Is Netflix Free With Amazon Prime in 2022? Here‘s What Every Seller Needs To Know
As an ecommerce seller, having a solid understanding of entertainment and streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime is invaluable. Why?
Well, think about it…
With over 200 million members each globally, these two services dominate the streaming landscape. The people using Netflix and Prime Video have become an enormous audience that every smart seller wants to connect with.
But here‘s the thing…
Even though Prime and Netflix seem similar on the surface, how they operate is quite different. And most sellers assume wrongly that Netflix comes free with Amazon Prime.
So in this comprehensive guide, I‘ll clear up the facts around Netflix and Amazon Prime once and for all. I‘ll also share critical insights for selling successfully to the loyal streamers in both camps.
Let‘s get started!
Does Netflix Come With Amazon Prime?
The number one question sellers have about Netflix and Amazon Prime is:
"Can I get Netflix for free if I pay for Prime?"
The short answer is…
No, Netflix does not come included with an Amazon Prime membership.
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video operate as completely separate subscription services.
Having a Prime account provides no free access whatsoever to Netflix‘s content catalog. You have to sign up and pay for Netflix directly to stream their original shows and movies.
Now as a seller, you might be wondering…
What Streaming Benefits Are Included With Amazon Prime?
An Amazon Prime membership ($14.99 per month or $139 per year) includes these video streaming perks:
Prime Video – Original movies and shows like Jack Ryan, The Boys, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and others. Plus some licensed content.
Amazon Music Prime – Access to 2 million songs ad-free, thousands of playlists, and offline listening.
Prime Gaming – Free games, in-game loot, and a free Twitch channel subscription each month.
Kindle Owners‘ Lending Library – Ability to borrow select ebooks each month with a Kindle device.
But critically for sellers…
None of those Prime benefits grants access to Netflix or other major services like Hulu and Disney+.
Users have to pay for those platforms separately.
Now you might be wondering…
How Many People Actually Pay for Both Prime and Netflix?
Research shows 43% of US households subscribe to both Amazon Prime and Netflix.
And over half of Netflix subscribers also use Amazon Prime!
The takeaway?
A massive segment of streamers loves the unique content on both Prime Video and Netflix.
They view the services as complementary rather than competitive. This tells us that as sellers, we shouldn‘t force users to choose one or the other.
Instead, look for ways to provide value to devoted fans of both!
Next, you may be asking yourself:
How Much Does Netflix Cost?
Since a Prime membership doesn‘t unlock Netflix, anyone who wants to watch Netflix needs to purchase a subscription directly from them.
Here‘s a breakdown of the monthly Netflix pricing plans:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $9.99 | SD quality, 1 screen at a time |
| Standard | $15.49 | HD quality, 2 screens at a time |
| Premium | $19.99 | HD & 4K quality, 4 screens at a time |
A few things to note about Netflix pricing from a seller perspective:
Netflix offers flexibility to upgrade, downgrade, or cancel plans anytime. This allows subscribers to adjust their spend based on need.
Occasional discounts are offered like 20% off for the first year. But regular prices remain consistent. Don‘t expect huge sales.
The only way to get Netflix cheaper is account sharing. 57% of subscribers share passwords with people outside their household, which Netflix is now cracking down on.
No free trials are offered anymore. Users have to start paying as soon as they sign up.
The takeaway for sellers here is that we can‘t rely on deep Netflix discounts or promotions to boost sales. The service stays fairly priced at all times.
But we should keep in mind that many subscribers try to split or reduce costs where possible. So offering shopper loyalty programs and other money-saving incentives is smart.
Next up, let‘s discuss…
How Do Netflix and Amazon Prime Video Compare for Sellers?
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video take very different approaches to content. As a seller looking to align your brand, here are key contrasts between the streamers:
Netflix
Original series focus – Flagship shows like Stranger Things, Squid Game, Wednesday. New seasons drive conversation.
