Amazon Prime Members Can Now Add Showtime, Starz To Their Streaming Portfolio
Amazon Prime started out as a nifty little program that offered members free 2-day shipping on millions of qualifying items. That perk still applies, though Prime has become so much more. It's also worked its way up to a full fledged streaming video service, and through a new partnership program that ties in with Prime, members can bundle in premium content from the likes of Showtime, Starz, and others.
Showtime and Starz both run $8.99 per month. That's a couple bucks cheaper than it costs to stream Showtime through iTunes or Google Play, both of which charge $10.99 per month for Showtime. And for Starz, this is the first time it's been available to consumers without having to pony up for a pay TV subscription.
Both are part of Amazon's newly announced Streaming Partners Program. It kicks off with nearly 20 partners, all of which are available with a free trial and come with "special Prime member pricing" after that.
"The way people watch TV is changing, and customers need an easier way to subscribe to and enjoy multiple streaming subscriptions," said Michael Paull, Vice President of Digital Video at Amazon. "With the Streaming Partners Program, we’re making it easy for video providers to reach highly engaged Prime members, many of whom are already frequent streamers, and we’re making it easier for viewers to watch their favorite shows and channels."
Amazon is tapping into the growing market of cord cutters. While it's too early to make any kind of determination, the competition has reason to be worried. Even at this beginning stage, Amazon is leveraging its size by negotiating lower pricing than what's available elsewhere. Plus, being part of Prime carries all kinds of other benefits. If Amazon goes at this full steam, it could become a force in the streaming market.
Showtime and Starz both run $8.99 per month. That's a couple bucks cheaper than it costs to stream Showtime through iTunes or Google Play, both of which charge $10.99 per month for Showtime. And for Starz, this is the first time it's been available to consumers without having to pony up for a pay TV subscription.
Both are part of Amazon's newly announced Streaming Partners Program. It kicks off with nearly 20 partners, all of which are available with a free trial and come with "special Prime member pricing" after that.
"The way people watch TV is changing, and customers need an easier way to subscribe to and enjoy multiple streaming subscriptions," said Michael Paull, Vice President of Digital Video at Amazon. "With the Streaming Partners Program, we’re making it easy for video providers to reach highly engaged Prime members, many of whom are already frequent streamers, and we’re making it easier for viewers to watch their favorite shows and channels."
Amazon is tapping into the growing market of cord cutters. While it's too early to make any kind of determination, the competition has reason to be worried. Even at this beginning stage, Amazon is leveraging its size by negotiating lower pricing than what's available elsewhere. Plus, being part of Prime carries all kinds of other benefits. If Amazon goes at this full steam, it could become a force in the streaming market.
