Amazon has announced plans to close down its Freevee service after almost six years.

First known as IMDb Freedive, the service launched in January 2019 and offered a range of free TV shows, movies and FAST channels - all supported by ad revenue.

Months later it was rebranded as IMDb TV before changing identity one final time, adopting the Freevee brand in April 2022.

Despite denying reports earlier this year that Freevee would close, Amazon has now confirmed that it will be shutting down operations in the coming weeks as part of a strategy to focus on Prime Video.

Existing Freevee content will join the Prime Video lineup and will remain free for those without a Prime Video subscription, albeit still supported by advertising.

A spokesperson explained: "We have built Prime Video into a first-stop entertainment destination where customers can personalise their viewing experience by streaming exclusive Prime member entertainment produced by Amazon MGM Studios, licensed movies and series, content from other services as an add-on subscription, live sports, blockbuster movies and series to rent or buy, FAST Channels and the complete Amazon Freevee content offering

"To deliver a simpler viewing experience for customers, we have decided to phase out Freevee branding. There will be no change to the content available for Prime members, and a vast offering of free streaming content will still be accessible for non-Prime members, including select Originals from Amazon MGM Studios, a variety of licensed movies and series, and a broad library of FAST Channels - all available on Prime Video."

Notable Freevee shows include the revival of Australian soap Neighbours, courtroom show Judy Justice and mockumentary Jury Duty.