What Is Amazon Prime Video? Plans, Pricing, & How to Sign Up

Connected TV

As streaming competition intensifies and ad-supported tiers become the norm, Amazon Prime Video has evolved into more than just a content destination. It’s a performance opportunity. With a massive built-in subscriber base and expanding ad inventory, the platform gives brands the scale of premium television paired with the precision of digital.

For advertisers, that means running CTV ads in a high-engagement environment where entertainment and ecommerce naturally intersect, driving both visibility and measurable results. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Prime Video, from content types to pricing, helping marketers optimize campaigns and viewers make informed choices.

What Is Amazon Prime Video?

Amazon Prime Video is a subscription-based streaming service that provides access to thousands of movies, TV shows, and exclusive originals, included with an Amazon Prime membership or available standalone. Launched in 2006, it has grown to reach over 200 million subscribers globally, blending entertainment with commerce through integrated shopping features.

Types of Content Available

Amazon Prime Video offers a diverse range of programming tailored to various tastes, such as:

• Movies: An extensive collection of Hollywood blockbusters, independent films, and classics, available for streaming or rental to suit any movie night.
• TV Shows: Popular series from networks and streaming exclusives, including binge-worthy episodes that keep viewers hooked across seasons.
• Amazon Originals: Award-winning exclusive content like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “The Boys,” produced in-house to deliver fresh, high-quality storytelling.
• Live Sports: Real-time broadcasts of events such as NFL Thursday Night Football.
• Documentaries: Insightful non-fiction films covering topics from history to science.
• Kids’ Content: Family-friendly animations and educational shows, curated for safe viewing on dedicated profiles.
• International Programming: Global series and films in multiple languages, expanding cultural horizons for a worldwide audience.

How to Sign Up for Amazon Prime Video

Getting started with Amazon Prime Video is straightforward, whether you’re opting for the standalone service or the full Prime membership.

• Visit the Website or App: Head to primevideo.com or download the Prime Video app on your preferred device to begin the signup process.
• Create or Sign In to an Amazon Account: Enter your email and create a password if new, or log in with existing credentials to link your profile.
• Choose Your Plan: Select either the standalone Prime Video subscription or the full Amazon Prime membership, then enter payment details.
• Start Your Trial: Activate a free 30-day trial for Prime or explore immediate access, confirming your subscription to unlock content.
• Set Up Profiles: Customize user profiles for personalized recommendations, including ad-free kids’ options where available.

Amazon Prime Video Plans & Pricing

Amazon Prime Video offers flexible pricing tiers to fit different needs, from basic streaming access to comprehensive memberships with added perks.

Prime Video (Standalone)

The standalone Prime Video plan provides unlimited access to the platform’s library for $8.99 per month, making it an affordable entry point for those primarily interested in video content. This option excludes broader Prime benefits like free shipping but includes streaming ads, with the ability to upgrade for an ad-free experience.

Amazon Prime (Full Membership)

A full Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 monthly or $139 annually, bundling Prime Video with perks such as fast shipping, music streaming, and exclusive deals. Research shows that over 80% of U.S. households with Prime memberships actively use Prime Video, highlighting its value in driving overall engagement and loyalty.

Ad-Free Option

For an ad-free viewing experience, subscribers can add $2.99 per month to any plan, eliminating interruptions during shows and movies. This upgrade appeals to consumers seeking premium immersion, while advertisers note that ad-supported tiers still reach an estimated 130 million monthly U.S. viewers, striking a balance between accessibility and revenue.

Does Amazon Prime Video Have Ads?

Yes, Amazon Prime Video introduced limited advertisements on January 29, 2024, appearing as pre-roll and mid-roll breaks in most content, though with fewer ads than traditional linear TV or competing streamers. This model supports ongoing investments in original programming, benefiting viewers with more high-quality options. Consumers can opt out via the ad-free add-on, ensuring uninterrupted viewing flexibility.

How Does Amazon Prime Video Advertising Work?

From an advertiser’s perspective, Prime Video ads enable brands to reach engaged audiences through Amazon’s Demand-Side Platform (DSP), allowing precise targeting based on demographics, behaviors, and shopping data for formats like shoppable pre-roll and interactive mid-roll spots. Marketers can measure performance with metrics such as view-through rates and conversions, optimizing campaigns to boost ROAS by aligning with premium content that drives commerce directly from the screen.

For consumers, OTT ads on Prime Video appear seamlessly integrated into streaming sessions, typically as short, non-intrusive breaks before or during shows, with options for shoppable elements that allow quick purchases using a remote or mobile device. Shoppable TV enhances the viewing experience by offering relevant product discoveries, while the limited ad load keeps focus on entertainment, with full ad removal available for those preferring a distraction-free environment.

What Devices Support Amazon Prime Video?

Amazon Prime Video is compatible with a wide array of devices, ensuring accessibility for streaming on the go or at home.

• Smart TVs: Integrated on models from Samsung, LG, Sony, and others, allowing direct app access for high-definition viewing in living rooms.
• Streaming Devices: Supported on Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast, providing plug-and-play options for non-smart TVs.
• Mobile Devices: Available on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, ideal for portable watching with offline download features.
• Gaming Consoles: Compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, turning gaming setups into entertainment hubs.
• Web Browsers: Streamable via desktop or laptop browsers like Chrome and Safari, for flexible access without dedicated hardware.
• Set-Top Boxes: Works with cable providers’ boxes and devices like TiVo, extending reach to traditional TV setups.

Why You Need Performance TV

Want to reach streaming audiences beyond Amazon Prime Video? While Prime Video continues expanding its ad-supported offerings, MNTN’s Connected TV ad platform gives you access to premium CTV inventory across other top streaming networks—so your brand connects with viewers where they’re actively engaged. With AI-powered targeting, automated optimization, and real-time attribution, your campaigns deliver measurable results without relying on a single publisher.

Here’s how MNTN Performance TV helps marketers capture streaming audiences outside Amazon Prime Video:

• Premium CTV Inventory – Run ads across leading ad-supported streaming services with guaranteed, brand-safe placements.
• MNTN Matched – AI-driven targeting ensures your ads reach high-intent audiences most likely to engage and convert.
• Verified Visits™ Attribution – Tracks site visits and conversions tied directly to ad exposure, providing clear performance insights.
• Automated Optimization – AI continuously fine-tunes campaigns in real time to maximize efficiency and eliminate wasted spend.
• Reporting Suite – Access real-time data on engagement, conversions, and ROAS to refine your strategy with confidence.

Expand your reach beyond Prime Video with performance-driven TV marketing—sign up today to get started with MNTN’s self-serve software.

Amazon Prime Video: Final Thoughts

Amazon Prime Video continues to evolve as a powerhouse in the streaming landscape, offering value-packed plans that cater to both entertainment seekers and savvy shoppers. For advertisers, its ad ecosystem provides data-driven opportunities to connect with premium audiences, fostering incrementality in CTV campaigns. 

Ultimately, whether bundling with Prime for comprehensive benefits or going standalone, it’s a platform that delivers measurable results and endless enjoyment.