Prestige films – Major movie releases like The Gray Man, Red Notice, Don‘t Look Up with A-list stars.
Licensed back catalog – Older hit shows The Office, Breaking Bad, Grey‘s Anatomy and blockbuster movies.
International content – Significant investment in foreign language shows and movies as Netflix expands globally.
Next day release – New Netflix originals are released immediately vs. weekly episodes.
Prime Video
Flagship franchises – Lord of the Rings, Jack Ryan, The Boys – Prime focuses on building few major flagship brands.
Thursday Night Football – Exclusive live NFL games are a huge draw for Prime.
Licensed movies – Major film deals like Paramount, Universal, Sony to stream theatrical movies shortly after release.
Classic TV comfort – Nostalgic hits like Downton Abbey, Mr. Bean, The Golden Girls that families can enjoy together.
Free for shoppers – Video included automatically with Prime, so the audience skews toward shoppers first.
Weekly release – Most originals follow a traditional weekly episode schedule.
For sellers, the implications here are:
Netflix shoppers appreciate early access, exclusivity, and are influenced by social media trends. Limited edition product drops, flash sales, social campaigns work well.
Prime shoppers prefer comfort viewing, familiar licensed titles, and practical perks. Promotions like bonus gifts with purchase and free expedited shipping will appeal.
Again, the opportunity is not to compete with their content directly, but complement it with relevant offers!
Now, you may be wondering about the size of the streaming audiences…
How Many People Use Netflix vs. Amazon Prime?
Here‘s a snapshot of Netflix and Amazon Prime‘s current membership bases globally:
Netflix: 223 million paid subscribers worldwide (as of October 2022)
Amazon Prime: More than 200 million members worldwide (as of September 2022)
A few important notes on these numbers:
Netflix still has a slight edge in terms of total users. However, Amazon Prime is rapidly picking up steam.
One study found 80% of US Prime members stream video included with their membership. So a massive portion of the 200 million Prime user base are active streamers.
Critically, Amazon Prime also provides benefits beyond video to hook shoppers, like free shipping. So their membership extends beyond just home entertainment.
The key takeaway for sellers is we can‘t ignore either of these mammoth streaming audiences!
Even if yours is a small shop, marketing to subsets of 200+ million Netflix viewers and Prime members represents huge revenue potential.
Speaking of marketing, you may be wondering…
Can You Access Netflix on Amazon Devices?
This is a great question for sellers in terms of merchandising and marketing tactics.
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely watch Netflix on Amazon devices:
Load the Netflix app on Fire tablets, Fire TV sticks, Fire TV Edition smart TVs, and Kindle e-readers.
Ask Alexa to open Netflix on Echo Show smart displays.
Use the Netflix app on any TV or device with the Fire TV operating system.
The only requirement is downloading and logging into Netflix separately – it doesn‘t come pre-installed.
Why does this matter for sellers?
Because it unlocks clever opportunities like:
Bundling products with Fire sticks or tablets as incentives – "Get 40% off any purchase over $100 plus a free Fire HD Tablet to stream Netflix and shop more!"
Using Fire TVs in retail displays or trade show booths to showcase branded video content – Draw attention with customized videos.
Buying Amazon advertising on Prime Video and Fire tablets to reach Netflix viewers too – Get twice the bang for your ad spend.
Offering discounts on accessories for Amazon devices that also enhance Netflix viewing – Tablet stands, screen protectors, Bluetooth headphones, etc.
So while Amazon Prime doesn‘t give away Netflix access, savvy sellers can still capitalize on customers using both services.
Next up, a seller may ask…
Are There Ways to Get Netflix Cheaper?
The standard Netflix pricing is pretty fixed. But there are some limited-time ways to score a discount:
1. Bundle With Mobile or Internet Service
Some wireless carriers and internet providers offer Netflix discounts with certain plans, such as:
T-Mobile – Select unlimited cell plans include Netflix Basic.
Verizon Fios – Mix & Match TV/internet bundles can add discounted Netflix.
