Crunchyroll expands global anime strategy with fan-first focus and new partnerships

Crunchyroll’s growth strategy centers on delivering a complete anime experience, according to senior VP Scott Donaton, who stresses the importance of connecting with fans through streaming, theater showings, conventions and merchandise. The platform, now owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, has expanded its subscriber base from roughly 5 million to 21 million worldwide and added subtitle and dub options in 17 languages, including a recent launch in Poland.

Partnerships such as a U.S. bundle with Starz on Prime Video and upcoming theatrical projects with director Makoto Shinkai and Aniplex illustrate its push into film distribution outside Asia. Donaton notes that a majority of Gen Z and Gen Alpha viewers watch anime daily and see it as a core part of their identity, driving Crunchyroll’s confidence in a projected global fandom of at least 1.5 billion by 2030. The company continues to monitor fan sentiment across platforms, exploring new technologies and formats to meet audience expectations.