With Amazon Prime Video's latest push toward subscriptions and even tighter DRM loops, downloading a show doesn't mean we actually own the right to watch it whenever anymore. However, we can reclaim the library we are already paying for by converting Prime Video to MP4 video files.
If you're searching for a quick, safe, and high-quality way to download Amazon Prime Video to MP4, this post is written for you. It explains some common terms you'll meet when searching, like MP4, MKV, and DRM. Also, this article provides a tutorial on saving Prime Video to MP4, shares the latest insights, and analyzes the legality question.
Note: It's impossible to directly download Prime Video to MP4 with its official app. We need a dedicated downloader like KeepStreams. It can handle 1080p and MP4 conversion at the same time. ➡️ Check the tutorial for Win & Mac in Section 2.
- Which one should you pick, MP4 or MKV? ➡️ Section 3.1
- 2026 DRM updates make most free online converters obsolete. ➡️ Section 3.2
⚠️ Note: Prime Video MP4 files are generally permitted under "Fair Use" only for personal, non-commercial backups. ToS vary by region.
Why Should We Convert Prime Video to MP4?
When we use the official Amazon app, we don’t really "download" a file—we lease a temporary, encrypted cache. The title is still under the control of Prime Video. That's the reason why we need to download Amazon Video to MP4 to shake off the 2 major limits:
1. Expiration: Normally, if we download VOD content or titles rented from Prime Video, they'll expire after a certain time (after the end of the lease/subscription, or 48 hours from start of play).
2. Unavoidable Ads: As of late 2025, Media Tech Insight reported that Amazon's ad-supported tier now accounts for over 60% of its US subscriber base. Now, even if the titles are downloaded, commercials may still appear in the banners, pre-roll, or mid-roll.
To reclaim the real right of offline viewing, downloading Amazon video to MP4 is the only way. Here's the comparison:
| Feature | ⚠️ Official Amazon App | ✅ Converted MP4 File |
| Expiration | 30 days (or 48h after play) | Never |
| Device Portability | Limited to App-enabled devices | Any device (TV, Mac, PC, Tablet) |
| Ads Interruption | Frequent | No Ads |
| Offline Reliability | Requires periodic DRM "check-ins" | 100% Offline |
| File Format | Encrypted, unaccessible | Universal .mp4 |
How to Download Amazon Video to MP4?
We need an extra tool to convert Prime Video to MP4. A reliable tool should have at least the following 3 features:
- DRM handling (Widevine L1 Support): Significant for high-quality downloads
- Batch processing: Save time and energy
- Metadata saving: Better for organization
KeepStreams for Prime Video is such a tool that can not only meet the basic requirements but also provide many advanced functions. If you want to download Amazon video to MP4 directly, it's a good choice.
Tutorial: Steps to Save Prime Video to MP4
KeepStreams is a powerful desktop program that can download videos from Prime Video in original 1080p. It's able to handle nearly all DRM videos on Amazon. As long as you can play a video in the built-in browser of KeepStreams, this tool can help you analyze and download it. What's more, it's a good way to save money as it can automatically detect and remove commercials (with any Prime Video subscription).
With the built-in browser, KeepStreams integrates the play, download, and conversion together. It's very easy to convert Prime Video to MP4 in the following steps:
Step1
Launch KeepStreams and select Amazon
Step2
Log in to your Prime account and play video
Different from online MP4 converters, KeepStreams requires your Prime Video membership to access the highest video quality you can get to ensure the offline resolution.
Step3
Set the download option in a pop-up window
The videos will be downloaded into MP4 video files by default. You can change it to MKV format anytime in My Account > Settings > Preferences > General > Video Format.
Step4
Set options and click Download Now
You can check the real-time download progress in the Download > Downloading tab. (The download speed depends on your Internet)
Alyssa
The download steps are the same for both Windows PC and Mac.
My download tip: If you prefer to watch your Amazon to MP4 conversion on a 65-inch OLED, choose the highest resolution available and use H.265 codec to save more space on your device.
