Quick Answer: Downloading Amazon Prime content officially (Part 1) locks you into their ecosystem. To watch your favorite shows on a NAS, legacy TV, or burn them to DVD (Part 2-3), you must convert Amazon Prime videos (Part 2).
Screen recorders often trigger "black screens". MP4 and MKV output can avoid it. I securely convert Amazon Prime videos to high-quality files using tools like KeepStreams. (Part 4)
I pay for the subscription, but I don't actually own the access to watch it how I want—whether that's on a non-smart TV, a Linux machine, or archived on a DVD.
I have looked for a true Amazon Prime Video converter that bypasses these restrictions without the quality loss of screen recording.
Do you want to watch Prime Video shows offline or share them across devices? Or even want to burn Amazon to DVD? Well, I will share with you the best ways I found to convert Amazon Prime Video shows to multiple formats.
![How to Convert Amazon Prime Video to MP4/MKV in 2026 [Safe & Fast]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Why Can't You Convert Amazon Downloads with the Official App?
Note: Official Downloads are encrypted, device-locked, and time-limited.
In reality, Amazon uses a proprietary Amazon video format (often fragmented chunks of .azw or hidden cache files) that are heavily encrypted with Digital Rights Management (DRM).
The Truth About Amazon Video Formats
These files are "leased," not owned. They come with a time bomb—typically expiring 48 hours after you start watching, or 30 days after downloading. Furthermore, they are tethered to the device ID. Even if you find the file, moving it to a USB drive renders it useless.
Screen Recording vs. Direct Conversion
I used to try getting around this using generic screen recording software like OBS. However, in 2025 and 2026, streaming services aggressively updated their browser protections.
- The Black Screen Issue: If you try to record Prime Video in a browser, the video player detects the capture software and turns the feed black, leaving you with audio only.
- Frame Drops: Even if it works, recording a 2-hour movie takes 2 hours (1:1 speed) and often results in stuttering video.
Why Convert Amazon Prime Video?
Note: By converting Amazon Prime Video, I can prevent videos from expiring or being removed from the streaming library. Converts proprietary files into universal MP4 or MKV formats for playback on any TV, PC, or media server. (Part 3)
I can't move the downloads from the Prime Video app to other devices, or watch them outside of the app. These problems can be easily fixed by converting Amazon Prime shows to MP4 or MKV files.
Offline Access to Your Content Without Limitations
Official downloads often expire 48 hours after you start watching or 30 days after downloading. Once you convert videos to MP4/MKV, they remain playable forever, with no internet check-ins required.
Compatibility Across Multiple Devices
Converted files break the "app-only" restriction. You can transfer and play your movies on:
- Smart TVs and Projectors
- Gaming Consoles (PS5, Xbox)
- Media Servers (Plex, Emby, Kodi)
- Laptops, Tablets, and Non-smart Media Players
Burning Videos to DVD
It's easy to make a backup collection if you like tangible media. You can't burn direct downloads from Amazon, therefore the best way to do it is to first convert the video to MP4 and then use authoring software to burn it on a DVD or Blu-ray disc.
What Formats Can You Convert Amazon Prime Video To?
Note:
- MP4: Best for maximum compatibility. Choose this for iPhones, iPads, Android, and Smart TVs.
- MKV: Best for quality and features. Choose this to keep multiple audio tracks (5.1 surround) and switchable subtitles.
- DVD: To burn Amazon videos to DVD, convert to MP4 first, then use burning software to create the disc.
When using a professional downloader like KeepStreams, you have access to the two most critical video container formats: MP4 and MKV. These two formats cover almost every use case, from playing on a smartphone to archiving on a home media server.
Convert Amazon Prime Video To MP4
MP4 is the universal standard for video files. It is the recommended choice for 90% of users because of the following advantages:
- Highly compatible across all platforms and devices.
- Supports good quality at smaller file sizes.
- Ideal for smartphones, tablets, and sharing.
Convert Amazon Prime Video To MKV
MKV (Matroska) is the preferred format for videophiles and archivists. You should choose this format if you need:
- Advanced Data: Supports multiple audio tracks (e.g., Director's Commentary, different languages) and switchable subtitle streams in a single file.
- High Fidelity: Often used for storing high-bitrate video and lossless audio (like FLAC or PCM).
