Amazon is ending its free streaming service, Freevee, and shifting its content to the Prime Video platform. Users in certain regions can still access Freevee’s free shows, marked with a “Watch for Free” label on Prime Video.
According to Amazon, the transition is to simplify its streaming options. So, they won’t be laying off any Freevee employees. They’ve already been reassigned to other Amazon teams. It’s more of a merger than a complete shutdown.
Freevee entertainment platforms takes a final bow
Freevee has a notable history. It started as IMDb Freedive in January 2019 and rebranded to IMDb TV in the same year before becoming Freevee. It was part of Amazon MGM Studios and provided completely free, ad-supported content to people everywhere. In the coming weeks, it will merge with Prime Video and cease to exist independently.
Amazon recently told Variety that it has developed Prime Video to be a top entertainment destination. They discussed how customers can personalize their experience by streaming exclusive content from Amazon MGM Studios, licensed movies and series, add-on subscriptions, and more.
To deliver a simpler viewing experience for customers, we have decided to phase out Freevee branding. There will be no change to the content available for Prime members, and a vast offering of free streaming content will still be accessible for non-Prime members, including select originals from Amazon MGM Studios, a variety of licensed movies and series, and a broad library of FAST channels — all available on Prime Video.
Amazon spokesperson
In the USA, the UK, Germany, and Austria, Amazon will offer free content through Prime Video to people who aren’t Prime members. The content will be labeled “Watch for Free” and come from Amazon’s Freevee service. If you love to watch The Wheel of Time, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and many other originals, they’ll be available at no cost.
Related: Amazon’s AI Recaps Save You From Rewatching The Last Season.
Free content with Amazon continues with ads
Earlier in the year, Amazon had denied rumors that Freevee was shutting down. They told Variety that Freevee would remain an important part of their streaming offerings and continue providing free content to Prime and non-Prime customers.
Technically, Amazon didn’t lie; they said Freevee would remain part of their offerings and would still provide free content for Prime and non-Prime customers. However, with ads now on Prime Video, Freevee’s role as the only ad-supported option is diminished.
In a way, Freevee paved the way for Amazon to gauge the audience’s tolerance for the annoying commercials. Now that they’ve added them to Prime Video itself, Freevee’s purpose was bound to fade. It’s unfortunate that the free platform had appeal because it offered a straightforward, dedicated space where anyone could access free, ad-supported content without needing a Prime subscription. Now, it’s intermingled with paid content, and the experience may feel more cluttered in the coming days.
If you’re not a fan of ads, your options are to upgrade to a paid plan or leave Amazon’s services behind. There are many strong alternatives. Netflix is known for its vast library and seamless cross-device streaming, while Disney+ provides exclusive content from franchises like Marvel and Star Wars. Free options like Pluto TV and Tubi offer extensive libraries of movies and shows with no subscription fees.
