What does simulcast mean on Crunchyroll? Why has it revolutionized anime?

What does simulcast mean on Crunchyroll? If you are an anime fan and are interested watch the premieres in real time Without having to wait weeks or months, you've surely heard the term "simulcast," especially in connection with platforms like Crunchyroll. However, what does this term really mean? How does it work in practice, and why is it considered a revolution for anime fans? In this article, you'll discover everything you need to know about the term. simulcast on Crunchyroll, how to make the most of it, and what advantages it offers compared to other emission models.

In recent years, anime viewing has changed radically. Previously, to watch a new episode in Spain, you had to wait for it to be translated, dubbed, or even broadcast on television. Now, thanks to the simulcastYou can enjoy your favorite series practically at the same time as in Japan, with subtitles and professional image quality. But how does this streaming magic work, and which platforms offer it? Let's break it down in detail with all the verified information from the best sources.

What is simulcast?

The term simulcast It comes from the fusion of the English words “simultaneous” and “broadcast”, that is, simulcastIn the world of anime and series, simulcast refers to the broadcast almost at the same time as the premiere in the country of origin, which is usually Japan. That is, when a new episode is released in Japan, it's available on your favorite streaming platform, subtitled and ready to watch, practically within minutes or hours—usually less than 24 hours.

This technology has been a huge leap forward compared to traditional waiting. Followers can stay up-to-date. at the same pace as the Japanese, which not only reduces exposure to spoilers, but also fosters a global community of fans discussing the latest plots at the same time.

The difference between simulcast and nearcast

It should be noted that for an issue to be considered simulcast must be made available to the public outside Japan within a period of 24 hours or less after its original premiere. If the broadcast takes more than one day, it is called nearcastThis small difference highlights the exclusivity and immediacy so valued by those who want to stay up-to-date.

How does simulcasting work on Crunchyroll?

Crunchyroll is the pioneering and world-leading platform for simulcasting anime. Known as the "Netflix of anime," this portal allows you to watch a huge number of newly released titles in Japan with virtually no delay. The process is simple:

• The premiere episode is broadcast in Japan.
• The Crunchyroll team automatically receives it and processes it to include subtitles in multiple languages, including Spanish.
• The chapter is published on the platform, usually one hour after its premiere in Japan for those who have a Premium subscription.

The time difference is a good thing: when it's morning in Japan, in Spain you can watch the episode in the afternoon or evening of the same day. This way, you can enjoy the story without being out of touch with social media and the global community.

Advantages of simulcast: Why is it so important?

El simulcast It's not just a technical advantage; it's a social revolution for anime fans. Let's look at its main strengths:

• Avoid spoilers: You can watch the episode as soon as it comes out, surfing the internet or social media without fear of having the plot spoiled.
• Global real-time community: You can discuss the episode with followers around the world on forums, social media, or in communities, feeling like you're part of a larger global event.
• Professional quality: The simulcast chapters maintain high quality video and audio, with highly accurate subtitles and no loss compared to the original broadcast.
• Legality and support for the industry: By watching anime via simulcast on official platforms like Crunchyroll, you're supporting producers, studios, and creators, encouraging them to continue releasing quality content.

Plus, if you're a content creator, a YouTuber, or have an anime blog, being able to analyze or review newly aired episodes allows you to offer fresh and relevant content, setting yourself apart from other, slower-paced media.

What do you need to watch anime simulcast on Crunchyroll?

The key is in the subscription. Crunchyroll It offers several options, but to enjoy the simulcast with maximum immediacy you need a subscription. Premium o Mega fanWhat exactly does it offer?

• Access to episodes one hour after their broadcast in Japan.
• Subtitles in Spanish and other languages, depending on the series.
• Ad-free playback in maximum video quality.

There's also a free version of Crunchyroll, although episodes are often released hours or even a day later, with quality restrictions and interspersed commercials. If staying up-to-date is your priority, the Premium option more than compensates.

How to access the simulcast from Crunchyroll?

Enter in the simulcast zone Crunchyroll is very simple. From both the web version and the apps for Smart TV, Android or iOS, you just have to look for the section dedicated to Simulcast o Simulcast SeasonFrom there you can see all titles currently being streamed simultaneously, and filter by seasons or genres.

On the web, the Route is usually located in the top or sidebar, depending on the device. On the mobile version, you can easily find it in the main menu. It's so intuitive that in just a few clicks, you'll be watching the latest releases practically at the same time as in Japan.

