What is Amazon Instant Video vs. Prime?
In the vast world of streaming services, Amazon Instant Video and Prime Video are two platforms that offer a wide array of movies, TV shows, and original content for subscribers. However, there is often confusion about the differences between these two services and what they have to offer. Let’s delve into the details and explore the distinctions between Amazon Instant Video and Prime Video.
Amazon Instant Video, now known as Amazon Prime Video, was initially launched in 2006 as a standalone service. It allowed customers to rent or purchase individual movies and TV shows without requiring a subscription. However, with the introduction of Prime Video and the continuous evolution of streaming services, Amazon restructured its services to provide a more comprehensive and convenient experience for customers.
Today, Amazon Prime Video encompasses both the on-demand streaming service and the additional benefits associated with an Amazon Prime subscription. Notably, Amazon Prime is a membership program that offers various advantages, including faster shipping on eligible products, access to Kindle eBooks, and much more. Prime Video became one of the perks included in Amazon Prime, making it more desirable for users.
So, what do these services offer?
Amazon Instant Video, now a subset of Prime Video, is a digital library where users can rent or purchase movies and TV shows individually, similar to platforms like Apple iTunes or Google Play Movies. This option is ideal for individuals who don’t want to commit to a full subscription but still want access to a vast selection of content. Renting or purchasing individual titles allows you to have full ownership of the content, and there are no time restrictions for viewing.
On the other hand, Amazon Prime Video is the full streaming service that includes all the benefits of an Amazon Prime membership. Subscribers gain access to unlimited streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows from various genres, including popular series, critically acclaimed originals, and highly-rated films. The streaming service offers a constantly expanding library that caters to a wide range of interests and preferences.
Additionally, Amazon Prime Video differentiates itself with its rich catalog of original content. From award-winning shows like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Fleabag” to movies like “Manchester by the Sea” and “The Big Sick,” Amazon invests heavily in creating exclusive content for its Prime members. This commitment to producing high-quality series and films has earned Amazon Prime Video a reputable position in the competitive streaming industry.
As mentioned earlier, Prime Video also offers other valuable benefits such as free two-day shipping on eligible products, access to Prime Music, Prime Gaming, unlimited photo storage, exclusive discounts, and more. It’s important to note that these additional perks are only available with a full Amazon Prime membership rather than simply subscribing to Amazon Instant Video.
Ultimately, the choice between Amazon Instant Video and Prime Video boils down to personal preferences and needs. If you’re solely looking to rent or purchase specific titles without a full subscription commitment, then Amazon Instant Video is the way to go. However, if you wish to access a vast library of streaming content, along with numerous other benefits and exclusive access to original shows and movies, then Prime Video is the perfect choice.
In recent years, Amazon has expressed its dedication to expanding and improving its streaming services, making both Amazon Instant Video and Prime Video increasingly enticing options for customers worldwide. Whether you prefer the flexibility of purchasing individual titles or the vast selection of unlimited streaming, Amazon has created platforms to cater to a broad range of entertainment preferences.