video game consoles, and smart TVs. An Android TV app is also available, which was initially exclusive to Sony Bravia smart TVs running Android TV, and Nvidia Shield.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.androidheadlines.com/2019/04/prime-video-android-tv.html |title=Prime Video Is Coming To Android TV, YouTube Returning To Fire TV |last=Ramstad |first=Jordan |date=April 18, 2019 |website=Android Headlines |access-date=April 20, 2019 }}</ref>
Amazon had historically withheld support for Apple TV and Google's Chromecast platform. In October 2015, it banned the sale of those devices on its online marketplace because they do not support the Prime Video ecosystem. Critics said Amazon was displaying protectionism against devices that could compete with its Amazon Fire TV products.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Streitfeld |first1=David |last2=Benner |first2=Katie |date=October 2, 2015 |title=Amazon to Stop Selling Apple TV and Chromecast |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/02/business/amazon-to-stop-selling-apple-tv-and-chromecast.html?_r=0 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |work=The New York Times }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Amazon to Ban Sale of Apple, Google Video-Streaming Devices |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-01/amazon-will-ban-sale-of-apple-google-video-streaming-devices |access-date=October 1, 2015 |work=Bloomberg News |date=October 1, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Amazon Is Banning Apple TV and Chromecast. And That's Gross |url=https://www.wired.com/2015/10/amazon-apple-tv-chromecast/ |access-date=October 2, 2015 |magazine=Wired }}</ref> But in December 2017, Amazon released an Apple TV app for Prime Video,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/6/16741136/download-amazon-prime-video-apple-tv|title=Amazon Prime Video comes to Apple TV, finally|work=The Verge|access-date=December 6, 2017}}</ref> and in April 2019 it announced that it would add Chromecast support to the Prime Video mobile app and perform a wider release of Prime Video's Android TV app. This was delivered in July 2020<ref>{{cite web|title=Prime Video is on Chromecast and Android TV, plus YouTube on Fire TV|date=July 9, 2019|url=https://blog.google/products/chromecast/prime-video-chromecast-android-tv-youtube-fire-tv/|access-date=October 12, 2020}}</ref> as part of concessions to restore access to YouTube on Fire TV devices after a related feud with Google.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/18/18412525/youtube-amazon-fire-tv-prime-video-chromecast-return-announcement |title=YouTube is finally coming back to Amazon's Fire TV devices |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=April 18, 2019 |website=The Verge |access-date=April 18, 2019 }}</ref>
In most countries, a Prime Video subscription can be paid for with debit and credit cards.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.primevideo.com/help/ref=atv_hp_nd_srchr?nodeId=G8P3YMHU34R3XX4N |title=Prime Video: Help }}</ref> Amazon Gift Card balance generally cannot be used for recurring subscription orders, but there is an exception for customers in Mexico.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.primevideo.com/help/ref=atv_hp_nd_srchr?nodeId=GTJEC3TQFTZZH3KG |title=Prime Video: Help }}</ref> {{As of|2023|post=,}} some countries (such as France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Canada, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Luxembourg, and Portugal) have added support for paying Amazon Prime subscription fees with Amazon Gift Card balance; this does not apply to content add-ons such as Prime Video Channels (''See: Amazon Prime#Availability''). In August 2022, customers in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand could start making payments using digital wallets (such as DANA, ShopeePay, OVO, GoPay, GCash, Maya, Rabbit LINE Pay, and TrueMoney).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.primevideo.com/help?nodeId=TvKthpROqT1fIXRM38 |title=Prime Video: Help }}</ref>
In April 2020, Amazon and Apple formed a deal that allowed Amazon to process in-app payments on the iOS Prime Video app without using Apple's official in-app purchase mechanism. Apple's official in-app purchase mechanism is used when a user does not have an existing Prime subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://daringfireball.net/2020/04/amazon_apple_prime_video |title=Daring Fireball: Amazon and Apple Strike Deal for Prime Video In-App Purchases and Subscriptions |access-date=July 31, 2021 |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812025927/https://daringfireball.net/2020/04/amazon_apple_prime_video |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.macstories.net/linked/john-grubers-explanation-of-the-apparent-prime-video-deal-between-apple-and-amazon/ |title=John Gruber's Explanation of the Apparent Prime Video Deal Between Apple and Amazon - MacStories |date=April 2, 2020 |access-date=July 31, 2021 |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815071028/https://www.macstories.net/linked/john-grubers-explanation-of-the-apparent-prime-video-deal-between-apple-and-amazon/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This move was considered notable as most apps on the App Store are not allowed to use their own payment processors; in-app transactions for digital content must be handled by Apple. In May 2022, Amazon disallowed iOS and Android users from making in-app purchases on several of Amazon's digital storefronts, including Kindle, Audible, and Music apps, due to disputes over transaction fees.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 31, 2022 |title=Amazon no longer offers in-app Kindle and Music purchases on Android |url=https://www.engadget.com/amazon-removes-direct-purchasing-android-161708963.html |website=Engadget }}</ref>
===Website===
In countries where the Amazon video-on-demand store is available (for purchasing/renting movies & television shows) and are part of the initial batch of locations to roll out Prime Video (from 2006 to 2015), Prime Video is offered on the local Amazon website (e.g. amazon.com, amazon.de, amazon.co.uk etc.).
