AMC Networks' streaming service HIDIVE has made significant inroads into four key international markets by launching as a monthly ad-free add-on subscription on Amazon Prime Video Channels. Effective from March 24, 2025, viewers in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can now access HIDIVE for either £4.99 or the equivalent in local currency—CA$8.99, AU$8.99, or NZ$8.99, respectively. As part of its growth strategy, the HIDIVE app has also expanded its accessibility to major smart TV partners such as Samsung, LG, and VIZIO in the United States.
This enhanced distribution marks a strategic effort by AMC Networks to strengthen HIDIVE's presence in select English-speaking territories. Subscribers in these markets will gain access to an extensive library of anime, comprising both contemporary hits and classic series. Popular titles among the lineup include OSHI NO KO, The Eminence in Shadow, Ragna Crimson, Farming Life in Another World, and The Dangers in My Heart. The service not only provides English subtitles and dubs but also offers an impressive selection of episodic series and feature films across various genres, catering to diverse viewer preferences.
A notable feature of HIDIVE is its exclusive access to seasonal simulcasts, which are streamed very close to their original Japanese broadcast times. This timely availability is a significant draw for anime enthusiasts, adding value to the viewing experience.
Furthermore, AMC Networks' partnership with Amazon Prime Video represents a strategic re-entry into previously established English-language markets, with New Zealand being a newer addition to this portfolio. This comes on the heels of a challenging period where HIDIVE had to suspend services in numerous countries outside of North America back in November 2023. At the time, the network cited a decision to focus on regions where they could optimize resources, stating they were “strategically focusing our operations on the fast-growing global markets that represent approximately 98 percent of our current customer base.”
The aligned efforts of HIDIVE and Amazon underscore a growing trend within the streaming industry to expand anime content. Recent revelations from Amazon executives indicate a commitment to bolster their global anime content over the next several years, having already secured licensing agreements for notable titles such as Rebuild of Evangelion and Look Back, which won the 48th Japan Academy Award for Best Animation. Upcoming projects such as Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX are also set to enhance the platform's offerings.
As the demand for anime grows internationally, HIDIVE’s positioning as an ad-free add-on within the robust Amazon Prime Video framework could resonate well with consumers seeking high-quality content. Not only will this move enhance visibility for the service, but it also aligns seamlessly with Amazon's strategic initiative to expand its repertoire of anime content to potentially attract a broader audience.
In summary, by initiating this distribution partnership and expanding its catalog, AMC Networks aims to provide anime lovers with an enriched viewing experience while also consolidating HIDIVE's standing in competitive markets. This could signal a pivotal moment for the platform as it reinforces its commitment to deliver intriguing and timely anime content to audiences in key English-speaking regions.
By re-establishing a presence in these markets, HIDIVE aims to capture the attention of both existing fans and new subscribers attracted by the influx of targeted and quality content. The company hopes this strategic focus will position it favorably against other streaming giants in a landscape that is becoming increasingly saturated with options for viewers.
