Amazon is shutting down its Freevee app in August

Amazon has announced the upcoming closure of its Freevee app in August, as indicated by an in-app notification sent to users. This free, ad-supported streaming service will redirect viewers to access Freevee content through Prime Video. The notice to users emphasizes, "Prime Video is the new exclusive home for Freevee TV shows, movies, and Live TV." It adds that the Freevee app will remain available until August 2025, encouraging users to continue enjoying their favorite Free Originals and a vast library of movies and shows on Prime Video without the need for a subscription. Users are advised to download Prime Video and sign in with their Amazon accounts to get started. This move aligns with Amazon's earlier announcement from November 2024 that it would be sunsetting the Freevee service and integrating its content into Prime Video. At that time, the company stated it was "deciding to phase out Freevee branding" while assuring that there would be no changes to the content available for Prime members. Non-Prime members will still have access to a wide range of free streaming options, including select Originals from Amazon MGM Studios, a variety of licensed films and series, and numerous FAST Channels—all accessible on Prime Video. Amazon's decision appears to be a strategic effort to simplify its streaming landscape by consolidating offerings under a single platform, rather than managing two separate services. Freevee, which was launched in 2019, is currently available in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Austria. Initially branded as “IMDb TV,” it underwent a rebranding to Freevee in 2022. Among the popular original series featured on Freevee are the Emmy-nominated reality comedy "Jury Duty," the crime drama "Bosch: Legacy," and the soap opera "Neighbours." These shows will continue to be available on Prime Video in the “Watch for Free” section. This announcement follows a recent Nielsen report indicating that streaming services have overtaken cable and network television in total viewership in the U.S. for the first time, highlighting the significant role of free streaming services in this shift.