Watch and Earn: 17 Best Anime Affiliate Programs of 2026 for Anime Fans and Affiliate Marketers

By Cecille Loorluis
Watch and Earn: 17 Best Anime Affiliate Programs of 2026 for Anime Fans and Affiliate Marketers

 

Quick Wins: Anime Affiliate Tips
  • Always offer two buying options. Pair a specialist store (like CDJapan or HLJ) with Amazon for convenience - this covers stockouts and different shopper preferences.
  • Lead with pre-orders. Run a simple weekly Pre-Order Radar and add clear “Last day to pre-order” labels to create urgency and boost clicks and conversions.
  • Add a tiny shipping note. Under each buy button, include a one-liner like “Ships to US/EU/NZ • ETA 7–14 days • Duties collected” to reduce worries and cut cart abandonment.

Love anime and want to earn from it? You’re in the right place. In 2026, turning binge time into extra income is absolutely doable - you just need the right stores to promote and a simple game plan. Below, we’ve hand-picked 17 fan-favourite options - from Crunchyroll Store and Entertainment Earth to CDJapan, Playasia, HobbyLink Japan, and Senpai Mart - and shown you exactly how to match real fan moments (new episodes, pre-orders, must-have merch) with links that convert. Ready to turn hype into honest, steady earnings? Let’s go.

Why the Anime Niche is Still Worth it in 2026

Anime is a great niche because content, community, and shopping all feed each other. Streaming platforms create discovery. New seasons, films, and collabs spark conversation. Those moments often lead directly to buying Blu-rays, soundtracks, figures, cosplay pieces, and apparel.

Two quick housekeeping points to keep your site fresh:

  • RightStuf → Crunchyroll Store. The RightStuf store now lives inside the Crunchyroll Store. Swap any old RightStuf links to their Crunchyroll Store equivalents. Also update any “how to buy” or returns/shipping notes so they match Crunchyroll’s policies.
  • TFAW online store closure. Things From Another World closed its online store on April 30, 2026 (physical shops remain). Search your site for “TFAW” or “tfaw.com” and replace those links with active merchants so readers don’t hit dead pages.

The upside of these changes? Fewer dead links and clearer shopping paths, which helps your conversion rate - especially during sales and pre-order windows.

The 17 Best Anime Affiliate Programs of 2026

If you love anime and you’re serious about turning that passion into income, this is your launchpad. These aren’t random stores with a tiny “anime” tab. They’re reliable, fan-friendly merchants with stock, promos, and a clear path to drive traffic to commissionable sales. Whether you cover figures, Blu-rays/manga, cosplay, or lifestyle merch, this mix gives you everyday buys and high-intent pre-orders.

We chose programs you can join now in 2026 that truly serve anime fans - solid ranges across figures, Blu-rays/manga, apparel, cosplay, or imports plus a track record of on-time payouts, clean tracking, and We chose programs you can join now in 2026 that truly serve anime fans solid ranges across figures, Blu-rays/manga, apparel, cosplay, or imports plus a track record of on-time payouts, clean tracking, and public terms (commission + cookie). We favoured brands with reliable shipping/returns, transparent customs info, and frequent pre-orders so you can run weekly “Pre-Order Radar” updates with real urgency. We skipped dormant/closed programs, thin one-off shops, and merchants with vague or constantly changing terms. 

Check them out below!