- Future-Proofing: The standard choice for Plex servers and open-source media players like VLC.
Formats for DVD Burning
While you typically cannot download directly to a VOB (DVD) file, the MP4 format acts as the perfect source material for physical backups.
- Workflow: Convert Amazon Video to MP4 first.
- Burning: Import the MP4 into DVD authoring software (like ImgBurn or DVDStyler), which will automatically encode it into the MPEG-2 structure required for playable DVDs.
- Usage: Perfect for creating physical gifts or a shelf collection of your favorite movies.
Convert Amazon Prime Video to MP4 Format
MP4 is the most widely used file format for Amazon Prime Video. Most of the third-party downloaders available offer the MP4 download option.
Why Convert Amazon Prime Video to MP4 Format?
MP4 is indeed the most widely used file format. In fact, it has been considered to be the most accessible and portable video file format. It is compatible with most of the devices currently available.
You can use the file format when you are streaming from a USB stick, loading onto your smartphone, or archiving content on a hard drive. MP4 is known to offer benefits like quality, size, and compatibility.
The benefits offered by the MP4 file format include
- Works with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, and most video editing software
- Compressed without a significant loss of quality
- Easy to share and upload to cloud storage
How to Convert Amazon Prime Video to MP4 Format?
Well, the best option to convert Amazon video to MP4 file format would be to use a third-party Amazon Prime Video Downloader. While there are several downloaders that have been known to offer you an excellent array of benefits, KeepStreams for Amazon Prime is one tool that captured our attention.
KeepStreams for Amazon Prime comes with a lot of advanced capabilities. The high-quality video downloads and batch download options are a few features that we found quite impressive.
Convert Amazon Prime Video to MKV Format
MKV file format is yet another file format that has become quite popular these days. Of course, it may not be as popular as MP4, but still, you would find the format widely in use.
Why Download Amazon Prime Video to MKV Format?
Well, the reasons for downloading MKV videos are almost similar to the MP4 file format.
Here are a few reasons that make MKV a good choice:
- Multiple subtitle languages
- Alternate audio tracks
- Better retention of original video and audio quality
If you are a tech-savvy user, the MKV file format should be the best possible option for all your practical needs. In fact, the file format supports every codec and multimedia feature.
How to Download Amazon Prime Video to MKV Format?
Well, again, MKV file format videos can be downloaded easily with third-party downloaders. And yes, KeepStreams for Amazon Prime Video is an excellent choice for downloading Amazon Prime Video in the MKV file format.
Here is how you can download Amazon Prime Video content in MKV file format:
Step 1: Install KeepStreams for Prime Video from the official website.
Choose Amazon Prime Video from among the available streaming services. Sign in to your Amazon Prime account.
Step 2: Search and play the title that you want to download.
Configure your download preferences, such as video resolution, subtitle preferences, and audio tracks.
Step 3: Click on Download Now, and the video will be downloaded onto your device.
That does it, and your Amazon Prime Video download to MKV is done.
Burn Amazon Prime Video to DVD
Note:
- Amazon does not offer a direct "Burn to DVD" button.
- You must first convert the DRM-protected video to a standard MP4.
- Import the MP4 into authoring software (like DVDStyler) to create a playable DVD with menus.
Well, there are people among us who may be looking to create physical copies of our favourite Amazon Prime Video titles. In that case, the best option would be to burn Amazon Prime Video to DVD.
Why Burn Amazon Prime Video to DVD?
Of course, DVDs are going out of use today, and we are in the age of streaming. However, there are a few specific reasons that would make it practical to burn Amazon Prime Video to DVD.
Here are a few such reasons that make sense:
- Gift physical media to loved ones
- Create backups for archiving
- Enjoy content on DVD players in areas with no internet
However, Amazon doesn't provide a native option to burn its videos. To overcome this, you will need to use other tools to burn Amazon Prime Video to DVD.
How to Burn Amazon Prime Video to DVD?
Recommended Tools for DVD Authoring: Once you have the MP4 file, free tools like ImgBurn (Windows) or Burn (macOS) can handle the data writing. For creating actual DVD menus and chapters, software like DVDStyler (Open Source) is excellent.
- Convert: First, use KeepStreams to convert Amazon video to MP4.
