Next in Media spoke with Rob Sands, Crunchyroll’s Senior Vice President of Business Development, about how the anime-centric media company became an under the radar juggernaut in streaming, gaming and events. Sands talked about why anime has had such a massive breakout in the US, and what brands need to know about this growing audience.

Takeaways:

• Crunchyroll's Growth and Business Model: Crunchyroll has evolved from a user-generated video site to a global anime streaming platform with over 15 million paying subscribers.

• Sony Ownership and Strategic Fit: Crunchyroll is owned by Sony, which aligns well with its Japanese background and expertise in storytelling, innovation, and technology.  

• Anime's Global Popularity: Anime is not a niche genre but a storytelling medium that transcends genres. Its global influence is seen across industries like sports, music, and fashion.

• Audience Demographics: Crunchyroll's audience is diverse, with 42% of Gen Z watching anime weekly.  

• Diverse Content Offerings: Crunchyroll offers a wide range of content, from action and drama to comedy and female-driven stories.  

• Business Development and Partnerships: Rob Sands leads global business development, focusing on areas like streaming services, theatrical releases, gaming, e-commerce, and live events.  

• Live Events and Brand Collaborations: Crunchyroll hosts over 200 live events annually, including major conventions like New York Comic Con.  

• Gaming Synergies: Anime and gaming have a strong affinity, with Crunchyroll offering free-to-play mobile games for subscribers. 

Guest: Rob Sands

Host: Mike Shields

Sponsored by: Precise TV

Produced by: FEL Creative