Prime Video is BLASTED by Amazon customers after streaming service confirms rollout date of ‘greedy’ ad plan in the US
Amazon Prime Video has come under fire from angry customers after announcing that advertising will be introduced next month – with angry loyal subscribers decrying the streaming giant's greed and canceling memberships over the news.
Jeff Bezos' Amazon angered its members after revealing earlier this week that users in the US would see ads on January 29, while those in Britain would see them a week later on February 5.
To make matters worse, those who don't want ads to interrupt their chosen content will have to pay an additional $2.99 per month on top of their membership.
As it currently stands, the Prime Video membership costs $8.99 per month, while the Prime membership costs $14.99 per month.
Amazon Prime Video is being shunned as it reveals it will introduce ads next month
Jeff Bezos' streaming platform has announced that subscribers will have to pay extra to avoid ads
Outraged Prime Video users have criticized the multi-billion dollar company on X, formerly known as Twitter, with many slamming Bezos for wanting to make even more money – despite his $175.7 billion net worth.
One hit: 'Hey @amazon? Sincerely, f*** you for this. Every time I turn on my Fire TV it's already showing ads.
'We also pay so much for Prime. How much money do you still need?! The greed stinks.”
Another said, “I just got an email from Prime Video saying that the ad-free service I already pay for will no longer be ad-free unless I give them an extra $3.00 a month.
“You greedy little bastards. I just terminated my employment.”
A third added: 'Prime Video with ads feels like a slap in the face. Are you saying the multi-billionaire wants to make more money selling ad time?
'For what? Another wasteful hunt?'
Amazon has announced that its model will change to allow advertising in an email sent to all customers.
Prime Video members blasted the platform's controversial move on social media, with many labeling it as 'greedy'
The Prime Video membership currently costs $8.99 per month, while the Prime membership costs $14.99
Saltburn – starring Barry Keoghan – was recently released exclusively on Prime Video
It said: “Prime Video movies and TV shows will contain a limited number of ads.
“This will allow us to continue to invest in compelling content and continue to increase that investment over a long period of time.
'We aim to have significantly fewer advertisements than linear TV and other streaming TV providers.
“No action is required from you and there will be no change to the current price of your Prime membership.”
Amazon has yet to confirm how ads will work on Prime, but it's expected they will appear before and even during the content.
It won't just be the US and Britain that will be aware of the commercials, however, as the streaming giant revealed that other countries will also be subject later in 2024.
The platform's controversial move follows rivals Netflix and Disney+, both of which have rolled out ads to their cheapest subscription options since last year.