Amazon plans to roll out ads in Prime Video content in stages. The United States, the UK, Germany, and Canada will be the first to experience ads in early 2024, followed by France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, and Australia later in the year. Existing Prime members won’t need to take any action to access the ad-supported content. Amazon emphasizes that this change will not impact the current price of Prime membership.
Amazon’s Rationale
Amazon has justified this shift by explaining that it will enable the company to continue investing in compelling content and increase its investments over the long term. The e-commerce giant points to its extensive library of movies, series, including Amazon Originals, and live sports, such as NFL Thursday Night Football. Notably, Amazon acquired MGM Studios in 2021 for a staggering $8.5 billion, further solidifying its commitment to entertainment.
An Evolving Prime Experience