How to Get Your Film on Amazon Prime Video Direct in 2026

Amazon Prime Video is one of the largest streaming platforms in the world, available across hundreds of devices including Fire TV, phones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs, and the web. For independent filmmakers, getting a film on Prime Video used to require a distributor or aggregator with an existing relationship with Amazon. That changed with Prime Video Direct, Amazon's self-service pipeline that allows rights holders to submit content directly.

Prime Video Direct (often abbreviated as PVD) is free to use. There are no setup fees, no recurring charges, and no middleman between you and Amazon. You create an account, upload your film and required assets, submit for licensing consideration, and Amazon makes a decision. If accepted, your film becomes available for buy or rent on Prime Video in the territories you select.

This guide walks through the entire process of getting your film on Amazon Prime Video Direct in 2026, from account setup to technical delivery to monetization.

Quick Answer

Prime Video Direct is Amazon's free self-service platform that allows independent filmmakers to submit films for buy/rent availability on Prime Video. To get started, sign in with an Amazon account at videodirect.amazon.com, create a company profile, set up payment and banking information, submit tax information, and then upload your film with required assets (mezzanine file, captions, key art, and metadata).

The minimum submission requirements are: a mezzanine video file (ProRes or high-quality H.264), English captions for US titles, key art in two aspect ratios, and complete metadata including title, category, cast, crew, and synopsis. Amazon accepts content for the US, UK, Germany, and Japan markets based on metadata language. All content goes through automated and manual review before being made available. Amazon pays royalties approximately 90 days after the end of the month in which revenue is generated.

Prime Video Direct no longer accepts unsolicited submissions for non-fiction or short-form content. If your film is a documentary or short, you will need to work with a content aggregator to access Prime Video. Feature-length narrative films can still be submitted directly through PVD.

Setting Up Your Prime Video Direct Account

Step 1: Create or Link Your Amazon Account

Go to videodirect.amazon.com and sign in with your existing Amazon account or create a new one. This account will be associated with your Prime Video Direct activity, so use a professional email address that you check regularly.

Step 2: Create a Company Profile

According to Amazon's Partner Onboarding Guide, a Company Profile is required even if you are an individual filmmaker. If you are not part of an organization, enter your first and last name as the company name. The Company Profile includes account and address information that Amazon uses for payment and tax purposes.

Step 3: Set Up Payment and Banking Information

Amazon pays royalties electronically to the bank account you provide. Payments are made in the default currency of your bank account's location, with supported currencies including USD, GBP, EUR, INR, and JPY. Royalties are paid approximately 90 days after the end of the month in which the revenue event occurred. This means if your film generates revenue in January, you will receive payment in late April.

Step 4: Submit Tax Information

US tax law requires you to submit information about your tax status before you can submit content or receive payments. Amazon provides a secure tax questionnaire within your account. You will not be able to submit content until all required tax information is complete. This step is non-negotiable and applies to all rights holders, including non-US filmmakers.

Preparing Your Film for Submission

Mezzanine File

The mezzanine file is your master video file. Amazon has strict technical requirements for video and audio quality. According to Amazon's video requirements documentation, last updated in May 2026:

• Content must be trimmed to only contain program material. Non-program content like advertisements, bars and tone, test patterns, production slates, and textless material must be removed before delivery.
• Frame rate must be constant. Variable frame rate sources will be rejected.
• Accepted aspect ratios: 4:3, 1.66:1, 16:9, 1.85:1, 2:1, 2.20:1, 2.35:1, 2.39:1, or 2.40:1.
• No telecined content. If your content is stored in a telecined format, it must be inverse-telecined to return it to native frame rate.
• HDR sources must be delivered in HDR-10 format, with a separate SDR source in the same resolution.
• Audio must match video duration exactly. Non-program audio like Music and Effects, MOS, or commentary tracks must be removed.
• All audio tracks in a source file must be in the same language. Multiple language tracks within a single source are not allowed.

For most indie filmmakers, a high-quality ProRes 422 file or a high-bitrate H.264 file will meet these requirements. If you are unsure whether your file meets specifications, Amazon's technical review team will flag issues during the review process.

Captions

English captions are required for all titles submitted to the US market. Amazon is strict about this requirement, as captions ensure a consistent viewing experience for all customers, including those who are hearing-impaired or non-native English speakers.

Captions must be delivered as a separate file (typically SRT format) and must be properly synchronized with your video. If your captions are out of sync or contain errors, Amazon may reject your submission.

Key Art

Key art represents your title on Prime Video. Amazon requires key art in specific aspect ratios, and the title name on the artwork must match exactly the title name entered in your metadata.

