Top 7 Ways to Make Money from Watching or Reviewing Anime

Let’s be honest: we all dream of turning our favorite pastimes into something profitable. If you’re spending hours binge-watching Jujutsu Kaisen, rewatching One Piece arcs, or passionately arguing over which Attack on Titan season was peak, why not monetize your love for anime? In 2025, there are more ways than ever to make money by watching or reviewing anime, whether you’re a hardcore otaku or just an enthusiastic newcomer.

From content creation and affiliate blogging to sponsored reviews and even AI-assisted tools that speed up your workflow—here are 7 proven and relatable ways to cash in on your anime obsession.

1. Start an Anime Review Channel on YouTube

Anime YouTube content is booming. People love watching reactions, deep dives, tier lists, and fan theories. Channels like Gigguk, Mother’s Basement, and The Anime Man have built careers around anime commentary.

How You Earn:

• Ad revenue (Google AdSense)
• Sponsorships from anime brands or games
• Affiliate links (e.g., Crunchyroll, Amazon anime merch)
• Memberships & Patreon support

Start with seasonal anime reviews or “Top 5 Anime for Beginners” videos—great SEO and easily shareable.

2. Write Paid Reviews or Articles for Anime Websites

Sites like:

• MyAnimeList (MAL)
• AniTrendz
• Anime News Network
• Freelance platforms like Upwork/Fiverr

…often need writers to cover anime news, reviews, and listicles.

Freelance rates vary, but $25–$100 per article is common for beginners. More if you’re a seasoned writer or bring in traffic.

3. Start an Anime Blog

You don’t need to be a YouTuber to make content. Blogging is still powerful in 2025—especially if you combine it with SEO, affiliate links, and a little creativity.

How You Can Monetize:

• Google AdSense
• Affiliate marketing (Crunchyroll, RightStufAnime, Amazon)
• Sponsored posts from brands
• Selling digital downloads (watchlists, themed wallpapers, printables)

Best Blog Topics to Start With:

• “Which Anime to Watch This Season”
• “Anime Watchlist Templates (Free Download)”
• “Best Anime Gifts for Otaku Friends”
• “5 Anime Like [Insert Popular Title]”

4. Launch an Anime Podcast

Not a fan of writing or video editing? Try audio! Podcasts are low-cost to start and let you deep dive into anime themes, breakdowns, or debates without needing a full video setup.

Podcast Topic Ideas:

• Weekly anime episode recaps
• Character deep dives (e.g., “Is Lelouch a villain?”)
• Seasonal preview & review episodes
• “Hot Takes” anime episodes
• Fan submissions and listener opinions

Monetization:

• Sponsorships (e.g., anime merch boxes, manga apps)
• Patreon memberships
• Paid shoutouts or listener donations
• Podcast ads (via Spotify or RSS providers)

5. Create Anime-Based Digital Products or Printables

If you’re artistic or good with design, this method is a goldmine. Create watchlist templates, aesthetic wallpapers, anime planners, or printable bookmarks and sell them on:

• Etsy
• Gumroad
• Ko-fi
• Creative Market

Product Ideas:

• Anime-themed digital planner (e.g., “Weekly Watchlist for Fall 2025”)
• Wallpaper bundles inspired by Studio Ghibli
• Printable “Which Anime Character Are You?” quizzes
• Anime art prints or parody designs (avoid copyright violation!)

6. Get Paid to Watch Anime via Apps or Review Platforms

Yes, it sounds too good to be true—but some platforms pay for feedback or viewing time as part of research or beta testing.

Platforms to Explore:

• InboxDollars or Swagbucks (anime ad viewing)
• UserTesting or Appen (occasionally anime-focused media testing)
• AniBounty – a new fan-powered anime feedback app in beta
• Crunchyroll’s Creator Support Program (in select regions)

While these don’t pay big, they’re great for passive side income—especially if you’re watching anyway.

7. Grow a Monetized Anime Instagram or TikTok Account

Anime content absolutely thrives on visual platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. If you love creating:

• Short anime edits
• Cosplay reels
• Reviews in 30 seconds
• Reaction skits
  …you’re already halfway there.

Monetization:

• Brand deals
• Product shoutouts
• Affiliate codes
• Creator Fund payouts
• Selling anime-themed merch or your own printables

In 2025, micro-creators (under 10K followers) can still make $100–$500/month if you have engaged followers and smart affiliate links.

Many anime fans make money through a hybrid approach:

• Start a blog with affiliate links
• Reuse blog content as YouTube videos
• Break those into Instagram/TikTok clips
• Offer related printables on Etsy
• Launch a newsletter or podcast around the same content

You’re not “starting from scratch” with each platform—you’re just repurposing your passion across channels.

Let’s be real—you’re already putting in the hours watching Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War or arguing over who’s the best girl in Chainsaw Man. So why not build something from it? Whether you’re reviewing anime on YouTube, selling digital products, or simply being the anime friend everyone turns to for recs—there’s money in your love for anime.

You don’t need a million followers. You need passion, consistency, and the willingness to take the first step.