About Time! Amazon Finally Adds Multiple User Profiles to Prime Video
A good, long overdue move.
Netflix has offered the ability to create multiple user profiles for seven years, while Disney+ had them available at launch, as have other, newer streaming services.
Now, Amazon Prime Video is finally adding the feature. According to TechCrunch, Prime Video users will be able to access their own Watchlist, personalized recommendations, viewing progress and other features that are typically available in user profiles.
“What are Prime Video Profiles?,” an Amazon page states. “Prime Video profiles allows you to access separate recommendations, season progress and Watchlist based on individual profile activity.”
The profiles will first roll out to the Prime Video app on mobile devices, and also on Fire TV, the Fire tablet, and other devices. Also offered will be Kids profile, with only age-appropriate content. The feature will be rolled out in stages, so not everyone will have access to it immediately.
The Cordcutters page on Reddit noticed the change on Tuesday morning. Engagdet had reported back in March of this year that such a change was on the way.
Amazon Prime Video first launched in 2011. Prime members can set up the profiles in their “Manage Your Profiles” page.
According to The Verge, each account can include up to six user profiles.
A handful of foreign countries had offered the multiple profiles previously, including India.
Last month, reports based on job listings stated that Amazon was looking to add more of a live video element to Amazon Prime Video, but the company soon denied that any major changes in that regard were in the works.
Highlights of this month’s offerings on Amazon Prime include a new special from comedian Jim Gaffigan, the movie “Ali,” and the David Fincher-directed thriller “Panic Room.”
Amazon’s stock on Monday hit a new record high, of $3,057 a share, although the stock dipped slightly on Tuesday. The stock has continued to rise in value this week despite reports that the annual Amazon Prime Day sale will likely be delayed until October.
Stephen Silver, a technology writer for The National Interest, is a journalist, essayist and film critic, who is also a contributor to Philly Voice, Philadelphia Weekly, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Living Life Fearless, Backstage magazine, Broad Street Review and Splice Today. The co-founder of the Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, Stephen lives in suburban Philadelphia with his wife and two sons. Follow him on Twitter at @StephenSilver.
Image: Reuters