Key art requirements:

• Must display your exact title name as entered in the Title Name field
• Two aspect ratios required for standalone and episodic titles
• No upscaling or cropping that affects quality
• No placeholder graphics or blank images
• Must be representative of the correct title

For guidance on creating effective key art, see our guide on how to create a film key art package on a budget.

Metadata

Metadata is how customers find your film on Prime Video. Complete and accurate metadata improves search discoverability and helps Amazon's recommendation algorithm surface your film to relevant audiences.

Required metadata includes:

Submitting Your Film

Step 1: Create a Title Entry

In your Prime Video Direct account, click "Your Videos," then "Standalone" or "Episodic," then "Add Title." Enter the Title Name, choose the Category, and select the Title Metadata Language.

The Title Metadata Language is important because it determines which territories you can submit to. English metadata allows submission to the US and UK. German metadata allows submission to Germany. Japanese metadata allows submission to Japan.

Step 2: Upload Assets

Upload your mezzanine file, captions file, and key art. Ensure all filenames are clear and descriptive. Amazon's system will validate the files during upload and flag any technical issues.

Step 3: Complete Metadata

Fill in all required and recommended metadata fields. Be thorough. Every field you complete improves your film's discoverability on the platform.

Step 4: Configure Availability

Select which territories and offer types you want to submit for licensing consideration. Available locations depend on the metadata language you selected. You can choose to make your film available for rent, purchase, or both.

Step 5: Submit for Review

Once all assets and metadata are uploaded, click "Submit for Review." Your title enters the publishing process, which includes automated and manual reviews. Amazon assesses content quality, technical compliance, metadata accuracy, and licensing considerations.

The Review Process

After you submit, your title goes through several stages:

1. Automated technical review: Amazon's systems check your files for technical compliance (format, resolution, audio sync, captions).
2. Manual content review: Amazon's team reviews the content for quality, policy compliance, and licensing considerations.
3. Licensing decision: Amazon decides whether to make your title available on Prime Video. All content submitted through PVD is made available at the sole discretion of Amazon.

The timeline for review varies. Some titles are approved within days, while others may take weeks. You can track the status of your submission in your PVD account.

Monetization and Revenue

How You Get Paid

Amazon pays royalties based on the revenue generated by your title. When a customer rents or purchases your film, Amazon collects the payment, deducts its share, and pays you the royalty.

Royalties are paid approximately 90 days after the end of the month in which the revenue event occurred. This means there is a significant delay between when a customer pays and when you receive payment. Plan your cash flow accordingly.

Pricing

Amazon gives you some control over pricing, but it operates within guidelines. Typical pricing for indie films on Prime Video:

Amazon may adjust prices based on market conditions, comparable titles, and platform strategy. You set the initial pricing, but Amazon reserves the right to modify pricing.

Revenue Share

The exact revenue share between Amazon and the rights holder varies based on the agreement. Amazon's standard terms for PVD typically give the rights holder a percentage of each transaction. The specific percentage depends on the offer type, territory, and whether the content is exclusive to Amazon.

For the most current revenue share terms, review the Digital License Agreement in your PVD account before submitting content.

Important Limitations to Know

No Non-Fiction or Short-Form Content

As of 2026, Prime Video Direct no longer accepts unsolicited submissions for non-fiction or short-form content. If your film is a documentary, you will need to work with a content aggregator to access Prime Video. Aggregators like FilmHub and Quiver can place documentary content on Prime Video through their existing agreements with Amazon.

Amazon's Discretion

All content submitted through PVD is made available at the sole discretion of Amazon. There is no guarantee that your film will be accepted, even if it meets all technical requirements. Amazon evaluates content based on quality, audience demand, genre fit, and platform strategy.

Limited Territories

PVD allows self-submission to the US, UK, Germany, and Japan. The ability to publish in additional territories is by invitation only. If you want broader international distribution, you will need an aggregator or distributor with global reach.

No Marketing Support

Prime Video Direct makes your film available on the platform. It does not market your film. You are responsible for driving audience awareness and traffic to your Prime Video listing. Without marketing, your film may be available on Prime Video but invisible to potential viewers.

For a complete marketing framework, see our guide on how to promote your independent film online.

Tips for Getting Approved

Meet All Technical Requirements

The most common reason for rejection or delay is technical non-compliance. Ensure your mezzanine file, captions, and key art all meet Amazon's specifications before submitting. Review the video requirements documentation carefully.

Provide Complete Metadata

Incomplete metadata is a red flag for Amazon's review team. Fill in every field, including cast, crew, genre, and content rating. The more complete your metadata, the more seriously your submission is taken.

Use Professional Key Art

Your key art is the first thing Amazon's review team and customers see. Amateur key art signals an amateur production. Invest in professional poster design before submitting. See our guide on poster typography and color theory for design guidance.

