What is Amazon Prime Video and how does it work? This guide covers Amazon Prime Video 2026 U.S. pricing, the 30-day free trial, how to sign up, Prime for Young Adults with a 6-month $0 trial, Prime Video Ultra, and Amazon Prime benefits including fast delivery, Amazon Music, Amazon Photos, Grubhub+ and more.
What Is Amazon Prime Video? 2026 Prices, Free Trial, How to Sign Up & Prime Membership Benefits
If you shop on Amazon in the U.S., you have probably seen offers such as “Try Prime,” “Prime Video,” or “Start your free trial.”
But if you are new to Amazon, you may have a few questions:
What exactly is Amazon Prime Video?
Is it the same thing as Amazon Prime?
Do you need to pay extra for Prime Video after joining Amazon Prime?
The easiest way to understand it is this:
Amazon Prime is Amazon’s full membership program, while Prime Video is its video streaming service.
In the U.S., the basic Prime Video benefit is included with a standard Amazon Prime membership. Prime members also receive other benefits such as eligible fast delivery, Prime-exclusive deals, Amazon Music, Amazon Photos, Grubhub+ and more.
If you already shop on Amazon regularly, Prime Video is one of the biggest entertainment benefits included with Prime.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase or sign up through an Amazon link in this article, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
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What Is Amazon Prime Video?
Prime Video is Amazon’s video streaming service.
It is similar in some ways to Netflix, Disney+ and Hulu, allowing users to watch content through a web browser, phone, tablet, Smart TV, supported game consoles and streaming devices.
Prime Video brings together several types of content in one app, including:
Movies
TV Series
Amazon Originals
Amazon MGM Studios titles
Live Sports
Sports Documentaries
Third-party Streaming Subscriptions
Movie and TV Rentals
Movie and TV Purchases
Free ad-supported channels
Prime Video has evolved into more than just Amazon’s version of Netflix. It now functions as a broader streaming hub where users can watch included content, subscribe to additional services, rent titles and purchase movies or shows.
What Is the Difference Between Amazon Prime and Prime Video?
This is one of the most common areas of confusion.
Amazon Prime is the full membership.
Prime Video is the streaming service.
When you join Amazon Prime, basic Prime Video access is included, but Prime also includes many shopping, delivery and lifestyle benefits that have nothing to do with streaming.
These may include:
Prime Fast & Free Delivery
Same-Day Delivery
One-Day Delivery
Prime Exclusive Deals
Prime Day
Prime Video
Amazon Music
Amazon Photos
Prime Reading
Amazon Luna
Grubhub+
Fuel Savings
Amazon Family
If you already shop frequently on Amazon, it can make sense to compare the full Prime membership rather than looking only at Prime Video.
What Can You Watch on Prime Video?
Prime Video content varies by country and licensing region.
In the U.S., Prime Video offers a large selection of movies, series, Amazon Originals and live sports.
Well-known Amazon MGM Studios and Original titles include:
Fallout
Reacher
The Boys
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Beast Games
Road House
Heads of State
The Accountant 2
Red One
Availability may change depending on licensing, location and release schedules.
Can You Watch the NBA on Prime Video?
Yes, but not every NBA game is necessarily available on Prime Video.
NBA coverage is now part of Prime Video’s live sports lineup in the U.S.
Prime Video sports offerings may also include selected:
NFL
NBA
WNBA
NASCAR
NWSL
The Masters
Whether a specific NBA game is available depends on the season, broadcast rights, matchup, local restrictions and schedule.
NFL Thursday Night Football
Prime Video is also strongly associated with NFL Thursday Night Football in the United States.
For football fans, this means Prime Video can offer more value than movies and TV series alone.
However, live sports may have different advertising rules than standard movies and shows.
Even with Prime Video Ultra, some live events and certain ad-supported programming may still include advertisements.
Can You Add HBO Max or Apple TV Through Prime Video?
Yes.
Prime Video also offers third-party subscription services inside the Prime Video ecosystem.
