Add Amazon Prime Video to the list of streaming services that charge extra for advertising-free viewing. Commercials will start appearing on the service in 2024.
The change leaves Apple TV+ as one of the few video streaming services that doesn’t include adverts.
Commercials are coming to Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is the second most popular streaming service, with about 200 million subscribers worldwide. It includes series like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Rings of Power, all of which are watchable on Apple TV, Mac, iPad, iPhone and many other devices .
But it’s about to require users to pay more or to watch commercials.
“Starting in early 2024, Prime Video shows and movies will include limited advertisements,” the company announced Friday. “We will also offer a new ad-free option for an additional $2.99 per month for U.S. Prime members.”
The company promises, “We aim to have meaningfully fewer ads than linear TV and other streaming TV providers.”
Commercials popping up all over
Hulu pioneered giving subscribers the option to watch adverts and pay less for its streaming content. Some of its biggest rivals resisted, but eventually both Netflix and Disney+ announced ad-supported plans. HBO Max and Paramount+ are on the bandwagon, too.
Apple TV+ is a stand out. It costs only $6.99 per month, and its series and films are never interrupted by commercials.
For now. The company is reportedly talking to media agencies about adding adverts. Which means the Mac-maker is likely a considering creating a cheaper ad-supported tier for TV+.
