Amazon (AMZN) Prime has more subscribers than ever (180.1 million as of 2023), but its newest pricing hike has outraged many.
Its streaming video service Prime Video changed prices. Amazon Prime Members got access as part of their $139-a-year membership, or non-Prime members spend $8.99 a month.
Amazon sent a UK email warning members that movies and TV shows would have ads starting Feb. 5. Users must pay £2.99 a month for an ad-free tier to avoid the adverts.
Over 3,000 people tweeted about #AmazonPrime on X on Jan. 3, with many promising to cancel.
Only UK subscribers are new to the announcement. Amazon revealed its U.S. change in late December, starting Jan. 29 and charging $2.99 to remove adverts.
Customers said they planned to cancel subscriptions or had done so. Amazon is banking big on the change despite consumer displeasure because it worked in 2023.
Prime Video is a tactical play by Amazon to secure a foothold in the ever-changing streaming landscape, despite its low subscription revenue.
Amazon has added Prime Free One-Day, Amazon Fresh, and Prime Gaming. The program now costs $139 for a year or $14.99 each month.