20 Business Ideas For Anime Fans [2024]
If you're an anime fan with an entrepreneurial spirit, 2024 offers a range of business opportunities tailored just for you. Imagine blending your passion for anime with a savvy business idea that caters to a like-minded community. Whether it's starting an online store or launching a creative project, the possibilities are endless.
You could dive into anime-themed merchandise, offering unique products that fellow fans crave. Alternatively, consider opening a niche café designed to attract local anime enthusiasts. Another option might be creating digital content or services that celebrate the vibrant world of anime.
These ventures can be lucrative and personally fulfilling, providing both financial rewards and a deeper connection to the anime community. With a bit of creativity and strategic planning, you could turn your love for anime into a thriving business in 2024.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other anime fan businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel as an anime fan can be a fantastic way to turn your passion into a business. You could create content ranging from episode reviews, character analyses, and cosplay tutorials to discussions about the latest trends and news in the anime world. With the potential to earn income through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise, it's an entrepreneurial venture worth considering.
Building a successful YouTube channel requires consistency and engaging content. Tap into your love for anime to create a unique voice that resonates with fellow fans. If you're ready to dedicate the time and effort, you could turn your hobby into a rewarding side hustle or even a full-time business. For more insights, check out this page on Starter Story.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could reach a global audience who shares your passion for anime.
- You could diversify your income streams through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
- Engage with a vibrant community and establish yourself as an influencer in the anime fandom.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
2. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
If you're an anime enthusiast with entrepreneurial aspirations, starting a niche website could be an excellent way to channel your passion into a profitable venture. A niche website allows you to create targeted content and products specifically for the anime community, enabling you to connect deeply with an audience that shares your interests. By focusing on a specific area within the anime world—like reviews, fan theories, or merchandise—you could attract a dedicated fanbase and monetize through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or digital products.
The journey to a successful niche website includes selecting a particular niche you're knowledgeable in, producing engaging content, and effectively drawing traffic to your site through SEO and social media strategies. With consistent effort, your niche website could evolve into a reliable source of passive income. Want to know more? Check out some success stories on Starter Story for inspiration.
Why starting a niche website?
- You could turn your passion for anime into a profitable side business or full-scale venture.
- Connecting deeply with fellow fans makes your work not only enjoyable but also highly engaging for your audience.
- Monetization options are varied and scalable, offering multiple revenue streams.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
3. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
As an anime fan, starting a niche blog allows you to connect deeply with a passionate community while sharing your unique insights and experiences. By focusing on a specific niche within the anime world—such as film reviews, character analysis, or convention coverage—you could create valuable content that resonates with other enthusiasts. This venture can supplement your income through various monetization strategies like affiliate links, brand collaborations, and ad revenue, making it a viable side business or even a full-time endeavor.
Why starting a niche blog?
- You could monetize your passion for anime by providing affiliate links, collaborating with brands, and generating ad revenue.
- Sharing your expertise on a niche topic can attract a dedicated following, enhancing your visibility in the anime community.
- Regularly engaging with followers through unique and informative content can establish you as an authority in your chosen niche, opening more opportunities for income and collaboration.
For more detailed examples and insights on starting a niche blog, consider checking out how much niche blogs make on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
4. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast is a practical way for anime fans to supplement their income or even create a full-fledged side business. By discussing your favorite shows, reviewing new releases, and engaging with fellow fans, you could build a strong listener base in the thriving and passionate anime community. Plus, with minimal upfront costs for basic recording equipment and a hosting platform, breaking into the podcasting world is highly accessible.
Why start a podcast?
- You could connect with a global audience and build a community around your shared passion for anime.
- There are numerous monetization opportunities through sponsorships, listener support, and merchandise.
- Your intimate knowledge and enthusiasm for anime will make your content engaging and authentic, drawing in dedicated listeners.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
5. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
For anime fans, starting a subscription box business is a fantastic way to merge passion with entrepreneurship. By curating unique and exclusive anime merchandise, you could cater to a niche market that is always on the lookout for new and exciting products. This business model not only offers the potential for recurring revenue but also allows you to share your love for anime with like-minded customers.
