Amazon Prime Video launched its new plan with ads this Monday. The streaming platform announced at the end of December that it would incorporate ads into its platform. Users can opt for an ad-free experience by paying an extra $2.99 per month.
Despite a 13% increase in quarterly profits, Amazon Prime Video will include ads starting Jan 29, 2024 unless subscribers pay more for an ad-free plan. #AmazonPrimeVideo pic.twitter.com/HE3dFsFsTZ
— No Context Culture (@NoConCulture) December 27, 2023
Otherwise, any series or movie could be interrupted with a short commercial break. The Wall Street Journal reported it would be an advertising break of three and a half minutes for every hour spent on Amazon Prime Video.
It is true that, in many cases, the ad would pop up just before the content is played, so it wouldn't interrupt your program if you are watching a 40-minute series but this will not always be the case. Several users spoke out and assured that they would cancel their subscription to Amazon Prime Video:
There isn't really enough on Prime to keep me now with this change. I hate ads and I'm not paying more to get rid of them. Introduce a cheaper plan with ads, or increase the price by only £1. A £3 increase is way too much when it's £6. #AmazonPrimeVideo #Ads
— Alexander (@AlexanderGreyt) January 1, 2024
Hi .@PrimeVideoCA . At least when @netflix introduced ads, they gave customers an option to downgrade to a cheaper plan, not have to upgrade to avoid them. Somehow more palatable. Opportunity lost. This stinks of pure greed. I see a lot less #PrimeVideo streaming in my future.
— Mark 🇨🇦🏳️🌈 (@Nuck) December 29, 2023
Got the email Prime Video is getting ads unless you decide to pay $3 more for a new ad-free plan. Since I don't get the benefits of fast prime shipping, guess we cancel prime and save money! 🙂
— Steven (@Dubya80D) December 28, 2023
However, a Big Tech spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal that advertising is crucial and the benefits outweigh the disadvantages that it will bring to the company: "Introducing ads into Prime Video will enable us to continue investing in compelling content."
Variety reported that the new plan was launched this Monday in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Canada. By the end of the year, it will expand to countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Mexico and Austria.