AT&T – Get up to a year of free HBO Max AND Netflix with some unlimited wireless plans.
Sky – Bundles in the UK offer Netflix Basic for free.
Comcast Xfinity – Plans with 140+ channels can include Netflix savings.
So bundling cell service or an internet TV package may unlock some Netflix deals. Sellers could potentially partner with carriers and providers in marketing campaigns pitching these bundles + discounts.
For example, a furniture company may be able to offer "Get X months of free Netflix with qualifying AT&T unlimited cell plan and furniture purchase over $X".
2. Disney+ Bundle Deal
One entertainment bundle packages Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ with Netflix for a discounted price. Depending on your target audience as a seller, promoting this Disney bundle offer during holiday sales could attract families looking to save.
3. Account Sharing
While technically not allowed, sharing a Netflix login with family or roommates does lower the cost for each person.
Netflix is cracking down on broader account sharing soon. But sellers could develop loyalty programs rewarding small "households" of shoppers for consolidating logins.
Overall, major discounts on Netflix alone are rare. But some well-timed bundles or creative incentives may help attract deal-seeking streamers.
Now you may be wondering…
Can Sellers Advertise or Partner With Netflix and Amazon Prime?
Neither Netflix or Amazon Prime accepts traditional ads on their platforms from outside brands and sellers. However, that doesn’t mean you’re totally out of luck in terms of marketing partnerships.
A few creative strategies sellers could potentially leverage:
Amazon:
Sponsor video ads on Prime Video, Fire TV, IMDb TV. While you can‘t run traditional commercials, Amazon sells video sponsorships, platform takeovers, and display/banner ads.
Pay for product placement in original series. Reportedly, integration deals have been sold for shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Bosch.
Run deals tied to ecommerce integrations. For example, discounts when ordering Prime Video titles through Alexa on Fire devices.
Temporarily provide exclusive or early products access to Prime members. Early pre-orders, limited-edition merch related to shows, customized bonus content, and more.
Netflix:
Cross-promote through Netflix talent and influencers. Pay for sponsor spots with major Netflix stars across their social media and YouTube channels.
Offer discounts for shoppers subscribed to Netflix. Reward existing Netflix users with exclusive coupon codes and loyalty perks.
Give bonus Netflix gift cards with high-ticket purchases. Drive bigger purchase values by bundling small Netflix bonuses.
Develop products related to popular Netflix shows. From Stranger Things apparel to The Crown jewelry to Squid Game accessories, align your merchandise with trending series.
Participate in targeted Netflix PR campaigns. Potentially work with Netflix on timely press releases announcing deals and integrations.
Obviously these examples require complex negotiations and relationships with each streaming platform. But for large sellers willing to get creative, marketing partnerships are possible!
Key Takeaways: Selling Successfully to Loyal Streamers
After breaking down all the specifics around cost, content, features, and more, what big lessons should sellers remember when appealing to Netflix and Prime subscribers?
📺 Know that Netflix does not come free with Prime. Don‘t make wrong assumptions about how the services bundle!
📺 Many streamers pay for both. They enjoy the unique content on each platform. Look for ways to provide value to fans of both services.
📺 Offer deals and incentives catered specifically to loyal Netflix viewers and Prime members. Free expedited shipping, flash sales, bonus entertainment gifts, etc.
📺 Explore marketing partnerships using talent, influencers, merchandising, promotions, and ads. Find ways to piggyback on platforms, not compete directly with their content.
📺 Take advantage of how streaming devices like Fire TV can enhance both Netflix and Prime. Cross-sell sticks, tablets, accessories to serve streaming shoppers.
While this overview just scratches the surface, it provides a blueprint of critical insights, data, and opportunities sellers need to connect with Netflix and Amazon Prime‘s hundreds of millions of streamers worldwide.
Remember, streaming shoppers have become a massive retail demographic no smart ecommerce brand can ignore. So use these tips to align your marketing, products, promotions and partnerships for streaming success!
