This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Muhammed Shafin P
By Muhammed Shafin P
Anime production today still follows a very traditional path. Studios usually work with production committees, which are groups of companies such as publishers, merch makers, and TV networks that pool money to fund a project. These committees then sell broadcasting or streaming rights to platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, or HIDIVE. This model is safe because it guarantees some return on investment for the investors, but it also limits how many people can watch the anime right away and how much extra money can be earned if the series becomes very popular.
I started wondering if there might be a better way for independent creators or even studios to grow a fanbase faster and earn more over time. My idea is to release an anime completely free on a platform like YouTube first, then build monetization around it through ads, memberships, merchandise, and Blu-ray sales. This would combine the power of free access with a business model that rewards fan engagement.
How This Model Could Work
The idea would begin with a free global release on YouTube. Episodes would be uploaded officially in high quality, so anyone could watch without needing to pay or create an account. In both the video and the description, there would be a clear copyright notice stating that the content is protected and may not be reuploaded anywhere else. By registering the videos with YouTube’s Content ID system, any unauthorized uploads could be blocked or monetized in favor of the creator. This step would drastically reduce piracy, since the anime would already be available in the easiest, most legal way possible.
Once the series is freely available, multiple monetization streams could be activated. Ad revenue would start coming in from YouTube views right away. The creator could also enable channel memberships or connect to a Patreon campaign to offer fans early access, exclusive behind-the-scenes updates, or special Q&A sessions.
Another key element would be selling Blu-rays and other physical products worldwide. These could be distributed through Amazon, global anime retailers, and the creator’s own online shop. The Blu-ray could include special bonuses that are not available on YouTube, such as an exclusive OVA episode, commentary tracks, a printed artbook, or soundtrack CDs. Limited edition packaging and signed copies could appeal to collectors. By making these available internationally on platforms like Amazon, fans from any country could easily purchase them, which opens up a much larger revenue stream compared to only selling in Japan.
Merchandise like shirts, posters, and figures could also be sold globally. YouTube videos can include direct links to these products, and special campaigns or discounts could be announced at the end of each episode to encourage purchases. If the show gains enough popularity, sponsors could be brought in to support future episodes or seasons.
A free release also helps with fan growth before asking for any payment. Since there is no paywall blocking entry, more casual viewers will give the series a chance. This naturally creates a much bigger audience compared to a platform that requires a subscription. That audience can then be nurtured over time, leading to more sales of physical media, more Patreon backers, and more hype for future seasons or related projects such as games, novels, or spin-offs.
Why I Think This Could Work
Piracy reduction is one of the biggest advantages of this idea. Most piracy exists because fans cannot access a show easily or affordably. If the anime is free and easy to watch, there is almost no reason to pirate it. The official version becomes the default place to watch.
Another reason I think this could work is that free content naturally spreads faster. Fans share links with friends, clips go viral, and the algorithm recommends the show to more people. This means that even a small project could find a surprisingly large audience if it resonates with viewers.
Financially, the combined income streams could easily match or even exceed what a fixed licensing deal with a platform like Crunchyroll might offer. Even if the anime does not become a massive viral hit, ad revenue plus Blu-ray and merchandise sales could still provide steady returns. Selling Blu-rays and merch on Amazon and other global platforms makes it much easier for international fans to support the project. This is especially important since many overseas fans are eager to collect official items and are often willing to pay more than Japanese fans because such products are rare in their region.
On top of this, building a community gives long-term value because those same fans are more likely to support the next season or buy new products later. Over time, this can turn a modestly successful show into a full franchise that earns money for years.
Possible Challenges
I am not sure if this idea is fully feasible, and it might have challenges. Funding would still need to be secured before production starts, because there is no guaranteed advance payment like what production committees receive from TV networks or streaming services. Ad revenue on YouTube can also fluctuate based on the season and the region of viewers, so income might not be completely stable. Some fans might only watch for free and never buy any Blu-rays or merchandise, meaning that the project would rely heavily on ad revenue. Marketing would also be very important, since YouTube is filled with content and getting discovered can be difficult without a strong promotional plan.
Final Thoughts
This approach might be risky, but it could offer a new path for creators who want to reach as many fans as possible and still earn money in a sustainable way. Free-first distribution can remove the need for piracy, build a large global audience quickly, and open the door to multiple income streams such as ads, memberships, Blu-rays, and merchandise sold internationally. Making Blu-rays and special editions available on Amazon and other global platforms ensures that fans all over the world have an easy way to support the project legally and proudly collect something physical.
Even if the series does not go viral, it would still remain online forever, letting new viewers discover it over time and continue generating revenue. I am not sure if this strategy could work for every studio or if large production committees would ever adopt it, but I think it is an idea worth considering. For independent creators, this model might be a powerful way to share their stories, grow a community, and create a future where anime can thrive without being locked behind paywalls.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Muhammed Shafin P