We have been using the Netflix streaming service for years already. Netflix is characterized by offering original content over the years since its inception, which makes it a leader in this service sector. It is thanks to this content that he managed to gather a fairly large and solid community of users. However, it's no surprise that Netflix hasn't been alone over the years. Stay till the end and find out who wins the war between Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
As you may already know, now there is another option to enjoy excellent quality movies and TV shows. This new programming is delivered through Amazon Prime, which offers a wide variety of programming through its catalog and a number of benefits to compare with Netflix.
Netflix vs Amazon Prime Video What is the history of these two platforms?
There has been a lot of excitement over the announcement of Amazon Prime Video as it will be a direct competitor to Netflix. However, this platform has been around for many years. Therefore, its users are very interested in the features and benefits that Amazon Prime offers to make up their mind. There is no doubt that Amazon is slowly but surely moving forward. By offering lower rates and a good catalog of programs.
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have emerged as the two leading streaming platforms to date, gaining a large number of active users who use each of their platforms and in turn offer them a very large catalog of programs.
Taking into account the importance of the two platforms, here we will tell you the origins and history of each of them:
The history of Netflix
Netflix was founded on August 29, 1997 in California, USA. The founders of this company are Reed Hastings e Mark Randolph. The story behind this streaming site is very curious, given that the idea was born after Hastings decided to rent a film from the famous Blockbuster video store chain.
At the time, one of the most popular movies was Apollo 13. Something curious happened with the distribution of this film: Reed did not return the film in time. As a result, he had to pay a $40 fine.
This fine made Reed Hastings wonder if it was possible to create an electronic film distribution system and that, of course, this system would not lead to any penalties. And so Netflix was born.
Initially, users had a virtual directory where they could rent a movie and then return it and order another one. But it wasn't that revolutionary, so the real revolution in Netflix came when streaming content became possible.
From that moment on, Netflix started growing year after year, so much so that in 2011 they decided to create their own content. This new idea gave rise to the political drama House of Cards, directed by David Fincher and starring Kevin Spacey, two cinema heavyweights that no one can ignore.
After this breakthrough, Netflix began an international expansion in 2015 which now has nearly 140 million users worldwide. It is also considered the leading streaming platform in the market even though it has already competitors like HBO and Amazon Prime, and is followed by new rivals such as Apple, Warner and Disney.
History of Amazon Prime Video
Well, to continue with the rivalry between Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, it's time to talk about the story of our second protagonist. As we all know, Amazon Prime Video, just like Netflix, is a video service through which users can stream TV series and movies. It was created by Amazon.com in 2017, when Prime Video decided to release its Android smartphone app to the public.
An app that was perfectly located on Google Play and was used by premium users, i.e. those who paid a monthly fee for which they received short-term shipments, some free shipments, music, e-books and streaming videos.
At the time Amazon started offering this new service to its users, the public didn't realize what had happened because they had to pay 88 euros to use the service. Of course, this was a very high rate compared to other services with similar characteristics. Therefore, very few choose to use this service. Therefore, the company was forced to change its policy and introduced a monthly subscription to its services.
This great idea has worked really well as they have made the refill system much easier to use. And thanks to all the progress that has been made with this modality, Amazon Prime Video has been able to expand and make possible a single subscription with which users can enjoy all the services it offers. As a result, it is already available in more than 200 countries.
Features of Netflix, the best VOD platform
One of the main features of this platform is that has gone from being a simple VOD to one of the biggest video streaming company in the world. They have achieved this position because they have always preserved their revolutionary ideas.
These ideas were made to break all the established paradigms, even though they have undoubtedly led to success and have made it characteristic of Netflix to this day:
- Netflix offers users monthly subscription content services. With this subscription, the user will be able to enjoy streaming content from movies and TV series.
- Netflix users can access this platform through the internet, smart TVs, modern game consoles, set-top boxes, desktops, laptops and even mobile devices.
- Since 2011 it surprises its users with its original series, this is one of the main keys to Netflix's success. This is because each of their series has led to the fact that they have a significant number of unconditional fans who are eagerly awaiting the premiere of each of their episodes and seasons.
- The catalog of this platform includes more than 100 television series and programs from the past, perfect for nostalgics such as The West Wing, Gilmore Girls, 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights and Breaking Bad.
- The home page of com offers users a large selection of movies. First, they are divided into the most popular ones and those that it suggests based on your personal preferences. Although if you want to get out of the rut, you can choose other genres in the drop down list.