  • Crunchyroll Store (replaces RightStufAnime). A one-stop shop for official anime - Blu-rays, manga, figures (scale and prize), apparel, and frequent exclusives. The RightStuf catalog now lives here, which means fewer dead links and more unified promos. Great for episode guides that lead to box sets and “season hype → figure pre-orders.”
  • Entertainment Earth. Big on collectibles with lots of anime figures, exclusives, and pre-orders. Their in-house program is well known and easy to work with. Perfect for “coming soon” roundups and gift guides - add shipping ETAs and “what to know before you buy” notes to reduce returns.
  • CDJapan. Loved by import fans for first-press CDs/Blu-rays, books, magazines, and merch. Friendly program: 30-day cookie and you can even earn on your own purchases. Ideal for import guides, region-code explainers, and “first-press bonus” alerts.
  • Playasia (store). Long-running hub for Asia-region games, figures, music, and cards. Creator-friendly program that fits channels covering Japanese/Asian releases. Use it for region-coded titles, limited collector’s editions, and digital code drops.
  • HobbyLink Japan (HLJ). Collector favorite for Gunpla, model kits, figures, and tools. Their Private Warehouse feature encourages batched orders (great for higher AOV). Excellent fit for “pre-order watchlists,” “how Private Warehouse works,” and build guides.
  • Tokyo Otaku Mode (TOM). Big, official pop-culture selection with strong brand recognition. Usually an in-house program. Great for lifestyle-leaning merch and limited collabs; include shipping notes and size charts to lift conversions.
  • Senpai Mart. Curated anime collectibles with a simple signup and a headline 10% commission. Great for “under $25” gift guides, Shorts/TikTok hauls, and novelty items.
  • Solaris Japan. Go-to for figures (Nendoroid, scale, prize) and artbooks, shipping worldwide. Affiliate via Affiliatly -  many creators note a short cookie, so move fast on launches. Create “Is it legit?” pages and box-condition explainers to ease collector worries.
  • BoxLunch. Licensed apparel, bags, accessories, and home goods with a strong anime section and frequent promos, perfect for giftable price points. Typically available via networks like FlexOffers.
  • Hot Topic (HT Partner / Affiliate). Huge anime apparel/accessories selection online and in-store, plus an affiliate/partner track for creators. Great for cosplay-lite looks, outfit guides, and convention checklists.
  • Loot Crate: Subscription boxes that sometimes feature anime collabs. The affiliate page is active, but the brand has had ownership changestr - treat as a bonus channel and keep an eye on tracking and fulfillment. Shines with unboxings and “is it worth it?” posts.
  • Amazon Associates: The catch-all for almost any SKU: figures, Blu-rays, manga, peripherals. The cookie is 24 hours, but anything added to cart within that window can still help you earn later - perfect for bundles and “complete your setup” boxes.
  • Xcoser: Cosplay costumes, wigs, masks, and accessories across major franchises. Public materials often cite 10–15% via CJ. Time your content around con season and Halloween; include sizing and care tips to cut returns.
  • FYE (For Your Entertainment): Mall-familiar brand with rotating anime tie-ins across collectibles, candy, and apparel. Availability can vary by network and season check current terms. Keep a live Deals module at the top of gift posts.
  • Playasia (Creator Partner - deeper): Beyond standard affiliate links, their Partner Program can offer added tools for launches. If you already cover imports, consider previews and co-promos once accepted.
  • J-List / JBOX. Sister sites: J-List includes NSFW items; JBOX is safer-for-work with merch, games, and culture goods. Join their in-house program and label NSFW links clearly to stay policy-safe.
  • Hobby “Plus Ones” (rotation bench).  Keep 1–2 extra merchants in your stack - emerging shops or niche figure retailers you find via Awin, CJ, Impact, or FlexOffers. Rotate during promo seasons or when stock shifts. Always verify inventory depth, cookies, and support responsiveness.

How to pick the right mix (commission vs. conversion)

Picking programs isn’t about the biggest % on paper. It’s about what makes people buy. Here’s a simple, expanded version of each step—still easy to follow.

1) Know your audience.

  • Collectors: Care about pre-orders, authenticity, box condition, and displays → HLJ, Solaris Japan, Entertainment Earth.
  • Viewers: Want the show or the book fast → Crunchyroll Store, CDJapan.
  • Lifestyle fans: Outfits, bags, décor → BoxLunch, Hot Topic.
  • Catch-all: Amazon for one cart and quick shipping.

2) Prioritise pre-orders.

Pre-orders give you urgency and weekly content ideas. Use Entertainment Earth, Crunchyroll Store, HLJ, and Solaris Japan. Build a weekly Pre-Order Radar with “Last day to pre-order” dates and link to two stores per item.

3) Don’t forget cookie length.

A longer cookie can beat a higher %. CDJapan’s ~30-day cookie shines on research posts (import guides, comparisons). Put long-cookie links higher on those pages.

4) Use Amazon for cart stacking.

The cookie is short, but buyers add multiple items. Create bundles (starter manga + Blu-ray + display stand) and “Complete your setup” boxes. Always show two buttons: Specialist + Amazon.

5) Remove shipping surprises.

Imports worry buyers. Use stores with clear shipping/customs pages (e.g., Solaris Japan). Add a one-line “Shipping at a glance” note under each buy box: regions, ETA, and duties.

Start Smart: The Balanced Mix That Converts

Here’s a simple starter mix that works well for beginners: use Crunchyroll Store, Entertainment Earth, and CDJapan as your core; add HLJ and Solaris Japan for imports and collectors; include BoxLunch or Hot Topic for lifestyle items; and keep Amazon as your catch-all. This combo covers pre-orders (hype), trusted imports (credibility), gifts (easy wins), and convenience (Amazon). With these bases covered, most visitors will find a good option - and more clicks will turn into real orders.

