Amazon Video gets even better with Showtime, Starz and more
Amazon Prime just got a lot better, as the company has announced a new Streaming Partners Program. Through this subscription-based offering, Amazon Prime members can now add Showtime, Starz, and dozens more video services to their membership, and content creators have a new set of highly-engaged viewers without the hassle of subscriber acquisitions.
Amazon Prime members can benefit from free trials, self-service cancellation of any subscription, and special pricing. Subscriptions to Showtime and Starz are only $8.99 per month. Michael Paull, vice president of digital video at Amazon, pointed out the benefit that the Streaming Partner Program brings to both content creators and consumers:
The way people watch TV is changing, and customers need an easier way to subscribe to and enjoy multiple streaming subscriptions. 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.
David Nevins, president of Showtime Networks Inc., said that “By marrying Showtime with the powerhouse retail capabilities of Amazon, we continue to greatly expand our footprint, making sure our service is available to new customers whenever and however they want to reach us.”
Initial launch partners, aside from Showtime and Starz, include the following:
- A&E Network (Lifetime Movie Club)
- AMC (Shudder and Sundance Now Doc Club)
- Gaia
- RLJ Entertainment (Acorn TV, Urban Movie Channel, Acacia TV)
- DramaFever Instant
- Tribeca Short List
- Cinedigm (Dove Channel, Docurama, CONtv)
- Smithsonian Earth
- IndieFlix Shorts
- Curiosity Stream
- Qello
- FlixFling (Cinefest, Nature Vision, Warriors and Gangsters, Dox, Monsters and Nightmares)
- BroadbandTV (Hooplakidz Plus)
- DEFY Media (ScreenJunkies Plus)
- Gravitas (Film Forum, Daring Docs, Fear Factory)
- Ring TV Boxing
All we need now is an Amazon Video app for the Apple TV, something the rumor mill says is coming within a few weeks. In the meantime, the entire range of selections can be accessed through the Amazon Video app on televisions, streaming media players, iOS devices, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Fire tablets, along with online at Amazon’s Web page for the video service.
