Amazon Prime Video subscribers are not happy about their streaming platform’s recent transformations. Show and movie infringing advertisements have annoyed many users and some have also threatened to cancel their subscriptions.

User Complaints

Subscribers have vented their frustration on platforms like Reddit. One user highlighted issues with subtitles and the intrusive nature of ads, stating, “Just watched a movie on Prime; on top of commercials, the dialogue was half English, half Spanish, but the subtitles only covered English, and at the end for the epilogue, half the screen is covered by next suggested watches I couldn’t close away.” This sentiment is echoed by many, with complaints about the frequency and placement of ads disrupting the viewing experience.

The Use of Ads

Amazon started adding ads to its Prime Video content in 2024. However, subscribers now have to pay an extra $3 a month to avail ad-free experience. And critics say the premium prices for these services are not warranted, especially when there have been subscription fees already in place.

Global Expansion of Ads

The inclusion of advertisements is not limited to the United States. Starting in 2025, Prime Video viewers in India will also experience ad interruptions during their streaming. Amazon has stated that this initiative aims to fund content investments and maintain the quality of its offerings. The company assures that the number of ads will be “meaningfully fewer” compared to traditional TV and other streaming platforms.

User Reactions

Subscribers’ response has been overwhelmingly negative. Many are frustrated that ads are being inserted to a service that was previously ad-free. With problems persisting more than a few hours — some people have started pirating all their shows to avoid the problems entirely, while others are thinking about just canceling. The redundancy of the ads — with many plugging other Amazon shows — certainly doesn’t help ease frustration.

Amazon’s Justification

Amazon defends the inclusion of ads by stating that it allows the company to continue investing in compelling content. They emphasize that the number of ads will be fewer than those on linear TV and other streaming providers. However, this explanation has done little to appease disgruntled subscribers.

Conclusion

The introduction of advertisements on Amazon Prime Video has sparked significant backlash from subscribers. As the company expands this model globally, it remains to be seen how it will address the growing dissatisfaction among its user base.

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