Potential Issue for Amazon Prime Video Ad-Supported Users

Amazon Prime Video users on the ad-supported tier might have noticed a change in their viewing experience recently. Reports suggest that the streaming platform has increased the number of commercials shown per hour, doubling the ad load to four to six minutes. This move, aimed at boosting monetization, comes as Amazon looks to fund original content like ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’.

Last year, Amazon introduced advertisements to its Prime Video service, promising a light and uninterupted experience. However, with this recent increase in ad time, viewers may be seeing more commercials than before. While this change isn’t currently applicable in India, Amazon has announced that Prime Video content in India will include “limited advertisements” starting June 17th.

According to a report by Adweek, Amazon’s decision to double the ad load from the originally promised two to three-and-a-half minutes per hour is part of a broader strategy to monetize its streaming platform. This move will enable Amazon to invest more in original content and compete with other streaming services like Netflix.

Speaking of Netflix, the streaming giant has avoided ads for years but recently introduced an ad-supported tier to attract price-sensitive viewers. This trend of starting with competitive pricing and then raising prices or increasing monetization once established in the market is common among streaming services.

Overall, while viewers may find the increased ad time frustrating, it is a strategic move by Amazon to fund high-quality original content and solidify its position in the competitive streaming landscape. As the streaming wars continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how viewers and advertisers respond to these changes.