Crunchyroll has announced that users will no longer be able to stream episodes on this platform for free beginning this spring.
However, there will be a limited number of titles whose first three episodes can be streamed for free for a limited time only.
Those who want to continue watching their favorite anime on the platform have three premium plans to choose from. The most affordable plan costs $7.99 plus applicable taxes per month.
Crunchyroll Ends Free Streaming on Platform
Crunchyroll will no longer allow ad-supported free streaming on its platform beginning this spring.
According to an announcement from Crunchyroll, this means that the platform "will no longer be offering simulcast episodes one week after release as an ad-supported, free viewing option."
"For continuing series, ad-supported viewing on any new episodes will not be available in line with the Spring season, however, previously published episodes are still available to all user types," the announcement adds.
Crunchyroll's Seasonal Sampler
The announcement also makes mention of what is being referred to as a "seasonal sampler," which will be available for free viewing for a certain period of time. Specifically, Crunchyroll users will be available to stream the inclusions of the sampler from one week after their premiere until May 31.
For spring 2022, the seasonal sampler will include the first three episodes of the following titles:
- "A Couple of Cuckoos"
- "Dawn of the Witch"
- "The Greatest Demon Lord is Reborn as a Typical Nobody"
- "Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie"
- "Skeleton Knight in Another World"
- "Spy x Family"
- "Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs"
A report by The Verge notes that "It's unclear whether Crunchyroll will continue to offer seasonal samplers beyond spring 2022, or when the episodes from this season's lineup will become available for free viewing in the future."
Crunchyroll's Premium Plans
If you are willing to pay to continue watching your favorite series on Crunchyroll, the platform does have premium plans you can choose from.
The cheapest plan is known as Fan, which costs $7.99 a month, exclusding applicable taxes. This plan lets you stream on one device at a time
The next plan is known as Mega Fan (1-Month) and it costs $9.99 per month plus applicable taxes. The user can stream on four devices at a time and enjoy offline viewing with this plan.
The most expensive plan known as Mega Fan (12-Months). It costs $79.99 per year plus applicable taxes. Users with this plan can stream on four devices at a time, enjoy offline viewing, and get a 16% discount on the Monthly Plan.
All three premium plans promise no ads, unlimited access to the platform's library, access to digital manga, and new episodes that will arrive one hour after it does in Japan.