Have Festival Credentials

While not required, festival laurels and awards improve your chances of approval. They signal to Amazon that your film has been vetted by industry professionals and has audience potential.

Submit Early

The review process takes time. Submit your film at least 4 to 6 weeks before your target release date to allow for technical review, content review, and any necessary revisions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting Without Captions

English captions are required for all US titles. Submitting without captions will result in automatic rejection. Prepare your caption file before you start the submission process.

Variable Frame Rate Video

Amazon rejects variable frame rate sources. If you edited your film in a software that exports variable frame rate (some NLEs do this by default), re-export at a constant frame rate before submission.

Mismatched Title Name and Key Art

The title name on your key art must match exactly the title name in your metadata. If your metadata says "The Last Frame" but your key art says "The Last Frame: A Documentary," Amazon will flag the discrepancy.

Not Setting Up Tax Information First

You cannot submit content until your tax information is complete. Set up your tax questionnaire before preparing your submission to avoid delays.

Expecting Marketing from Amazon

Prime Video Direct is a distribution pipeline, not a marketing service. Your film will be available on the platform, but Amazon will not promote it unless it is performing well or you have a separate marketing agreement. Plan your own marketing campaign. For more on common mistakes, see our guide on film marketing mistakes.

What Filmmakers Should Do Next

1. Create your Prime Video Direct account. Go to videodirect.amazon.com and set up your account, company profile, payment information, and tax information.

2. Prepare your technical assets. Export a mezzanine file that meets Amazon's specifications. Create synchronized captions. Prepare key art in the required aspect ratios. See our guide on film delivery requirements.

3. Complete your metadata thoroughly. Every field matters for discoverability. Include cast, crew, genre, synopsis, and content rating.

4. Submit at least 4 to 6 weeks before your target release date. The review process takes time. Do not submit the week before your planned launch.

5. Plan your marketing campaign. Amazon will not market your film. You need to drive traffic to your Prime Video listing through your own marketing efforts. See our guide on film release marketing checklist.

6. Create a smart link for your film. Once your film is on Prime Video, create a smart link that directs audiences to the correct platform. See our guide on smart links for films.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Prime Video Direct free to use?

Yes. Prime Video Direct is free. There are no setup fees, no recurring charges, and no costs to submit content or manage your titles. Amazon pays you royalties based on revenue generated by your film.

Can I submit a documentary through Prime Video Direct?

As of 2026, Prime Video Direct no longer accepts unsolicited submissions for non-fiction content. To get a documentary on Prime Video, you need to work with a content aggregator like FilmHub or Quiver that has an existing agreement with Amazon.

How long does it take for Amazon to review my submission?

The review timeline varies. Some titles are approved within days, while others take weeks. The process includes automated technical review and manual content review. Submit at least 4 to 6 weeks before your target release date to allow sufficient time.

How much does an indie film earn on Prime Video Direct?

Earnings vary widely based on audience demand, marketing, genre, and pricing. Amazon pays royalties approximately 90 days after the end of the month in which revenue is generated. There is no guaranteed income, and films without marketing support often generate minimal revenue.

What territories can I submit to through Prime Video Direct?

You can submit to the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, based on your metadata language. English metadata allows submission to the US and UK. German metadata allows submission to Germany. Japanese metadata allows submission to Japan. Additional territories are available by invitation only.

Do I need an aggregator for Prime Video Direct?

For narrative feature films, you can submit directly through Prime Video Direct without an aggregator. For documentaries and short-form content, you need an aggregator due to Amazon's policy change. Aggregators can also help with technical delivery and multi-platform distribution.

What happens if Amazon rejects my submission?

If Amazon rejects your submission, they will provide information about the reason. Technical issues can be fixed and resubmitted. Content decisions are at Amazon's discretion. If your film is rejected on content grounds, you may need to work with an aggregator or pursue other platforms.

Conclusion

Prime Video Direct is one of the most accessible paths to getting your film on a major streaming platform. It is free, direct, and does not require a distributor or sales agent for narrative features. But accessibility does not equal success. Getting your film on Prime Video is the easy part. Getting people to watch it is the hard part.

Prepare your technical assets carefully. Complete your metadata thoroughly. Submit early. And plan your marketing campaign before you submit, not after. A film on Prime Video with no marketing support is a film that sits in the catalog waiting to be discovered by an algorithm that has no reason to surface it.

Once your film is on Prime Video, combine it with other distribution channels to maximize reach. Create smart links that direct audiences to the right platform. Track which marketing efforts are driving views. And use the data to inform your next release. Tools like Filmcane can help you centralize your film's availability across platforms, measure audience engagement, and understand which channels are actually driving viewers to your film. The platform is the destination. The marketing is the journey.