Here's why Amazon is ending its free streaming service
Tl;dr
- Amazon will remove its free streaming service, Freevee.
- Freevee will be integrated into Prime Video instead of being a separate platform.
- Freevee content will remain available through Prime Video's free streaming channels.
Amazon announces the end of Freevee
The e-commerce giant, Amazonhas announced that it intends to end its free streaming service, Freevee. This previously allowed viewers to watch films, television series and even live channels for free.
Freevee integrated into Prime Video
An Amazon spokesperson told Variety: “We've made Prime Video a premier entertainment destination where customers can personalize their viewing experience by streaming exclusive content for Prime members produced by Amazon MGM Studios, licensed movies and series, content from others services as an add-on subscription, live sports, big budget movies and series to rent or buy, FAST channels [free, ad-supported streaming TV] and the entire Amazon Freevee content offering ».
The end of a simplified user experience
In fact, Freevee will gradually be integrated into Prime Video. Non-subscribing users might have to sift through paid options or face additional incentives to subscribe, which could degrade their user experience compared to the simplicity of Freevee. At Tom's Guide, we consider Freevee to be the best free streaming service. His disappearance is therefore a disappointment.
Freevee content remains accessible
The closure of Freevee and the merging of its content with Prime Video likely reflects the growing overlap between the two services. The launch of the ad-supported tier means Prime Video now offers a similar viewing experience to Freevee. Freevee's free content will not disappear, but will be integrated into the Prime Video platform. Amazon plans to keep Freevee's shows and movies available through Prime Video's free streaming channels, so non-subscribers will still be able to watch a decent selection of free programming.
However, the new ad-supported offering on Prime Video has made the platform less user-friendly. Prime Video was known for its ad-free streaming, but now ads are becoming the norm unless users pay more on top of their existing subscription. Additionally, the viewing experience may deteriorate as Prime Video plans to introduce plus of advertisements in 2025.
