Freevee, a free, ad-supported video streaming service that was first introduced by Amazon over five years ago under the IMDb name, is being shut down officially. Over the next weeks, Freevee will gradually be absorbed into Amazon Prime Video.
Freevee began as IMDb Freedive in 2019 which became IMDb TV which was eventually turned into Freevee again in 2022. It became rather well-known for more reasons than only offering free access to a variety of Prime Video series however it did not last long.
The AD-based model did not come across popular shows and eventually failed to retain the audience and as a result, its profitability came into question and Amazon finally dissolved it.
“We have built Prime Video into a first-stop entertainment destination where customers can personalize their viewing experience by streaming exclusive Prime member entertainment produced by Amazon MGM Studios, licensed movies, and series, content from other services as an add-on subscription, live sports, blockbuster movies and series to rent or buy, FAST Channels and the complete Amazon Freevee content offering.” read their statement.
Fast forward to 2024, Amazon was questioned for introducing ADs in Prime Video which is already a paid service. This sparked speculations that Freevee might bite the dust and finally, that day has come.