Available U.S. subscriptions may include services such as:
HBO Max
Apple TV
MGM+
Peacock Premium Plus
FOX One
Crunchyroll
Paramount+
These subscriptions are generally not included free with a standard Amazon Prime membership.
If you add one, you normally pay the separate subscription price for that service.
One advantage is that you may be able to manage and watch multiple streaming subscriptions through the Prime Video app instead of using a different app for every service.
Seeing a Movie on Prime Video Does Not Mean It Is Included With Prime
This is very important.
The Prime Video app can display several different types of content at the same time:
Included with Prime
Movies that require a rental
Movies that require a purchase
Third-party subscription content
Free ad-supported programming
FAST Channels
So if a movie appears in Prime Video search results, that does not automatically mean your Prime membership includes it.
Check the title page for labels such as “Included with Prime” or for Rent, Buy or Subscribe options.
Customers without Prime can also rent or purchase selected movies and shows through the Prime Video Store.
How Do You Sign Up for Amazon Prime Video?
If you want to use Prime Video through a full Amazon Prime membership, the sign-up process is straightforward.
Typical steps include:
Go to Amazon Prime
Choose “Start your free trial” or “Join Prime”
Sign in to your Amazon account
Create an Amazon account if you do not already have one
Add a valid payment method
Choose or confirm your membership plan
Complete your registration
Start using Prime Video
You can generally begin through Amazon Prime or through the Prime Video app.
👉 Check the current Amazon Prime and Prime Video membership options (Amazon affiliate link)
What Devices Support Prime Video?
Prime Video works on a wide range of compatible devices.
Common options include:
iPhone
iPad
Android Phones
Android Tablets
Computers
Smart TVs
Fire TV
Selected Streaming Devices
Selected Game Consoles
If you already have a Smart TV, check its app store to see whether Prime Video is available.
Can You Download Prime Video Shows for Offline Viewing?
Yes.
Selected eligible Prime Video content can be downloaded for offline viewing.
This can be useful for:
Flights
Long trips
Commuting
Areas with unreliable Wi-Fi
College dorms with unstable internet
Under Amazon’s current 2026 plan structure, standard Prime Video benefits can support up to 50 offline downloads, while Prime Video Ultra can support up to 100.
Actual limits may still depend on the title, device and licensing restrictions.
Does Prime Video Have Ads?
Yes.
In the U.S., standard Prime Video movies and shows may include limited advertisements.
That means:
Having Amazon Prime does not automatically mean all Prime Video content is completely ad-free.
Amazon now offers a separate upgrade called Prime Video Ultra for customers who want an ad-free experience and additional video features.
What Is Prime Video Ultra?
Prime Video Ultra is Amazon’s premium Prime Video upgrade in the U.S.
It replaced the previous Ad Free subscription option.
Prime Video Ultra includes benefits such as:
Ad-Free Viewing
UHD / 4K
Dolby Atmos
Up to 5 Concurrent Streams
Up to 100 Offline Downloads
Prime Video Ultra is not a complete Amazon Prime membership by itself.
You still need an eligible Prime or Prime Video subscription in order to add Ultra.
Does Standard Prime Video Include 4K?
There is an important 2026 change to understand.
Under Amazon’s current plan comparison, standard Prime Video benefits include:
HD
HDR10
HDR10+
Dolby Vision
UHD / 4K and Dolby Atmos are listed as Prime Video Ultra features.
If you care about 4K movies, a high-end TV or Dolby Atmos home theater audio, compare the Prime Video Ultra plan before subscribing.
How Many People Can Stream Prime Video at the Same Time?
Under Amazon’s current plan structure:
Standard Prime Video benefit:
Up to 4 concurrent streams
Prime Video Ultra:
Up to 5 concurrent streams
Some individual titles, devices and third-party subscriptions may have their own restrictions.
What Other Benefits Come With Amazon Prime?
If you think of Amazon Prime only as a streaming subscription, you are missing a large part of the membership.
Amazon Prime combines:
Shopping
Delivery
Video
Music
Reading
Photo storage
Gaming
Food delivery
Lifestyle benefits
into one membership.
Prime Fast & Free Delivery
Prime’s most recognizable benefit is still delivery.
