Amazon.com said on Tuesday that the number of Instant Video streams it offers nearly tripled from a year ago and according to a report from Qwilt, Amazon has now passed both Apple and Hulu in streaming video usage. Amazon did not disclose the actual number of video streams nor how many people access Instant Video.

"We've invested hundreds of millions of dollars in great TV shows and movies for Prime members, and it's working," Bill Carr, vice president of digital video and music for Amazon, said in a statement.

Amazon is producing original content such as the political comedy "Alpha House" and "The After," developed by "The X-Files" creator Chris Carter.

Amazon Prime members, who pay an annual fee for free shipping, can watch Instant Video at no charge.

Netflix has also ramped up spending on original content.