• Source:JND
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Tomorrow, June 17, Amazon Prime Video India will begin serving ads across its films and series, a step that lines up with the companys worldwide money-making plan and changes the way Indian viewers engage with the service.

Although the ad breaks will be limited, Amazon is rolling out a new premium upgrade that keeps content ad-free; first subscribers will get the add-on at a discounted launch price. 

What’s Changing?

Starting June 17, most Prime Video titles in India will carry advertising by default. The company pledges that the number of spots will be far lighter than what people encounter on standard television or even on some rival streaming apps. The shift follows a broader industry move toward dual-tier plans, which give platforms room to cover soaring production costs while still chasing profit.

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How to Remove Ads: Discounted Upgrade Now Available

To enjoy distraction-free viewing, viewers can add Amazon's new ad-free upgrade, launching tomorrow with the advertising rollout. Pricing is as follows:

  • Rs. 129/month
  • Rs. 699/year (introductory price; down from Rs. 999 annually)

The option is open to all Prime members and can be activated through the Prime Video app or website.

Existing Prime Memberships Stay Unchanged

Amazon has confirmed that the base Prime membership price in India will not increase. Members will continue to enjoy benefits such as:

  • Free and fast delivery
  • Access to Prime Music
  • Early access to deals
  • Streaming on Prime Video (now with ads unless upgraded)

This makes India one of the few markets where the standard subscription cost remains unchanged despite the ad integration.

Why Ads, and Why Now?

Amazon explains that advertising revenue will enable larger investments in original programming and help expand operations in India, one of its fastest-growing regions. Worldwide, the ad-supported version of Prime Video now reaches over 130 million viewers each month, an increase of 15 million since early 2024.

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The decision mirrors a larger trend sweeping the streaming sector. Rivals such as Netflix and Disney+ have rolled out ad-supported tiers to create new income channels and give subscribers more wallet-friendly options.

Final Thoughts

As Amazon Prime Video launches its advertising model in India tomorrow, subscribers face a clear choice: retain the basic package with modest ads or move up to the premium tier for uninterrupted viewing. Set at a reasonable rate, the ad-free upgrade suggests Amazon believes most customers will spend a bit extra for a smoother, ad-free experience.