Eligible Prime products may qualify for fast and free shipping, and many popular products may offer Same-Day or One-Day Delivery depending on the item and location.
This can be useful if you regularly buy:
Household products
Cleaning supplies
Home goods
Beauty products
Electronics
School supplies
Pet supplies
Same-Day Delivery
Some eligible products and U.S. locations support Same-Day Delivery.
That means an order placed earlier in the day may arrive on the same day.
Eligibility can depend on:
ZIP Code
Product
Inventory
Order value
Order time
Delivery region
Not every Amazon product qualifies for Same-Day Delivery.
Prime Day
Prime Day is one of Amazon’s best-known Prime-member shopping events.
Prime members can access Prime Day and other member-exclusive shopping promotions.
If you frequently shop for:
Electronics
Beauty
Home
Kitchen
Amazon Devices
School Supplies
Dorm Essentials
Prime Day can be an important time to watch for deals.
Early Access to Lightning Deals
Prime members may receive early access to selected Lightning Deals before non-Prime shoppers.
For limited-stock popular items, earlier access can occasionally make a meaningful difference.
Amazon Music
Prime membership also includes certain Amazon Music benefits.
Prime members can access a large music and podcast catalog under the Amazon Music benefits included with Prime.
However, Amazon Music Prime and Amazon Music Unlimited are not the same product.
If you want the full Music Unlimited feature set, compare the current Amazon Music plans separately.
Amazon Photos
Amazon Photos is one of the lesser-known Prime benefits.
Prime members currently receive unlimited full-resolution photo storage as part of their eligible Amazon Photos benefits.
If you take a large number of photos on your phone, this can add real value to the membership.
Prime Reading
Prime also provides access to selected books, comics and reading content.
However:
Prime Reading is not the same as Kindle Unlimited.
They are separate services.
If your main goal is reading a large Kindle catalog, compare Kindle Unlimited separately.
Amazon Luna and Gaming Benefits
Amazon Prime also includes selected gaming-related benefits.
Depending on Amazon’s current program, benefits may include Amazon Luna, cloud gaming and eligible Twitch-related perks.
If you play games, Prime can include more than just shopping and video.
Grubhub+ Membership
This is one of the more useful U.S. Prime benefits that many customers overlook.
Eligible U.S. Prime members can access Grubhub+ benefits, which may include $0 delivery fees on qualifying orders.
This can be useful for:
College students
People without a car
Frequent food-delivery customers
Always check the current Grubhub+ and Amazon Prime terms for eligibility.
Amazon Prime Fuel Savings
Prime membership may also include fuel savings at participating U.S. locations.
Eligible Prime members can currently save on fuel at participating:
bp
Amoco
ampm
Thorntons
locations.
Participating stations, savings amounts and eligibility can change, so check Amazon’s current program details.
Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods
Prime benefits may also extend to selected Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market shopping and delivery offers.
Availability can vary based on:
ZIP Code
Order minimums
Same-Day Delivery availability
Membership offers
Service area
Log in to your Amazon account to check what is available in your area.
Can You Share Amazon Prime With Family?
Amazon Family can allow eligible household members to share selected Prime benefits.
Depending on Amazon’s current rules, Prime members may be able to share a range of benefits with another adult and access selected digital content such as Prime Video, Kindle eBooks, audiobooks or games through family-sharing features.
Actual sharing rules and limitations can change, so check Amazon Family’s current terms.
College Students Can Check Prime for Young Adults
If you are a U.S. college student or between ages 18 and 24, you may not need to pay the standard Amazon Prime price.
Amazon currently offers Prime for Young Adults for eligible young adults and higher-education students.
Eligible members can receive many of the main Prime benefits at a lower membership price.
Prime for Young Adults may include:
Prime Delivery
Prime Video
Amazon Music
Amazon Photos
Books
Games
Grubhub+
Other eligible Prime offers
How Does Prime for Young Adults Verification Work?
Eligible users ages 18 to 24 may be able to verify their age with documents such as:
Driver’s License
Passport
Identity Card
Eligible higher-education students may also be able to verify student status using an .edu email address or other accepted verification methods.
