Amazon launched the Amazon Prime subscription service in the United States in 2005.
Prime originally offered members unlimited two-day shipping on eligible purchases for an annual fee. The program was designed to encourage more frequent ordering by making delivery costs predictable.
Amazon later expanded Prime with digital benefits, including Prime Video, Prime Music, and other services. The exact package has varied by country and has changed over time, so Prime is not identical in every market.
Amazon Prime is sometimes confused with Amazon itself. Amazon is the retailer and technology company, while Prime is its paid membership program. The service began as a shipping-focused loyalty scheme before becoming a broader subscription ecosystem.