Why Does Prime Video Have Ads Now How To Remove Them

In recent months, many long-time Amazon Prime members have noticed something new during their favorite shows: commercials. What was once a largely ad-free experience on Prime Video now includes short promotional clips before or during content. This shift has sparked confusion and frustration among users who assumed their subscription guaranteed uninterrupted viewing. The reality is that the streaming landscape is evolving—and so is Prime Video’s business model.

This change isn’t random. It reflects broader industry trends where even premium platforms are exploring hybrid models combining subscriptions with advertising. But understanding why this happened and what you can do about it is key to regaining control over your viewing experience.

Why Prime Video Now Shows Ads

Until recently, Prime Video maintained a clean, ad-free interface for most of its original and licensed content. However, in 2023, Amazon began testing pre-roll and mid-roll ads within select titles—particularly free, non-Prime content available through channels like Freevee (formerly IMDb TV) or partner networks. By 2024, these ads started appearing more frequently, even in some Prime-exclusive programming.

The reason? Revenue diversification. While Amazon earns from subscriptions, device sales, and rentals, advertising offers high-margin returns. According to eMarketer, global video ad spending surpassed $150 billion in 2023 and continues to grow. Platforms like Hulu, Peacock, and Disney+ have already adopted tiered models: one with ads (cheaper), one without (premium). Amazon is following suit—not just to compete, but to monetize its massive user base beyond membership fees.

“Streaming services are under pressure to prove profitability. Ads provide immediate revenue without raising subscription prices.” — Sarah Nguyen, Senior Analyst at StreamWatch Research

Additionally, Amazon leverages its dominance in digital advertising—second only to Google and Facebook—to integrate targeted promotions directly into its entertainment ecosystem. If you’ve browsed products on Amazon recently, there’s a chance those interests influence the ads you see on Prime Video.

Where You’ll See Ads on Prime Video

Not all content on Prime Video displays ads. Their presence depends on several factors:

• Content Type: Free-to-watch movies and shows, especially those labeled “Included with Ads,” will include commercial breaks.
• Channel Subscriptions: Third-party channels such as Paramount+, Discovery+, or Starz may include their own ads unless you pay for an upgraded, ad-free tier.
• Rental & Purchase Titles: These typically remain ad-free, though promotional trailers may play before playback begins.
• Amazon Originals: Most originals still don’t show mid-content ads, but pre-roll promos for other Amazon content are increasingly common.

Tip: Look for the “Ad-Free” label when browsing content. Amazon often tags eligible titles to help viewers identify uninterrupted options.

How to Remove or Minimize Ads on Prime Video

If you're tired of interruptions, here are proven strategies to reduce or eliminate ads across your Prime Video experience.

1. Upgrade to Prime Video Included (Full Access)

Ensure your Amazon Prime membership includes full access to Prime Video. Some regional plans or discounted memberships (like Prime Student) may limit benefits. Verify your plan status in Account Settings > Membership & Subscriptions.

2. Subscribe to Ad-Free Channels

Many third-party networks offer two tiers: one with ads, one without. For example:

Channel	Ad-Supported Tier	Ad-Free Upgrade Option	Cost Difference
HBO Max via Prime	Yes	Available	$5–$10/month extra
Paramount+	Yes	Available	$5/month additional
Discovery+	Yes	No ad-free option via Prime	N/A

Review each channel’s details and upgrade individual subscriptions where possible.

3. Use Parental Controls to Block Promotional Content

While not a complete fix, enabling parental controls can disable certain types of pre-roll trailers and recommendations. Navigate to:

1. Settings > Parental Controls & PIN
2. Set a PIN and restrict \"Content Suggestions\"
3. Disable autoplay previews

This won’t stop all ads but reduces exposure to promotional material between shows.

4. Switch Devices or Apps Strategically

Some users report fewer ads when using the Prime Video web player versus smart TV apps. Try watching via browser (primevideo.com) to test if ad frequency drops. Additionally, avoid using Freevee’s standalone app if you want minimal interruptions.

5. Explore Ad-Blocking Tools (With Caution)

While Amazon actively combats ad blockers, some DNS-based tools like Pi-hole or AdGuard Home can filter out known Amazon ad domains at the network level. However:

• Effectiveness varies by region and device.
• Using third-party software may violate Amazon’s Terms of Service.
• It could impact functionality (e.g., login issues).

This method is best suited for tech-savvy users willing to accept potential trade-offs.

Checklist: How to Achieve an Ad-Light Prime Video Experience

Action Plan: Follow these steps to minimize ads:

• ✅ Confirm your Prime membership includes full Prime Video access
• ✅ Review all subscribed channels and upgrade to ad-free tiers where available
• ✅ Prioritize watching content marked “Ad-Free” or “Original”
• ✅ Disable autoplay and restrict suggestions via parental settings
• ✅ Consider watching on desktop browsers instead of smart TVs
• ✅ Avoid Freevee and “Free with Ads” sections unless necessary

Real Example: How One Viewer Reduced Ads by 80%

Mark T., a Prime subscriber in Ohio, noticed increasing interruptions while binge-watching crime documentaries. He used the platform daily but hadn’t reviewed his channel subscriptions in over a year. After auditing his account, he discovered he was watching most content through a bundled Discovery+ trial that included ads.

He canceled the ad-supported version and upgraded to the ad-free Discovery+ plan ($7.99/month). He also disabled autoplay trailers and switched to watching via his laptop. Within a week, Mark reported that ad frequency dropped dramatically—only seeing occasional promotional clips before starting a new episode, rather than multiple breaks per hour.

His total monthly cost increased slightly, but he considered it worthwhile for uninterrupted viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Amazon Originals going to start showing ads?

As of mid-2024, Amazon states that its original series (like *The Boys*, *Reacher*, or *Fallout*) will remain ad-free for Prime members. However, short promotional videos for upcoming releases may appear before playback starts. True mid-roll ads in originals have not been implemented widely, though industry insiders suggest they’re being tested in select regions.

Can I get a refund if I didn’t know Prime Video has ads now?

Amazon does not currently offer refunds based on ad presence alone. However, if you subscribed to a third-party channel expecting ad-free content and received ads due to incorrect tier enrollment, you may be eligible for a partial credit. Contact Amazon Customer Service with specifics.

Is there a true ad-free alternative to Prime Video?

Yes. Services like Apple TV+ and Netflix (ad-free tier) offer completely commercial-free experiences. Alternatively, purchasing or renting individual movies through platforms like Apple, Vudu, or YouTube ensures no ads during playback. For cord-cutters, combining paid rentals with antenna TV can create a low-ad home entertainment setup.

Take Control of Your Streaming Experience

The introduction of ads on Prime Video marks a turning point in how we consume digital content. What was once a perk of membership is now subject to the same economic forces reshaping television. But awareness is power. By understanding where ads come from and which levers you can pull, you regain agency over your screen time.

Whether it's upgrading specific subscriptions, adjusting settings, or rethinking how you access content, small changes add up to a cleaner, more enjoyable viewing experience. Don’t settle for constant interruptions—take action today and make your Prime Video truly premium again.

💬 Have you found a way to block Prime Video ads effectively? Share your experience or questions in the comments—your insight could help others reclaim their streaming peace.