What Are Amazon Channels In 2023? A Complete Overview of How To Use Amazon‘s Streaming TV Service
Amazon Channels make it easy for Prime members to add subscription streaming services to their Prime Video account. You can consolidate multiple paid channel subscriptions and watch everything directly in your Prime Video library.
In 2023, Amazon Channels continue to provide a way for Prime subscribers to expand their streaming content without switching between different apps. Read on for a detailed guide on how Amazon Channels work and the key things to know as a Prime member.
Overview: What Exactly Are Amazon Channels?
Amazon Channels give Prime members optional add-ons to Amazon Prime Video in the form of subscriptions to third party streaming services.
Instead of subscribing to channels like HBO Max or Showtime directly, you can add them through your Amazon account and watch their full libraries seamlessly in your Prime Video app/website.
This saves you from needing to manage another separate streaming account. It also integrates everything together in one place, so you can easily find new movies or shows to watch across all your subscriptions.
Amazon handles the billing for any channels you add and takes care of logins, streaming, and customer support. You get a unified viewing experience combining Amazon‘s own content with your premium channel selections.
According to a 2022 Nielsen survey, over half of current Amazon Prime members were subscribed to at least one Amazon Channel. Their selection covers top networks spanning movies, original programming, live sports, kids entertainment, and more.
Now that you understand the Amazon Channels concept, let‘s explore the key specifics of how this service works and what‘s available in 2023.
The Most Popular Amazon Channels For Prime Members
Amazon offers over 100 channels spanning popular networks like HBO and Showtime as well as niche services. Here are some of the most widely used Amazon Channels among Prime subscribers currently:
HBO Max
- Cost: $14.99/month
- Content: Original series like Game of Thrones, plus new shows, movies, and classics.
Showtime
- Cost: $10.99/month
- Content: Originals like Billions and Yellowjackets plus movies, docs, and sports.
STARZ
- Cost: $8.99/month
- Content: STARZ originals like Outlander plus hit movies.
Paramount+
- Cost: $9.99/month
- Content: Originals like 1883, live CBS feeds, movies, and more.
AMC+
- Cost: $8.99/month
- Content: AMC shows like The Walking Dead, IFC, and Shudder.
Britbox
- Cost: $6.99/month
- Content: British shows from BBC, ITV, and Channel 4.
This table compares some of the most popular channel options:
Channel | Cost/Month | Free Trial | Content Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
HBO Max | $14.99 | 7 days | Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, movies |
Showtime | $10.99 | 7 days | Billions, Yellowjackets, docs |
STARZ | $8.99 | 7 days | Outlander, Power, movies |
Paramount+ | $9.99 | 7 days | 1883, CBS shows live |
AMC+ | $8.99 | 7 days | The Walking Dead, IFC, Shudder |
Britbox | $6.99 | 7 days | British shows from BBC/ITV |
This makes it easy to compare the monthly price, free trial period, and focus of each popular channel. Amazon adds new options regularly.
Is Amazon Channels the Same As Prime Video?
An important distinction is that Amazon Channels are an optional add-on, while Prime Video is included with every Prime membership at no extra cost.
With Prime Video, you can access a large library of movies, shows, and original content available for unlimited streaming. It‘s the built-in video streaming benefit that comes with every Prime subscription.
Amazon Channels let you expand beyond that free content to also incorporate paid libraries from external providers like HBO and Showtime. These require a separate subscription fee.
Think of Prime Video as one bucket of content, and each Amazon Channel as additional buckets you can choose to add based on your interests. All the content then appears together in your Prime Video app.
So every Prime member already gets Prime Video automatically. Amazon Channels tailor and personalize your streaming selection further.
Cost: Are Amazon Channels Free for Prime Members?
Amazon Channels are not free additions to your Prime account. While Prime Video comes included, the channels require separate fees.
However, Amazon does offer introductory free trials for every channel, usually 7 days. This lets you evaluate a service first before paying.
After the trial ends, you‘ll be charged monthly rates ranging from $3-$15 per channel, depending on which ones you select. HBO Max, Showtime, and STARZ are at the higher end, around $15/month. Niche channels can be as little as $3-5/month.
With each channel billing separately based on your selections, Amazon Channels provide an à la carte way to customize your streaming. You only pay for the exact mix of subscriptions you want.
According to AntennaData, the average Prime member subscribes to 2-3 Amazon Channels. So while not free, users can tailor costs based on their budget and interests.
Do You Need Multiple Accounts for Each Channel?
A major benefit of Amazon Channels is that you don‘t need separate accounts for each add-on subscription. As a Prime member, your main Amazon login works across all of them.
For instance, if you want to stream HBO Max directly, you‘d have to create a username, password, profile, etc. Specifically for that app.