Why consider a subscription box business?
- You'll tap into a loyal and dedicated customer base that craves exclusive and high-quality anime merchandise.
- Recurring revenue models provide a steady income stream, reducing financial unpredictability.
- Personal passion for anime translates into authentic product selections that resonate with your audience.
For more insights on starting a subscription box business, check out these tips from industry experts.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
6. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business could be an exciting and profitable venture for anime fans. By tapping into the vibrant anime merchandise market, you could sell popular items like figurines, posters, DVDs, and apparel. Not only does this provide an opportunity to turn your passion into a business, but you could also build a community of loyal customers who share your interests.
With minimal upfront costs, you could start your business on social media platforms and expand to a website as your venture grows. Since production isn't a concern, you could focus on curating a selection of in-demand anime merchandise that appeals to your customer base. Success stories and marketing ideas (like those found here) could provide inspiration and practical advice as you kickstart your journey.
Why starting an ecommerce reselling business?
- You could monetize your passion for anime by selling merchandise to like-minded fans.
- Getting started is cost-effective, allowing you to scale up as your business grows without a significant initial investment.
- An accessible entry point into entrepreneurship, especially if you leverage social media to build your brand and reach customers.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
7. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
As an anime fan, starting a dropshipping business allows you to turn your passion into profit without the hassle of managing inventory. You could focus on selling unique anime-themed merchandise like figures, apparel, and accessories. By leveraging platforms like Shopify and AliExpress, you can find reliable suppliers and create a seamless shopping experience for fellow fans while focusing on marketing and customer engagement to grow your business. For more insights on profitability and tips, check out this page on dropshipping business profitability.
Why start a dropshipping business?
- You could curate a store that appeals to other anime fans, filling a niche market with in-demand products.
- With minimal startup costs, you can easily test different products and themes without financial risk.
- Managing an online store allows you to work from anywhere, providing you flexibility and the freedom to integrate your passion for anime into your business.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
8. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
For anime fans looking to blend their passion with entrepreneurship, developing a mobile app offers an exciting avenue to explore. Imagine creating an app centered around anime – whether it's a useful tool for managing your anime watchlist, a fun game featuring your favorite characters, or even a social platform where anime enthusiasts can connect. Not only could this app provide a valuable service to fellow fans, but it also has the potential to generate substantial income through downloads, ads, and in-app purchases.
Starting a mobile app business does require some initial knowledge in coding or the ability to hire a developer, along with a clear vision and effective marketing strategy. However, the booming mobile app market means there's significant opportunity for innovative ideas to thrive. If you have an idea that can solve a problem or entertain millions, the world of app development awaits. For inspiration and success stories, explore more here.
Why create a mobile app?
- Cater to a niche market by providing tailored experiences for anime fans.
- Monetize through multiple streams such as ads, in-app purchases, and subscriptions.
- Capitalize on the growing mobile app industry with a unique, engaging concept.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
9. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
If you're an anime fan with specialized knowledge or skills, you could turn your passion into a profitable online course business. Whether it's creating digital art, mastering Japanese language skills, or even explaining complex anime storylines, you could design a course that appeals to other anime enthusiasts looking to learn. With the e-learning market expected to be worth over $645 billion in the next few years, there's never been a better time to get started.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You could turn your anime-related expertise into a lasting source of passive income.
- The demand for niche, specialized courses is growing, offering a unique business opportunity.
- Sharing your passion and knowledge can build a community of like-minded individuals and fans.
For more insight into starting an online course sales business, you can explore Startup Costs and other helpful resources.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
10. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
For anime fans looking to turn their passion into a profit, starting an affiliate marketing business can be a fantastic option. By promoting anime-related products such as merchandise, streaming services, and collectibles, you could earn a commission on each sale. This business model not only allows you to monetize your love for anime but also pays you passive income over the long term.
Why start an affiliate marketing business?
