IMDb Freedive is not yet available to viewers outside the U.S.
Amazon’s IMDb has recently launched Freedive — a free, ad-supported video streaming service provided by the popular movie/television information aggregator. Freedive is designed for use with laptops, computers and of course, all Amazon Fire TV devices.
The content is free to watch without a subscription. Viewers can simply log in to the Freedive service using their IMDb account.
The expansion to ad-supported streaming was a logical next step for IMDb, which already hosted video content such as trailers, interviews, and original shorts. IMDb original programming like The IMDb Show, No Small Parts, and Casting Call will now be bundled into the free streaming service.
“Customers already rely on IMDb to discover movies and TV shows and decide what to watch,” IMDb founder Col Needham stated prior to the service’s release. “With the launch of IMDb Freedive, they can now also watch full-length movies and TV shows on IMDb and all Amazon Fire TV devices for free. We will continue to enhance IMDb Freedive based on customer feedback and will soon make it available more widely, including on IMDb’s leading mobile apps.”
Amazon also has other free-of-charge ad-supported streaming services in the pipeline. This including a news app designed for Fire users. Once developed, it would compete with Roku’s news platform, which aggregates news from ABC, Yahoo, TMZ and others. It may also keep up with Apple News, which grants access to over 300 magazines.
What’s Available on Freedive?
The Freedive homepage offers a carousel of featured titles as well as an advanced search bar, similar to other streaming sites. Uniquely, as new titles become available on IMDb Freedive, corresponding IMDb pages will show an option to “Watch for Free on IMDb Freedive”. This may eventually give it a leg up on its competitors such as Roku.
The service currently streams hit TV shows including Heroes, The Bachelor, and Fringe. It also makes Hollywood movies such as Memento, The Illusionist, Foxcatcher, and Groundhog Day available on demand.
“The selection of titles included with Freedive is always changing, and titles you’re interested in might become available in the future,” says the IMDb Freedive FAQ. “We’re constantly working to improve our catalog to ensure that customers have access to the best selection of movies and TV shows possible.”
How To Access Freedive
At present, IMDb Freedive is only available in the U.S. or U.S. territories. Users can access IMDb Freedive titles on the IMDb Freedive home page or through the IMDb Freedive channel on Amazon Fire TV devices. Additionally, the service is available on all devices compatible with ad-supported channels.
Viewers should note that it is not possible to skip advertisements that air on Freedive since it is an ad-supported streaming service. IMDb Freedive titles are not available for purchase either. Amazon’s FAQ directs viewers seeking ad-free content to rent or purchase titles from Amazon Prime Video.
Will Freedive cross the pond to the UK?
IMDb has not made any official announcements about extending Freedive services beyond the U.S. With that said, it’s reasonable to expect that Freedive will become available internationally if it proves successful stateside.
We have also noticed recently subtle references to the ad-supported streaming service on Amazon UK’s Help and Customer Service page. We’re hoping it’s a sign that Freedive will soon be available in the UK. After all, the service was made to work in tandem with Amazon Prime Video, which reached the UK in 2014.
Though chances look good, it’s still likely that free streaming service Tubi will become available in the UK first.