Anime Online on Crunchyroll
All anime fans around the world are in search of a reliable and up-to-date platform to watch anime online. Although there are multiple video streaming apps and websites to watch anime shows like Hulu, Retrocrush, Hidive, Tubi, Netflix, Anime-planet, the Crunchyroll website/app is amongst the most loved and trusted platform for anime. Crunchyroll has dominated the world of anime with its outclass premium features for anime fans.
On Crunchyroll, you can choose your favorite anime show or series from more than 1300 titles (from old to newly released) and the library is increasing tremendously including critically acclaimed Crunchyroll Originals. Additionally, it gives its users exclusive access to music videos and concerts performed by popular artists worldwide. In this article, we will discuss the history of Crunchyroll and how it became one of a kind for all the anime fans.
How It Started!
In the early 2000s, anime fans outside Japan faced significant challenges in accessing their favorite shows. Limited legal options forced many to rely on pirated content uploaded to platforms like YouTube. However, this landscape has dramatically changed, with Crunchyroll emerging as a global leader in streaming licensed anime content.
Crunchyroll was founded in 2006 by three graduates of the University of California, Berkeley: Kun Gao, Brandon Ooi, and James Lin. Initially, it operated as an unauthorized platform where fans could upload and watch pirated anime with inexpert subtitles. Despite its illegal origins, the platform quickly gained traction due to its rich social features and passionate anime fan base.
After recognizing the need for a sustainable and legal model, Crunchyroll began transitioning to a legitimate business in 2008. The company got a $4 million funding round led by Venrock and started securing licensing agreements with Japanese broadcasters and publishers. By January 2009, Crunchyroll had taken down all unlicensed content, showing its commitment to becoming a legal streaming platform.
Expansion of Crunchyroll
Vincent Shortino, who led Crunchyroll’s Tokyo office, played a pivotal role in building relationships with major Japanese broadcasters like TV Tokyo and publishers such as Shueisha. These partnerships allowed Crunchyroll to offer officially licensed anime content to international audiences. One of its earliest successes was licensing Ristorante Paradiso and Aoi Hana from Fuji Creative. These deals enabled Japanese studios to monetize their anime content globally through revenue-sharing agreements.
Introduction of Simulcasting
Crunchyroll revolutionized the way international fans accessed anime by introducing simulcasting. Episodes are now available on the platform within hours of their Japanese broadcast, complete with professionally produced English subtitles. This level of access, previously unimaginable, has helped reduce piracy and strengthened the global anime community.
Subscriptions Offers: Paid & Free
Crunchyroll offers two main subscription tiers: a free ad-supported model and a premium plan starting at $7.99 per month, which provides ad-free viewing, high-definition streaming, and early access to new episodes. The platform’s user base has grown exponentially, reaching over 100 million registered users and 10 million paid subscribers globally as of now.
Expansion Beyond Streaming Anime Online
Crunchyroll has evolved beyond streaming to become a comprehensive anime brand. It now distributes anime movies, publishes manga, and sells merchandise. The company has also moved into co-producing anime titles, giving it support in the creative process.
In 2021, Crunchyroll was acquired by Sony’s Funimation Global Group for $1.175 billion. This merger aims to create a unified anime streaming powerhouse, further solidifying Crunchyroll’s role as a leader in the industry.
The Future of Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll continues to innovate in response to the changing habits of anime fans. With the rise of smart TVs and mobile devices, the platform ensures its content is accessible across various devices and regions. Moreover, its commitment to legal distribution and support for the anime industry has earned it widespread respect among fans and creators alike.
As the demand for anime grows globally, Crunchyroll remains at the forefront, bridging the gap between Japanese creators and international audiences. Crunchyroll went from hosting pirated anime to becoming a legal anime online streaming platform. This change shows how fan-driven platforms can grow and reshape niche markets through innovation. Above all the anime fans want to see it growing limitlessly.