Amazon‘s IMDb TV has expanded its free streaming service to iOS and Android mobile devices. This allows iPhone, iPad and Android users to now enjoy IMDb TV‘s massive catalog of ad-supported entertainment on the go.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know to get the most out of IMDb TV on your mobile device.
An Ad-Supported Streaming Powerhouse
IMDb TV first launched in January 2019 and has quickly become a major player in the ad-based streaming space. It‘s owned by Amazon and available as an app across many platforms.
Some key stats about IMDb TV:
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Over 175 million hours streamed as of December 2021.
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Over 85 million monthly active users in the U.S. alone.
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Offers thousands of movies and TV shows with more added regularly.
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Content comes from nearly every major Hollywood studio.
IMDb TV has struck deals with studios like Disney, NBCUniversal, Sony and Warner Bros. to offer both older and newer movies/shows totally free. This gives it an expansive catalog spanning hit classics, recent blockbusters and binge-worthy TV series.
According to IMDb‘s internal data, here are a few examples of popular titles available on the service:
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Movies: Top Gun, La La Land, True Grit, The Karate Kid
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TV: Friday Night Lights, Duck Dynasty, 2 Broke Girls
The selection covers all genres including comedy, drama, action, family and more. The catalog rotates frequently, so there‘s always something new to choose from.
How IMDb TV Stacks Up to Other Free Streaming Services
IMDb TV competes in a crowded market of free, ad-supported streaming options. Some of its top competitors include:
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Tubi – Offers over 20,000 movies & shows. Available on most devices.
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Pluto TV – Stream over 250+ channels. Available on many platforms.
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The Roku Channel – Thousands of free movies & programs. Only on Roku devices.
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Plex – Large selection of free on-demand content. Must have Plex app.
Here‘s a comparison of key stats between the major services:
| Service | Content Library Size | Monthly Active Users | Platform Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMDb TV | Thousands of titles | 85+ million | Fire TV, Roku, iOS, Android, etc. |
| Tubi | Over 20,000 titles | 33+ million | Most major devices |
| Pluto TV | 250+ channels | Over 40 million | Most major devices |
| The Roku Channel | Thousands of titles | N/A | Exclusive to Roku |
As you can see, IMDb TV is right up there as a top free streaming choice with its large content library and multi-platform availability.
The Pros and Cons of Ad-Based Streaming
The big trade-off with services like IMDb TV is that you‘ll have to watch a certain amount of ads in exchange for that free content access. Depending on your preferences, ads can either be a perfectly fair deal or an annoying distraction.
Here are some of the key pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
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Entirely free access to thousands of movies & shows
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No subscriptions, fees or charges
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Provides greater content variety
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Allows cord-cutting with minimal cost
Cons:
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Advertisements interrupt your viewing experience
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Usually limited to 720p HD quality at best
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Newer movies aren‘t always available
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Less robust features and customization
Overall, if you can tolerate ads and have reasonable expectations for a free service, IMDb TV offers incredible entertainment value. Just go in knowing the limitations compared to paid options.
Here are some tips to handle ads:
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Use the breaks to check your phone, have a snack, etc. Plan short breaks.
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Keep your remote handy to mute ads quickly.
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For longer content, ads may be less frequent after the first commercial break.
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Watch a few titles to get a feel for the ad frequency and length.
Getting Started with IMDb TV on Mobile
Now that we‘ve covered the key details on IMDb TV, let‘s get into how to actually watch it on your iPhone, iPad or Android device.
The IMDb TV mobile apps can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Just search for "IMDb TV" and install the app published by IMDb Mobile LLC.
Once you open the app, you‘ll need to login with your Amazon account credentials. If you don‘t already have an account, you can easily create a free one online or through the app.
The app provides a familiar browsing experience. You can scroll through rows like Most Popular, New Releases, Top Picks For You and more.
Use the search feature to find a specific movie or show you want to watch. Tap any title and you can immediately start streaming it.
The playback screen includes options like:
- Play/Pause
- Rewind/Fast Forward
- Closed Captions
- Audio Language
- Video Quality
Other app features include:
- Downloads for offline viewing
- Personal watchlist
- Parental controls
- Continue watching across devices
- Get alerted when new episodes or movies are added
Take advantage of these to customize your viewing experience.
The Future Possibilities of Free Streaming Services
While services like Netflix pioneer subscription streaming, companies like Amazon and Roku aim to own free ad-supported video.
This disrupts the entertainment industry, gives consumers greater choice, and opens up new revenue streams.
We expect to see rapid growth in this space with more quality content and improved viewing experiences:
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More original movies & shows created for free streamers
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Enhanced features on par with paid services
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Expansion to more geographic regions
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Targeted/personalized ads vs. generic commercials
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Potential shift from full ads to hybrid models
The rise of free streaming gives audiences affordable options and sets up fierce competition that ultimately benefits the viewer.
Cut the Cord and Start Streaming Thousands of Free Titles
IMDb TV‘s launch on mobile greatly expands access to its impressive library of free movies and shows. For iPhone, iPad and Android owners, it‘s now easier than ever to cut the cord and stream unlimited entertainment on the go.
The ad-supported model may not be for everyone. But if you go in with reasonable expectations, IMDb TV offers incredible value without any costs. It‘s the perfect solution for those looking to save money while still enjoying tons of great content.
Download the IMDb TV app today and start streaming thousands of hit movies and TV series totally free on your mobile device. It provides a wealth of on-the-go entertainment at just the cost of a few ads.
