Amazon Prime Video, one of the world’s leading streaming platforms, is gearing up for some significant changes in 2025. Users are about to see a major increase in ads during their favorite movies and TV shows. To escape this influx of commercials, viewers will need to shell out an additional £2.99 per month for an ad-free experience.
This comes just nine months after Amazon initially introduced ads to Prime Video. Now, the platform is ramping things up, and users are already voicing their displeasure about the growing number of ad spots.
Paying to ditch the ads
Kelly Day, the head of Prime Video International, recently confirmed to Financial Times that the platform will be loaded with even more ads by 2025. While she didn’t dive into specifics on how many ads will be shown or which countries will be impacted, the takeaway is clear—those who want an uninterrupted streaming experience will have to dig deeper into their wallets.
Prime members looking to avoid the flood of ads will have to pay an extra £2.99 per month, bringing their total monthly subscription to nearly £12. This new pricing puts Prime Video higher than Netflix and Disney+, which offer standard ad-free subscriptions for £10.99.
However, even if you choose to pay for Amazon’s ad-free tier, don’t expect a completely ad-free experience. The company has clarified that promotional content like trailers before movies and TV shows will still be present, although those can be skipped by ad-free subscribers. Additionally, live broadcasts such as sports events and content on Amazon Freevee will continue to feature ads, regardless of the subscription plan.
A pricier and ad-heavy Amazon Prime Video
Initially, when ads were first introduced to Prime Video in January 2024, Amazon assured users that these commercials would be limited—showing only at the beginning, middle, or end of content, with fewer interruptions compared to traditional TV or other streaming services. But as 2025 approaches, the promise of minimal ads seems to be fading fast.
For those who refuse to pay extra, it looks like the streaming experience could be significantly hampered by the growing ad count. If you want an ad-free experience, you’ll need to dive into your account settings and opt for the premium version—at a cost.
Compared to other platforms, this decision could put Prime Video at a disadvantage. Netflix and Disney+ offer ad-free subscriptions at a lower price, while Prime Video’s extra charge pushes the total up to nearly £12 per month.
This move reflects an industry-wide trend, with streaming services searching for new ways to boost revenue. But for consumers, it’s frustrating news, especially for those already paying for a service that’s becoming more costly to enjoy.
Conclusion: The trend toward more ads isn’t slowing down
With the streaming wars heating up, platforms are constantly looking for new ways to make a profit, and increasing the number of ads seems to be the latest tactic. Unfortunately, this means users are left with a difficult decision—pay more for uninterrupted viewing or accept a less pleasant experience. For Amazon Prime Video users, it’s clear that the days of a commercial-free service are numbered.
Fact check:
- Claim: Amazon Prime Video will increase ads by 2025.
Fact: Confirmed by Kelly Day in an interview with Financial Times. - Claim: Users will have to pay £2.99 extra to skip ads.
Fact: This additional cost was announced by Amazon, bringing the total to nearly £12 monthly for an ad-free experience. - Claim: Even ad-free subscribers will still see some promotional content.
Fact: Amazon has clarified that trailers and promotional content will still appear, but they can be skipped.
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