In an exciting move for anime enthusiasts, Amazon has struck a global distribution agreement with Crunchyroll, the renowned anime service, The Verge reported. Starting today, Prime Video subscribers can seamlessly stream Crunchyroll content directly within the Prime Video app, thanks to the newly formed partnership.
This collaboration introduces Crunchyroll as one of the optional add-on services within Prime Video Channels, offering subscribers a convenient and consolidated streaming experience. By opting for Prime Video Channels, users can enjoy Crunchyroll’s extensive library without the hassle of switching between multiple apps. Amazon takes care of billing, making it a streamlined solution for anime lovers.
Crunchyroll’s standalone app has sometimes faced usability issues on smart TVs and set-top platforms. Now, subscribers can bypass these challenges and select between two subscription tiers: Fan and Mega Fan. Both tiers provide ad-free streaming of the entire Crunchyroll library, with the added bonus of accessing new episodes shortly after their release in Japan. The Mega Fan subscription goes a step further, offering perks like offline downloads, with more non-video benefits on the horizon. The Fan subscription is priced at $7.99, mirroring Crunchyroll’s standalone offering, and new users can explore the service with a seven-day free trial.
The integration of Crunchyroll into Prime Video Channels debuts in the US right away and is set to roll out in Canada, Sweden, and the UK by the week’s end. Amazon plans to expand this feature to additional territories throughout 2024. Crunchyroll boasts an impressive catalog, claiming the title of the world’s largest streaming library of anime, featuring over 24,000 hours, 46,000 episodes, and a diverse collection of more than 1,300 series and films.
Prime Video Channels offer a variety of add-on subscription options, including Max, Paramount Plus, Starz, Cinemax, MGM Plus, and more. While Apple also provides a similar subscription model with Apple TV Channels, Crunchyroll is notably absent from Apple’s selection, making Amazon’s integration a unique advantage for anime enthusiasts.
With a keen interest in tech, I make it a point to keep myself updated on the latest developments in technology and gadgets. That includes smartphones or tablet devices but stretches to even AI and self-driven automobiles, the latter being my latest fad. Besides writing, I like watching videos, reading, listening to music, or experimenting with different recipes. The motion picture is another aspect that interests me a lot, and I'll likely make a film sometime in the future.