'Cable never really goes away': Amazon Prime Video’s move to show ads during content disappoints viewers

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Amazon Prime Video is set to introduce in-stream advertisements during movies and TV shows starting January 29, 2024, sparking widespread reactions across the Internet.

This strategic shift aims to bolster the tech giant's advertising arm, leveraging entertainment content for increased revenue, as reported by The Verge.

Amazon Prime Video to display ads during content

From January 29 onwards, Prime Video subscribers will encounter intermittent ads during their streaming sessions unless they opt to pay an additional $2.99 monthly to bypass these interruptions.

Emphasizing its commitment to bolstering content quality and prolonged investment, Amazon defended the move, stating it will sustain its focus on delivering engaging content over an extended period.

The company clarified via email that despite this alteration, the base price of Prime memberships, currently at $14.99 monthly or $139 annually, will remain unaffected. Subscribers opting solely for Prime Video pay $8.99 per month, but with the new ad-free option, an additional $2.99 will be charged.

As a result, Prime's total cost will sit just under $18, while standalone Prime Video inches close to $12.

In the email to over 200 million Prime members globally, Amazon stated that the number of ads will be "meaningfully fewer than linear TV and other streaming TV providers". The company also emphasized that "no action is required" from the customers regarding these changes.

This announcement arrives amidst a landscape where competing streaming services like Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO Max, Netflix, and Paramount Plus are also integrating ads into their more affordable subscription tiers.

Internet unhappy with Amazon Prime Video's new move

Internet users expressed discontentment across various platforms, lamenting the imposition of ads within their streaming experiences.

One user on X voiced fatigue, exclaiming, "I'm so tired of this, when will it end?"

Another echoed similar sentiments, decrying, "I'm sick of platforms ruining our experiences with ads."

A user highlighted dissatisfaction, stating, "They shouldn't charge for ad-free; those who already subscribe should include [it] with ad-free."

Others took a more drastic stance, with one individual asserting, "Time to put my fire tv away."

The online uproar reflected sentiments of frustration and dissatisfaction, with one user succinctly summarizing, "Customer is suffering always."

Another user said, "Cable never really goes away."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.