The company isn't commenting on the scope of its plans. However, worldwide expansion seems likely. Amazon Tickets' main selling point is its unusually candid pricing, which lists everything up front -- unlike many rivals, it isn't burying service fees. Pair that with Amazon's established online shopping tech and it promises to be much more straightforward than rivals.

The challenge, as Recode explains, is finding enough tickets to sell in the US. Heavyweights like Live Nation tend to secure exclusive deals with major artists and venues in the country. Amazon may have to offer strong incentives to get performers dropping their exclusives, or else accept that its early business will focus on artists and shows that don't always get top billing.