Streaming providers face an issue, and I'm unsure if a solution is feasible
MGM+ and the Changing Landscape of Streaming
In the ever-evolving world of streaming services, MGM+ has recently emerged as a new player, owned by Amazon MGM Studios. However, it remains a separate entity from Amazon Prime Video, a decision that has sparked some confusion among viewers.
As of August 2025, MGM+ costs $6.99 per month or $58.99 annually, offering a savings of about 30% for those who opt for the yearly subscription. A 6-month subscription plan is also available, though it has recently increased from $29.99 to $39.99. MGM+ can be accessed as a paid add-on channel on streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, but it is not included by default in the standard Amazon Prime membership.
The strategic separation of MGM+ from Prime Video could be due to positioning it as a premium tier or specialized service, complete with exclusive content like the James Bond movies. This move justifies the additional cost and prevents it from diluting Prime’s broader content offering.
Here's a breakdown of the costs of some popular streaming services:
| Service | Cost | Notes | |-------------------|--------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | MGM+ standalone | $6.99/month or $58.99/year | Also available as paid add-on on platforms incl. Prime Video[1][5] | | Amazon Prime Video | $8.99/month standalone; included with $14.99/month Prime | MGM+ is not included by default but as separate add-on[4][5] |
Amazon Prime Video, on the other hand, costs £8.99 per month for a standard plan without ads, but requires an additional £2.99 for Prime membership. Apple TV, another favourite of many, does not have ads on its service.
The future of streaming services may involve a shift away from constant subscriptions and towards a model where users switch services based on the programming they're interested in. This could be a response to the growing concern over the increasing costs of streaming services and the need for better quality content.
The author has expressed the need for streaming services to focus on upping quality rather than squeezing subscribers for more money. The quality of streaming services is indeed a concern, with questionable bitrates affecting the viewing experience. The author has criticized the visual quality of Apple TV+'s Silo, suggesting that buying the show on 4K Blu-ray and watching it on a PS5 would be a better option if available.
Despite the additional cost, the author finds it hard to justify opening an account for MGM+ due to the lack of personal investment in its content. However, MGM+ does offer potential lures such as the show From and classic movies that are now exclusive to the service. Paramount+, another popular streaming service, costs £4.99 for a basic plan without ads, £7.99 for a standard plan without ads, and £10.99 for a premium plan. It houses shows like MobLand, Tulsa King, and Your Honor, and recently added South Park to its catalogue.
NOW costs from £9.99-£34.99 per package, with additional costs for better streaming and audio quality. The author's ongoing subscription to Disney+ is uncertain due to a lack of personal investment in Star Wars and Marvel.
In conclusion, the streaming landscape is becoming increasingly complex, with new services emerging and existing ones continuously evolving. As a consumer, it's essential to evaluate the value each service offers and make informed decisions based on personal preferences and budget.
[1] MGM+ Pricing and Plans: https://www.mgmplus.com/pricing [2] Why MGM+ Isn't Included in Amazon Prime Video: https://www.techradar.com/news/why-is-mgm-not-included-in-amazon-prime-video [3] The Cost of Streaming Services: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/09/the-cost-of-streaming-services-is-getting-out-of-control.html [4] Amazon Prime Video Pricing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/primevideo/unbox/prime-video-plans [5] MGM+ on Amazon Prime Video: https://www.techhive.com/article/3517099/how-to-get-mgm-plus-on-amazon-prime-video.html
- The strategic separation of MGM+ from Prime Video could indicate its positioning as a premium tier or specialized service, not only offering exclusive content like the James Bond movies, but potentially expanding into various fields, such as finance, technology, entertainment, and sports, to create a diversified selection for subscribers.
- In the race for better quality content and subscriber retention, streaming services might look towards technology for advancements, collaborating with finance institutions for better financial management of subscription models, and exploring partnerships with sports leagues and entertainment companies to provide unique and compelling content across a wide array of genres, including finance, technology, entertainment, and sports.