- You could earn commissions by promoting products you genuinely love and use within the anime community.
- The startup costs are minimal, making it accessible for anyone looking to make extra money on the side.
- By partnering with well-known anime brands and eCommerce stores, you could easily tap into a global audience of fellow fans. For more tips on getting started, check out this Affiliate Marketing Business Plan.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
11. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
As an anime fan with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a social media automation business could be a brilliant way to supplement your income or even create a full-time hustle. This involves developing or integrating automation tools that help manage social media accounts, schedule posts, and engage with followers efficiently. With the increasing demand for streamlined social media management, this business not only taps into a growing market but also offers the flexibility to cater your services to various clients, from small businesses to influencers.
Why start a social media automation business?
- You could help anime influencers and small businesses in the anime niche grow their online presence effortlessly.
- Automating social media tasks allows you to combine your love for anime and technology, making work more enjoyable.
- With a niche understanding, you can tailor your services to fit the unique needs of your anime-loving clientele, distinguishing you from generic service providers.
For more insights and tips on starting a social media automation business, you can explore success stories on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
12. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
If you're an anime fan looking to supplement your income or start a side business, launching a print-on-demand business could be an ideal venture. You could create and sell merchandise featuring your favorite anime characters, memorable quotes, or original fan art, all without the need for holding inventory. This model allows you to leverage your passion for anime while reaching a global audience through platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy.
By focusing on designing unique and trendy anime-themed products, you could build a scalable business from the comfort of your home with minimal startup costs. To learn more about successful print-on-demand ventures and how much they make, check out some real-world examples and success stories on Starter Story.
Why consider a print-on-demand business?
- You could monetize your creativity by turning anime artwork into sellable products.
- You’ll have the flexibility to run your business from home, balancing it with other commitments.
- With no upfront inventory costs, it's a low-risk way to test out your business ideas.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
13. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
Embarking on the creation of an AI writing tool is an exciting venture for anime fans who are entrepreneurial-minded. With the growing demand for high-quality content in various sectors, an AI writing tool can streamline writing processes for bloggers, businesses, and students. Given anime fans' inherent passion for storytelling and creativity, leveraging these traits to develop an AI-driven writing solution presents a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the content creation world. For more details on the benefits and challenges of such a venture, explore the AI writing tool's profitability and success stories here.
Why venture into AI writing tools?
- Merge your passion for anime storytelling with cutting-edge tech to deliver a unique content creation tool.
- Cater to a wide array of users, from businesses to content creators, amplifying your market reach and potential revenue.
- Tap into the ongoing demand for efficient, high-quality content, ensuring consistent growth and relevance in the digital landscape.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
14. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Starting an AI-based business solution offers anime fans a cutting-edge opportunity to merge their passion for technology with entrepreneurial ambition. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you could streamline and optimize various aspects of business processes, from customer service automation to predictive market analysis. This fusion of AI and anime interests could lead to innovative applications like personalized anime recommendations or automated content generation, providing unique value to fellow fans and general businesses alike. For further insight, check out these success stories.
Why is an AI-based business a smart move?
- The AI sector is rapidly growing, offering a lucrative market for innovative solutions.
- You could create niche AI applications tailored to anime fans, enhancing the community experience.
- User-friendly AI platforms make it easier to start without needing a tech background.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
15. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Turning your passion for anime into a stock photography business is a great way to supplement your income, especially if you are already skilled in photography. With high-quality gear and an eye for capturing appealing images, you could create a portfolio of anime-themed or cosplay stock photos. These photos can then be sold to bloggers, marketers, and websites looking for unique images to enhance their content. Explore more about the potential of a stock photography business in our success stories.
Why consider starting a stock photography business?
- Anime-themed stock photos are in demand, catering to a niche market of fans, websites, and companies.
- You could earn passive income by uploading your images to various stock photography platforms.
