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Business News Digital
Amazon seeks to grab some of YouTube’s independent content creator monopoly
By Andy Malt | Published on Thursday 12 May 2016
I hope you haven’t worn yourself out complaining about YouTube already, because Amazon launched a rival service earlier this week. Well, sort of. It doesn’t seem like Amazon Video Direct will be quite the user-generated content free-for-all of Google’s platform. It’s more for independent TV and film makers than your cat vomiting up its lunch to the sound of Will.i.am’s new single.
Essentially an offshoot of Amazon’s existing film and TV streaming platform, AVD will allow all and any creators to upload their content direct into the firm’s platform at standard rates, rather than having to use a distributor with a bespoke licensing deal. Content pumped into the system via AVD will be available for free to Amazon Prime subscribers as well as through the Streaming Partners Program, one-off rental and purchase payments, or ad-funded streaming.
“It’s an amazing time to be a content creator,” says Amazon Video’s Vice President Jim Freeman, immediately making creating anything of any sort sound like no fun at all. “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”.
At launch, you’ll find “great content” from partners including Conde Nast, The Guardian, Mashable, Business Insider and Pro Guitar Lessons. It’s all available in United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria and Japan now.
