Crunchyroll is doubling down on India’s rapidly growing anime audience with a major new partnership that could significantly reshape how fans access anime content in the country. On May 13, 2026, Crunchyroll announced a collaboration with Sony LIV, allowing users to subscribe to Crunchyroll directly as an add-on within the Sony LIV app.
This move simplifies access to one of the world’s largest anime libraries while targeting India’s expanding Gen Z and young adult viewer base. With competitive pricing, regional language support, and a limited-time discount, the partnership aims to make anime more accessible than ever before. Here’s everything you need to know about this new rollout and what it means for fans.
Crunchyroll Now Available as a Sony LIV Add-On
With this integration, Sony LIV subscribers can now access Crunchyroll’s anime catalog for ₹99 per month without needing a separate app or account. This includes more than 900 titles, along with over 160 shows dubbed in multiple languages such as Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, significantly lowering the barrier for new anime viewers in India.
In addition, a curated selection of anime titles will be available to Sony LIV users for free for a limited time, offering a trial-like experience before committing to a subscription. This strategy is clearly aimed at converting casual viewers into long-term anime fans by giving them a taste of popular series.
The collaboration also introduces a limited-time promotional offer, where users can subscribe to Crunchyroll’s Monthly Fan Tier for just ₹49 instead of ₹99. This offer is valid from May 7 to May 21, 2026, and users who subscribe during this period will continue to enjoy the discounted price for six months.
What Crunchyroll and Sony LIV Executives Said
Crunchyroll leadership highlighted India as a key growth market, emphasizing the importance of accessibility in expanding anime fandom. Terry Li, Chief Product Officer and Head of Emerging Business at Crunchyroll, stated that India is “one of the most exciting and fastest-growing anime markets in the world,” adding that this partnership makes it easier for both new and existing fans to engage with anime content.
Meanwhile, Sony LIV is positioning this collaboration as a strategic move to broaden its audience and content library. Nachiket Pantvaidya, Chief Content Officer at Sony Pictures Networks India, said the partnership allows the platform to tap into India’s surging anime fandom while strengthening its appeal among younger viewers seeking global entertainment.
These statements underline a shared goal: making anime a mainstream entertainment choice in India rather than a niche interest.
Why This Deal Matters for Anime Fans in India
The timing of this partnership aligns with a significant surge in anime popularity across India. According to a 2025 study commissioned by Crunchyroll and conducted by the National Research Group, 62% of general entertainment consumers in India say they like or love anime, while 74% of teens identify as anime fans.
This data highlights just how influential anime has become, especially among younger audiences who view it as more than just entertainment. For many, it plays a role in shaping identity, interests, and cultural preferences.
By integrating Crunchyroll into Sony LIV, the companies are effectively removing friction in the user experience. Instead of juggling multiple subscriptions and apps, viewers can now access anime alongside sports, TV shows, and original series in one place. This convenience could significantly boost anime consumption across demographics.
A Strategic Push to Mainstream Anime in India
This collaboration represents more than just a content deal. It reflects a broader strategy to position anime as a mainstream entertainment category in India, similar to Hollywood films or international TV series. With Sony LIV already offering over 40,000 hours of content and boasting more than 100 million app downloads, Crunchyroll gains immediate exposure to a massive user base.
At the same time, Sony LIV strengthens its catalog by adding a globally recognized anime brand, helping it compete more effectively in India’s crowded OTT market. The inclusion of regional language dubs further ensures that anime reaches audiences beyond metro cities, expanding its footprint into tier-2 and tier-3 markets.
As competition among streaming platforms intensifies, partnerships like this could define the next phase of content distribution in India.