- Burn: Use a dedicated authoring tool to write that MP4 to a disc.
Comparison: KeepStreams vs. Free Online Converters
I have tested dozens of "Free Amazon Converters." Most are ad-filled traps or simply fail. Here is how a dedicated tool compares to the free alternatives found on Reddit or typical search results.
Pro Visual Concept: Imagine a bar chart showing "Success Rate." KeepStreams is at 99%, whereas generic Screen Recorders are at 60% (because of dark screens), and "Online URL Converters" are at 0% (because they are scams).
| Feature | 🏆 KeepStreams | 📹 Screen Recorders | 🌐 Online URL Converters |
| Video Resolution | ✅ Up to 1080p FHD | ⚠️ Variable (Lossy, depends on screen) | ❌ Low / Compressed (Max 720p) |
| Audio Quality | 🎧 EAC3 5.1 | 🔉 Stereo 2.0 (Flat Audio) | 🔇 Low Quality / Mono |
| Black Screen Risk | 🛡️ 0% Risk (Decryption Tech) | ⛔ High Risk (Blocked by DRM) | ❓ N/A (Often fails to parse) |
| Download Speed | 🚀 Ultrafast (GPU Accelerated) | 🐌 Slow (1:1 Real-time Recording) | ⏳ Very Slow / Server Queue |
| Batch Mode | 📦 Yes (Download Whole Seasons) | ❌ No (Must record one by one) | ❌ No |
| Subtitles | 📝 Remux / SRT (Selectable) | ⚠️ Burned-in only (Cannot turn off) | ❌ None or Hardcoded |
| Meta Info | 🎬 Saves Cast, Cover Art, Title | ❌ None (Just a raw video file) | ❌ None |
| Auto-Download | 📅 Yes (Schedule New Episodes) | ❌ No (Manual supervision required) | ❌ No |
| Success Rate | 🟢 99.9% Reliable | 🟠 50% (Prone to lags/crashes) | 🔴 <10% (Often scams) |
| Safety / Ads | 🔒 100% Ad-Free & Safe | ⚠️ Often Ad-supported | ☢️ High Malware/Risk |
Is It Legal to Convert Amazon Prime Videos?
Note: Converting streaming video is generally tolerated for personal, non-commercial use (format shifting). However, distributing or sharing these files is illegal and a violation of copyright law.
This is a critical question. The answer lies in the concept of Fair Use and terms of service.
- Terms of Service: Bypassing DRM technically violates Amazon's T&Cs.
- Fair Use (Copyright): In many jurisdictions, making a personal backup of content you have legally paid for (for time-shifting or format-shifting purposes) falls under a grey area of Fair Use.
Crucial Warning: You should never share, distribute, or sell converted files. The methods described here are strictly for personal archiving and offline viewing on your own devices.
FAQs
Q1. Can downloaded files from Amazon Prime Video be moved to external hard drives/NAS？
A1. When you use KeepStreams to convert videos from Prime Video, you can copy them to a 4TB USB hard drive, a Synology NAS, or an SD card for your Steam Deck without getting any "License Expired" messages.
Q2. Can I keep Amazon Prime movies forever if I convert them？
A2. Yes. If you convert the movie to MP4 or MKV, the expiration timer will go away. Even if your Prime subscription ends, you can keep the file on your hard drive indefinitely.
Q3. What is the best resolution for converting Amazon Video？
A3. 1080p (Full HD) is the standard for Amazon Prime web streaming. While some 4K content exists on TV apps, web-based tools are typically limited to 1080p, which is sufficient for most laptops and tablets.
Q4. Does converting video lose quality？
A4. If you use a high-quality converter, the loss is negligible. KeepStreams allows you to download at high bitrates (e.g., 8000-10000 kbps), which is virtually identical to the original stream.
Conclusion
With the ever-growing popularity of streaming platforms, it's understandable why users want greater control over their digital content. But the DRM-protected format of Amazon Prime Video limits when, where, and how you can watch your favorite movies and TV series. It's useful to know how to convert Amazon Prime Video to MP4, MKV, or even burn it to DVD.
NOTE:
Content available on Prime Video™ is protected by copyright. Unauthorized redistribution of this content may violate copyright laws in the United States and other countries.
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement of KeepStreams products by any third party.
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