Crunchyroll has announced a significant shift in its content production process by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technology into anime translation and subtitle creation. This marks a new era for the streaming giant as it looks to streamline its workflows and broaden its reach to global audiences.
According to the company, the use of AI is aimed at accelerating subtitle production and reducing operational costs. By allowing AI to handle the initial stages of subtitle generation, Crunchyroll can deliver translations faster than before, particularly for new anime releases that often require rapid turnaround times. These AI-generated subtitles will not be final, however, as they will still be reviewed and edited by professional translators or language experts to ensure accuracy, natural phrasing, and cultural nuance.
This approach has already been tested in the United States region, where a few cases of AI-assisted subtitles were deployed. Crunchyroll responded quickly to community feedback, correcting and refining the translations to better reflect the intended dialogue and tone. The company emphasized that human oversight will remain a critical part of the process, ensuring the quality fans have come to expect.
As of now, this technology has not yet been rolled out in Asian markets, where translations continue to be handled manually by professional linguists. Crunchyroll stated that it will evaluate the effectiveness and reception of AI-assisted translation in the American market before considering broader implementation.
The use of AI in anime production—particularly in translation—has sparked discussion among fans and professionals alike. Some praise the move as a step toward faster and more accessible content, while others express concern about potential loss in quality and nuance. Crunchyroll has reassured viewers that quality will remain a top priority, and AI is being introduced as a tool to support, not replace, human creators.
With anime’s growing global popularity, Crunchyroll’s adoption of AI reflects a wider trend in the entertainment industry: using technology to optimize production and expand access without compromising artistic integrity.