In fact, before using KeepStreams, I had tried several "Prime Video to MP4 converters", but I still recommend KeepStreams. Here's the reason:
| *Feature | KeepStreams | Y2Mate | Kigo | TunePat | FreeGrabApp |
| Overall Rating |
4.8/5.0 | 4.6/5.0 | 4.4/5.0 | 4.4/5.0 | 3.6/5.0 |
| Supported OS |
Win & Mac | Win & Mac | Win & Mac | Win & Mac | Windows Only |
| Yearly Plan | $5.00/mo. | $5.41/mo. | N/A | N/A | $2.50/mo. |
| Lifetime Plan | $99.9 | $129.9 | $129.9 | $129.9 | $59.9 |
| Quality | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 720p |
| Codec | H.264/H.265 | H.264/H.265 | H.264/H.265 | H.264/H.265 | H.264 |
| Format | MP4/MKV | MP4/MKV | MP4 | MP4 | MP4 |
| Free Trial | 3 Videos | 3 Videos | First 5 minutes | First 5 minutes | 240p downloads |
| DRM Handling | ✅ Quick updates | ✅ Quick updates | ✅ Slower updates | ✅ Slower updates | ⚠️ May fail after DRM updates |
| Batch Download |
✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Auto Download |
✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ad Removal | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Review | KeepStream Review | Y2Mate Review | Kigo Review | TunePat Review | FreeGrabApp Review |
| Updated on January 27, 2026. *The detailed product names have been omitted for clarity | |||||
Is It Legal to Convert Amazon Video to MP4?
📌Note: Yes, it's acceptable and generally falls under "Fair Use" for individual backup and format shifting. However, using the MP4 downloads for commercial purposes is illegal.
In the United States, "Format Shifting" is a generally acceptable method to save personal copies. It's the same logic that allowed people to rip CDs to MP3s in the 2000s. Under the Fair Use doctrine, it's okay to convert Amazon Prime to MP4 for personal, non-commercial use.
However, sharing, selling, or uploading the MP4 downloads to a torrent site is a direct violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Also, based on Amazon ToS, your account will be at risk if you misuse it (like download 5 hundred episodes from Prime Video in 24 hours).
[Bonus] Technical Deep Dive: MP4, MKV, and the DRM
If you're still confused and curious about the terms mentioned above, check the detailed explanation below.
MP4 vs. MKV
MP4 and MKV are 2 kinds of video formats:
- MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is a universal standard for videos. It goes everywhere and works on everything.
- MKV (Matroska) is less compatible than MP4. But it performs better when storing multiple subtitle tracks and lossless audio.
If you just want a "download and watch on any device", MP4 is the top choice. If you always manage downloads with Plex, you might need MKV. KeepStreams for Prime Video is able to save videos in both formats. And the following 3 video players on PC that support both formats:
- VLC Media Player
- PotPlayer
- KM Player
DRM: Can You Convert Amazon Prime to MP4 Online for Free?
If you search for "free Prime Video to MP4 online," you'll be greeted by many websites with promises of "instant" conversion. They might work for a public YouTube clip, but when faced with a titan like Amazon, they hit a brick wall. That's because of DRM.
Standard online converters, browser extensions, or open-source command tools are essentially simple HTTP fetchers. They look for a direct link to a file like movie.mp4. Since Amazon uses Widevine L1/L3 encryption to scramble the data into a proprietary format, these free tools can't find a "file" to grab.
Beyond the technical failure, there is the security risk. According to a 2025 Cyber-Security Report on Media Utilities, over 40% of "free" conversion sites were found to bundle unwanted adware or browser-hijackers in their "download" buttons.
FAQs
Q1. Why does my screen record show a black screen on Prime Video?
A1. This is Amazon's "High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection" (HDCP) in action. It detects when recording software is active and cuts the video feed. This is why I always recommend a Prime Video to MP4 converter like KeepStreams over a screen recorder. It decrypts the stream directly instead of trying to "film" the screen.
If you're dead-set on recording, you can check out my detailed guide on screen recording.
Q2. Can I watch downloaded Prime Video shows in MP4 on TVs?
A2. Absolutely. This is the No.1 reason we convert Amazon to MP4. Once you have the file, you can move it to a FAT32 or NTFS-formatted USB drive. Most modern Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony) will recognize the MP4 file instantly. It's the perfect solution for cabins or vacation homes without reliable Wi-Fi.
Q3. Can I download Amazon Prime Video to MP4 with 4K?
A3. 4K MP4 on PCs is not typical. On apps, official playback is usually capped at HD. If you want higher offline quality, use a pro downloader like KeepStreams for Prime Video to save FHD 1080p content. 4K content is generally available online since it's further limited by licensing, device capabilities, and regional rules.
Q4. Can I convert Amazon Prime Video to MP4 for free?
A4. While there are free tools available, they may come with limitations, such as watermarks or lower quality. KeepStreams offers a free trial, which allows you to test its full functionality before making any commitment.
Conclusion
This post has introduced how to download from Prime Video on PC and convert Amazon video to MP4. In this way, you can take full control of your media library offline as you prefer. It's a way to ensure that the content you pay for stays accessible on your terms, not just theirs.
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