And because some said it worked for them to get the app from the amazon store I tried that again. If I fiddle I learn things right?
. I had gotten it from the amazon app store first though and I never got a play button to get to the pop up asking me for the instant player. That was my issue.
So I uninstalled the apps I got through the apk on that site posted, made sure they are all gone.
I went and did as keeska said and searched in the amazon app store and clicked on the one that didn't say tablet. It mentioned in the description prime videos so I installed it. I also installed right away the instant player from the amazon app store and then I finally had a play button and it works now this way. I swear I tried that earlier, but considering how confused I was at the time, there is no saying where I went wrong.
I added the instant player app icon on the home page of my nexus and it goes straight to the videos through there, don't have to go through the amazon shop app.
I think for me lesson learned is not to try fiddling when I am already frustrated and confused, but to come back later and try again. Can't figure stuff out unless I do it, even if it takes me longer than the rest.