How to Banish Those Pesky Ads: Removing Commercials from Amazon Prime Video

Want to enjoy uninterrupted binge-watching on Amazon Prime Video? The straightforward answer is: subscribe to the Ad-Free Prime Video option. As of January 29, 2024, Amazon introduced ads into their Prime Video streaming service for all subscribers unless they choose to pay an additional fee. This fee, typically $2.99 per month in the U.S., allows you to enjoy your favorite shows and movies without commercial interruptions. However, there are a couple of caveats and nuances to consider, which we’ll explore in detail below.

Understanding the Prime Video Ad Situation

The shift to include ads wasn’t exactly met with open arms. For years, a key selling point of Amazon Prime was its ad-free viewing experience. The introduction of ads aimed, according to Amazon, to allow them to “continue investing in compelling content and keep increasing that investment over a long period of time.” Regardless of the reasoning, understanding how it impacts your viewing experience is crucial.

The ads primarily appear before and during movies and TV shows within the Prime Video library. This means content you previously enjoyed without interruptions will now be interspersed with commercials unless you take action. Content purchased or rented through Prime Video is not impacted by these ads.

The Ad-Free Prime Video Option: Your Primary Solution

The official and recommended method to remove ads from Prime Video is to upgrade to the Ad-Free Prime Video subscription. Here’s how to do it:

1. Navigate to Your Account: Go to the Amazon website and log in to your account.
2. Access Your Prime Membership: Find the “Prime” section in your account settings.
3. Look for the Ad-Free Option: You should see an option to “Go Ad-Free” or a similar phrase related to removing ads from Prime Video.
4. Confirm and Subscribe: Follow the on-screen prompts to subscribe to the Ad-Free Prime Video option. This will typically involve confirming your payment details and accepting the terms of service.

Once you’ve subscribed, the ads should disappear from your Prime Video viewing experience. It’s worth noting that this subscription applies to your entire Amazon account, meaning anyone using your Prime benefits will also enjoy ad-free viewing.

Alternatives & Workarounds (Use With Caution)

While subscribing to the Ad-Free option is the cleanest and most reliable solution, some users explore alternative methods. Be warned: these methods are often unreliable, can violate Amazon’s terms of service, and might not work consistently.

1. Contacting Amazon Customer Support

Some users have reported limited success in contacting Amazon customer support and requesting a temporary or permanent removal of ads. This is not a guaranteed method, and your mileage may vary. It typically involves expressing dissatisfaction with the introduction of ads and explaining your loyalty as a long-time Prime member. However, don’t expect a miracle – this is more of a Hail Mary pass than a solid strategy.

2. Using Ad Blockers (Limited Effectiveness)

Ad blockers designed for web browsers might block some ads on Prime Video if you’re watching on a computer. However, they are unlikely to work on streaming devices like smart TVs, Roku, or Fire TV sticks. Furthermore, Amazon is constantly updating its ad delivery methods, so ad blockers may become ineffective over time. Moreover, using ad blockers to circumvent paid services like this is often a violation of terms of service and potentially unethical.

3. Watching Content Purchased or Rented

As mentioned earlier, content that you purchase or rent on Prime Video will not contain ads. This could be a viable workaround for specific movies or TV shows you really want to watch ad-free, but it’s not a practical solution for the entire Prime Video library.

4. Exploring Other Streaming Services

If the ads are a major annoyance and you’re unwilling to pay extra, you might consider exploring alternative streaming services that offer ad-free viewing as part of their base subscription. This is a drastic step, but it might be the best option if ad-free viewing is a top priority.

FAQs: Addressing Your Prime Video Ad Concerns

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the Prime Video ad situation:

1. Why did Amazon add ads to Prime Video?

Amazon states that the move allows them to invest more in content and keep costs low for Prime members overall. Essentially, they’re using ad revenue to subsidize their content creation and distribution.

2. How much does the Ad-Free Prime Video option cost?

In the U.S., the Ad-Free Prime Video option typically costs $2.99 per month on top of your existing Prime membership fee. This price may vary by region.

3. Will the ads be shown on all Prime Video content?

Ads are primarily shown on movies and TV shows included in the Prime Video library. Content you purchase or rent is typically ad-free.

4. Can I remove ads permanently without paying extra?

Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to permanently remove ads from Prime Video without subscribing to the Ad-Free option. Contacting customer support might yield temporary results, but it’s not reliable.

5. Does the Ad-Free option apply to all devices?

Yes, the Ad-Free Prime Video subscription applies to your entire Amazon account. As long as you’re logged in with the same account, you should enjoy ad-free viewing on all devices.

6. What about content on Freevee or other ad-supported services within Prime Video?

The Ad-Free Prime Video option only removes ads from the Prime Video library itself. Ad-supported services like Freevee will still contain ads, even with the Ad-Free Prime Video subscription.

7. Are there any exceptions to the ad-free guarantee?

Amazon states that live events may still contain ads, even with the Ad-Free option. This is common practice across most streaming platforms.

8. I already pay for Amazon Prime; why should I pay more to remove ads?

This is a valid frustration. Amazon argues that the added revenue allows them to continue investing in content. Ultimately, the decision to pay extra is a personal one based on your value of ad-free viewing.

9. How do I cancel the Ad-Free Prime Video subscription?

You can cancel the Ad-Free Prime Video subscription through your Amazon account settings, similar to how you signed up. Navigate to your Prime membership and look for options to manage or cancel the Ad-Free add-on.

10. Will the price of the Ad-Free option increase in the future?

While there’s no way to predict the future, it’s possible that Amazon could adjust the price of the Ad-Free Prime Video option. Keep an eye on your account statements for any notifications of price changes.

11. Are there ads on Prime Video Kids profiles?

The same ad policy applies to Kids profiles. If you have the ad-supported version of Prime Video, Kids profiles will also see commercials. You’ll need the Ad-Free Prime Video option to remove ads from Kids profiles.

12. Can I get a refund if I’m not happy with the ads?

Contacting Amazon customer service is your best bet for exploring refund options. While there’s no guarantee, they may offer a partial refund or credit depending on your situation. Be polite and explain your concerns clearly.

The Verdict: Weighing Your Options

Ultimately, removing commercials from Amazon Prime Video boils down to a financial decision: is ad-free viewing worth the extra $2.99 per month (or the equivalent in your region)? The official Ad-Free Prime Video option provides the most reliable and hassle-free solution. While alternative methods exist, they are often unreliable and may violate Amazon’s terms of service. Consider your viewing habits, budget, and tolerance for ads when making your choice. Happy streaming!