Paramount+ is not included in a standard Amazon Prime membership

Paramount+ is a separate streaming service you must pay for on top of your Amazon Prime membership. Amazon Prime Video (the video portion of Prime) does not automatically include Paramount+ content. However, you can add Paramount+ as an add-on channel directly through your Prime Video account, and when you do, you watch Paramount+ shows and movies inside the Prime Video app rather than switching to a separate app.

This bundling option exists because Amazon allows third-party services to sell subscriptions through Prime Video. You are still paying Paramount+ directly — Amazon straightforward handles the billing on their platform. The cost, cancellation policy, and content library remain the same as if you subscribed to Paramount+ on its own website.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount+ costs extra beyond Prime membership and is added as an optional channel through Prime Video, not included automatically.
  • When you add Paramount+ through Prime Video, you watch all Paramount+ content inside the Prime Video app without downloading a separate app.
  • Your Paramount+ subscription renews monthly and appears as a separate charge on your Amazon billing statement.
  • You can cancel Paramount+ through your Prime Video settings at any time without affecting your Prime membership.
  • Some Amazon Prime Video plans (like Prime Video with ads) may have different pricing or availability for add-on channels depending on your region.

How to add Paramount+ to your Prime Video account

Open the Prime Video app or website and look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Select "Channels" or "Add channels" — the exact wording depends on your device. Search for Paramount+ in the list of available channels. Select it and choose "Subscribe" or "Add channel".

You will be asked to confirm the monthly price and your payment method. Once you confirm, Paramount+ activates when ready. Your first charge appears on your next Amazon billing cycle, and the subscription renews on the same date each month. You do not need to create a separate Paramount+ account — your Prime account is your login.

Watching Paramount+ content through Prime Video

After you add Paramount+, all Paramount+ shows and movies appear in a dedicated Paramount+ section within the Prime Video app. You can search for titles by name, browse by category (drama, comedy, sports), or see what is new. The playback experience is identical to watching Prime Video's own content — you can pause, resume, create watchlists, and adjust subtitles the same way.

On some devices, you may see a small Paramount+ logo next to a title to indicate it is a Paramount+ exclusive rather than a Prime Video original. This helps you understand which subscription is providing each piece of content, but you do not need to do anything differently to watch it.

Canceling Paramount+ without losing Prime

To cancel Paramount+, open Prime Video settings on the device you use most often. Find "Manage Channels" or "Your Channels" and locate Paramount+ in the list. Select it and choose "Cancel Channel" or "Unsubscribe". Some devices show a confirmation screen asking if you are sure; select yes to confirm.

Cancellation takes effect when ready, and you will not be charged again. If you have already paid for the current month, you can continue watching Paramount+ content through the end of that billing period. Your Amazon Prime membership and Prime Video access remain unchanged.

Pricing and billing for Paramount+ add-ons

Paramount+ pricing through Prime Video matches the price you would pay on Paramount's own website, though the exact cost varies by region and whether you choose the ad-supported or ad-free tier. As of now, Paramount+ offers both options, and you select which one during setup. The monthly charge appears separately on your Amazon bill under "Prime Video Channels" or "Subscriptions".

If you already have a Paramount+ subscription outside of Prime Video, adding it again through Prime Video creates a duplicate charge. You would need to cancel one subscription to avoid paying twice. If you want to switch from a standalone Paramount+ account to the Prime Video add-on, cancel the standalone subscription first, wait for that billing cycle to end, then add it through Prime Video.

What Paramount+ content is available

Paramount+ includes original series like Yellowstone, 1883, and The Offer, plus movies from Paramount Pictures' library. It also carries live sports (NFL games, college football, and soccer depending on your region), news from CBS, and reality television. The full catalog changes monthly as Paramount adds and removes titles.

Content availability varies by region. Some shows or movies available in the United States may not appear in other countries, and vice versa. If you travel or use a VPN, you may see different content than usual. Check the Paramount+ section of Prime Video to see what is currently available in your location.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you added Paramount+ but do not see its content in Prime Video, try signing out of the Prime Video app completely and signing back in. This refreshes your channel subscriptions. If you still do not see Paramount+ content, check that you are using the same Amazon account on which you added the channel — if you have multiple accounts, each one must add Paramount+ separately.

If you are charged for Paramount+ but cannot find it in Prime Video, contact Amazon customer service through your account settings. They can verify whether the subscription was added correctly and troubleshoot billing issues. Do not contact Paramount+ directly for Prime Video billing problems, as Paramount+ does not handle the transaction when you subscribe through Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount+ on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes, Paramount+ allows simultaneous streaming on multiple devices depending on your subscription tier. The ad-supported plan typically allows fewer simultaneous streams than the ad-free plan. Check your Paramount+ account settings to see how many devices can stream at once.

Do I need to create a Paramount+ account if I add it through Prime Video?

No. Your Amazon Prime account serves as your Paramount+ login when you add it as a channel. You do not need a separate Paramount+ username or password. If you later cancel and re-add Paramount+ through Prime Video, you use the same Prime account again.

What happens to my Paramount+ subscription if I cancel my Amazon Prime membership?

Your Paramount+ add-on channel will be removed when your Prime membership ends. If you want to keep Paramount+, you would need to subscribe to it directly on Paramount's website instead. Canceling Prime does not automatically transfer your channel subscriptions elsewhere.

Can I use a gift card to pay for Paramount+ through Prime Video?

Yes. If you have an Amazon gift card balance in your account, it will be used to pay for Paramount+ charges along with any other Prime Video purchases. Once the gift card balance runs out, the subscription will charge your default payment method.

Is there a free trial for Paramount+ through Prime Video?

Trial availability depends on current Paramount+ promotions and your region. Check the Paramount+ channel page in Prime Video before you subscribe to see if a trial period is offered. Some regions or account types may not may have access to for trials.