ABEMA anime distribution and licensing strategy, explained
ABEMA combines CyberAgent's internet DNA with TV Asahi's broadcasting reach, using anime as both a traffic engine and a global expansion lever.
Published: 2026-08-19. Updated: 2026-08-19.
Short answer: ABEMA is a Japanese streaming service jointly owned by CyberAgent and TV Asahi. It operates a hybrid free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) and subscription model with more than 25 linear channels. According to CyberAgent's integrated report, anime-related channels account for roughly half of ABEMA's approximately 40 total channels, and the platform's weekly active users exceed 28 million. ABEMA is now expanding internationally and increasing its investment in anime production and intellectual property.
What ABEMA is and who owns it
ABEMA launched in 2016 as a joint venture between CyberAgent, a Japanese internet and media company, and TV Asahi, one of Japan's major commercial broadcasters. ContentAsia reported in 2024 that the service offers more than 25 linear channels with on-demand hybrid access and multi-device support.
The ownership structure gives ABEMA two distinct advantages. CyberAgent provides internet advertising, game, and technology expertise, while TV Asahi provides broadcast content, production relationships, and a national distribution footprint.
ABEMA's audience and anime positioning
ABEMA's user base skews young. CyberAgent's integrated report says approximately 60% of ABEMA users are under 30, a demographic that is difficult for traditional TV networks to reach. The platform has used news, sports, original reality shows, and anime to build weekly active users exceeding 28 million.
Anime is a core content pillar. CyberAgent states that anime-related channels make up about half of ABEMA's roughly 40 total channels. This makes ABEMA one of the most anime-centric general streaming services in Japan, even though it also carries news, sports, dramas, and variety programming.
From distribution to IP creation
ABEMA began as a distribution platform but has moved upstream into intellectual property. CyberAgent established an Anime and IP Division in February 2024 to consolidate IP development, anime planning and production, advertising, promotion, and merchandising. The division works with group companies including CygamesPictures, CA Soa, and Studio Kurm.
A recent example is the TV anime The Summer Hikaru Died, co-managed with KADOKAWA and animated by CygamesPictures. CyberAgent reported that the series ranked number one on ABEMA and number two on Netflix in Japan during its debut weeks, with a second season already approved. This illustrates ABEMA's role as both a domestic broadcaster and a marketing platform for globally distributed anime.
International strategy and partnerships
ABEMA has begun an international push. ContentAsia reported in 2024 that ABEMA debuted its international strategy at Mipcom, inspired in part by the global performance of its original series Is She The Wolf on Netflix. ABEMA and Netflix had announced two titles, Is She The Wolf and Falling in Love Like a Romantic Drama, with the Netflix versions described as having a different look and feel from the ABEMA originals.
CyberAgent has also built overseas marketing infrastructure, including the multilingual anime news hub ANIME FREAKS and partnerships with MyAnimeList, X Corp., Weibo, and French manga publisher KANA. ABEMA Live, the platform's pay-per-view service, is available in Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand for martial arts, anime, and creator events.
What ABEMA's model means for licensing
ABEMA's licensing strategy is becoming more complex as it moves from buyer to producer. For third-party anime, it acquires broadcast and streaming rights for Japan. For internally developed IP, it can control global distribution, merchandise, and adaptation rights through CyberAgent's group ecosystem.
The risk for external rights holders is that ABEMA may prioritize its own productions in marketing and shelf placement. The opportunity is access to a young, engaged Japanese audience and potential co-production or global marketing partnerships through CyberAgent's expanding international network.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns ABEMA?
ABEMA is a joint venture between CyberAgent and TV Asahi, launched in 2016.
How many users does ABEMA have?
CyberAgent's integrated report states ABEMA's weekly active users exceed 28 million.
What share of ABEMA is anime?
According to CyberAgent, anime-related channels account for roughly half of ABEMA's approximately 40 total channels.
Is ABEMA expanding outside Japan?
Yes. ABEMA has announced an international strategy, partnered with Netflix on original content, launched ANIME FREAKS for overseas marketing, and operates Abema Live pay-per-view in Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Sources and methodology
- Media and IP Business | Integrated Report | CyberAgent, Inc., CyberAgent. Reports ABEMA's 28 million-plus weekly active users, 60% under-30 user base, anime channels at roughly half of 40 total channels, and global anime expansion strategy.
- Abema TV debuts international strategy; Japanese platform kick starts new content era, ContentAsia. October 28, 2024. Reports ABEMA's international strategy debut, Netflix partnership, 25-plus linear channels, and Abema Live expansion.
- CyberAgent Enters Marketing Partnership with Leading French Publisher KANA to Strengthen Anime Expansion in France, CyberAgent. June 25, 2025. Describes CyberAgent's Anime and IP Division, ABEMA's 2016 anime channel launch, and international marketing partnerships.