International students studying in the U.S. may want to check their own Amazon account to see whether they qualify.
Who Is Prime Video Best For?
Prime Video may be especially useful for:
People who already shop on Amazon
Existing Amazon Prime members
Fans of Amazon Originals
People who watch Reacher, Fallout or The Boys
Viewers interested in selected NBA or NFL live sports
U.S. college students
International students in the U.S.
Families that regularly use Amazon delivery
People who want shopping and entertainment benefits in one membership
If you already need Prime shipping, Prime Video becomes an additional major entertainment benefit within the same membership.
If You Only Want Movies, Do You Need Full Amazon Prime?
Not necessarily.
Amazon also offers a standalone Prime Video subscription option.
If you:
Do not shop on Amazon
Do not need Prime Delivery
Do not care about Prime Day
Do not need other Amazon Prime benefits
Only want to stream Prime Video
then comparing the Prime Video-only plan with a full Amazon Prime membership makes sense.
However, if you already order regularly from Amazon in the U.S., the full Prime membership may offer better overall value.
👉 Check the latest Amazon Prime and Prime Video plans (Amazon affiliate link)
How Does the Amazon Prime Free Trial Work?
Eligible new members may see an Amazon Prime Free Trial offer.
The usual process is:
Sign in to your Amazon account
Open Amazon Prime
Check whether a Free Trial is available
Choose “Start your free trial”
Add a valid payment method
Confirm the trial
Start using Prime Video and other Prime benefits
If you do not cancel before the trial ends, the membership will normally renew automatically under the selected paid plan.
If you only want to try the service, pay attention to the renewal date shown in your account.
Amazon Prime Video 2026 Prices, Free Trial and Membership Plans
The following information is based on current U.S. Amazon membership structures.
Standard Amazon Prime:
US$14.99 per month
or
US$139 per year
Basic Prime Video benefits are included with Amazon Prime.
Eligible new Amazon Prime members may currently receive:
30-Day Free Trial
Actual free-trial eligibility depends on what Amazon displays for your specific account.
Prime Video-only:
US$8.99 per month
This option may make sense for people who only want Prime Video and do not need the broader Prime shopping and delivery benefits.
Prime for Young Adults:
Designed for eligible customers ages 18 to 24 and eligible higher-education students.
Eligible new members may currently receive:
6 Months at US$0
After the trial:
US$7.49 per month
or
US$69 per year
Prime Video Ultra:
US$4.99 per month
Requires an eligible Prime or Prime Video subscription.
Prime Video Ultra adds:
Ad-Free Viewing
UHD / 4K
Dolby Atmos
Up to 5 Concurrent Streams
Up to 100 Offline Downloads
Eligible annual Prime members may also see an annual Prime Video Ultra option.
Membership prices, free trials, eligibility requirements, promotions and benefits may change at any time.
👉 Check Amazon Prime and Prime Video 2026 prices and free-trial offers (Amazon affiliate link)
Image Source：
Amazon Prime, Prime Video and publicly available information from About Amazon.
Disclaimer：
This article is based on publicly available information from Amazon Prime, Prime Video, Prime for Young Adults, Prime Video Ultra, About Amazon and Amazon.com. Prime Video movies, TV shows, Amazon Originals, live sports, third-party subscriptions, channels, supported devices, streaming quality, advertising, download limits, concurrent streams, Prime benefits, delivery services, Grubhub+, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, fuel savings, membership pricing, free trials, promotions, Cash Back offers, membership eligibility and service areas may change based on Amazon policies, licensing agreements, region and time.
Prime Video content, Amazon Prime pricing and membership benefits may differ by country and region. This article primarily covers Amazon’s U.S. membership offerings. Always check the latest information displayed in your Amazon account, Prime Video app and Amazon checkout pages before subscribing or purchasing.
Affiliate Disclosure：
This article contains Amazon Associates affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase or sign up through an Amazon link included in this article, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sources：
Amazon Prime
Prime Video
Prime Video Ultra
Prime for Young Adults
Amazon Customer Service
About Amazon
Amazon Associates Program
