Amazon primed to launch free ad-funded streaming service

Amazon original: American Gods

Amazon is developing a free, ad-supported version of its video streaming service, Prime Video, Ad Age has reported.

According to people familiar with its plans, the online giant is currently in talks with TV networks, film studios and other media companies about providing programming to the new service.

Amazon is also said to be discussing the possibility of giving content creators their own channels and sharing ad revenue in exchange for a set number of hours of content each week.

Prime Video currently has an estimated 50 million subscribers and costs £7.99 per month – or £79 per year.

Original content includes American Gods, The Grand Tour, Sneaky Pete and The Man in the High Castle.

Amazon also announced this week that it has acquired the rights to produce a multi-season TV adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.