Crunchyroll, a subsidiary of Sony, has recently partnered with Amazon to launch on Prime Video Channels, providing anime lovers with a new platform to stream their favorite content. The inclusion of Crunchyroll in Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, a hub that offers access to both Amazon’s original content and third-party streamers such as Max, Starz, and Paramount+, opens up exciting opportunities for anime enthusiasts in the US, Canada, Sweden, and the UK.
This agreement between Crunchyroll and Amazon introduces two tiers of subscriptions to Prime Video customers. The Fan subscription grants users full access to Crunchyroll’s extensive catalog of anime. With over 1,000 titles and 30,000 episodes available, fans can immerse themselves in an anime-rich experience. Additionally, subscribers will have access to brand-new series as they air in Japan and Crunchyroll’s full collection of digital manga. For even more benefits, the Mega Fan subscription includes all of the above along with the ability to stream on four devices simultaneously, making it ideal for those who share their accounts.
By incorporating Crunchyroll into Prime Video Channels, Terry Li, the Executive Vice President of Emerging Business at Crunchyroll, believes that even those who are new to anime, or “anime-curious,” can now explore the platform’s vast library and discover the joys of this unique art form. Crunchyroll is already a popular streaming service, with millions of subscribers as of earlier this year. The partnership with Amazon is expected to further boost Crunchyroll’s subscriber count. Sony’s acquisition of Crunchyroll from AT&T in 2021 for a staggering $1.2 billion solidified its position as a dominant force in the anime industry, especially with the integration of Funimation into its portfolio.
While Prime Video Channels provides an additional avenue for Crunchyroll access, users can still download the dedicated Crunchyroll app and sign up as usual. Whether accessing Crunchyroll through Prime Video Channels or the standalone app, the pricing remains consistent. Subscribers can enjoy the Fan tier for $8 per month or upgrade to the Mega Fan tier for $10 per month.
Prime Video Channels competes directly with Apple TV Channels, further illustrating the intensifying battle among streaming platforms to secure content partnerships. As these platforms continue to expand their offerings, consumers may find themselves faced with an experience akin to traditional cable television, where multiple streaming services are bundled together.
The collaboration between Crunchyroll and Amazon’s Prime Video Channels represents a significant development for anime enthusiasts, opening up new avenues to explore and enjoy their favorite shows, movies, and manga. With the convenience and reach of Prime Video Channels, fans will have an even wider selection of content at their fingertips. As the popularity of anime continues to soar globally, the Crunchyroll-Prime Video Channels partnership serves as an example of how streaming services are adapting to meet the diverse demands of consumers and deliver the entertainment they love.
