Amazon Prime Video Ads Hit 315 Million Viewers, Surpassing Netflix in Key Metric

Amazon’s Prime Video has reached 315 million monthly viewers for its ad-supported tier. This milestone was announced by the company this week. The data reflects the platform’s global reach over the past year.

The figure marks a massive jump from just 200 million viewers reported in early 2024. This growth underscores the rapid adoption of ad-supported streaming. It also highlights a major shift in how major platforms generate revenue.

A Transformative Milestone for Streaming Advertising

Jeremy Helfand, Vice President of Prime Video advertising, called it a transformative milestone. He credited a customer-focused approach to the viewing experience. The service is now active in 16 countries worldwide.

According to internal data reviewed by Reuters, the U.S. audience alone exceeds 130 million. This includes viewers of original series, live sports, and free ad-supported channels. The expansion offers brands a powerful and scaled advertising opportunity.

Prime Video introduced ads as a default for all U.S. users in early 2024. Subscribers can pay an extra fee to remove commercials. This move followed similar decisions by Netflix and Disney+.

The Intensifying Battle for Ad Revenue

The new numbers place Amazon ahead of Netflix in this specific metric. Netflix recently reported 190 million monthly active viewers for its ad tier. However, Netflix’s ad plan is available in only 12 countries.

This competition signals a fundamental change in the streaming business model. Platforms are now prioritizing dual revenue streams from subscriptions and ads. The goal is to achieve profitability in a crowded market.

For consumers, it means more options but also more advertisements. The long-term effect will be a marketplace segmented by price and ad-load. Major studios are betting viewers will tolerate ads for a lower monthly cost.

The surge to 315 million monthly viewers solidifies Amazon Prime Video ads as a dominant force. This growth reshapes the economics of the entire streaming industry. The battle for viewer attention and advertising dollars has reached a new peak.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What does “315 million monthly viewers” mean?

This is the number of unique people who watched ad-supported content on Prime Video each month. The metric is based on Amazon’s internal data from August 2024 to August 2025. It measures the global reach of their advertising platform.

Q2: How much does the ad-free Prime Video tier cost?

In the U.S., Prime Video costs $9.99 per month. To remove ads, subscribers must pay an additional $2.99 monthly fee. This optional upgrade is called “Prime Video with No Ads.”

Q3: Is Prime Video’s ad audience bigger than Netflix’s?

Yes, based on the latest figures. Amazon reports 315 million monthly viewers across 16 countries. Netflix reports 190 million monthly active viewers for its ad plan across 12 countries. The metrics are similar but not identical.

Q4: Where is the Prime Video ad tier available?

The service is live in 16 major markets. Key countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, and India. Amazon has been expanding the ad-supported model globally since early 2024.

Q5: Why are streamers suddenly adding ads?

After years of rapid growth, streaming companies are focusing on profitability. Advertising provides a significant additional revenue stream on top of subscriptions. This dual model helps fund expensive content while keeping consumer prices somewhat stable.