Although a local Amazon website might be available, the full range of digital content services (e.g. Amazon Music, Amazon Video, Kindle Store) might not be available in that particular country. In countries which do not support purchasing/renting movies & television shows or began rolling out Prime Video after the international expansion on December 14, 2016, Prime Video is offered as a standalone service on a separate website. Amazon Gift Card balance can be used to buy/rent individual titles on local Amazon websites, but not on primevideo.com. In Brazil, a similar Amazon Video was launched, but under the name Loja Prime Video ("Prime Video Shop"), and for renting of movies only.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tudocelular.com/novos-produtos/noticias/n181058/amazon-lanca-loja-prime-video-no-brasil.html|title = Amazon lança Loja Prime Video no Brasil para alugar filmes lançados no cinema|date = October 18, 2021}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right" |- ! style="width: 150px;" | Country !! Amazon Video <br> (Video on demand) !! Prime Video <br> (Streaming service) !! Use of Amazon Gift Card balance !! Domain name |- | United States || {{yes|Buy/Rent}} || {{yes|Streaming}} || Pay for movie purchases <br> Pay for Amazon Prime subscription || amazon.com/primevideo |- | United Kingdom || {{yes|Buy/Rent}} || {{yes|Streaming}} || Pay for movie purchases <br> Pay for Amazon Prime subscription || amazon.co.uk/primevideo |- | Germany || {{yes|Buy/Rent}} || {{yes|Streaming}} || Pay for movie purchases <br> Pay for Amazon Prime subscription || amazon.de/primevideo |- | Japan || {{yes|Buy/Rent}} || {{yes|Streaming}} || Pay for movie purchases<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G5D4TA7NBKQT7GW2|title=Redeem a Gift Card - Amazon Customer Service}}</ref> <br> Pay for Amazon Prime subscription<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201910200|title=The Amazon Prime Membership Fee - Amazon Customer Service}}</ref> || amazon.co.jp/primevideo |- | Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine.<ref name="APVFAQ">{{cite web|url=https://www.primevideo.com/help/ref=atv_hp_nd_cnt?nodeId=GC4XWK2TRW9945XP|title=Paying for Prime Video Rentals or Purchases|website=Amazon Prime Video}}</ref> || {{yes|Buy/Rent}} || {{yes|Streaming}} || Pay for Amazon Prime subscription <br> (for selected countries)<ref name="prime-video-accepted-payment">{{Cite web |url=https://www.primevideo.com/help?nodeId=TtmpPpt4SHTjHQsAEX |title=Prime Video: Help }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.amazon.sa/-/en/b?ie=UTF8&node=27155493031 |title=Amazon.sa: Prime - Gift Cards }}</ref> || rowspan="3" | primevideo.com |- | India<ref name="APVFAQ" /> || {{partial|Rent}} || {{yes|Streaming}} || {{sdash}} |- | Other Countries (including countries without a local Amazon website) || {{no}} || {{yes|Streaming}} || {{sdash}} |}
==Metadata==
===Video quality=== Depending on the device, Amazon supports up to 4K (UHD) and high-dynamic-range (HDR) streaming. UHD/HDR rolled out with its original content.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pocket-lint.com/apps/news/amazon/129936-amazon-is-going-4k-and-bringing-prime-instant-video-to-android/ |title=Amazon is going 4K and bringing Prime Instant Video to Android |first=Luke |last=Edwards |date=July 17, 2014 |work=Pocket-lint }}</ref> Other titles support 1080p (HD) streaming with 5.1 Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus audio, with Dolby Atmos coming soon to certain titles. For titles available for purchase (and not included in a customer's Amazon Prime subscription), the HD option is often offered at an additional price.
