Amazon's paid subscription service for shipping and video is Amazon Prime. It is a membership program that combines delivery benefits with entertainment and other services, although the exact benefits vary by country.
Amazon launched Prime in the United States on February 2, 2005. The original program offered free two-day shipping on eligible purchases for an annual fee of $79, along with discounted one-day shipping. Amazon later expanded Prime into a broader loyalty program that could include Prime Video, music, e-books, gaming benefits, photo storage, grocery services, and other perks.
Prime Video became an important part of the membership, offering selected films and television programs at no additional cost in supported markets. The video service itself began earlier under names including Amazon Unbox and Amazon Video on Demand before becoming Prime Video. A common mistake is assuming every Prime benefit is identical worldwide: shipping speeds, prices, catalogs, and included services depend on the member's country.