With Amazon Channels, your primary Amazon credentials automatically give you access to HBO, Showtime, STARZ, and any other channels tied to your account. No extra sign-ups needed.
This convenience helps eliminate the account management hassle of tracking multiple streaming logins. Just sign into your Prime Video app as usual.
According to a Prime member survey, over 80% said Amazon Channels simplified their streaming experience by consolidating everything under their Amazon account.
What Devices Work With Amazon Channels?
You can watch Amazon Channels on any compatible device where you normally access Prime Video. This includes:
- Fire TV and Fire tablets
- Roku
- Apple TV
- Smart TVs with Prime Video app
- iOS and Android mobile devices
- Web browsers on a computer
If a device supports the Prime Video app, you‘ll be able to view content from any Amazon Channels you subscribe to on that device. You don‘t need to download any additional apps.
For instance, open the Prime Video app on your Apple TV, and your library will automatically include movies from your HBO subscription alongside the rest of your Prime content.
It‘s a seamless viewing experience regardless of device. Wherever you watch Prime Video, you have access to your channels.
How Do You Find Your Channel Content in Prime Video?
Once subscribed to a channel, its content appears directly within your Prime Video library for easy access:
A personalized "Top Picks" row displays suggestions from all your subscriptions.
Search results across Prime Video now also includes listings from your add-on channels.
You can browse each channel‘s dedicated page for its full catalog broken down by genre.
Your viewing history, watchlist, and downloaded videos mix all subscriptions together.
Essentially, Amazon Channels get fully integrated into the Prime Video experience. There‘s no separate portal or app needed (unless downloading for offline viewing).
According to a 2022 Nielsen study, over 80% of viewers found it "very easy" to discover and watch content from their Amazon Channel subscriptions in Prime Video.
Can You Download Channel Content to Watch Offline?
One popular feature is the ability to download movies and shows from your Amazon Channels for offline viewing. Here‘s how it works:
Locate a video from one of your channel subscriptions with the download icon visible.
Select the download button and confirm to save that video locally.
Downloads are saved under "My Stuff" > "Downloads" in your Prime Video library.
As long as you have the Prime Video app installed, you can now watch offline.
Downloads are available across compatible Fire, Android, and iOS devices.
This is useful for air travel, subways, areas with limited connectivity, or other times you want to watch without an internet connection.
According to Amazon, offline downloads for channels increased over 40% in 2022 as subscribers took advantage of this feature.
Do Any Channels Offer Live TV?
Some Amazon Channels focus exclusively on on-demand libraries, while others incorporate live television viewing. Here are some of the live TV options currently available:
Paramount+ Premium – Includes your local CBS live feed plus CBSN, CBS Sports HQ, and ET Live.
Hulu + Live TV – Over 75 live channels with sports, news, entertainment.
Philo – Budget option with 60+ live channels but no sports/locals.
Pantaya – Spanish-language movies, shows, and live novelas.
PBS Living – Live streams from PBS stations.
So Prime members looking for live sports, news, events, or other TV channels do have some nice choices available through Amazon add-ons even if not as extensive as dedicated live TV streaming platforms.
What If You Have Playback Issues With a Channel?
If you ever have trouble accessing or streaming content from your Amazon Channel subscriptions, here are some steps to resolve:
Confirm the channel subscription is still active in your Amazon account settings.
Check for Prime Video app updates if available for your device.
Restart your device and launch the Prime Video app again.
Reinstall the Prime Video app if unable to playback channel content.
Try watching on a different compatible device to see if issues persist.
Contact Amazon Customer Service for troubleshooting assistance.
Alternatively, reach out to the individual channel‘s support team.
Debugging playback or streaming issues ensures you get continual access to the content you paid for through Amazon Channels.
How To Cancel an Amazon Channel Subscription
You can cancel any Amazon Channel subscription directly through your Amazon account settings:
Go to "Your Account" > "Prime Membership"
Select "Manage Prime Video Channels"
Locate the channel you want to cancel
Turn off auto-renew or select "Cancel Channel"
Confirm cancellation when prompted
Cancellation is effective as of your next billing date. During any free trial periods, you can cancel without being charged.
Before renewing, Amazon will send an email reminder letting you evaluate whether to continue your channel memberships. Managing subscriptions is straightforward from your account dashboard.
Conclusion
As a Prime member, Amazon Channels provide a convenient way to expand your streaming library with must-have services like HBO while consolidating everything under your main Amazon account.
You can try out premium channels through free trials, watch on all your devices, and cancel individual subscriptions anytime. In 2023, Amazon Channels continue allowing customized streaming through Prime Video without app-switching headaches.
While not free add-ons, the ability to tailor your bundle of subscriptions à la carte gives flexibility based on your budget and preferences each month. If you want to augment your Prime streaming in one place, Amazon Channels present an attractive option worth considering.