Crunchyroll has begun testing a new video player in countries such as Brazil and Colombia . Additionally, users have noticed anime being displayed with fixed subtitles , known as hard subs . The company has not yet confirmed whether this change is part of a larger rollout.
Hard subtitles are subtitles embedded directly into the video, with no option to remove them. Unlike soft subtitles, which allow adjustments and language changes, this format reduces flexibility. Users noticed clear limitations while using the new interface.
Impact of fixed subtitles on Crunchyroll
Among the main issues, the lack of customization hinders accessibility. It's not possible to change the size, color, or style of the subtitles. Furthermore, changing the language requires reloading the entire video, making navigation less practical.
Another problem involves corrections. Since the subtitles are part of the video, adjustments take longer. There are also difficulties with screenshots and a drop in subtitle quality along with the streaming resolution on unstable connections.
Review history on Crunchyroll
Previous reports had already pointed out flaws in the platform in this aspect. In 2024, the Anime Feminist website highlighted inconsistencies in closed caption support. Even after the merger with Funimation, Crunchyroll indicated improvements, but little progress was observed.
Finally, recent changes to the service reignite discussions about accessibility and quality. For more anime, keep following AnimeNews and stay up-to-date on streaming updates.
Source: X (Official Twitter)
