Why is My Prime Video Currently Watching Showing Up on My Apple TV Up Next?
The phenomenon of a Prime Video show appearing on your Apple TV 'Up Next' section can be puzzling when both services operate independently. Let's break down the possible reasons and clarify the differences between these two popular streaming platforms.
Understanding Streaming Platform Individually
Primarily, it's essential to understand that both Prime Video and Apple TV run on distinct platforms and operate independently. While both share a similar purpose of delivering video content, they have different offerings, pricing, and subscription models. Here are the key differences:
Prime Video
Prime Video is part of Amazon Prime's subscription service. If you subscribe to Amazon Prime, you automatically get access to Prime Video. Prime Video offers a wide range of original content, including shows, movies, and documentaries. The service is available in over 245 countries and regions and is used on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, streaming boxes, game consoles, and mobile devices.
Apple TV
Apple TV is a streaming service offered by Apple Inc. It includes a mix of licensee content from authorized partners and Original Apple TV shows. Apple TV is a premium service that provides exclusive content, which is available to members of the Apple ecosystem, including those who have an Apple Music or iCloud subscription. Apple TV is also available on various devices, including Apple’s hardware and third-party devices with the appropriate apps.
No Shared Content by Default
One critical point is that, by default, Prime Video and Apple TV do not share content. This means that content available on one platform is not automatically accessible on the other unless you have a specific method to do so. For example, content licensed to Amazon is not available on Apple TV by default, and vice versa.
Using Apple TV Plus “Channels” Feature
Apple TV Plus has a feature called "channels" where subscribers can access content from other streaming services. However, this is not a seamless integration but rather a curated selection of content from other services that you might want to buy or rent. For instance, if you have a subscription to Showtime or Starz, the content from these services may be available through the Apple TV "channels" section.
My Subscriptions in Prime Video
On the other hand, Amazon's "My Subscriptions" feature might give you access to content from other streaming services that you have signed up for, but this is typically a separate and distinct offering within the Prime Video app. This content is not part of the main Prime Video library but is made available as a convenience for users who have multiple subscriptions.
How Does the 'Up Next' Feature Work?
The 'Up Next' feature on Apple TV indicates the next piece of content that you should watch. This is typically based on user preferences, recent viewing history, and recommendations from the Apple TV app. Users must explicitly add shows or movies to the 'Up Next' list, and this action is not bound by the platforms they are subscribed to.
Securing Content on Multiple Devices
While it seems unlikely for content from one service to appear automatically on another, there are a few steps you can take if you want to ensure that you do not miss any upcoming content from other streaming services:
Set Up My Subscriptions in Prime Video
Ensure that you have My Subscriptions set up correctly in Prime Video. This feature can help you keep track of shows or movies that you have accessed from other services.
Utilize Apple TV Channels
If you have subscriptions to other streaming services, ensure that you are taking advantage of the 'channels' feature in Apple TV Plus. This can help you discover and remember content that you might want to watch.
Closing Thoughts
While the idea of content from one service appearing on another seems convenient, the reality is that Prime Video and Apple TV operate independently, and there is no automatic synchronization of content between them. However, by utilizing advanced features in both services, you can keep track of and manage your viewing lists effectively.