What Prime Video costs and how to sign up

Prime Video is Amazon's streaming service, and you can get it two ways: as part of an Amazon Prime membership, or as a standalone subscription. If you already have Prime for fast shipping, Prime Video is included at no extra cost. If you want only the video service, you pay separately.

Amazon Prime membership costs a set annual fee or a lower monthly fee. Prime Video standalone costs less per month than the full Prime membership but gives you only the video service—no shipping benefits or other Prime perks. The exact prices vary by region and change periodically, so check Amazon's website for current rates in your area.

To sign up, you create an Amazon account, choose which membership type you want, and add a payment method. You can start watching immediately after your payment goes through. If you sign up for a free trial (when available), your subscription converts to paid unless you cancel before the trial ends.

Key Takeaways

  • Prime Video comes free with Amazon Prime membership, or you can pay for it separately at a lower monthly cost.
  • You watch on any device with the Prime Video app or website, and you can create multiple profiles on one account.
  • The service includes thousands of movies and TV shows, but some titles require an extra rental or purchase fee beyond your subscription.
  • You can cancel anytime, and your access stops at the end of your current billing period.
  • Prime Video offers offline download on mobile devices so you can watch without an internet connection.

What content is included and what costs extra

Your Prime Video subscription includes access to a rotating library of movies, TV series, documentaries, and original shows that Amazon produces. The library changes regularly—titles are added and removed—so what you can watch today may not be available next month.

Some titles on Prime Video are not included in your subscription. You will see a rental or purchase price listed next to them. Renting means you can watch for a set period (usually 24 to 48 hours); purchasing means you own a digital copy you can rewatch anytime. These charges are separate from your subscription fee and appear on your Amazon account bill.

Prime Video also offers Prime Video Channels, which are add-on subscriptions to services like HBO Max, Paramount+, or Showtime. You pay extra for each channel you add, but they bill through your Amazon account and you watch everything in the Prime Video app.

Devices you can watch on and account sharing

Prime Video works on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku or Fire TV, and gaming consoles. You download the free Prime Video app on each device and sign in with your Amazon account. You can also watch on a web browser at primevideo.com.

One Amazon account can have multiple profiles, so different household members can have their own watch history, recommendations, and saved lists. Each profile is separate, though they all share the same subscription. If you live with others, you can set up a profile for each person.

Amazon's terms allow you to watch on multiple devices at the same time, but the number of simultaneous streams depends on your subscription type. Standard Prime Video allows a certain number of screens at once; check Amazon's current policy for the exact limit, as it can change.

How to manage your subscription and billing

Your subscription renews automatically on the same date each month or year, depending on which plan you chose. You can see your renewal date and billing history in your Amazon account under "Your Memberships and Subscriptions." This is also where you manage add-on channels or make changes to your plan.

If you want to pause your subscription temporarily, Amazon offers a suspension option for Prime membership (not always for standalone Prime Video). Suspending delays your renewal for a set period without canceling. You can also downgrade from Prime to Prime Video only, or vice versa, anytime.

To cancel, go to your account settings and select the option to end your subscription. Your access continues through the end of your current billing period, then stops. If you cancel mid-cycle, you do not receive a refund for the unused portion.

Downloading shows and movies to watch offline

The Prime Video app on phones and tablets lets you download titles to watch without an internet connection. This is useful for travel or when you know you will not have reliable wifi. Downloaded content expires after a set period (usually 48 hours to 30 days, depending on the title), so you cannot keep it permanently offline.

Not every title is available for download—it depends on licensing agreements with studios. When you open a show or movie, you will see a download button if that option is available. Downloaded files take up storage space on your device, so check how much room you have before downloading multiple titles.

Comparing Prime Video to other streaming services

Prime Video competes with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and others. Each service has different content libraries, original shows, and price points. Prime Video's advantage is that it bundles with Amazon Prime shipping if you want the full membership. Its disadvantage is that some titles require extra rental fees, and the interface can be harder to navigate than competitors.

If you already pay for Prime for shipping, Prime Video is a bonus at no extra cost. If you are choosing only for video content, compare what shows and movies matter to you on each service. Many people subscribe to multiple services rather than choosing just one, since no single service has everything.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you cannot sign in, make sure you are using the correct Amazon account email and password. If you are on a shared device, check that you are signed into the right profile. If you still cannot log in, reset your Amazon password and try again.

If a title will not play, try closing the app and reopening it, or restart your device. Check that your internet connection is stable. If the problem continues, the title may be temporarily unavailable in your region or on that device type.

If you are charged unexpectedly, check your account for add-on channels you may have started and forgotten about. Prime Video Channels renew automatically just like the main subscription. Review your billing history to see what charges are associated with each date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Prime Video account with family members who live in a different house?

Amazon's terms allow account sharing within a household. If family members live elsewhere, technically they should have their own subscriptions. However, Amazon does not actively police this, and many people share login credentials with relatives. Be aware that doing so may violate the terms of service.

What happens to my watch history and saved shows if I cancel?

Your watch history and saved lists stay in your account if you cancel. If you resubscribe later, they will still be there. However, if you delete your entire Amazon account, all that information is permanently removed.

Do I have to pay for rentals and purchases, or are they optional?

Rentals and purchases are entirely optional. You can watch everything included with your subscription without ever paying extra. Rental and purchase options are there if you want to watch something not in the included library, but you can ignore them completely.

Can I use Prime Video in other countries when I travel?

Prime Video is available in many countries, but the library and pricing vary by region. When you travel, you may be able to watch content from your home country for a limited time. Some titles are region-locked and will not play outside their home country, even if you have a valid subscription.

How do I remove a profile from my account?

Go to your account settings and find the profiles section. You can delete any profile except the primary account holder's profile. Deleting a profile removes its watch history and recommendations, but does not affect other profiles on the account.