It’s easy to see “Ad-supported video” and label Amazon Video Direct as “a YouTube competitor,” but Amazon is clearly only aiming for the “professional” end of the YouTube spectrum. The paperwork required just to upload a video takes the service out of the running for the viral cat videos that pop up on YouTube—this service would be more for the Machinimas or Finebros of the world.
Source: “Amazon Video Direct” takes aim at the professional side of YouTube | Ars Technica