Amazon plans to shut down Freevee, its no-cost streaming service

Amazon plans to shut down Freevee, its no-cost streaming service

As a seasoned streaming enthusiast with over two decades of binge-watching under my belt, I must say that Amazon’s decision to phase out Freevee is a bit like a beloved neighborhood video store closing its doors – it feels nostalgic and a tad unsettling. However, in the grand scheme of things, it’s just another chapter in the evolving world of streaming services.


This week, Amazon has announced that two years following its debut, their free, advertisement-supported streaming platform, known as Freevee, will be closing down.

On Amazon’s Prime Video, certain shows can be watched without having a subscription – they are offered for free.

Freevee, previously known as IMDb TV under Amazon but changed to its current name in 2022, is one of several streaming platforms that generate income through advertisements rather than charging subscribers. Similar business models are employed by Paramount Global’s Pluto TV and Fox Corp.’s Tubi.

We’re removing our Freevee branding to make viewing easier for customers, but don’t worry – the content you currently have access to as a Prime member will stay the same,” an Amazon representative explained in a statement. “Additionally, there will still be a large selection of free streaming content available for non-Prime members, including Originals from Amazon MGM Studios, various licensed movies and series, and numerous FAST Channels.

Approximately 10 months following the introduction of a cheaper subscription plan with ads on Prime Video, there’s been a shift. This lower-priced plan allowed subscribers to access content with commercials. Users had the option to pay an extra $3 per month for an ad-free viewing experience. In recent times, there have been whispers about Freevee potentially closing down, but Amazon swiftly dismissed such rumors earlier this year when they made the ad-supported tier the standard for Prime Video users by default.

The company is preparing to launch a “Watch for Free” feature for non-Prime members that will offer a range of movies and television series with ads. Freevee originals, including the documentary-style comedy series “Jury Duty” and drama “Bosch: Legacy” are also available on Prime Video.

Amazon has confirmed that they won’t dismiss any workers as a result of the changes. Instead, Freevee executive roles will be reassigned within the organization, while the MGM Studios team working on Freevee original content will shift to focus on creating content for Prime Video.

Despite Amazon phasing out Freevee, the concept of ad-supported streaming services without charge continues to hold potential, as viewers seek ways to reduce optional expenditures, according to experts.

It’s unclear exactly when Freevee services will cease entirely, but the company has announced that the “Watch for Free” option will appear on Amazon Prime Video’s details pages within the next few weeks.

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2024-11-13 23:01

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