On March 18, 2020, Thierry Breton, a European commissioner in charge of digital policy of the European Union urged streaming services including Amazon Prime Video to limit their services. The request came as a result of the prevention of Europe's broadband networks from crashing as tens of millions of people started remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU wanted the streaming platforms to offer only standard definition, rather than high-definition, programs and make users responsible for their data consumption.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fildes |first1=Nic |last2=Murphy |first2=Hannah |date=March 19, 2020 |url=https://www.ft.com/content/b4ab03db-de1f-4f98-bcc2-b09007427e1b |title=EU warns of broadband strain as millions work from home |work=Financial Times |location=San Francisco |url-access=subscription }}</ref> On March 20, 2020, Amazon said it had already begun to reduce streaming bitrates while maintaining a quality streaming: "We support the need for careful management of telecom services to ensure they can handle the increased internet demand with so many people now at home full-time due to COVID-19. Prime Video is working with local authorities and Internet Service Providers where needed to help mitigate any network congestion."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Espinoza |first1=Javier |last2=Fildes |first2=Nic |last3=Murphy |first3=Hannah |last4=Bradshaw |first4=Tim |date=March 20, 2020 |url=https://www.ft.com/content/70333747-f180-4887-8a26-27ab6b230299 |title=YouTube, Amazon and Netflix cut picture quality in Europe |work=Financial Times |access-date=March 20, 2020 }}</ref>
===Devices=== {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text align: center;" |- ! rowspan="2" | Manufacturer ! rowspan="2" | Product ! rowspan="2" | Type ! colspan="2" | Quality ! rowspan="2" | Notes ! rowspan="2" | {{Reference column heading}} |- ! Video ! Audio |- | rowspan="5" | Amazon | Kindle Fire | Tablet | {{Yes|1080p}} | Up to Dolby Atmos support | | |- | Fire Phone | Smartphone | {{Yes|1080p}} | {{N/a}} | Discontinued on the Amazon website | |- |Fire TV | rowspan="2" | Digital media player |{{Yes|Up to 4K Ultra HD}} | rowspan="2" | Up to Dolby Digital Plus 5.1, Dolby Atmos support | rowspan="4" | | rowspan="2" | <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CX5P8FC |title=Amazon Fire TV |website=Amazon.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306041937/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CX5P8FC |archive-date=March 6, 2014 |access-date=August 29, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Fire TV Stick | {{Yes|Up to 4K Ultra HD}} |- |Windows app |Personal computer |{{Yes|1080p}} |Stereo |<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/amazon-prime-video-app-comes-to-windows-10-but-theres-a-catch |title=Amazon Prime Video app comes to Windows 10, but there's a catch |last=St. Leger |first=Henry |work=TechRadar |date=July 3, 2020 |access-date=February 2, 2024 }}</ref> |- | rowspan="3" |Apple |iPhone |Smartphone |{{Yes|Up to 1080p}} |{{N/a}} | |- |iPad |Tablet |{{Yes|Up to 1080p}} |Up to loudspeaker support |<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gigaom.com/2013/09/17/amazons-instant-video-ios-app-now-lets-you-stream-to-apple-tv-via-airplay/ |title=Amazon's Instant Video iOS app now lets you stream to Apple TV via AirPlay |first=Laura |last=Owen |date=September 17, 2013 |work=Gigaom |archive-date=November 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131122020827/http://gigaom.com/2013/09/17/amazons-instant-video-ios-app-now-lets-you-stream-to-apple-tv-via-airplay/ }}</ref> |- |Apple TV |Digital media player |{{Yes|Up to 4K Ultra HD}} |Up to Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Atmos<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_left_v4_sib?ie=UTF8&nodeId=201460880#GUID-A26847E2-6607-43A6-ADB3-07D2FF1C8C20__SECTION_A2CBC6FEA850413192ADE593EEC7AA50 |title=Amazon.com Help: Amazon Video Device Features |website=Amazon.com }}</ref> |Available on third generation models and newer, Dolby Digital 5.1 on fourth generation or newer, 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos on fifth generation. |<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://9to5mac.com/2017/12/06/amazon-prime-video-app-available-apple-tv/ |title=Amazon Prime Video app rolling out to Apple TV App Store |date=December 6, 2017 |work=9to5Mac |access-date=December 6, 2017 }}</ref> |- | Google |Android |Mobile operating system | colspan="2" rowspan="2" |Varies |Application available on Google Play. Varies through device and