Paramount+ is not automatically included with a standard Amazon Prime membership

Paramount+ is a separate streaming service that costs extra, even if you pay for Amazon Prime Video. Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+ are two different subscriptions owned by different companies—Amazon owns Prime Video, and Paramount Global owns Paramount+. You cannot watch Paramount+ content through your Prime Video app or account unless you pay for Paramount+ as an add-on.

However, Amazon does offer a way to bundle them together. If you subscribe to Paramount+ through Amazon Prime Video's add-on feature, you pay Paramount+ directly but manage the subscription in one place. This is a convenience option, not a discount—you still pay the full Paramount+ price.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount+ requires its own paid subscription; it does not come free with Amazon Prime Video.
  • You can add Paramount+ as a channel through your Prime Video account for easier management, but you pay Paramount+ rates either way.
  • Some wireless carriers and internet providers bundle Paramount+ with their plans, which may be a better value than buying it separately.
  • Paramount+ offers both ad-supported and ad-free tiers at different price points.
  • Your Prime Video membership covers only Prime Video originals and licensed content on that platform, not Paramount+ shows.

How to add Paramount+ through your Prime Video account

If you want to subscribe to Paramount+, you can do it directly through Amazon Prime Video without leaving the app. Open Prime Video, go to the "Your Memberships and Subscriptions" section, and select "Add a Channel." Paramount+ will appear in the list of available add-ons. You choose your plan (ad-supported or ad-free), enter payment information, and the subscription begins when ready.

The advantage of adding it this way is that you see all your subscriptions in one place and manage billing from one dashboard. Your Paramount+ content will also appear in your Prime Video search results and recommendations. However, you still pay Paramount+ directly—Amazon is just the middleman processing the payment.

Paramount+ pricing and plan options

Paramount+ offers two subscription tiers. The ad-supported plan costs less per month but includes advertisements during shows and movies. The ad-free plan costs more and removes those ads. Prices vary slightly depending on whether you subscribe directly through Paramount+ or through Amazon Prime Video, and they change periodically, so check the current rates when you sign up.

If you already pay for other streaming services, adding Paramount+ increases your total monthly streaming costs. Some people find it worth the price for access to CBS shows, movies, and Paramount+ originals like Yellowstone and 1883. Others wait until a show they want to watch is available, subscribe for one or two months, then cancel.

Where else Paramount+ might already be included

Even though Paramount+ is not part of Amazon Prime, it may already be included in other subscriptions you have. Some wireless carriers bundle Paramount+ with phone plans—Verizon, for example, has offered it with certain unlimited data plans. Some internet service providers also include it with broadband packages. Check your current phone bill and internet bill to see if Paramount+ is already part of what you pay.

If you have a student email address, you may be able to get Paramount+ at a student discount. Some credit cards also offer streaming service credits or discounts as a cardholder benefit. Before you pay full price, review what you already subscribe to and what discounts you might may have access to for.

The difference between Prime Video and Paramount+

Prime Video is Amazon's streaming service and comes with an Amazon Prime membership (which also includes free shipping, Prime Music, and other benefits). Paramount+ is owned by Paramount Global and has its own library of content, mostly from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Pictures. The two services have almost no overlap—a show on one is rarely on the other.

If you want to watch both Prime Video and Paramount+ content, you need both subscriptions. Many people subscribe to multiple streaming services to access different shows and movies. The cost adds up, which is why some people rotate subscriptions—signing up for one service, watching what they want, then switching to another.

How to cancel Paramount+ if you add it through Prime Video

If you add Paramount+ through Prime Video and later want to stop paying for it, go back to "Your Memberships and Subscriptions" in Prime Video and select Paramount+. You will see a "Cancel Channel" or "Manage Subscription" option. Click it and confirm the cancellation. Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle—you do not lose access when ready after canceling.

If you subscribed to Paramount+ directly (not through Prime Video), you cancel it on the Paramount+ website or app instead. Either way, make sure you cancel before your next billing date if you do not want to be charged again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount+ on my Prime Video app?

If you subscribe to Paramount+ through Prime Video, Paramount+ content will appear in your Prime Video search results and recommendations, but you open it in the Paramount+ app to actually watch it. The two apps remain separate; Prime Video is just the billing middleman.

Is there a free trial for Paramount+?

Paramount+ occasionally offers free trial periods, usually seven days, but this varies by region and changes over time. Check the Paramount+ website or your Prime Video add-ons section to see if a trial is currently available where you live.

What if I have Amazon Prime but do not want to add Paramount+?

You do not have to add it. Your Prime Video membership works exactly the same without Paramount+. You straightforward will not have access to Paramount+ shows and movies. Prime Video has thousands of titles on its own, so many people never add other services.

Can I share my Paramount+ subscription with family members?

Paramount+ allows multiple profiles on one account, similar to Netflix. However, the terms of service limit simultaneous streams depending on your plan. Check Paramount+'s current household sharing policy, as these rules change periodically.

Does Paramount+ work on all devices?

Paramount+ is available on most streaming devices, smart TVs, phones, tablets, and computers. Check the Paramount+ website for the full list of supported devices before you subscribe, especially if you plan to watch on a specific device.