Prime Video: Amazon's Streaming Powerhouse
Amazon's Prime Video streaming service has quickly become one of the biggest players in the online video space. With a massive library of content and new original shows and movies added regularly, Prime Video offers compelling entertainment options for its growing subscriber base.
Launched in 2006 as Amazon Video, the service was rebranded to Prime Video in 2016 to highlight its inclusion with an Amazon Prime membership. For a $119 annual fee or $12.99 monthly, Prime members gain access to Prime Video along with benefits like free two-day shipping on eligible Amazon purchases. This bundling has helped drive Prime Video's subscriber numbers, which recently surpassed 150 million globally.
While Netflix is still the streaming leader in terms of paid subscribers, Prime Video has other advantages. As an added perk of Prime membership rather than a standalone service, Prime Video doesn't require its own separate payment. This lowers the barrier to entry and allows the platform to tap into Amazon's vast customer base. Prime Video also benefits from being integrated directly into Amazon's e-commerce ecosystem.
In terms of content, Prime Video offers thousands of TV shows and movies both through a licensing library and a growing slate of original programming. Notable licensed titles include shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Boys, and Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan along with films from major studios. Prime Video also produces its own films and series like The Grand Tour, Fleabag, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
While Prime Video's content budget is smaller than competitors like Netflix, it continues to invest heavily in original programming. Upcoming high-profile shows include a Lord of the Rings TV series and a Fallout television adaptation. This steady stream of exclusive content helps attract and retain subscribers.
The Prime Video experience is also seamlessly integrated across devices. Members can stream content through the Prime Video app on smart TVs, game consoles, mobile devices, and online. Offline downloads allow viewing content without an internet connection on compatible devices as well. An expanding global footprint now reaches over 200 countries and territories worldwide.
With a huge library, original hits, and the benefits of Prime membership, Prime Video has quickly established itself as one of the major players in the crowded streaming landscape. As it continues investing in exclusive programming, the service looks poised to challenge the likes of Netflix for streaming supremacy in the years to come.