How to apply this on one page: Put a “Where to buy” box above the fold with 2–3 buttons (mix a long-cookie merchant with a convenience option). Add a short shipping line under each button. Bold pre-order deadlines. Repeat a smaller buy box near the end for skimmers. If an item sells out, swap the first button instead of removing the box - keep that space working.

SEO & Content Strategy for Anime: What Works Now

Think of your content like a fan’s journey. Start with discovery posts (“What to watch after Frieren”) and link to Blu-rays, OSTs, and figures. Move into deepening content (character spotlights, studio profiles) with links to apparel and posters. Then close with ownership content: pre-order calendars, “scale vs. prize figures” guides, and authenticity checks pointing to CDJapan, HLJ, and Solaris Japan.

For keywords, lead with buyer-intent long tails (“Demon Slayer Akaza pillow,” “Nendoroid #xxxx release date,” “best Luffy hoodie under $40”). When a new season or movie is announced, publish a short evergreen stub immediately - expand it as details drop. Keep some non-commercial traffic too - episode recaps, character lists, power debates and add gentle CTAs (“See the official figure here”). Round it out with store-intent pages like “CDJapan vs. Amazon for Blu-rays,” “HLJ Private Warehouse explained,” and “Crunchyroll Store shipping to NZ.”

Format for skimmers: add a summary box at the top, jump links, and simple buy boxes (price range + shipping note). Where useful, include short pros/cons (cookie length, stock reliability, pre-order cadence, exclusives) so readers don’t have to leave to compare.

Show E-E-A-T simply: add an author bio with your years of watching/collecting and conventions attended (shelf photos help). Keep facts current and cite official changes (e.g., RightStuf → Crunchyroll Store; TFAW online closure) in update notes.

Driving Traffic the Simple Way 

  • Build a small content hub. Create 3-5 evergreen guides (authenticity, Blu-ray, “where to buy”) and support them with smaller posts (episode recaps, character spotlights, “best under $40”). Interlink everything.
  • Post timely, shoppable updates. Keep a weekly Pre-Order Radar with “last day to pre-order” dates and short shipping notes.
  • Leverage short-form video. Quick unboxings, bootleg vs. authentic tips, and pre-order alerts on Shorts/TikTok/Reels; pin a clear “Where to buy” link.
  • Be helpful in communities. On Reddit/Discord, answer “Is this legit?” and “Where do I buy?” with short, useful advice and proof (photos/orders). Disclose affiliate links if required.
  • Send one useful email per week. Share 3–5 picks with a single button each. Segment collectors vs. casual fans.
  • Make pages easy to skim. Add a summary box, jump links, and buy boxes (price + quick shipping note). Compress images so figure posts load fast.
  • Track a few metrics only. Watch clicks to merchants, conversion rate, AOV, and which posts drive sales. Update sold-out links and pre-order dates weekly.

An Example of a 30-day Quick Plan:

Week 1 - Set the foundation

Publish two core pieces: an Authenticity Guide (fast checklist, a few photo examples, and 2-3 buy buttons) and your first Pre-Order Radar (8-12 items with prices, ETAs, and “last day to pre-order”). Add an email signup to both posts with a one-page checklist as the freebie. Share 2-3 short clips (bootleg tips, pre-order alerts) and pin your link. Track clicks and signups so you know what to push next.

Week 2 - Tie episodes to shopping

Ship two “episode → what to buy” posts (5-7 items each, one-line reasons, two merchant buttons per item) and three short videos. Add summary boxes and link back to your Authenticity Guide. Send one 5-item email with your top pre-orders and episode picks. Note which categories (figures vs. apparel) get the most clicks.

Week 3 - Win Researchers with a Comparison

Publish one store comparison (e.g., “CDJapan vs Amazon for Blu-rays” or “HLJ Private Warehouse explained”) with a simple pros/cons table and shipping notes. Update the Pre-Order Radar (same URL), moving closed items into a small “Ships now” section. Share a helpful excerpt on a forum/wiki and answer a few community questions with short, useful replies.

Week 4 - Turn questions into Conversions

Host a 30-45 min Q&A (Discord/Reddit/YouTube). Turn the best questions into a concise FAQ post with a mini “Where to buy” box after each section. Update the Radar again and add “Last updated: [date]”. Send an email recap: three quick answers + three “buy now” items. Do a light audit - swap sold-out links, fix any old RightStuf/TFAW mentions, and note which merchants and posts earned best.

