Amazon’s streaming landscape has become a bit of a labyrinth lately, with the introduction of Freevee (formerly IMDb TV) alongside the established Prime Video. But what exactly is the relationship between these two services, and are there advantages to watching shows on one platform over the other? Let’s untangle the web.
Freevee: The Free (With Ads) Option
Freevee is Amazon’s answer to the growing market for ad-supported streaming services (FAST). Unlike Prime Video, which requires a paid subscription, Freevee allows viewers to access a library of movies and TV shows completely free – with the caveat of watching commercials throughout. This model makes Freevee accessible to a wider audience, particularly those who don’t want to commit to a monthly subscription fee.
A Shared Roof, Different Doors
Interestingly, Freevee isn’t entirely separate from Prime Video. You can access Freevee content directly within the Prime Video app through a dedicated “Freevee” channel. This integration can be confusing, as some shows might appear available on both platforms, but with different viewing experiences. Here’s where things get tricky.
Content Shuffle: Not Everything is Prime Material
The content libraries of Prime Video and Freevee overlap to some extent. You’ll find a mix of licensed movies and TV shows, alongside originals produced by Amazon. However, there’s no guarantee that a show available on Prime Video will also be on Freevee, and vice versa. Additionally, Amazon has been known to shuffle content between the two platforms. Some shows might start on Freevee and then move to Prime Video (with additional seasons or episodes), while others might go the other way. This strategy keeps viewers engaged and encourages them to explore both services.
The Allure of Fewer Ads (Maybe)
Now, to the question: are there fewer commercials when watching the same series on Freevee compared to Prime Video? The answer is – it depends. Here’s why:
- Prime Video with Ads: In a recent move, Amazon started introducing ads even for Prime members on certain content within Prime Video. This has caused some confusion, as viewers with a paid subscription are now encountering ads they weren’t used to. However, it’s important to note that the ad load on Prime Video with ads is generally lighter than what you’d experience on Freevee.
- Freevee: As a free service, Freevee relies on ad revenue to sustain itself. This translates to a higher frequency of commercials compared to Prime Video with ads. The exact number of ads can vary depending on the program length, but expect commercial breaks every 5-10 minutes.
However, this next example, applies to most series that are accessible on each platform. In this instance we will talk about the British murder mystery series Midsomer Murders. The killing rates in Midsomer County are uncannily high. Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby solves these puzzling cases, with a different whodunit in every episode. We are not discussing the “LIVE NOW” option at this time. We are discussing the process of selecting episodes one at a time. In this instance, you will typically encounter less advertisements when watching on Freevee, particularly at night. While the commercial breaks on Prime can last up to 2.5 minutes, they are typically less than a minute on Freevee.
So, Where Do You Watch?
The decision of where to watch a show ultimately boils down to personal preference and budget.
- Freevee: Ideal for those who want a completely free streaming option and don’t mind watching ads.
- Prime Video: Better for those who value an ad-free experience (with some exceptions) and access to a wider library of content, including originals. Prime offers additional perks like faster shipping and exclusive deals, making the subscription fee more attractive for some.
A Work in Progress
The relationship between Prime Video and Freevee is still evolving. Amazon might be using Freevee to test the waters for a potential ad-supported tier within Prime Video itself. The recent introduction of ads for Prime members suggests this could be a future direction.
Overall, while Freevee offers a free way to access entertainment, Prime Video provides a more comprehensive and ad-light experience (for the most part) with a broader range of content. The key takeaway? Be prepared to navigate between the two platforms and understand their distinct offerings to get the most out of your Amazon streaming experience.