influencermarketingplatform

Updated September 2026

Rakuten Advertising review

A global affiliate and partner marketing network offering brands affiliate marketing, influencer marketing, and AI-driven partnership intelligence. Best for brands and agencies wanting a combined affiliate and influencer marketing solution with managed-service options. Starts at Custom (demo required).

Founded 1996 as LinkShare, acquired by Rakuten in 2005, rebranded Rakuten Advertising in 2020. In April 2026, entered a strategic alliance with impact.com combining program management with impact.com's platform technology; continues operating, not an acquisition.

Key features

  • Influencer Discovery
  • Campaign Launch Tools
  • Ambassador List Management
  • Creator Communication Workflows
  • Incentive Tracking
  • Full-Funnel Measurement

Pros

  • Combines affiliate and influencer marketing in one network
  • Both self-serve and fully-managed program options
  • Large consumer reach via Rakuten ecosystem

Cons

  • No public pricing
  • Undergoing platform transition via impact.com alliance, creating uncertainty
  • Specific influencer social-platform integrations not disclosed publicly

Rakuten Advertising alternatives

  • Lefty

    luxury and lifestyle brands running influencer discovery and campaign management

    Custom demo pricing

    30M+ vetted influencers

    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
    • Twitch
    • Snapchat

  • Kolsquare

    European brands and agencies needing creator discovery plus social listening

    Custom demo pricing

    Millions of influencer profiles

    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
    • Twitch

  • Brandwatch Influence

    brands already using Brandwatch/Cision tools who need influencer payments and campaign workflows in one suite

    Custom demo pricing

    65M+ global creators

    • TikTok
    • X (Twitter)
    • YouTube
All Rakuten Advertising alternatives →

Sources: rakutenadvertising.com, blog.rakutenadvertising.com, www.prnewswire.com