Adverts will start appearing for UK users of Amazon Video Prime on 5 February 2024, unless extra fee is paid.
Amazon has confirmed that adverts will begin appearing for UK customers of the Amazon Prime Video service in early 2024.
In an email to UK customers, Amazon told Silicon UK that adverts would start appearing on 5 February 2024.
The move had been expected, after it was reported in June that Amazon was planning to launch an advertising-supported tier on its Prime Video streaming service.
Then in September 2023 Amazon officially confirmed that it would include adverts with its Prime Video service in 2024, unless users opt for a higher cost ad-free subscription plan.
Amazon had launched its Prime program back in 2005 and it has grown to become one of the most popular subscription services in the world, with more than 200 million members globally.
Indeed its original role upon its 2005 launch was to deliver for free within two days for members.
Over the years Prime benefits have expanded, and one of its key benefits is Prime Video, which offers a selection of movies and TV series, including Amazon Originals, and live sport.
Prime generates billions of dollars for Amazon, but there is also a cost involved.
In May 2021 Amazon purchased veteran film studio MGM for $8.45 billion, although most of these movies tend to be locked behind an additional rental or purchase fee option.
During 2023 the e-commerce and cloud giant has laid off 27,000 people from its workforce.
One way to generate additional revenue is via adverts.
Amazon told Silicon UK that it has emailed its UK customers to let them know the start date that adverts will begin appearing on their Prime Video service.
It said no action is required from the customer, and there is no change to the current price of the annual Prime membership, which had seen a price rise in 2022.
Meanwhile Amazon is also dealing with ongoing legal action from the US trade regulator.
This Cyber News was published on www.silicon.co.uk. Publication date: Thu, 28 Dec 2023 16:43:04 +0000