Foxisales.com – Amazon is officially sunsetting its ad-supported streaming service, Freevee, by transferring its popular content—including original shows like Jury Duty, Bosch: Legacy, and Judy Justice—to Prime Video. The transition will allow audiences to access these fan-favorite programs without a Prime subscription, maintaining Freevee’s free streaming model within Prime Video’s ad-supported tier.
Readmore: Whats’s Amazon Freevee
A Strategic Move Toward Streamlining Content
Freevee, which launched in 2019 under the name IMDb TV, was an ad-supported branch of Amazon’s IMDb, offering both original shows and classic TV. Since its rebranding to Freevee, the service has built a significant audience, drawing around 65 million active monthly users in the U.S. as of mid-2022. Yet, Amazon’s decision to integrate Freevee’s library into Prime Video underscores a larger strategic goal: to streamline its streaming offerings and consolidate content for a more cohesive user experience.
An Amazon spokesperson explained, “By bringing Freevee content under Prime Video, we’re creating a simplified, seamless viewing experience.” Amazon began incorporating ads into Prime Video earlier this year, laying the groundwork for this migration and further positioning itself to compete in the fast-growing free, ad-supported streaming market (often called FAST).
Expanding Amazon’s Reach in the Ad-Supported Market
Amazon’s decision to consolidate Freevee’s content comes as ad-supported streaming options surge in popularity. With subscription costs rising across many major platforms, viewers are increasingly drawn to free alternatives like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Roku Channel, which have built large followings with nostalgia-driven, low-cost programming.
Amazon’s pivot allows it to compete directly with these platforms, capitalizing on its existing 180 million-strong Prime membership base in the U.S., as well as millions more who use Amazon for online shopping and entertainment. Now, all viewers will be able to watch Freevee’s original shows on Prime Video, with ads—offering a compelling option for those seeking high-quality streaming without added subscription fees.
The Rise and Impact of Freevee’s Original Content
Freevee, while relatively young, made significant waves in the streaming industry with several of its original shows. Judy Justice, starring the iconic Judge Judy Sheindlin, became Freevee’s top show following its 2021 debut, with Amazon reporting over 150 million viewing hours in its first two years. Judge Judy’s popularity on the streaming platform even led to spin-off opportunities, adding to Freevee’s appeal.
In 2023, Freevee’s Jury Duty attracted a devoted audience with its unique mix of documentary and sitcom elements, following an unsuspecting participant through a fake trial set up by actors. The show quickly became Freevee’s most-watched series and earned four Emmy nominations, including a nod for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Meanwhile, Bosch: Legacy, inspired by Michael Connelly’s acclaimed detective novels, became a New York Times Critic’s Pick, drawing praise for its engaging storytelling and realistic plotlines.
Prime Video’s New Dual-Tiered Approach
With Freevee’s content set to join Prime Video, Amazon now offers two streaming options: an ad-supported Prime Video experience included with the core Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year), and an ad-free Prime Video upgrade for an additional $2.99 per month. Non-Prime members can still access Prime Video as a standalone subscription for $8.99 per month.
The Bigger Picture: Amazon’s Future in Streaming
This decision to sunset Freevee and move its content to Prime Video aligns with the industry’s shift toward consolidated, ad-supported viewing. According to subscription research firm Antenna, ad-supported subscriptions in the U.S. rose sharply in the past year, jumping from 93 million to over 170 million by the end of 2023. Amazon’s move positions it as a key player in this expanding segment, while simplifying its offerings and enhancing the value of its Prime membership.
By creating a streamlined viewing hub, Amazon aims to keep pace with consumer demand for affordable, flexible entertainment options while expanding its reach in the streaming wars.
Source: Nytimes