We recently reported that Amazon is developing a free, ad-supported video streaming version of its Prime Video, according to sources that spoke with AdAge. Right now, Prime members have to pay $99 to access a variety of sources that includes Prime Video.
Described by AdAge, the freemium version of Prime Video would be available to non-Prime members and would be supported by advertisers. In addition, Amazon would share audience information and ad revenue to bolster its platform efforts.
An unnamed executive told AdAge that “Amazon is talking about giving content creators their own channels, and sharing ad revenue in exchange for a set number of hours of content each week.”
Despite reports that Amazon is developing such product, Amazon publicly came out to disagree. We received a statement from an Amazon spokesperson that said: “We have no plans to create a free, ad-supported version of Prime Video.”
Take it with a grain of salt. Even though Amazon said they aren’t interested in having a freemium platform, they may still develop something similar that would be supported by advertisers. Only time will tell.
