How To Dive Into Prime Video: A Step-by-Step Guide For South Africans

Holifil

31 Mar, 2025

Prime Video is your go-to platform to unwind after a long day, offering thrilling movies and binge-worthy series. But to access this treasure trove of entertainment, you'll need to subscribe. Let's walk you through how to sign up for Prime Video and get the most out of it.

The streaming service was started in September 2006. Photo: Prime Video’s Facebook page and Dennis Fischer Photography (modified by author)Source: UGC

How to subscribe to Prime Video in South Africa
Do you pay for Prime Video?
- How much is Prime Video per month in South Africa?
Other information

So, what exactly is Prime Video? Amazon Prime Video, simply known as Prime Video, is a subscription-based streaming service owned by Amazon. It was founded on September 7, 2006, and has grown to be available in over 200 countries, offering content in 30 different languages. For South Africans, this means you can enjoy exclusive content that you won't find anywhere else.

Prime Video made its official debut in South Africa in December 2016, giving locals access to a world of entertainment. A Prime Video subscription means you can dive into exclusive shows and movies that you can't find on other platforms. It's like having your own personal cinema at home.

Read also:
South African Besties Showcase Their Exboyfriends Rides

Prime Video South Africa has over 8,852 titles. Photo: FG Trade (modified by author)Source: UGC

If you're ready to jump into the world of Prime Video, getting started is easier than you think. Here's a quick guide to help you sign up:

Step 1: Head over to the Prime Video website.
Step 2: Choose the "Start your seven-day free trial" option.
Step 3: If you already have an account, log in. If not, select "Create your Amazon account" to get started.
Step 4: Fill in your personal details, including your first and last name, mobile number, and a secure password that you'll use moving forward.
Step 5: Solve a quick puzzle to verify that you're human. It's usually something simple, like identifying an animal or object in an image.
Step 6: You'll receive an OTP (One-Time Pin) on your phone. Enter this pin to confirm your account.
Step 7: The final step is to enter your payment details. Don't worry; you're covered by a seven-day free trial before any charges kick in.

Once you've completed these steps, you're all set to stream your favorite shows and movies on any device that supports Prime Video. And hey, you get to enjoy a free trial for seven days before deciding if this is the service for you.

The streaming service costs R79.00 monthly once you've finished your free trial. Photo: Prime Video South Africa’s website and Kala Studio (modified by author)Source: UGC

Is Prime Video Free, or Is There a Cost?

There's a bit of confusion out there about whether Prime Video is free. The truth is, you get a seven-day free trial when you sign up. If you decide Prime Video isn't for you during that time, you can cancel without any charges. But if you don't cancel, you'll be automatically charged for the month and every month after that.

How Much Does Prime Video Cost in South Africa?

Here's the breakdown: A Prime Video subscription in South Africa costs R79.00 per month. If you prefer the mobile option, which lets you watch on your phone or tablet, it's only R29.00 per month. You also have the flexibility to choose when your subscription fee gets deducted from your account.

More Than Just Streaming: What Else Should You Know?

Now that you're familiar with the costs, let's dive into some other important details that every new Prime Video user should know.

What's Prime Video Mobile All About?

If you're someone who's always on the move, the mobile option is perfect for you. For just R29.00 per month, you can watch Prime Video on your mobile phone or tablet. It's a great way to save money while still enjoying your favorite content on the go.

Read also:
Why Food Prices In South Africa Remain High Despite Positive Economic Indicators

Amazon Prime vs. Prime Video: What's the Difference?

Amazon Prime is a broader subscription service that includes Prime Video, but it also offers perks like free shipping, music streaming, and more. However, depending on where you live, Prime Video can be subscribed to independently of Amazon Prime. In South Africa, you can enjoy Prime Video without needing a full Amazon Prime membership.

How to Say Goodbye to Prime Video

If you've decided Prime Video isn't for you, canceling your subscription is straightforward. Here's how:

Step 1: Log into your account from your preferred device.
Step 2: Go to the "My stuff" section and click on "Settings" at the top right.
Step 3: Select "My account" and then choose either "Manage account" or "Delete account."
Step 4: To stop your payments, select "Manage account" and then click "End membership."

Updating Your Payment Method

Need to change or add a payment method? No problem. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Log into your account from your preferred device.
Step 2: Head to the "My stuff" section and click on "Settings" at the top right.
Step 3: Select "My account" and then choose "Manage account."
Step 4: Click on "Set payment method" to see your current payment details.
Step 5: Select "Add a payment method" and enter your updated information.

When Does the Monthly Charge Hit Your Account?

Your payment doesn't necessarily happen at the end of the month. Instead, it's deducted after a full billing cycle of using the service. So, if you sign up on the 15th, your next charge will come on the 15th of the following month.

You can also enjoy various content through the mobile site at R29.00 monthly. Photo: Prime Video South Africa’s website and Gravity Images (modified by author)Source: UGC

What Can You Expect to Watch on Prime Video South Africa?

Prime Video has a wide range of content to suit every taste. Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect:

Amazon Originals and Exclusives: Shows and movies that you won't find anywhere else.
Documentary TV: Dive deep into fascinating real-life stories.
Highly-Rated Series on IMDb: Catch the cream of the crop in TV entertainment.
Mystery and Thriller TV: Keep your pulse racing with edge-of-your-seat dramas.
Unscripted TV: Reality shows that take you behind the scenes.
Sports TV: Watch your favorite athletes compete.
Comedy TV: Laugh along with the best comedies from around the world.
Kids and Family TV: Entertainment the whole family can enjoy.
Anime TV: Dive into the colorful world of Japanese animation.
Historical TV: Explore the past through captivating storytelling.
Crime TV: Solve mysteries with the best crime dramas.
Science Fiction TV: Travel to the future and beyond with sci-fi adventures.
Horror TV: Get your scare on with chilling horror shows.
Action and Adventure TV: Heroes, villains, and epic battles await.
Fantasy TV: Enter magical realms and mythical worlds.

So, how do you subscribe to Prime Video in South Africa? It's simple: follow the steps we've outlined, and you'll be streaming your favorite