Choosing Your Bulk File Delivery Method: Amazon S3 vs. IBM Aspera

Compare both delivery paths and choose the right one for your workflow

~1 min read October 28, 2026

In this guide, you will compare two bulk file delivery methods for Prime Video. These methods are Amazon S3 Push Delivery (recommended) and IBM Aspera on Cloud. By the end, you will know which option fits your infrastructure, budget, and delivery needs.

Our Recommendation

Amazon S3 Push Delivery is the recommended method for delivering files to Prime Video. It offers faster speeds, lower costs, and tighter integration with the Prime Video ecosystem. If you use AWS or are open to adopting it, S3 is the clear choice.

[ICON] Quick Tip

Quick Tip

Partners using Amazon S3 Push Delivery report transfer speeds up to 3x faster than other bulk delivery methods. Choosing the recommended path means your team also spends less time managing deliveries and content can reach customers sooner.

How Each Method Works

Amazon S3 Push Delivery

You copy files directly from your own S3 bucket to a Prime Video S3 access point. Multiple transfer options are available. These include AWS CLI, SDKs, REST API, and AWS Lambda.

IBM Aspera

You upload files through the Aspera on Cloud web portal, Desktop Client, or CLI. Prime Video connects your account to its Aspera instance during onboarding.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Use the lists below to choose the method that fits your workflow.

Feature

Amazon S3 Push Delivery

IBM Aspera

Speed

Up to 3x faster than other bulk methods

Fast via FASP protocol, but slower than S3

Cost

Reduced AWS egress fees (NA and EMEA regions)

Free client tools under PV Slate license

Best For

Partners already using AWS infrastructure

Partners without AWS accounts

Availability

All partners

Managed contract partners only

Choosing the Right Path

Use the table below to compare the two delivery methods at a glance.

System diagram of an AWS DataSync transfer between two S3 accounts within the same region

Choose Amazon S3 Push Delivery if you…

  • Already have an AWS account with S3 storage
  • Want the fastest possible transfer speeds
  • Want to reduce delivery costs with lower egress fees
  • Need flexibility across multiple transfer tools (CLI, Lambda, SDK)
  • Want a streamlined, cloud-native workflow
IBM Aspera on Cloud Desktop Portal

Choose IBM Aspera if you…

  • Do not have an AWS account and prefer not to create one
  • Are a managed contract partner with existing Aspera workflows
  • Need a desktop drag-and-drop interface for non-technical users

Onboarding at a Glance

Follow these steps to get started with either delivery method.

Step

Amazon S3

IBM Aspera

1. Request access

Raise a Contact Us ticket or ask your POM/CAM

Submit the Aspera on Cloud form

2. Receive credentials

S3 access point ARN from your Amazon contact

Username and temporary password via email

3. Configure

Update IAM role policies with access point info

Log in to the web portal and set a new password

4. Test

Deliver a test file and confirm in Slate

Upload a test file and confirm in Slate

Know Before You Go

If you are starting fresh with no existing infrastructure preference, choose Amazon S3.

Amazon S3 supports automation through AWS Lambda, making it ideal for high-volume workflows.

IBM Aspera requires initial setup on the web portal before you can use the Desktop Client or CLI.

Both delivery methods require you to verify delivery by checking the Deliveries tab in Slate.

IP allowlisting is not required for either method.

In this guide



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