Global affiliate networkCPS / CPARetail & e-commerceGlobal market
Rakuten Advertising is one of the oldest and most recognizable global affiliate marketing networks. The platform connects brands (advertisers) with publishers and content creators, settling cooperation mainly on a commission-per-sale basis. The network was founded in 1996 in New York as LinkShare, was acquired by Japan's Rakuten group in 2005, and has operated under the Rakuten Advertising name since 2020.
The operator is Rakuten Advertising, part of Rakuten, Inc. of Japan, with its headquarters in New York. The network states more than 25 years of market presence and a position as one of the leading affiliate platforms worldwide, with a strong focus on the retail category and on data- and analytics-driven tools.
Payout threshold
50 (network currency)
How it works
Rakuten Advertising acts as an intermediary between advertisers and publishers. Advertisers run affiliate programs on the network, and publishers promote their offers using tracking links, banners and deep links. The terms of cooperation — commission rates, cookie window length and program approval rules — are set individually by each advertiser; according to industry reviews commissions typically fall within a range of a few to a dozen-or-so percent of the sale, and the cookie window is most often between 7 and 30 days depending on the program.
The network emphasizes data- and AI-driven solutions (the Affiliate Intelligence initiative) intended to support partner matchmaking, forecasting and campaign optimization.
At a glance
| Network type | Global affiliate network (affiliate / CPS) |
| Billing models | Mainly CPS (commission per sale); models set by the advertiser |
| Categories / industries | Retail, e-commerce, fashion, travel, consumer brands |
| GEO / market | Global reach; networks incl. US, Canada, UK, Australia, France, Germany |
| Payouts | Net-60, monthly; threshold 50 (network currency) |
| Payment methods | Bank transfer, check, PayPal (in selected networks) |
| Operator | Rakuten Advertising (Rakuten, Inc., Japan); HQ in New York |
| On the market since | 1996 (as LinkShare); Rakuten Advertising brand since 2020 |
Categories and offers
RetailE-commerceFashion & beautyTravelElectronicsConsumer brands
Billing and payouts
—Net-60 payout model: commission is paid after the billing period closes and is approved, which in practice means a longer cycle than in many other networks.
—The minimum payout threshold is 50 (in the given network's currency) and applies regardless of the chosen method.
—Available methods: bank transfer, check and PayPal. PayPal is available to publishers in over 200 markets working with the US, Canada, UK, Australia, France and Germany networks.
—Commission rates are set individually by each advertiser within its program.
Tools and support
—Publisher dashboard with text links, banners and performance reporting.
—Deep links pointing directly to a selected product on the advertiser's site.
—Product catalog / product feeds delivered e.g. via FTP.
—Advanced commission models: Dynamic Commissioning, Multi-touch Commissioning and Coupon Commissioning.
—The Affiliate Intelligence initiative — data- and AI-driven tools supporting partner matchmaking, forecasting and campaign optimization; publisher help center.
Who it's for
Rakuten Advertising is aimed primarily at publishers and content creators focused on monetizing traffic on a commission-per-sale basis, especially in the retail and e-commerce segment, and at publishers interested in working with recognizable global brands. Because of the net-60 payout cycle, the network suits stable, long-term traffic better than situations that require fast settlements.
Strengths
+Long history and established market position (since 1996).
+Backing of the large Rakuten group and global reach.
+Access to recognizable brands, especially in retail.
+Publisher tools: deep links, product feeds, flexible commission models.
Limitations
–Net-60 payout cycle slower than in many competing networks.
–Separate approval required for individual advertiser programs.
–The interface is sometimes rated as less modern than younger platforms (per reviews).
–PayPal availability limited to selected country networks.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rakuten Advertising?
It is a global affiliate marketing network connecting advertisers with publishers, settling cooperation mainly on a commission-per-sale basis. The operator is Rakuten Advertising, a company belonging to Japan's Rakuten, Inc. group.
How do payouts work?
The network settles publishers on a net-60 basis, with a monthly payment cycle and a minimum threshold of 50 in the given network's currency. Options include bank transfer, check and PayPal (in selected country networks).
What are the commission rates?
Rates are set individually by each advertiser within its program; they vary depending on the brand, category and cookie window length.
Which industries dominate the network?
The network is particularly strong in the retail and e-commerce segment, also covering fashion, travel, electronics and other consumer brands.
What tools does it offer publishers?
Among others deep links, a product catalog / product feeds, advanced commission models (Dynamic, Multi-touch, Coupon) and data- and AI-driven solutions under the Affiliate Intelligence initiative.
United States of America