Anime fans who rely on Crunchyroll’s free-with-ads viewing option will soon need to make adjustments. The global anime streaming platform has announced that it will officially discontinue its ad-supported free tier on December 31, 2025, marking a major shift in how viewers access content on the service.
The update became widely noticed after users began seeing a splash screen message while watching on the platform’s player, stating:
“Ad-supported streaming ends December 31, 2025. Upgrade now to ensure your viewing is 100% ad-free and uninterrupted.”
This message confirms what many fans had speculated over the past months: Crunchyroll is moving toward an entirely subscription-based model. For years, the free tier has been a popular option for viewers who didn’t mind waiting for episodes or watching ad breaks. Its removal signals a significant change in Crunchyroll’s business direction, bringing it more in line with fully premium paid streaming services.
While Crunchyroll has not yet released a full public statement detailing the transition, the on-screen notice has prompted discussions across social media, forums, and anime communities. Many longtime users expressed concern about accessibility for younger viewers or fans unable to subscribe, while others noted that the move may help improve overall service quality and reduce regional content restrictions.
As of now, Crunchyroll Premium remains the only way to enjoy simulcasts, offline downloads, higher streaming quality, and an ad-free experience. With the free tier set to end, users who wish to continue watching on the platform will need to upgrade before the December 31 deadline.
More updates are expected as the end-of-year transition approaches. For now, fans are encouraged to check their accounts, explore subscription options, and stay tuned for official announcements from Crunchyroll.
CRUNCHYROLL TO DISCONTINUE FREE AD-SUPPORTED STREAMING TIER ON DECEMBER 31, 2025
