Amazon’s streaming platform has undergone several name changes over the years, which can make it challenging for users to keep track of what to call it. For those who rely on the e-commerce giant’s entertainment offerings, the distinction between terms like Amazon Instant Video and Prime Video may still cause some confusion.
As of today, the service operates under two primary labels Prime Video and Amazon Video each representing a different tier of access. Here’s a clear breakdown of what these names mean and how the services function.
A Brief History Of Name Changes
The evolution of Amazon’s streaming service names reflects the company’s efforts to streamline its branding. Initially launched in 2006 as Amazon Unbox, the platform was rebranded to Amazon Video on Demand in 2008.
By 2011, it became Amazon Instant Video. Then, in the fall of 2015, Amazon simplified things further: Prime Instant Video became Prime Video, and Amazon Instant Video was shortened to Amazon Video.
According to an Amazon spokesperson at the time, dropping "Instant" was intended to make the names more straightforward and user-friendly.
Prime Video
Prime Video is the streaming service bundled with an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $99 annually. This tier provides subscribers with access to a wide range of content at no additional charge beyond the membership fee. Included are Amazon’s original series, such as Bosch, The New Yorker Presents, The Man in the High Castle, and Mozart in the Jungle.
Beyond originals, Prime Video offers tens of thousands of TV shows and movies, including popular titles like The Americans, Girls, Downton Abbey, and films such as Interstellar, Amy, and Ex Machina. The library is updated monthly with new additions to keep the selection fresh.
For those seeking even more options, Prime Video allows users to purchase add-on subscriptions. These include premium channels like Showtime ($8.99/month), Starz ($8.99/month), Acorn TV ($4.99/month), and Comedy Central Stand-Up Plus ($3.99/month), among others. This flexibility lets subscribers tailor their viewing experience to their preferences.
Amazon Video
Amazon Video, on the other hand, serves as the broader platform for all paid content. It operates as a digital storefront where users can rent or purchase individual TV episodes, movies, and other titles.
While Prime members can stream a subset of Amazon Video’s library for free (marked accordingly when browsing), the majority of this content requires separate payment. Like Prime Video, Amazon Video also receives monthly updates with new releases available for rent or purchase.
For example, in March, new titles joining the Amazon Video catalog included acclaimed films like Room, The Danish Girl, Spotlight, and Brooklyn, alongside TV series such as Better Call Saul and Deadliest Catch.
Additionally, select shows like Awkward, Legend, and Raised Human offer episodes available the day after they air on traditional broadcast networks. A full list of March additions can be found through Amazon’s official announcements.
A Pattern Of Evolution
Amazon’s streaming service has a history of adapting its identity to better suit its growing audience. From its origins as Amazon Unbox to its current dual-tier structure, the company has consistently refined how it presents its video offerings.
The 2015 shift to Prime Video and Amazon Video marked a significant step toward clarity, distinguishing between the membership perk and the broader transactional platform.
For users, understanding these distinctions can enhance their experience with Amazon’s entertainment ecosystem. Whether you’re a Prime subscriber enjoying included perks or a casual viewer renting the latest blockbuster, knowing the terminology ensures you’re navigating the service with confidence.
