Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are two of the streaming giants, But unlike other platforms that have made deals with Amazon to appear on Prime Video Channels, Netflix has preferred to remain independent.
This has led many to wonder: Will you ever be able to watch Netflix for free if you're an Amazon Prime subscriber? Let's analyze it in detail, because the matter is complicated.
Amazon Prime Video: Your All-in-One Entertainment Hub
If you have an Amazon Prime subscription, you probably already know that Prime Video is included in the package. But what you may not know is that, in addition to its own original and licensed content, Amazon offers you the possibility to subscribe to other platforms directly from its interface. This feature is called Prime Video Channels, and lets you add services like HBO Max (now MAX), Paramount+, or Starz without having to create additional accounts or deal with multiple payment methods.
Obviously, this offer varies by country, but in general terms it is very broad. And Amazon's strategy with Prime Video Channels is quite simple but very effective: becoming an all-round entertainment hub where you can access all your favourite platforms without leaving Prime Video. This is beneficial for the platforms, because it gives them more visibility, and for Amazon, because it centralises the user experience. But what about Netflix? That's another story.
What platforms can you watch from Amazon Prime Video Channels?
Prime Video Channels has become a hub for tons of streaming services. Not only can you watch Amazon content, but you can subscribe to additional platforms and watch everything in one place. Here are some of the standouts:
- Max: If you're a fan of "Game of Thrones" or "The Last of Us," you'll be happy to know that you can subscribe to HBO Max directly from Prime Video.
- Apple TV+: Starting in October 2024, Apple TV+ joined Prime Video Channels in the US, allowing you to watch shows like “Ted Lasso” and “Severance” without leaving the Prime interface.
- Paramount+: Ideal for those looking for live and on-demand content, including sports and news.
- Starz: With exclusive series and new movies, it is available as an extra on Prime Video.
- Showtime: If you like intense series and quality movies, Showtime is another excellent option.
- Discovery+: Perfect for lovers of documentaries and non-fiction programs.
- AMC+: If you follow series like “The Walking Dead,” this channel is for you.
- MGM+: Classic films and recent releases under the MGM label.
- BritBox: The best of British television is available here.
- PBS Documentaries: If quality documentaries are your thing, this is an excellent option.
- CuriosityStream: Educational content and documentaries on science, technology and culture.
- Shudder: For lovers of horror and suspense.
- Mubi: Independent cinema and classics selected with great care.
- Acorn TV: Productions from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Canada.
- Sundance Now: Independent films and original series.
And the list just keeps growing. But unfortunately, Netflix is still unavailable, as is Disney+.
Is Netflix coming to Amazon Prime Video?
If so many platforms have arrived at Prime Video Channels, why not Netflix? The reality is that Netflix has opted for a different model. Unlike other platforms that have found an ally in Amazon to expand their audience, Netflix remains firm in its strategy of keeping users within its own ecosystem. They simply do not want to share their space with anyone, not even Amazon.
This makes sense from his point of view: Netflix is the leader in streaming and doesn't need Prime Video to attract subscribersUnlike Apple TV+ or Paramount+, which are looking to reach more people through Prime Video Channels, Netflix prefers to go its own way without depending on third parties.
Furthermore, Netflix is not only competing with Amazon in streaming, but also in technology, artificial intelligence and even in the cloud business (AWS vs. Netflix Open Connect). In that sense, "partnering" with Amazon could be seen as a strategic risk. However, Does this mean we'll never see Netflix inside Prime Video? Not necessarily. The streaming market is in a phase of evolution, and we have already seen how companies that once seemed irreconcilable have ended up collaborating. Netflix could change its mind if Prime Video Channels continues to grow and becomes a fundamental part of digital content consumption.
And free Netflix with Amazon Prime?
This is another dream of many users. After all, Amazon has offered benefits like free shipping, cloud storage, music, and even games. So what if it also included Netflix in the Amazon Prime package? The idea sounds nice, but it's unlikely. Not only has Netflix avoided integrating into Prime Video, it has also hardened its stance on issues like account sharing and reducing operating costs. Including Netflix in Prime means negotiating a multi-million dollar deal that, at the moment, doesn't seem to be on either company's radar.
The closest thing to this would be Netflix becoming a channel within Prime Video, but even then, you'll likely still have to pay an additional fee to access its content. Free, for now, doesn't seem to be an option. So, for now, it's unlikely we'll be watching Netflix for free from Amazon Prime Channels.
Netflix on Amazon Prime Video: a dream that will not come true
As we have explained, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video will continue to be competitors in the streaming market, at least for the foreseeable future.
While Amazon continues to add platforms to Prime Video Channels, Netflix remains firm in its independence and is unlikely to change its stance anytime soon.
Another thing is an explosion in the sector, with Netflix plummeting and Amazon absorbing its business model, but this is mere speculation. And if we look at the latest investor letter published by Netflix, where they indicate that during the fourth quarter of 2024, The company added 18,9 million new subscribers, bringing the total to 302 million worldwide, it's clear that they won't be doing the same…