Paramount Plus is not included with a standard Amazon Prime membership

Paramount Plus is a separate streaming service owned by Paramount Global. It does not come with Amazon Prime Video, and you cannot watch Paramount Plus content through your Prime Video account. If you want to watch shows like Yellowstone, Star Trek: Discovery, or The Handmaid's Tale, you need a Paramount Plus subscription in addition to Prime.

However, there is a way to bundle them together. Amazon offers Paramount Plus as an add-on channel through Prime Video. This means you can pay for Paramount Plus directly through your Amazon account and watch it in the Prime Video app, but you are still paying for two separate services—you are not getting Paramount Plus free.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus requires its own paid subscription and does not come with Amazon Prime Video at any membership level.
  • You can add Paramount Plus as a channel through Prime Video and watch it in the same app, but you pay for both services separately.
  • The monthly cost of Paramount Plus varies depending on whether you choose the ad-supported or ad-free plan.
  • Some cable and phone providers bundle Paramount Plus with their packages, which is separate from both Amazon Prime and Prime Video.

How to add Paramount Plus through Amazon Prime Video

If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can add Paramount Plus to your account without leaving the Prime Video app. Open Prime Video on any device, go to the menu, and look for "Channels" or "Add channels." Search for Paramount Plus and select it. You will be taken to a screen showing the current price and plan options.

Choose between the ad-supported plan (lower cost) or the ad-free plan (higher cost), then confirm the purchase. The charge will appear on your Amazon account bill each month. Once added, you can watch Paramount Plus content directly in the Prime Video app alongside your Prime Video library. You can cancel the add-on at any time through your Prime Video settings.

The difference between Prime Video and Paramount Plus

Amazon Prime Video is the streaming service included with an Amazon Prime membership. It offers movies, TV shows, and original series produced by Amazon Studios. Paramount Plus is owned and operated by Paramount Global and has its own library of content from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and the Paramount film studio.

The two services have almost no overlap in their content libraries. If you want to watch something on Paramount Plus, you cannot find it on Prime Video, and vice versa. They are completely separate platforms with different shows, movies, and release schedules. Adding Paramount Plus through Prime Video is just a convenience—it lets you pay and watch from one app, but the content remains separate.

Paramount Plus pricing and plan options

Paramount Plus offers two subscription plans. The ad-supported plan costs less per month and includes commercials during shows and movies. The ad-free plan costs more per month and removes most ads (some content may still have ads due to licensing agreements). Prices vary by region and change periodically, so check the current rates when you add the channel.

When you add Paramount Plus through Prime Video, you pay the same monthly price as if you subscribed directly to Paramount Plus. There is no discount for bundling it with Prime Video through Amazon. Some people choose to add it through Prime Video straightforward because they prefer managing all their subscriptions in one place.

Other ways to get Paramount Plus

You do not have to add Paramount Plus through Amazon. You can subscribe directly through the Paramount Plus website or app and pay Paramount Global directly. The price and plans are identical either way. Some people prefer this method because they keep their streaming subscriptions separate from their Amazon account.

Paramount Plus is also sometimes included with certain cable and phone provider packages. Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, and some other providers offer Paramount Plus as part of their bundle. If you already subscribe to one of these services, check your account to see if Paramount Plus is included. This is different from both Amazon Prime and Prime Video—it is a benefit from your internet or cable provider.

What content is on Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus carries current and past seasons of CBS shows like The Good Fight, NCIS, and Survivor. It includes movies from the Paramount film studio, Nickelodeon shows and movies, MTV content, and original series made specifically for Paramount Plus. The library changes monthly as new episodes air and new content is added.

If you are trying to decide whether to add Paramount Plus, think about whether you watch CBS shows, Nickelodeon content, or Paramount movies. If most of what you want to watch is on Prime Video or other services you already have, Paramount Plus may not be worth the extra cost. Check the Paramount Plus website to browse their current library before you subscribe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount Plus on my Prime Video app if I do not have Amazon Prime?

No. To add Paramount Plus as a channel through Prime Video, you must have an active Amazon Prime membership. If you do not have Prime, you can only subscribe to Paramount Plus directly through their website or app.

Do I need both Prime Video and Paramount Plus to watch everything?

No. They are two completely separate services with different content. You only need Paramount Plus if you want to watch shows and movies that are exclusively on that platform. Many people have only one or the other depending on what they want to watch.

If I cancel my Amazon Prime membership, do I lose Paramount Plus?

Yes. If you added Paramount Plus as a channel through Prime Video and you cancel your Prime membership, you will no longer be able to watch Paramount Plus through that method. However, you can still subscribe to Paramount Plus directly and watch it through their app.

Is there a free trial for Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus occasionally offers free trial periods, but these promotions change frequently and may not always be available. Check the Paramount Plus website or the add-on screen in Prime Video to see if a trial is currently being offered in your region.

Can I share my Paramount Plus subscription with family members?

Paramount Plus allows multiple profiles on one account, similar to Netflix. However, the number of people who can watch at the same time depends on your plan. Check Paramount Plus's current terms to see how many simultaneous streams your plan allows.