Advertising on social media is crucial to any digital marketing strategy in 2025. It’s no different in Japan, where LINE advertising is a key strategy.
For B2C advertising, your go-to platform may vary in countries like the United States. When reaching Japanese audiences, however, LINE is the clear-cut choice for social media marketing.
What Is LINE?
Logging 95 million users in 2024, LINE is more than any ordinary social media platform; Think of it as Japan’s “super app.” LINE comprises elements familiar in other platforms, and brings them together create a one-stop portal:
- News feeds (LINE Today)
- Mini-apps and gaming
- TikTok-style short-form video platform (LINE Voom)
- Online shopping (LINE Shopping)
- Messaging and voice/video calling
- Mobile payments (LINE Pay)
Why Should I Use LINE for Advertising in Japan?
More than 78% of Japan’s population uses LINE, and 85% of those users are logging in daily. It’s practically the standard app on every smartphone in the country. That means whatever your target demographic, you’re sure to find them on LINE.
But to ensure your ads reach the right audience in a sea of users, LINE boasts precision targeting and placements to connect with potential customers effectively. Placement options are seemingly endless because LINE offers myriad features catered to users’ interests.
For example, finance companies can advertise services in LINE Wallet, where the app houses its mobile payment service. Going the organic route? Create a brand page to build a following, and boost your posts in LINE Voom.
LINE Advertising Placements and Formats
LINE offers ad placements galore, but ad formats are largely familiar, so don’t feel too overwhelmed. If you’re well-versed in Facebook Ads, you’ll be right at home. Here, we’ll discuss the different ad formats, and which placements they’re most compatible with.
Image-Only LINE Ads
Obviously, these ad types only allow for static images to be used in advertising. One beneficial placement for image-only ads is the LINE Manga service. All age groups digest manga regularly in Japan, so you can target users already consuming static visual content.
Image-and-Video Ads
Most ad placements allow for static image or video for maximum effectiveness, so the possibilities are endless. LINE’s foundation is messaging, and this is still the most common daily application among its users. That makes LINE Talk a premium place to advertise. Image and video ads display at the top of users’ Talk lists, where the most eyes will be. LINE Voom is also a prime location to post engaging video content to connect with your potential customers.
Info Cubic Japan: LINE Advertising Specialists
LINE advertising is a key element to the success of many brands in Japan. At Info Cubic, we assist in targeting, ad creatives and placements, all with the goal of maximizing ROI. Get in touch with us for a consultation to discuss your LINE advertising needs.
