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ToggleBeginning June 17, Amazon Prime will introduce limited advertisements between films and shows in India, following similar implementations in various markets including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Mexico, and parts of Europe. In an email to its subscribers, Amazon explained that this initiative aims to facilitate investment in high-quality content for the platform.
If you are already a member of Amazon Prime, rest assured that there will be no alterations to your existing membership costs, and no action is required from you. For those in search of a seamless streaming experience devoid of interruptions, an ad-free subscription plan is now available as an optional add-on for Rs 129 monthly or Rs 699 for the year.
As stated by the company, “Starting June 17, 2025, limited advertisements will be incorporated into Prime Video movies and TV shows. This strategic move will allow us to continue our investment in captivating content while expanding that investment over time.”
For further insights, refer to the article: Netflix vs Prime Video: Which one would you prefer?
Amazon has made it clear that they plan to show fewer ads compared to traditional TV channels and other streaming competitors. It’s important to note that the advertisements will only be shown to regular Prime subscribers, and Prime Lite members, who already experience ad-supported content, will not be affected by this new policy.
In their announcement, the company emphasized, “We are committed to ensuring a significantly lower ad volume compared to television and competing streaming services. Current Prime memberships will see no pricing changes, and users won’t need to take any action.”
For those unfamiliar with the Amazon Prime Video subscription offerings in India, the pricing is structured as follows: Rs 299 for a single month, Rs 599 for three months, and Rs 1,499 for a full year. These packages include not only Prime Video but also Prime Music, Prime Gaming, and other advantages like expeditious deliveries and exclusive discounts when shopping on Amazon. However, to enjoy uninterrupted viewing, subscribers will have to opt for the additional ad-free option.
The company further reassured users by stating, “We will present a new ad-free add-on option for an additional fee of Rs 699 per year or Rs 129 per month, effective from June 17, 2025.”
This shift to an ad-supported model is part of Amazon’s broader strategy to enhance its offerings, while concurrently managing the costs associated with producing high-quality content. The move has stirred mixed reactions among subscribers, some of whom appreciate the potential for more premium content, while others express concerns about the intrusion of ads into their viewing experience.
Amazon’s Prime Video service has grown substantially over the last few years, positioning itself as a prime competitor to Netflix and Disney+. As streaming services continue to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how consumer preferences shift in response to these changes.
Ultimately, whether you choose to stick with the current plan or upgrade to the ad-free experience will depend on your viewing habits and preferences. The option to choose is key in retaining subscriber satisfaction, allowing Amazon to maintain its foothold in the highly competitive streaming landscape.