Amazon spending spree on original content rivals Netflix
Amazon is catching up to Netflix when it comes to their budget for original programming.
After global expansion of Amazon Video took place late last year, the company is beginning to open up the wallet to compete better with streaming rival Netflix.
While Amazon was behind the curve when it came to streaming video and expansion into global markets, the company is quickly making up ground on Netflix, especially when it comes to its commitment producing original content.
Netflix is spending a reported $6 billion on original content for 2017, which sounds like an astronomical figure. When you consider one season of House of Cards could cost as much as $100 million, it’s easier to see how the cost quickly adds up. Netflix is still the industry leader when it comes to quality and quantity of original programming, Amazon is doing its best to carve into their lead.
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Amazon will reportedly spend $4.5 billion on original content, which, again, seems like an astronomical figure when you consider Amazon Prime Video doesn’t have the same volume as Netflix when it comes to their original content.
Stepping into global markets should entice Amazon to produce content that will cater to markets outside the domestic market. That proved to be a huge success for Netflix when they entered the global market and it looks like Amazon is right on their heels.
Amazon has had success with original programming like The Man in the High Castle, Transparent and Mozart in the Jungle, but hasn’t been able to win over the water cooler conversation that Netflix has been able to do with Orange is the New Black, House of Cards and their Marvel shows.
Perhaps that’ll change in the coming year with a big emphasis on original TV content and movie content. With Amazon earning a big credibility bump for Manchester by the Sea, the biggest way to make up ground on Netflix may be with movies vs. TV.
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In any event, expect more original content to come to Amazon Prime Video as they look to narrow the gap on Netflix.