What is Amazon Prime Video?
Amazon Prime Video (or just Prime Video) is a video streaming service, in the same vein of Netflix or Disney+. Prime Video is headed by mega online retailer Amazon, and the wealth of Amazon’s network (plus fierce competition from an increasingly saturated market), is bringing some exciting new investment to the platform.
Life began for Prime Video in the United States, way back in 2006 (though at the time, under a different name). But it wasn’t till around 10 years later that it really started to take off. In fact, 2016 is the year Prime Video split off from Amazon Prime, and expanded into 200 countries, including New Zealand.
Fast forward to 2024, and Prime Video is now hugely popular and fiercely competing with other popular streaming sites.
Wait, what’s the difference between Amazon Prime and Amazon Prime Video?
When people mention Amazon Prime, they are typically talking about Prime Video. But they’re not actually the same.
Amazon Prime is like a premium Amazon membership, providing benefits like free shipping, exclusive deals and access to a range of Amazon services like Amazon photos, Prime Gaming, and of course, Prime Video.
Prime Video is just the streaming service, without all the bells and whistles of a full Amazon Prime membership.
What’s included in a Prime Video Subscription?
With an Amazon Prime Video subscription you can:
- Stream content on three devices at once
- Download shows to watch offline, on the Prime Video mobile app
- Access a seven day free trial
How can I watch Amazon Prime Video?
Like Netflix, Prime Video is web-based. So you simply need to visit the Prime Video Website. It’s also available on a range of internet-enabled devices, including:
- Apple TV
- VodafoneTV
- Certain smart TVs
- Chromecast
- Xbox and PlayStation consoles
- Smartphones, tablets and computers, on Android and iOS
How much does Amazon Prime Video cost?
Amazon Prime Video costs $10.99/month. There’s a free one-week trial, no contract, and you can cancel at any time.
Compared to the other main players, it’s one of the cheapest streaming services currently on the market:
- AMC+: from $4.99/month
- AppleTV+: $14.99/month
- Hayu: $8.99/month
- Neon: from $12.99/month
- Disney+: $14.99/month
- Netflix: from $12.99/month
What can I watch on Amazon Prime Video?
Prime Video regularly releases new TV series and movies, while also offering an extensive back catalogue of content.
The Prime Video series line-up includes:
- The Lord of the Rings: the Rings of Power
- 1883 and 1923
- Fleabag
- Doctor Who
- The Boys
- Normal People and Conversations with Friends
- The Grand Tour, Top Gear and spin-offs including Clarkson’s Farm and James May Our Man in Italy
- Good Omens
- American Gods
- Sherlock
The Prime Video movie line-up includes:
- Family-friendly favorites (Shrek, Madagascar, Spy Kids, Kung Fu Panda etc)
- The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit franchise
- The Jurassic park franchise
- Back to the Future franchise
- Air
- Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant
- Borat
- 21 and 22 Jump Street
- The Princess Bride
- Mrs Harris Goes to Paris
→Related article: Netflix to Neon: the Top Streaming Shows in NZ
Is Amazon Prime Video worth the money?
It really rests on how much you use it. If you subscribe but only watch a show every week or two, then probably not. But if you binge-watch the TV shows (or have a show in mind you want to binge), or regularly sit down for a movie night, then the monthly fee can certainly be justified. A free or discount trial can help to evaluate both the content and how it fits with your lifestyle.
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About the author of this page
This report was written by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.
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