Amazon’s Prime Video is set to launch a new vertical recommendation feed, dubbed ‘Inspire’, designed to mirror the user experience of TikTok.

The feature, which will be available starting June 18, 2024, introduces a swipeable, full-screen interface for personalized video recommendations. Users can scroll through curated content, including movies, TV shows, and original series, tailored to their viewing habits.

How the New ‘Inspire’ Feed Works

The ‘Inspire’ feed will prioritize content based on user preferences, engagement history, and trending selections. Unlike traditional recommendation algorithms that rely on text-based suggestions, this new format emphasizes visual and interactive discovery.

  • Personalization: The feed adapts to individual viewing patterns, offering a mix of familiar favorites and new recommendations.
  • Swipe Navigation: Users can swipe up to skip a video or swipe right to save it for later, similar to TikTok’s core mechanics.
  • Content Mix: The feed includes a blend of Prime Video Originals, licensed titles, and user-generated content, ensuring variety.

Why Amazon Is Adopting a TikTok-Like Format

Amazon’s move aligns with a broader industry trend toward short-form, engaging video discovery. By adopting a vertical feed, Prime Video aims to:

  • Increase user retention by making content discovery more intuitive.
  • Compete with platforms like Netflix and YouTube, which have already experimented with similar features.
  • Leverage the success of TikTok’s algorithm-driven, highly personalized feeds.

“We’re always looking for ways to enhance the Prime Video experience and make it more engaging for our customers,” said a spokesperson for Amazon. “The ‘Inspire’ feed is designed to simplify discovery while keeping users immersed in content that aligns with their interests.”

Availability and Rollout

The ‘Inspire’ feed will debut on Prime Video’s mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Amazon has not yet announced a desktop or smart TV integration timeline.

Users can expect the feature to roll out gradually, with full availability expected by the end of June 2024.

Source: Engadget