Anime is one of the most popular video content types on YouTube. Launched in the US in 2006, the platform has since become a home for anime fans who want to find new shows to keep up with or watch and comment on episodes of their favorite shows. Today, you can find virtually any anime series online, making it much easier for busy individuals to follow their favorite series without needing to commit extensive time to marathon viewings. In fact, there are several reputable anime streaming sites that allow for pausing, rewinding, and fast forwarding through episodes, as well as providing a much greater degree of interactivity with fans.
History Of Anime
Anime was originally designed as a cross between manga and movie cartoons, taking inspiration from both. Manga are traditionally graphic novels that feature complex storylines, character development, and humor that often skews mature. Many of the biggest hits on manga today came from Japan in the 1980s and ‘90s, including Haruhi Suzumiya, Slam Dunk, and Blade Runner. In the west, anime often gets a bad rap for being low-quality cartoons targeted at a younger audience, with some fans even referring to the medium as “cartoons with words.” While this perception may be partially true (manga artists largely work in text, so they can provide additional background information for the reader), anime actually encompasses a much wider array of styles, ranging from cute and whimsical to dark and brooding. There are often many anime series that tackle serious and mature themes, such as war, organized crime, and government corruption, so while the cartoons may be for kids, the stories often don't have to be.
Because of its unique combination of graphic novels, live-action films, and animation, many consider anime to be an important inspiration for future generations of storytellers and artists. The medium continues to grow in popularity every year and is now available in almost every country around the world, demonstrating just how influential it has become within popular culture.
The Many Different Kinds Of Anime
Anime can be a difficult term to pin down. Depending on who you ask, you may get different answers concerning its meaning. For example, the anime fandom often refers to the style as “Japanese cartoons.” But what does that mean exactly? It's important to understand the various types of anime before you can fully appreciate the significance of the medium. Here are the four main types of anime and what they mean.
- Classic: Considered the golden era of anime, this category includes anime from the 1980s and ‘90s. Many fans consider this period to be the peak of the form, due to the prevalence of amazing, unique stories and vibrant character designs.
- Modern : Also known as “New Wave,” this category features anime from the 2000s which explore the increasingly digital world we live in today. Some fans refer to this as the “Craze” or “Kinkishio” (the Japanese pronunciations for ‘craze' and'modern,' respectively) periods of anime because of how much social media influence the form has taken on.
- Cartoons : Considered the “poster child” of anime, cartoons are generally characterized by their bright, happy colors and rounded characters. To many fans, cartoons are purely for children and have no place in modern media.
- Alternate : Also known as “Manga-inspired,” this category features anime which are inspired by visual novels, dating sims, and other aspects of Japanese manga.
Why Is Anime Popular On YouTube?
YouTube was built for people who love watching and sharing funny, informative, and entertaining videos. Like many other platforms, the video-sharing site was inspired by the viral trend of “citizen journalism,” where average citizens would film the news and share it with the world. Since the beginning, YouTube has focused on creating a great platform for hobbyist vloggers and creators who want to share their content with the world.
Anime is a perfect fit for YouTube, as it combines the fun and entertainment of a traditional cartoon with the educational and informative content of a manga. This mix allows for a broad audience on the platform, as there is often a lot of crossover between fans of anime and YouTube. The form even inspired the creation of a dedicated anime channel on the platform, called ‘Youtube Original.'
The Many Benefits Of Online Anime
Thanks to the rise of anime streaming sites like hulu and netflix, along with the popularization of podcasting and serial podcasting, getting episode one of a favorite anime series is much easier than ever before. Whether you're a hardcore fan or you've just discovered the medium, there are several benefits to watching anime online, which will make you a better person.
Firstly, there are no traditional barriers to entry in watching anime online. Whether you have a perfect vision or are dealing with bad internet, there are always options for you to enjoy anime. And because it's accessible anywhere, anytime, you can enjoy your favorite anime series whenever you want, making it much less stressful to keep up with the latest episodes.
Secondly, because anime is often times very funny and entertaining, it has the potential to bring enjoyment to almost anyone. While there are certainly darker moments in some of the most popular anime series out there, these stories often end up being funny, so much so that even those who aren't particularly invested in the narrative can still enjoy the series. The stories might not always be for everyone, but there is usually something here to make everyone laugh.
Thirdly, and perhaps the most important consideration, is the educational value of anime. Many of the biggest anime series out there are actually very, very long. A single season of Game of Thrones can take several months to finish. There are often considerable gaps between when the seasons of a popular show like Rick and Morty come out, making it difficult for fans who want to binge-watch them. Since anime is often very long, it has the potential to significantly increase a person's knowledge of Japanese culture, language, and history. While not always the case, there are often significant gaps between the episodes of a given series, so it's important to make sure you watch them in order to fully understand what's happening.
As you can see, all of these factors make for a much more convenient way to enjoy anime. Whether you've been a fan of the medium for years or you're just discovering it, there are plenty of benefits to online anime, and if you want to continue enjoying a unique and delightful experience, it's important to keep these factors in mind.
Written by Rebecca Thompson