By CE Critic - Buy Better Tech
Table of Contents:
- Why is Amazon forcing me to watch ads?
- This is dumb. What can I do about it?
- How do Amazon Prime subscribers feel about the ads?
- Are there going to be even more ads in streaming?
- What could be next?
Introduction
As you settle down for a cozy evening of streaming your favorite shows on Amazon Prime Video, you might be surprised to encounter something you haven't seen before: ads. That's right, Amazon has officially added commercials to its previously ad-free streaming service.
Why is Amazon forcing me to watch ads?
The short answer: money. In the ever-competitive world of streaming, companies are looking for new ways to boost their bottom line. Ads are a proven way to generate revenue, and Amazon is now following suit. They claim that this will allow them to "continue investing in compelling content," but many users are skeptical.
This is dumb. What can I do about it?
If you're not happy about the ads, you have a few options:
- Pay for the ad-free tier: For an extra $2.99 per month, you can upgrade to an ad-free version of Prime Video.
- Cancel Prime: If you don't use Prime Video much, or if the ads are a dealbreaker for you, you can cancel your Prime subscription altogether.
- Mute the commercials: This isn't ideal, but it's an option if you're on a tight budget.
- Live with it: The reality is that ads are likely to become more common in streaming. If you can't stomach the commercials, you may need to adjust your expectations for streaming services.
How do Amazon Prime subscribers feel about the ads?
Needless to say, many Prime subscribers are not happy about the change. There has been a significant backlash online, with users expressing their anger and frustration. Some are even canceling their subscriptions in protest.
Are there going to be even more ads in streaming?
Unfortunately, it's likely. Amazon is not the only streaming service adding ads. Netflix, Disney+, and others have all made similar moves in recent years. As the streaming market matures, we can expect to see more ads and fewer ad-free options.
What could be next?
The future of streaming is uncertain. One possibility is that we will see more tiered pricing, with different levels of service offering different amounts of content and different ad experiences. Another possibility is that streaming services will become more like traditional cable TV, with bundles of channels and ad breaks every few minutes.
It's clear that the days of completely ad-free streaming are coming to an end. As streamers scramble for revenue, we can expect to see more commercials and fewer alternatives. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is up to you.
