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
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