Amazon has just launched a new video service, “Amazon Video Direct”, that puts them more squarely in the mix of competing video models. Similar to services like Dailymotion and YouTube, the platform will allow video creators to upload their content directly to Amazon’s video network. Contact us if you'd like us to make your content available on the service, and read below for more details on how the program works.

Distribution and Monetization

Users can distribute and monetize content in multiple ways: via rental, paid purchases, free with an ad-supported model, or the option to have your video included with Amazon Prime where royalties will be based based on amount of minutes streamed per video.

Amazon’s cut of the revenue will be 45% of ad earnings (similar to YouTube), as well as 50% of revenue from paid purchases, rentals, and subscriptions. Video creators are paid 15 cents for every hour streamed on Amazon Prime in the U.S, and 6 cents an hour for the other countries part of the launch (Germany, Austria, UK, and Japan).

Amazon Video Direct Stars

One innovative incentive for video creators is the “AVD Stars” program. Once a creator uploads their content, it is automatically entered into this bonus program. This program will distribute one million dollars to the top 100 videos every month. The portion of the one million dollars distributed to each video creator will be dependent on each videos’ watch time.

Industry Impact

While this service will be available to anyone, it is being directed at professional content makers and companies. Users will be required to connect bank accounts, provide tax information, and enter detailed production information about each video. Amazon will also be providing data and metrics to video creators to give them insight on video performance and growth.“It’s an amazing time to be a content creator,” Jim Freeman, vice president of Amazon Video, said in a statement. “There are more options for distribution than ever before and with Amazon Video Direct, for the first time, there’s a self-service option for video providers to get their content into a premium streaming subscription service. We’re excited to make it even easier for content creators to find an audience, and for that audience to find great content.”Quarterlab is currently making initial deliveries to Amazon. Please contact us if you’d like to be included!