Paramount Plus does not come with Amazon Prime

Paramount Plus is a separate streaming service that you must pay for on its own. Amazon Prime Video is a different service, and having an Amazon Prime membership does not give you access to Paramount Plus content. The two services are owned by different companies — Amazon owns Prime Video, and Paramount Global owns Paramount Plus — so they do not bundle together automatically.

You can add Paramount Plus to your Amazon account through a feature called Prime Video Channels, but this is optional and costs extra. If you want to watch Paramount Plus shows and movies, you will need to either pay for Paramount Plus directly or add it as a channel through Amazon.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus is owned by a different company than Amazon Prime Video and requires a separate subscription.
  • You can add Paramount Plus to your Amazon account through Prime Video Channels for an additional monthly fee.
  • Adding Paramount Plus through Amazon is optional — you can also subscribe to Paramount Plus directly on its own website or app.
  • Your Amazon Prime membership covers only Prime Video content, not Paramount Plus, even if you have the highest tier of Prime.

How Prime Video Channels works

Amazon Prime Video Channels is a feature that lets you add other streaming services to your Amazon account in one place. Instead of managing separate subscriptions and apps, you can bundle them together and pay one bill. Paramount Plus is one of many channels available through this system — others include Showtime, Starz, and Peacock.

When you add Paramount Plus through Prime Video Channels, the monthly charge appears on your Amazon bill rather than as a separate payment to Paramount. You watch Paramount Plus content through the Prime Video app or website, not through a separate Paramount Plus app. The price you pay through Amazon is the same as subscribing directly to Paramount Plus.

The difference between adding Paramount Plus through Amazon and subscribing directly

If you add Paramount Plus through Prime Video Channels, you manage the subscription through your Amazon account settings. You can cancel it anytime through Amazon, and the charge stops on your next billing date. The content you watch is identical — you get the same shows, movies, and live sports whether you subscribe through Amazon or directly.

If you subscribe to Paramount Plus directly on Paramount's website, you manage your account and billing with Paramount instead of Amazon. You log in to the Paramount Plus app or website separately. Some people prefer this route because they keep all their streaming subscriptions in one place rather than scattered across different services.

The main practical difference is billing and where you manage your account. The streaming experience and content library are the same either way.

What is actually included with Amazon Prime membership

Amazon Prime membership includes Prime Video, which is Amazon's own streaming service with movies, TV shows, and original series. It also includes free two-day shipping on may be able to access items, Prime Music (a music streaming service), Prime Reading (access to a rotating library of books and magazines), and Photo Storage (unlimited photo backup). Some of these benefits vary depending on which tier of Prime you have.

Paramount Plus is not part of any of these benefits. Even if you pay for the highest tier of Amazon Prime, Paramount Plus content remains behind a separate paywall.

Paramount Plus pricing and what it includes

Paramount Plus offers two subscription tiers: one with ads and one without ads. The ad-supported tier costs less per month than the ad-free tier. Both tiers include the same content library — the difference is only whether you see commercials while watching.

Paramount Plus includes movies, TV shows, live sports (including NFL games and college football), and original series. It also includes content from other Paramount-owned networks like CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central. The exact price varies, so check Paramount's website for current rates in your area.

When you might want to add Paramount Plus through Amazon

Adding Paramount Plus through Prime Video Channels makes sense if you already use Prime Video regularly and want to consolidate your streaming subscriptions. You see all your channels in one app, and one monthly bill covers everything. This is purely a matter of convenience — the content and price are identical to subscribing directly.

If you prefer to keep your streaming services separate or if you do not use Prime Video often, subscribing directly to Paramount Plus might feel simpler. There is no advantage or disadvantage to either approach beyond personal preference.

How to add Paramount Plus to your Amazon account

Open the Prime Video app or website and look for the Channels section, usually found in the menu or settings. Search for Paramount Plus and select it. You will see the current price and subscription options. Choose your preferred tier (with ads or without ads) and confirm. The charge will appear on your next Amazon bill.

You can cancel anytime by going back to your Prime Video Channels settings and selecting Paramount Plus, then choosing the cancel option. The cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, and you keep access until that date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Amazon Prime to add Paramount Plus through Prime Video Channels?

Yes, you must have an active Amazon Prime membership to use Prime Video Channels. If you do not have Prime, you can subscribe to Paramount Plus directly instead.

Can I watch Paramount Plus on the Prime Video app if I add it as a channel?

Yes. Once you add Paramount Plus through Prime Video Channels, you can watch it directly in the Prime Video app or on the Prime Video website. You do not need to read a separate Paramount Plus app, though you can if you prefer.

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

If you cancel your Amazon Prime membership, your Prime Video Channels subscriptions (including Paramount Plus) will also be cancelled. You can resubscribe to Paramount Plus directly if you want to keep it.

Is the price different if I subscribe to Paramount Plus directly instead of through Amazon?

No, the monthly price is the same. The only difference is where you pay and how you manage your account. Through Amazon, the charge appears on your Amazon bill; direct subscription means a separate charge from Paramount.

Can I use a free trial of Paramount Plus through Prime Video Channels?

Paramount Plus occasionally offers free trial periods, but availability depends on current promotions. Check both Paramount's website and the Prime Video Channels section to see what offers are running when you want to subscribe.