Ads are coming to Prime Video India unless you pay Rs 699 extra

After nearly a decade of uninterrupted viewing, Prime Video India is set to enter a new phase of its streaming journey introducing limited advertisements starting 17 June 2025. While this shift marks the end of an ad-free era for Indian subscribers, it reflects a broader evolution in the streaming industry, where content investment and revenue diversification have become crucial for long-term sustainability. Amazon has clarified that ads will be “meaningfully fewer” than those on television or other OTT platforms, ensuring that the viewing experience remains largely seamless. Interestingly, the price of Prime membership remains unchanged, offering users the flexibility to pay an additional ₹699 annually or ₹129 monthly for an uninterrupted, ad-free option. The move is not entirely surprising, aligning with Amazon’s global strategy which saw similar rollouts in major markets like the US and UK. With the integration of MX Player into Prime’s content ecosystem and a history of ad-supported live sports streaming, the company has been laying the groundwork for this transition. As platforms like JioCinema, Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV, and ZEE5 embrace the hybrid model of paid and ad-supported tiers, Prime Video’s entry signals a strategic pivot to stay competitive. This change is less about disruption and more about evolution where premium content, smart monetization, and viewer choice converge. In the end, it’s a new chapter for Prime Video India where ads meet ambition, and storytelling continues to lead the way.