After 30 days, you should have…

One evergreen Authenticity Guide, one Comparison, one FAQ, and a single Radar you update weekly - plus several short videos with pinned links. Your pages use clear buy boxes, brief shipping notes, and two merchant options. Most importantly, you’ll know which merchant + item type drives real sales - so you can double down next month.

Anime affiliate marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. The winners are the ones who stay current, keep things simple, and show up every week. Use a balanced merchant mix: Crunchyroll Store and Entertainment Earth for steady pre-orders; CDJapan, HLJ, and Solaris Japan for trusted imports; Amazon as your convenience backup. Make buying easy with a small “Where to buy” box, a one-line shipping note, and clear pre-order deadlines. Update links weekly, fix anything that’s out of stock, and share quick videos that point back to your guides. Be honest about pricing and shipping - trust turns readers into buyers.

 

13 Comments
Mark 9 years ago
This is pretty well written. However, unless you have a large amount of sales coming in I'm still not sure, honestly, you'd make much from it. If you have 10 people buy a $20 DVD, that's still only $20 earned. Especially if you put a lot of effort into it.

Although for something like a hobby, or something on the side, I can see this being a good alternate source of income for someone. So thank you! :)
Yualexius 9 years ago
This is a really good post. Thank you for sharing a good thoughts about having a side line and earning from a niche or hobby that you enjoyed doing such as writing stuffs about anime. Well, for otakus like me, Anime is life. cheers!
8 years ago
Crunchyroll does not offer affiliates now. too bad. :(
Cecille Loorluis 8 years ago
Crunchyroll still has an affiliate program, but it is not as "open" as before. Now, you need to send an email to their affiliate manager, then they will review your application and get in back to you.



For more information, please go to:

https://help.crunchyroll.com/hc/en-us/articles/209216586-Crunchyroll-Affiliate-Program



All the best!



Captain Monochrome 8 years ago
Subscription boxes, like Loot Crate, also have their own affiliate programs.
8 years ago
really great analysis and well explained. I loved it thanks. this is useful for affiliate marketing
Moksen 8 years ago
This article caught my attention. However i am confused here. Isnt making anime blogs (be it monetary or not) violates the copyright law? I mean you will definitely use screenshot from the episodes and put in your blog. If it's not illegal, i am very keen on making one as well.
Kiki 7 years ago
lovely post!
I've been trying to be a Tokyo Otaku Mode affiliate, but they won't respond :/
This post really helped me out though, thanks!
- Kiki
Cecille Loorluis 7 years ago
Hi Kiki,



I'm sorry to hear that. Maybe you'lll get better results with one of the affiliate programs listed above.



All the best!
James T. Kelley 7 years ago
Is this a scam or is this for real can i do this and make money!!!??
Cecille Loorluis 7 years ago
Hi James,



I understand where you are coming from. The above affiliate programs are not scam. They do pay out affiliates that are able to give them leads or sales.



I suggest you contact them directly if you are interested.



All the best!
DBZ Games 7 years ago
How is Amazon affilates compared to the others since it's comission is the lowest by faR?
Cecille Loorluis 7 years ago
Commission on Amazon is tier-based meaning your commission varies depending on the product purchased. It is small as compared to other affiliate programs, but they do accumulate so you still stand to get as much, maybe even more, from one Amazon sale of several items than on 1 purchase of 1 product.



All the best!
Nancy 6 years ago
You really seem to know how to start and end a blog post which is normally rather hard to do. It’s also a little freaky and very humorous how you seemed to know what your audience was thinking as the post progressed.
Michael 6 years ago
I was hoping to find some cool anime affiliate programs here - I, too, checked Clickbank. I'm actually a little surprised that there's not much out there for anime affiliate marketing - but then again, besides streaming - what else is there? Sales for toys etc are cool, but with getting such low commission on price points that are already pretty low, one needs to think outside of the box to convert anime demo.
Chetan Kale 6 years ago
Man,you wrote really well about anime niche, it's affiliate programs and all.But when you told that the profit is very less in the niche, it broke my heart as I am going for anime blogging
Sally 5 years ago
There are so many ways to earn money out of our anime hobby, and you can see all the accessible methods here https://www.otakufantasy.com/2020/09/how-to-earn-money-otaku-hobby.html. You can also see the best anime affiliate program where you can join with ease.