Amazon’s streaming video services have gone through quite an evolution, and I totally get why there’s some confusion around the naming. Let me break this down in a way that’ll clear things up.
The Simple Answer
Yes, Amazon Video and Prime Video are essentially the same service today. Amazon just simplified their branding to “Prime Video” to make it clearer that it’s part of the Prime membership package. Think of it like when your friend gets married and changes their last name – same person, new name!
A Bit of History
Back in the day, Amazon had multiple video offerings that made things a bit confusing:
– Amazon Instant Video
– Amazon Video
– Amazon Prime Video
They’ve since streamlined everything under the Prime Video banner, making it much easier to understand what you’re getting.
What You Actually Get
Prime Video comes as part of your Amazon Prime membership, but here’s where it gets interesting – you don’t actually need a full Prime membership to use it. As of 2025, you can subscribe to Prime Video as a standalone service if you’re just interested in the streaming content.
The Content Breakdown
When you’re browsing Prime Video, you’ll notice three main types of content:
– Included with Prime (free with your membership)
– Rent/Buy options (additional cost)
– Channel subscriptions (like HBO or STARZ)
Why the Naming Matters
Understanding that Amazon Video and Prime Video are the same thing helps avoid confusion when you’re:
– Setting up devices
– Searching for apps
– Reading older online tutorials
– Talking to customer service
Think of it like this: if someone mentions Amazon Video, they’re probably just using the older name for what we now know as Prime Video. It’s like how people still sometimes say “watching a movie on Netflix instant” – we all know they just mean Netflix!
Pro Tip
If you’re helping someone set up their streaming services or explaining how to access content, just stick with “Prime Video” – it’s the current official name and will help avoid any confusion. Plus, it’s what you’ll see on all new devices and marketing materials.
Remember, whether you hear Amazon Video or Prime Video, you’re getting access to the same great streaming service with award-winning originals, movies, and TV shows. The only thing that’s changed is the name on the tin!