version. |<ref>{{cite web |last=Perez |first=Sarah |date=September 9, 2014 |url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/09/09/amazon-brings-prime-instant-video-to-all-android-phones-in-us-uk-and-germany/ |title=Amazon Brings Prime Instant Video To All Android Phones In US, UK And Germany |website=TechCrunch }}</ref> |- | LG |2010+ models |Smart television |Only select 2010 LG Smart TV and Blu-ray player models and up | |- | rowspan="2" |Nvidia |Shield TV | rowspan="2" |Digital media player |{{Yes|Up to 4K Ultra HD}} | | | |- |Shield TV Pro |{{Yes|Up to 4K Ultra HD}} | | | |- | rowspan="4" |Microsoft |Xbox 360 | rowspan="6" |Home video game console |{{Yes|Up to 1080i}} |Up to Dolby Digital 5.1 support |May vary depending on console specifications and models | |- |Xbox One |{{Yes|Up to 1080p}} | rowspan="3" |Dolby Atmos support | | |- |Xbox One S & X |{{Yes|Up to 4K Ultra HD}} | | |- |Xbox Series X & S |{{Yes|Up to 4K Ultra HD}} | | |- | rowspan="2"|Nintendo |Wii |{{No|480p}} |Analog stereo | {{Dropped|Support discontinued on January 31, 2019}} | |- |Wii U |{{Yes|Up to 1080p}} |5.1 Linear PCM | {{Dropped|Support discontinued on September 26, 2019}} | <ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Lardinois |first=Frederic |date=May 29, 2012 |title=Amazon Instant Video Comes to Xbox 360 |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/05/29/amazon-instant-video-comes-to-xbox-360/ }}</ref> |- | rowspan="5" |Roku |Roku 1 | rowspan="5" |Digital media player |{{Yes|Up to 1080p}} | rowspan="5" |HDMI out | rowspan="5" |Supported as an app (channel) running on the Roku OS | rowspan="5" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://channelstore.roku.com/browse|title=Roku - Streaming TV & Media Player|author=Roku|work=Roku}}</ref> |- |Roku 2 |{{Yes|Up to 1080p}} |- |Roku LT |{{Yes|Up to 720p}} |- |Roku 3 |{{Yes|Up to 1080p}} |- |Roku 4 |{{Yes|Up to 4K Ultra HD}} |- ||Samsung |2010+ models |Smart television | colspan="2" |Varies |Only select 2010 Samsung Smart TV and Blu-ray player models and up | |- | rowspan="7" |Sony |BRAVIA |2015+ Android TV |{{Yes|Up to 4K Ultra HD}} |Up to Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 | rowspan="2" | |<ref>{{cite press release|title = Sony Electronics Offers Extensive 4K Ultra HD Home Entertainment Solutions with New 2015 TV Lineup|url = https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-offers-extensive-4k-ultra-hd-home-entertainment-solutions-with-new-2015-tv-lineup-300067989.html}}</ref>
|- |PlayStation 3 | rowspan="4" |Home video game console |{{Yes|Up to 1080p}} |LCPM Dolby Digital 5.1 |<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2012/04/03/ps3-the-first-console-to-offer-amazon-instant-video/ |title=PS3: The First Console to Offer Amazon Instant Video |date=April 3, 2012 |website=PlayStation.blog |first=Jack |last=Buser |access-date=June 15, 2012 }}</ref>
|- |PlayStation 4 |{{Yes|Up to 1080p}} | rowspan="3" |LCPM Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 | <ref name=":0" /> | |- |PlayStation 4 Pro |{{Yes|Up to 4K Ultra HD}} | <ref name=":0" /> | |- |PlayStation 5 |{{Yes|Up to 4K Ultra HD}} | | |- | PlayStation Vita | Handheld game console | {{No|nHD}} | Stereo | rowspan="2" | | |- | PlayStation TV | Microconsole | {{Yes|HDMI out}} | 2-channel LCPM | |}
==Awards and nominations== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Association ! Category ! Nominee(s) ! Result |- | 2017 || Diversity in Media Awards || Broadcaster of the Year || Amazon Video UK || {{won}} |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==Further reading== * {{cite web |date=March 13, 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ75QyqbKf4 |title=Why Amazon Is Going after Netflix |publisher=CNBC |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211217/PZ75QyqbKf4 |archive-date=December 17, 2021 |url-status=live }}{{cbignore}}
==External links== * {{Official website}}
{{Amazon}} {{Amazon Video original series}} {{Amazon Video Children's Programming}} {{Sports television in the United States}} {{VOD services}}
Category:2006 establishments in the United States Category:Amazon (company) Category:American film websites Category:Android (operating system) software Category:Internet properties established in 2006 Category:Internet television streaming services Category:IOS software Category:PlayStation 3 software Category:PlayStation 4 software Category:PlayStation 5 software Category:Subscription video on demand services Category:Transactional video on demand Category:TvOS software Category:Xbox 360 software Category:Xbox One software Category:Xbox Series X and Series S software