If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through Amazon, you might have come across a few different video services. It can get a little confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out what exactly comes with your Amazon Prime membership. One of the most common questions people have is about the relationship between Amazon Prime and the older-named “Amazon Instant Video.”
Let’s clear up the confusion right away. The short answer is yes, but the name has evolved. What was once known as Amazon Instant Video is now simply called Prime Video. It’s a core part of your Prime subscription, offering a massive library of movies and TV shows at no extra cost.
What Happened to Amazon Instant Video?
Amazon Instant Video was the original name for Amazon’s digital video store. You could rent or buy movies and TV episodes individually. However, the service that comes included with your Prime membership was always a separate, benefit called “Prime Instant Video.” To simplify things, Amazon eventually dropped the “Instant” and now calls the entire video platform Prime Video. So, when you see Prime Video today, it includes the vast included library that was once branded as Prime Instant Video.
What You Get with Prime Video
Your Prime membership unlocks a huge collection of movies and TV series. This includes popular Amazon Original series, award-winning films, and a rotating selection of classic and modern favorites. You can stream all of this content on virtually any device—your smart TV, phone, tablet, or gaming console. It’s all available for you to watch as much as you want, with no additional fees beyond your annual or monthly Prime cost.
Renting and Buying Movies on Amazon
It’s important to know that Amazon still operates a digital store where you can rent or buy videos that aren’t included with Prime. These transactions are separate. When you’re browsing, look for the Prime logo on a title. If it says “Included with Prime” or has a Prime checkmark, you can stream it for free. If not, you’ll see options to rent or buy. This is the modern version of the original “Instant Video” store, fully integrated into the Prime Video interface.
In short, your Amazon Prime subscription absolutely gives you access to a premier streaming service. While the name has changed from Amazon Instant Video to Prime Video, the value and entertainment are very much a central part of the package. You can start streaming a world of content the moment your Prime membership begins.
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