Is Crunchyroll the only platform that offers simulcast? Alternatives and other platforms

Although Crunchyroll is the undisputed benchmark in simulcasting, there are other platforms and services that have adopted this system:

• AnimeBox (SelectaVisión): It has begun releasing episodes and arcs of popular series like One Piece via simulcast for Spain, allowing users to watch the episodes on the same day they are released in Japan, with just a few hours' delay due to subtitle adjustments.
• Netflix and HBO: Although they usually release full seasons, occasionally they may release episodes via simulcast or closer to the Japanese release date, although this is not their usual method.
• Free and paid platforms: Sites like AsiaAnime, Daisuki, and SelectaVisión (through their websites or YouTube channels) have offered this model for specific titles, albeit with a more limited catalog compared to Crunchyroll.

Competition is growing, and there are more and more options for users looking to stream new anime. However, the immediacy, quality, and variety offered by Crunchyroll put it at the top of the industry.

Subtitles and simulcast quality: Do the episodes lose anything compared to the original?

A logical concern is whether watching anime via simulcast will result in a loss of quality compared to the Japanese version. The answer is that video, audio and subtitle quality The streaming rate on Crunchyroll simulcasts—and other major alternatives—is very high. Episodes are processed with special care to ensure that visual and translation fidelity remains intact.

In most cases, subtitles are available in Spanish and English (and other languages ​​depending on the series), and errors or inconsistencies are minimal. For those who value the original Japanese version, it's always an available option. Additionally, platforms like Crunchyroll update episodes in HD or even 4K, depending on the title.

What titles can be simulcast on Crunchyroll?

Crunchyroll's catalog is huge: it offers more than 26 series in simultaneous broadcast each season, including hits like Boruto, Black Clover, Gintama, Berserk, One Piece and many more. The list varies every quarter, as Japanese anime is organized by season (spring, summer, fall, winter), and you can always check the "Simulcast Seasons" section to see newly released titles.

Every week, hundreds of thousands of fans eagerly await the next episode of their favorite series, knowing that within minutes they'll be able to enjoy it subtitled and in high definition.

How much does a Crunchyroll simulcast cost and is it worth it?

The subscription Premium Crunchyroll's service is very affordable (around 5 euros per month) compared to the value it provides: immediate access to all new releases, professional quality, no ads, and a catalog that grows every month. If you're a regular anime consumer or follow many series at the same time, of course. worth the cost.

Additionally, Crunchyroll often offers free trials For new users, you can try out the feature and decide later if it's worth paying for. For those who only watch anime occasionally or don't mind waiting a bit longer and watching ads, the free option is still valid, although with delays compared to the premium simulcast.

The social impact: fans, spoilers, and digital content

El simulcast has profoundly transformed the way fans experience anime. Now, forums, social media, and platforms like YouTube and Twitch are filled with debates, theories, and immediate reactions after each episode. This ability to share the experience in near-real time unites a global community and reduces anxiety about the dreaded episodes. spoilers.

Additionally, many Spanish-language content accounts and channels focus their analyses on newly released episodes, providing added value and keeping the conversation alive week after week.

Comparison with traditional television and other forms of streaming

Before the rise of simulcast, the only option was to wait for the broadcast on television channels, often with months of delay, variable dubbing, and no access to the original version. The change has been so dramatic that platforms like Crunchyroll and AnimeBox have almost completely displaced classic TV when it comes to new anime releases. For a more complete overview, you can check out The best streaming services in 2025.

Services like Netflix often prefer to release full seasons, which is great for binge-watching but less useful for those who want to discuss each episode as a weekly event. Simulcast maintains that sense of collective appointment how attractive it is to the otaku community.

What's happening with dubbing? The dream of Spanish-language episodes

One of the pending challenges of simulcast is the immediate dubbingAlthough most episodes are available with Spanish subtitles within hours, Spanish dubbing, especially for long-running series like One Piece, remains a dream for many fans. Platforms like AnimeBox have made progress with dubbing new titles (like Toradora), but simulcasts are typically only available in the original version with subtitles. If you want to know how how to watch one piece In its original version, we recommend that you consult our guides.

This doesn't diminish the experience, as fast and legal access remains the priority for most fans. Furthermore, many publishers and platforms are increasingly open to dubbing recent hits, although it requires greater investment and production times.

Free simulcast: Is it possible to watch new anime without paying?

There are free options for watching some titles via simulcast, especially on collaborative platforms or official YouTube channels (for example, AsiaAnime or the SelectaVisión channel). However, catalogs are usually more limited, and the speed of release and technical quality can vary greatly. A Crunchyroll subscription remains the easiest and most comprehensive option for serious series fans.

Ultimately, simulcasting represents the democratization of access to anime, bringing fans around the world closer to major productions as soon as they're released. It's the ideal method for those who can't wait another day to see how their favorite characters' stories continue.

Thanks to the simulcast model, fans enjoy series legally, quickly, and with professional quality, sharing emotions with millions of people around the world. Crunchyroll and other similar platforms have made anime premieres a global, real-time event, something unthinkable just a few years ago. For more information about Crunchyroll simulcast We leave you their official website.