What Amazon Prime Video is and who offers it
Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service run by Amazon that lets you watch films, television series, and original shows on demand. You access it through the Prime Video app or website using a login and password. Amazon owns and operates the service directly — there is no separate company involved.
The service is available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, and Japan, among other countries. The cost, content library, and features vary by country. This guide focuses on how the service works in the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Prime Video costs $14.99 per month as a standalone subscription, or $139 per year if you pay annually, though prices have changed in the past and may change again.
- If you have an Amazon Prime membership (which includes free shipping and other benefits), Prime Video is included at no extra cost.
- You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and connected TV devices, and you can create up to six user profiles on one account.
- Some content requires an additional paid channel subscription — for example, watching Paramount+ or Starz through Prime Video costs extra on top of your Prime Video fee.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time, and you will lose access immediately rather than at the end of a billing period.
Pricing and payment options
As of early 2024, Amazon Prime Video costs $14.99 per month if you pay monthly, or $139 per year if you pay for a full year upfront. The annual option works out to about $11.58 per month. Amazon has raised prices multiple times in the past, so these amounts may change.
If you already have an Amazon Prime membership (the broader service that includes fast shipping, Prime Music, and other perks), Prime Video is included in that membership at no additional cost. Amazon Prime membership itself costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. You do not pay twice.
Payment is by credit card, debit card, or other payment method linked to your Amazon account. Amazon charges you on the date your subscription renews each month or year, depending on which plan you chose. You can update your payment method in your account settings at any time.
What content is included and what costs extra
Your Prime Video subscription includes access to a rotating library of films and television series that Amazon has licensed or produced. The exact titles available change regularly — Amazon adds new content and removes older titles as licensing agreements expire. You can browse the full library through the app or website to see what is currently available in your region.
Some content on Prime Video requires an additional paid subscription. For example, you can add Paramount+, Starz, Showtime, or other premium channels directly through Prime Video. Each channel costs extra per month and appears as a separate line item on your bill. You can add or remove these channels at any time without affecting your base Prime Video subscription.
Some films and television episodes are available to rent or purchase individually, separate from your subscription. These are marked clearly in the app, and you pay a one-time fee to watch them. Rentals expire after a set period (usually 24 to 48 hours), while purchases remain in your account indefinitely.
Devices you can use and how many people can watch
You can watch Prime Video on phones and tablets running iOS or Android, on computers using a web browser, on Amazon Fire TV devices, on Apple TV, on Roku, on Google Chromecast, on Samsung Smart TVs, on PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and on some other connected TV devices. Download the Prime Video app from your device's app store, or go to primevideo.com in a browser and sign in with your Amazon account.
Your subscription allows multiple people to watch at the same time on different devices, though the exact number depends on your plan. With a standard Prime Video subscription, you can stream on up to three devices at once. If you want to watch on more devices simultaneously, Amazon offers an add-on called Prime Video Premium for an extra monthly fee, which allows up to four simultaneous streams.
You can create up to six user profiles on a single Prime Video account. Each profile has its own watchlist, viewing history, and recommendations. This is useful if multiple people in a household share the subscription, as each person sees their own personalized view of the service.
How to start and stop your subscription
To start a Prime Video subscription, go to primevideo.com or open the Prime Video app on your device. If you do not have an Amazon account, create one with an email address and password. Then select the subscription plan you want (monthly or annual), enter your payment method, and confirm. Your subscription begins immediately, and you can start watching right away.
If you already have an Amazon Prime membership, you do not need to do anything — Prime Video is already active on your account. You can log in to Prime Video using the same email and password you use for Amazon shopping.
To cancel your subscription, sign into your Amazon account, go to your account settings, find the Prime Video subscription section, and select the option to cancel. Your access ends immediately — you do not get to watch until the end of the current billing period. If you cancel mid-month on a monthly plan, you lose access right away and do not receive a refund for the unused portion of that month. If you cancel a yearly subscription, the same rule applies.
Restrictions and what you should know before signing up
Prime Video content is only available in the country where your Amazon account is registered. If you travel internationally, you may not be able to watch the same content, and some content may be blocked entirely. Downloaded content (which you can download on the mobile app for offline viewing) may also have geographic restrictions.
Your subscription is personal to your Amazon account. You should not share your login credentials with people outside your household, as this violates Amazon's terms of service. Amazon may suspend or terminate accounts that show signs of credential sharing across different geographic locations or networks.
The content library changes frequently. Shows and films you can watch today may no longer be available next month. If you want to watch something specific, check whether it is currently available before you sign up, as there is no way to may provide a particular title will remain on the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Prime Video without an Amazon Prime membership?
Yes. You can pay for Prime Video as a standalone subscription for $14.99 per month or $139 per year. You do not need to buy Amazon Prime membership (which includes shipping benefits) to watch Prime Video. However, if you already have Prime membership, Prime Video is included in it.
What happens if I cancel my subscription mid-month?
Your access stops immediately. You do not get a refund for the unused days in that month. If you are on an annual plan and cancel, the same rule applies — you lose access right away with no refund for the remaining months.
Can I download shows to watch offline?
Yes, on the Prime Video mobile app for iOS and Android. You can download films and episodes to your phone or tablet and watch them without an internet connection. Downloaded content expires after a set period, usually 30 days, though this varies by title. You cannot download on computers or TV devices.
How many people can use one Prime Video account at the same time?
With a standard subscription, up to three people can watch on different devices at the same time. If you want four simultaneous streams, you can add Prime Video Premium for an extra monthly fee. Each person can have their own profile with separate watchlists and recommendations.
Does Prime Video have ads?
Most of the Prime Video library is ad-free. However, Amazon introduced an ad-supported tier called Prime Video with ads for a lower monthly price in some regions. Check your account settings to see which plan you are on. You can upgrade to the ad-free version if you prefer.