How fandom is transforming entertainment

Unlocking Global Fandom: Wattpad and Prime Video’s Partnership Reshapes Entertainment

At Web Summit Vancouver 2026, Mr. David J. Lee, President of Wattpad, and Ms. Kelly Day, VP Prime Video International at Amazon, detailed their impactful partnership. This collaboration transforms user-generated stories from Wattpad into global entertainment, providing a platform for amateur writers to reach vast audiences through Prime Video adaptations.

Successful adaptations like the “Culpa Mia” trilogy and works by Ariana Godoy exemplify this synergy, building on existing Wattpad fandoms. The global success of “Love Me Love Me” further illustrates how stories, regardless of their original language, can achieve widespread appeal through Prime Video’s reach.

Ms. Day explained Prime Video’s strategic focus on leveraging established intellectual property (IP) and existing fandoms. The process involves deep collaboration with creators and IP owners to ensure authentic adaptations. She acknowledged the pressure of adapting beloved content but affirmed that the benefits of a built-in audience far outweigh these challenges.

The adaptation strategy prioritizes compelling stories and characters that resonate globally, whether from Wattpad, Webtoons, books, or other media. Authenticity is key, particularly in casting and character interactions. Ms. Day noted that fans appreciate fidelity to the original IP, making them willing to embrace the on-screen journey, even with minor changes.

Both executives emphasized the crucial involvement of original authors, such as Mercedes Ron and Jenny Hahn, in shaping the adaptations. This collaborative approach fosters trust and maintains narrative integrity. The “Culpa Mia” franchise alone has attracted over 100 million viewers worldwide, with more than 90% outside Spain, demonstrating the immense global impact.

This partnership creates a virtuous cycle: popular Wattpad stories lead to successful Prime Video adaptations, which then drive new readers back to Wattpad. Mr. Lee highlighted Wattpad’s use of data—including reads, read time, and monthly active users (MAU)—to identify potential global hits from its vast library of 145 million users and 120,000 daily new stories.

Ms. Day added that social data and trends, like “BookTok,” also inform content selection, driving renewed interest in diverse narratives. The evolving role of authors as influencers, capable of expanding their stories across various formats from film to games, underscores the accessibility of compelling storytelling in the digital age.

Looking ahead, the collaboration is poised for significant expansion. Mr. Lee mentioned upcoming titles like “Perfectos Mentirosos,” “Drive the Pretenders,” and “Chasing Red.” Ms. Day confirmed further installations of the “Culpa Mia” trilogy (My Fault London), the next “Love Me Love Me,” and other adaptations including “Off Campus,” “Every Year After,” and a “Legally Blonde” prequel. Prime Video will also host “Obsessed Fest” for YA women fandoms, reinforcing community engagement.