Retail giant confirms its free TV app is on the chopping block just as Prime subscriptions, ad revenue, and profits hit new highs.
Amazon is moth‑balling Freevee, the free, ad‑supported streaming service it rolled out in 2019, and the countdown is short. A notice inside the app warns that shows and channels “will be accessible only until August 2025,” after which all programming shifts to Prime Video. Who stands to lose—and who might gain—when a “free” perk disappears?
Released during a boom period for the company, Freevee let viewers binge thousands of movies and series across Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, PlayStation 5, and more. Now, Amazon says consolidating content on Prime Video will deliver “a simpler viewing experience.” In plain English: the retailer wants more eyeballs—and ad dollars—in one place.
Amazon Prime’s rapid revenue growth explains why the company is shelving Freevee soon
During the first quarter of 2025, Amazon’s net sales climbed 9 percent year‑over‑year and net income soared to about $17 billion—roughly 40 percent higher than the same period in 2024. Prime, which costs $14.99 a month, hit 180.1 million U.S. subscribers last year and is on track for 185 million by December. It’s no wonder executives feel confident phasing out a standalone, ad‑supported app. The numbers tell the story:
| Key metric | Latest figure | Year‑over‑year change |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 net sales | +9 % | ↑ 9 % |
| Q1 2025 net income | $17 billion | ↑ 40 % |
| Prime subscribers 2024 | 180.1 million | ↑ 44 % since 2017 |
| Prime subscriber forecast 2025 | 185 million | Projected ↑ 3 % |
These figures underline the momentum behind Amazon’s decision: funneling Freevee users into an already booming ecosystem promises even bigger returns.
Timeline shows how subscriber milestones and ad changes set the stage for Freevee’s end
Need a quick recap?
- 2019: Freevee (then IMDb TV) launches, offering free movies and shows.
- 2024: Amazon adds commercials to Prime Video; ad load creeps from roughly three minutes to as much as six minutes per hour.
- November 2024: Company quietly discloses plans to fold Freevee into Prime Video.
- August 2025: Final shutdown date; Freevee originals migrate exclusively to Prime Video.
Consequently, Amazon can serve ads to both paying and non‑paying viewers, mirroring the success of Pluto TV and Tubi, where 42 percent of Americans already stream free content.
Steps every Freevee viewer should take before the platform disappears in August 2025
So, what should you do if Freevee lives on your home screen?
- Sign in to your Amazon account on Prime Video now. Your existing credentials unlock Freevee originals there at no extra cost.
- Add shows to your Prime Video watchlist. This preserves your spot in each season when Freevee goes dark.
- Check device compatibility. Prime Video runs on nearly every gadget Freevee did, but it never hurts to verify.
- Consider the ad‑free upgrade. Hate commercials? Opting out costs an extra $2.99 per month—still cheaper than many rivals.
- Watch for Prime Day perks. Amazon often bundles streaming deals with its summer sale; you might snag a discount on that upgrade.
Freevee’s sunset marks Amazon’s latest push to corral viewers—and advertisers—inside its flagship platform. While the move trims one “free” option, Prime members still get the content at no additional charge, and casual viewers can keep streaming without opening their wallets. Want to keep watching with minimal hassle? Make the switch early, update your watchlist, and you’ll barely feel the transition.