Amazon takes on Netflix by offering Prime Video as standalone service

amazonAmazon is to offer video streaming of exclusive shows such as Transparent and The Man in the High Castle as a standalone service in the US for the first time as it tries to make up ground on Netflix.

The online retailer had previously offered Prime Video in the US as part of its Prime package, which also includes next day shipping and other perks, for $99 (£70) a year. It has quietly offered a monthly version for £5.99 in the UK, but will begin promoting the option more strongly, according to reports.

US users will now be able to pay $8.99 a month for Amazon’s video, and get Prime as a monthly option for $10.99. The move is a clear attempt to catch up with Netflix, which has led the way in video streaming by offering a cut-price monthly service while also spending big on original content such as House of Cards, Better Call Saul and Marvel superhero spinoff series including Daredevil and Jessica Jones.

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