Amazon recently introduced ads to its Prime Video streaming service, but now it’s taking things a step further. Three new types of ads are set to invade the platform: carousel ads, pause ads, and trivia ads, all designed to drive viewers from Prime Video to Amazon’s main digital storefront.
Carousel ads will allow advertisers to display multiple products in a sliding lineup during commercial breaks. Pause ads, similar to those seen on Hulu and YouTube, will appear when viewers pause their show or film, providing links to products on Amazon’s store and even offering the option to Add to Cart. Trivia ads will provide product information and offer rewards for completing tasks related to the advertised product.
While these ads haven’t yet appeared on Prime Video, Amazon is gearing up to introduce them during an upcoming advertising upfront. If advertisers show interest, viewers may soon encounter these ads on the platform.
For many, these ads are more than just an annoyance; they disrupt the viewing experience and raise concerns about privacy and targeted advertising. Some viewers, like myself, have decided to cancel their Amazon Prime subscriptions due to these changes.
Although Prime offers various benefits beyond video streaming, such as next-day delivery and access to Amazon Music and Twitch Prime, many subscribers may find these benefits underutilized. Canceling your subscription and opting for occasional month-long subscriptions to binge-watch new releases can save money and spare you from intrusive advertisements.
