Blog, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, or YouTube—What Works Best?
Affiliate marketing in Japan has evolved rapidly. Once dominated by blogs, the field now includes fast-moving platforms like Instagram, Threads, and YouTube. But which one actually drives results in 2025? And is affiliate marketing still a viable way to earn income?
📊 Is Affiliate Marketing Still Profitable in Japan?
Yes—if done strategically. According to The Mfon Akpan’s 2024 guide, affiliate marketing remains a strong income stream when paired with the right platform and niche. Japan’s mobile-first culture and trust in influencer recommendations make it fertile ground for affiliate strategies.
📝 Blog: Evergreen but Slower
Blogs still perform well in Japan, especially in niches like finance, tech, and health. They offer SEO longevity and detailed reviews. However, building traffic takes time, and competition is fierce. For long-form content and search-based discovery, blogs remain relevant—but not dominant.
🐦 Twitter (X): Fast but Fleeting
Twitter is great for real-time engagement. According to Hootsuite’s 2024 report, Twitter ranks fourth in affiliate marketing effectiveness, behind Instagram and Pinterest. Its short format limits depth, and visibility fades quickly.
📸 Instagram: Visual Trust and Viral Potential
Instagram remains a top performer for affiliate marketing. As shown in Dan Korsby’s guide, faceless accounts using AI-generated videos and optimized bios can earn consistent affiliate income. Beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches thrive here.
🧵 Threads: Rising Star with Text Power
Threads, launched by Meta in 2023, has gained traction in Japan with over 11 million users by late 2024. Its integration with Instagram allows seamless branding, and its 500-character posts, link support, and up to 10 images make it ideal for affiliate outreach. Threads is especially effective for freelancers and small businesses targeting local audiences.
📹 YouTube: The Conversion King
YouTube continues to dominate in 2025. Long-form video builds deep trust, and product reviews drive high conversion rates. According to Santrel Media, affiliate programs like Amazon, Adobe, and Surfshark perform best when paired with video content. Though production takes effort, the ROI is often unmatched.
📊 Platform Comparison Table
| Platform | Strengths | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Blog | SEO, long-form trust, evergreen content | Slow growth, technical setup |
| Fast reach, trending visibility | Short lifespan, low conversion depth | |
| Visual appeal, viral potential | Algorithm volatility, link limitations | |
| Threads | Text + image synergy, local targeting | Still growing, less mature analytics |
| YouTube | High trust, strong conversion, long-form depth | Time-intensive production |
💡 Final Thoughts
So, is the idea that “blogs are outdated and video is king” true? Partially. Blogs still work—especially for SEO and niche authority. But video platforms like YouTube and visual-first apps like Instagram and Threads now lead in engagement and conversion.
If you’re starting affiliate marketing in Japan, choose the platform that fits your strengths. Writers may thrive on blogs, while creators comfortable with video should explore YouTube. Threads is a promising hybrid for text-driven outreach with visual support.
Affiliate marketing isn’t dead—it’s just more strategic than ever.