In the wild, wild world of anime streaming, one anime piracy website name has recently leaped from the shadows to claim the spotlight: HiAnime, the rebranded version of the infamous AniWatch. This platform has not only managed to maintain its user base but has seen a significant growth in traffic, leading many to speculate about its potential for a lucrative acquisition.
From AniWatch to HiAnime: A Rebranding Success
Originally known as AniWatch, HiAnime underwent a rebranding in early 2024, possibly as a strategic maneuver to dodge legal challenges associated with piracy.
The transition was smooth, with users finding themselves redirected to the new domain, ensuring that the shift in name did not equate to a loss in viewers. With its clean interface, vast library, and minimal advertising, HiAnime has become a go-to site for many anime enthusiasts globally.
Traffic and Growth
Recent web analytics show HiAnime hitting unprecedented traffic numbers. In October 2024, it reportedly surpassed Disney’s streaming service in visits, a clear indicator of its rising popularity.
Even with a slight dip in November, HiAnime’s figures remained impressively high, overshadowing even established players like Crunchyroll in terms of sheer visitor counts. This growth trajectory hints at a robust user engagement and loyalty, key attributes that could make HiAnime an attractive acquisition target.
The Crunchyroll Precedent
Crunchyroll’s journey from a piracy platform to a legitimate, industry-leading streaming service under Sony’s ownership is a tale often cited in discussions about streaming acquisitions. In 2021 Press release, Tony Vinciquerra, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc Said,
“Crunchyroll adds tremendous value to Sony’s existing anime businesses, including Funimation and our terrific partners at Aniplex and Sony Music Entertainment Japan”
Sony dished out a cool $1.175 billion to snatch Crunchyroll from AT&T’s clutches back in 2021, setting a benchmark for anime streaming buyouts. This was like watching a kid trade his candy stash for the entire candy store.
Potential Buyout for HiAnime
Now, if HiAnime continues on its current path, we might see a buyout that could make Crunchyroll’s deal look like pocket change for a gumball.
Imagine this: some bigwig company, maybe one with a fetish, for example Sony’s ambitions for acquiring multiple anime production company for their IP’s and previous history of converting picary site to full-blown subscription with limited anime site, decides HiAnime isn’t just a passing phase.
They might throw down an offer that’s so high, it could make even the most stoic anime character like Light Yagami to blush. We’re talking numbers here where you’d need more zeros than there are episodes in “One Piece”.
Challenges Ahead
However, any acquisition comes with its set of challenges. HiAnime’s history as a piracy site could complicate licensing deals and partnerships with content creators.
Moreover, the site’s success might be partly due to its free, ad-supported model, which might not align with the business model of potential buyers looking to move towards subscription services. It’s like trying to fit a square anime peg into a round corporate hole, but those corporations would be happy to remove their top competition like HiAnime and convert it’s huge viewer base into a subscription model.
At this juncture, HiAnime stands at a crossroads where it could either continue as a dominant force in free anime streaming or become a major player in the legitimate streaming market through acquisition.
If the trends continue, and if the right buyer comes along, HiAnime might just see a payout buy bigger than what Crunchyroll experienced, marking another significant chapter in the anime streaming saga.
We might just see a deal where the numbers are so staggering, they’d make even the most stoic anime accountant drop their abacus in awe.
Disclaimer: While HiAnime’s traffic suggests potential, the future of such platforms is often unpredictable due to the volatile nature of digital content distribution and legal landscapes.
This article reflects the current scenario based on available data but always treat such projections with caution given the dynamic nature of the streaming industry.
