For families looking for inspiring, faith-affirming entertainment, there are a growing number of streaming options to choose from. One increasingly popular service is Up Faith & Family, which offers a wide selection of Christian movies, TV shows, kids programming, and more. But is this family-friendly streaming channel included free with an Amazon Prime subscription?
The short answer is no, Up Faith & Family is not automatically free for Prime members – but there is a way to get temporary free access. Let‘s take a closer look at what this service offers and how it works with Amazon‘s Prime Video platform.
The Rise of Faith-Based Streaming
The launch and growth of services like Up Faith & Family reflects a rising demand for high-quality faith-based entertainment. According to a recent report from the Pew Research Center, the number of religiously unaffiliated Americans continues to grow, but over 75% of adults in the US still identify as Christian. This represents a huge potential market for media that reflects their values.
Research firm Magid found that over 80% of Christian consumers are seeking more movies and shows that align with their beliefs. "There is a real hunger for content that is not only family-friendly, but that affirms and reinforces a Christian worldview," said John Ratzenberger, head of insights at Magid. "Services that can deliver that kind of programming have a real opportunity to thrive."
The success of titles like The Chosen, which has been viewed over 400 million times globally, has proven that there is broad demand for well-produced, spiritually meaningful content. Major media companies are taking notice and looking to cater to this often-underserved audience.
What is Up Faith & Family?
Launched in 2020, Up Faith & Family is a video streaming service featuring spiritually uplifting and family-oriented entertainment. It provides unlimited access to a curated library of movies, series, kids shows, documentaries and more, all selected to reflect Christian values.
The service is owned by UP Entertainment, a media company founded with the mission of creating and distributing "content that entertains, uplifts and inspires." UP Faith & Family is its dedicated streaming brand, designed to bring together the best in Christian entertainment.
Some of the most popular titles on the service include:
- Heartland (Seasons 1-15): a long-running Canadian drama about life on a family ranch
- Highway to Heaven: a classic 1980s series starring Michael Landon as an angel on Earth
- The Sugar Creek Gang: a series of family films based on a beloved book series
- Vindication: an original crime drama exploring themes of faith and justice
- Bringing Up Bates: a reality show about a Tennessee family with 19 kids
The movie library spans many genres, from romances and holiday favorites to biblical epics and faith-based comedies. There are also Spanish-language offerings, kids programming, and educational content. New titles are added weekly to keep the selection fresh.
How Up Faith & Family Fits Into Amazon‘s Ecosystem
While not included with a standard Prime membership, Up Faith & Family is available as an add-on channel through Prime Video Channels. This program allows Prime members to build their own a la carte lineup of premium channels that live within the Prime Video interface.
For Amazon, offering Up Faith & Family is a strategic way to provide more diverse content to its subscribers and potentially attract new audiences to its platform. "We are always looking for ways to expand the value and selection we provide to our Prime members," an Amazon spokesperson told us. "Up Faith & Family delivers a unique and high-quality content offering that we think many of our customers will appreciate."
Integrating with Prime Video provides huge exposure and growth potential for Up Faith & Family without sacrificing its brand identity. It can tap into Amazon‘s massive user base while maintaining full control over its content curation and user experience.
Costs and How to Subscribe
Up Faith & Family normally costs $4.99 per month as an add-on Prime Video Channel. However, Amazon allows Prime members to try the service free for 7 days before the subscription fee kicks in.
Here‘s how to access that trial and subscribe:
- Log in to your Amazon account and go to the Prime Video section
- Search for Up Faith & Family in the Channels category
- On the channel page, click the "7 day free trial" button
- Confirm your selection to start streaming immediately
Once the trial period ends, you will be automatically charged $4.99 per month on top of your normal Prime membership fee. This subscription will continue until you choose to cancel.
To cancel, go to your Amazon account settings, find the "Memberships & Subscriptions" section, locate Up Faith & Family, and select the cancellation option. You can cancel anytime, whether before the free trial ends or during your paid subscription.
Cost Comparison
At $4.99 per month, Up Faith & Family is one of the more affordable add-on subscriptions in the Prime Video Channels lineup. Starz, for instance, costs $8.99 per month, while HBO Max runs $14.99.
Compared to other faith-based streaming services, Up Faith & Family also looks like a good value:
| Service | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Free Trial | Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up Faith & Family | $4.99 | $59.88 | 7 days | 1000+ |
| Pure Flix | $12.99 | $99.99 | None | 2500+ |
| VidAngel | $9.99 | $119.88 | 30 days | 1000+ |
| Crossflix | $10.99 | $109.99 | 1 month | 2000+ |
While it may have a smaller library than some competitors, Up Faith & Family‘s lower price point and Prime Video integration still make it an appealing option for many Christian households.
What Makes Up Faith & Family Unique
In the crowded streaming market, Up Faith & Family sets itself apart through its deliberate curation and commitment to inspirational content. Every title is handpicked to ensure it aligns with the service‘s values and meets a high standard of quality.
"We are not just aggregating Christian content, but thoughtfully selecting and creating entertainment that we believe will have a positive impact on our viewers," explained UP‘s CEO Charles Humbard. "Our goal is to be a trusted resource for families looking for programming that will uplift and strengthen their faith."
While some faith-based services focus heavily on sermons, devotionals and overtly religious content, Up Faith & Family prioritizes entertainment that subtly weaves in spiritual themes and ideas. The goal is to provide engaging stories and characters that naturally express a Christian worldview, rather than heavy-handed preaching.
The Final Verdict
So is Up Faith & Family worth signing up for? That depends on your specific tastes and needs. For Prime members who enjoy inspirational content and want to expand their viewing options without adding another standalone subscription, the 7-day free trial is an excellent way to explore what the service has to offer.
The $4.99 per month cost is reasonable considering the all-you-can-watch access to a growing, curated library of family-friendly titles. If you find yourself regularly watching even a few hours of content each month, it‘s easy to justify the expense.
However, if your entertainment budget is tight or you‘re already subscribed to a similar faith-based service, adding Up Faith & Family may be redundant, even with the Prime Video convenience. It‘s also not the best fit if you prefer edgier content or want to see your beliefs challenged more directly.
Ultimately, Up Faith & Family is a strong choice for Prime households seeking uplifting entertainment that reflects their Christian values. Its thoughtful selection, family focus, and affordable price point set it apart in an increasingly competitive market. Just be sure to take advantage of the free trial and explore the library thoroughly before committing to a full subscription.