- A key element of a streaming platform is the subscribers. Thanks to them, the company manages to produce content that finally attracts everyone's attention. This is because the company receives a large amount of data from the users themselves, and it is with this information that it can work to obtain greater personalization of the contents, generating more attention.
- Last but not least it is Netflix's pricing policy. Prices are different in each market, as the economic characteristics of each country are taken into consideration. Subscription models are the same for all countries.
Features of Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video also offers you content services based on a monthly subscription. It is thanks to this subscription that the user will be able to enjoy streaming content of films and series. Although unlike Netflix, Amazon Prime Video now has a good tool in its hands, and it is nothing more than a novelty of a new service. That's why they will provide you with a free trial of their catalog so that customers can become more familiar with their programs.
Today the platform features the presentation of original series, including: Transparent, Tumble Leaf, Mozart in the Jungle, Bosch, Hand of God, Red Oaks, Ripper Street, The Man in the High Castle, Black Sails, Extant and Constantine . You should know that this programming can be accessed through the Internet, Smart TVs, game consoles, consoles, desktop computers, laptops and mobile devices.
In addition to what we told you above, Amazon Prime Video has the advantage of X-Ray, which is usually a very useful tool to get information about each of the actors. In addition to basic information and all the information about the series or movie you want to see.
Netflix vs. Amazon Prime Video Which Video Streaming Platform is Better?
In the rivalry of Netflix vs Amazon Prime Video, it is not possible to say which of the two platforms is better, since it all depends on the tastes of each user. Furthermore, it cannot be denied that Netflix has a huge advantage over its competitor. The situation is very logical, given the experience of the company and all the years of its existence on the market.
However, it is worth noting that Amazon is a powerful company. He doesn't gamble and takes some pretty drastic measures. That is why, to make a decision and determine which video streaming platform is the best, it is convenient to evaluate the following aspects:
1- Film
As with the series, both platforms offer you an opportunity to enjoy exclusive movies that you won't find on competing platforms. However, thanks to its history and experience in the market, it is possible that Netflix has better titles and obviously a larger catalog.
2- Series
You should know that, on either of these two platforms, you can enjoy good TV shows accompanied by exclusive content that cannot be found on any of the competing platforms. Everything here will depend on the taste of each user, they will say which is better - Netflix or Amazon.
Netflix original series include:
- Stranger things.
- House of cards.
- Orange is the new black.
Amazon Prime Video original series are:
- Hand of God.
- The man in the high tower.
- American gods.
- Fear the walking dead.
3- Prices
As for the price, both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are very generous, since both platforms offer a completely free 30-day trial. If we talk about the monthly fee, then on Netflix it starts at €7,99, this is the cost of a basic subscription, i.e. it does not include HD or Ultra HD content and can only be used on one device.
Now, if you pay €11,99 a month, you can use the subscription «Standard«. A subscription that allows you to use two screens simultaneously and watch HD content. There is also a subscription «Premium» for €15,99 with which you can enjoy 4 screens at the same time and which includes HD and Ultra HD content.
In the case of Amazon Prime Video, you can subscribe to this platform for €36 a year. This is perhaps one of the cheapest subscriptions out there, and it also includes free shipping on your Amazon orders, access to Amazon Prime Music, the ability to view two screens simultaneously, and many other benefits.
4- Genres
The two platforms have a large catalog of films and TV series available to users. That is why this exclusive and unique content is the deciding factor for the users.
Netflix specializes in new movies, while Amazon specializes in classics. And the drama, documentary or historical genre is what shines the most on Netflix. Not to mention feature films, the quality of which is equally excellent.
It is important for you to know that this is something that Amazon cannot compete with yet, as they are limited to only distributing third-party games, all of which belong to the classic genre. And that's where the Netflix platform wins, where you can watch everything from dramas and thrillers to anime and more.
5- Quality
There is no doubt that in terms of image quality, content and service. Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are on an equal footing. Their platforms are constantly updated so that you can enjoy all-new, high-quality content.
In terms of quality, it can also be noted that Netflix offers its users the possibility of creating different accounts for multiple users, and also has a section dedicated to children, which lacks content not suitable for minors.
While Amazon Prime Video does not yet have this option. And another difference between the two is that everything you watch on Netflix's catalog is streamed, while on Amazon, only content with the Prime banner is available for subscription viewing.