- Combining your love for anime with photography could make your work enjoyable and fulfilling.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
16. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
If you're an anime fan with a knack for problem-solving and web development, starting a WordPress plugin business could be a great fit for you. Given that WordPress powers over a third of all websites, there's always demand for new plugins that cater to unique needs. As a fan, you could create plugins specifically for anime websites, like a plugin for managing anime reviews or integrating anime databases, and sell them on platforms like CodeCanyon or your personal blog.
Why consider a WordPress plugin business?
- Huge Market: With millions of WordPress websites, there's a vast audience for your plugins.
- Anime Niche: Develop specialty plugins that cater to anime fans, creating a unique selling point.
- Passive Income: Once your plugins are out there, they can generate continuous revenue with minimal maintenance.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
17. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)
Starting a niche investment platform as an anime fan could be a thrilling and lucrative venture. Imagine building an online exchange where like-minded individuals can trade and invest in unique asset classes, from rare collectibles and anime memorabilia to cryptocurrencies. By creating a transparent and tailored trading ecosystem, you could attract a dedicated user base that values specialized investments over traditional stocks. This business model offers recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions, making it a potentially sustainable side hustle or primary income source.
Why start a niche investment platform?
- You could foster a community of niche investors who share your passions.
- You'll tap into alternative asset markets, offering diversification amid volatile stocks.
- You could generate recurring revenue through various monetization strategies.
For more insights, visit Start-Up Costs for Niche Investment Platforms.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
18. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app as an anime fan offers a unique opportunity to create a business that combines your passions for technology, health, and your favorite shows. Imagine designing an app where users can follow fitness routines inspired by anime characters or practice mindfulness techniques akin to their favorite heroes. Not only do you get to weave your love for anime into a practical tool, but you also have the chance to make a positive impact on others' lives by promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
Why consider a health and wellness app?
- You can tap into the growing health and wellness market while using your love for anime as a unique selling point.
- Developing an app caters to a tech-savvy audience and offers endless possibilities for creativity, such as themed fitness challenges and custom avatars.
- By collaborating with health experts, you create a well-rounded product that offers valuable guidance, from meal plans to mental well-being exercises.
Interested in seeing some success stories? Check out health and wellness app success stories for more inspiration.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
19. Start a volleyball accessories business
If you’re an anime fan who loves sports series like "Haikyuu!!", starting a volleyball accessories business could be a golden opportunity to merge your passion for anime with entrepreneurship. Catering to the growing interest in volleyball fueled by such anime, you could design, manufacture, and sell essential gear like knee pads, wristbands, custom jerseys, nets, and portable ball pumps. This business taps into a niche market where you can provide quality accessories that enhance players' performances.
Why starting a volleyball accessories business?
- Leverage anime-fueled interest: Popular sports anime like "Haikyuu!!" have sparked a significant rise in volleyball interest and participation.
- Personalized touch: Create custom designs inspired by your favorite anime characters or themes, attracting fellow anime enthusiasts who play volleyball.
- Niche market potential: Volleyball is growing, and athletes are always on the lookout for high-quality, reliable gear tailored to their needs.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
CROSSNET, the world's first four-way volleyball game, went from $74,000 in revenue in 2018 to $2,250,000 in sales in just one year by attracting customers through social media, email marketing, and exclusive distribution agreements with retailers like Target.
20. Start a cod farming business
Starting a cod farming business as an anime fan could be both lucrative and fulfilling. With the rising shortage of North-Atlantic groundfish like Cod, diving into aquaculture presents a timely and practical opportunity. As you weave your entrepreneurial journey, think of it as living out a real-life version of an anime where the protagonist harnesses natural resources to create sustainable solutions for communities.
Why starting a cod farming business?
- Anime often showcases the balance between technology and nature; a cod farm lets you apply innovative techniques to sustainable practices.
- You could tap into a niche market that values healthy eating, leveraging the anime community's increasing focus on wellness and lifestyle.
- Combining your anime passion with aquaculture allows for unique marketing angles that could set your business apart from conventional fish farms.
For more detailed insights, visit Starter Story's cod farming business page.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
