Amazon Music India launches standalone premium tier, shifts Prime to ad-supported
Amazon has launched Amazon Music Unlimited as a standalone premium subscription service in India, offering ad-free listening, offline downloads, HD audio, and Dolby Atmos support. This transition includes moving its Prime Music offering to an ad-supported model without offline downloads, and beta-testing generative AI search tools. The move aims to target India's growing paid streaming sector and compete with rivals like Spotify and YouTube Music.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Music Unlimited launched in India for ₹99 (Prime) / ₹119 (non-Prime), providing ad-free listening, HD/Ultra HD, Dolby Atmos, and offline downloads.
- Amazon Music for Prime Members is now ad-supported and no longer offers offline downloads, included with standard Prime membership.
- A free, ad-supported tier, Amazon Music Free, is scheduled to launch in July 2026, offering access to 100 million songs.
- Beta testing for a generative AI search tool, powered by Alexa, is rolling out for select Unlimited subscribers.
- Amazon offers promotional trials, including a 6-month free trial for Prime Members subscribing to Music Unlimited.
Why It Matters
Amazon is unbundling its music service from Prime in India, signifying a pivot to direct monetization in a high-growth market. This move allows Amazon to compete more aggressively with established players like Spotify and YouTube Music by offering distinct tiers and capabilities. The shift to an ad-supported model for Prime Music also reflects broader industry trends towards hybrid monetization. Watch how subscriber numbers for the new premium tier and engagement with the ad-supported Prime tier develop over the next year, particularly against competitors' offerings.
Read full article at newsbricks.com
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