Why Did Streaming Platform Crunchyroll Remove Comments?

The biggest anime streaming platform, Crunchyroll, has removed the option to comment on its website. Existing comments were also deleted from episodes/films and their published articles. All user-generated content, including comments and reviews, is no longer viewable on the streamer. Crunchyroll announced the removal of its comment section across all platforms to ‘reduce harmful content’ such as hate speech, bullying, and spoilers.

In the site’s Support & Customer Service section, under a post titled “Protecting our community,” Crunchyroll released a statement on why the streamer’s long-standing feature was removed.

At Crunchyroll, we prioritize creating a safe and respectful community environment. To maintain this standard, we are removing all existing user-generated content, including comments, across all our platforms and experiences.

Crunchyroll

Despite the absence of its long-standing comment section, Crunchyroll reassured its fans that the site’s rating system will remain in place. It also actively encouraged users to maintain connections with fans on its social media channels to ensure continuity and connection.

We encourage fans to share comments and connect with other fans on our social media channels. The user ratings system will, however, remain allowing you to express your opinions through star ratings.

Crunchyroll

Apart from this, there has been no official statement on the new feature.

Alleged Reason: Crunchyroll Review Bombed

Out of the blue, Crunchyroll’s comment section was removed, leaving users in a state of shock. Anime YouTuber Geoff Thew suggests this decision might have been a response to a homophobic review bombing of the new Summer 2024 anime, Twilight Out of Focus which premiered on July 4 during Anime Expo weekend. The comments on the episode, which may or may not be related to the new feature being introduced, have sparked a wave of uncertainty.

Although the support post did not explain why the decision was made, a user’s Crunchyroll Support conversation—posted on the r/Crunchyroll subreddit—elaborated on the removal of the ‘comment section’ feature, which allowed users to interact and discuss on the platform.

This decision was made to ensure a safer, more respectful, and higher-quality environment for all users. This change helps us reduce harmful content, prevent misinformation, and improve overall user experience.

Crunchyroll Support Representative

This decision comes in the aftermath of some recent episodes on Crunchyroll being unfairly targeted with negative reviews by certain user accounts. It’s worth noting that the comment section is still active on Crunchyroll’s social media platforms. However, the removal of the comment section on the streaming site has left many users feeling a significant loss, as it was a key space for their discussions and readings. 

Fans, the lifeblood of any anime community, took to the official subreddit of Crunchyroll to voice their concerns about the new feature. Many were upset and called for better moderation, rather than the removal of the feature altogether. 

The removal of user-generated content on Crunchyroll has gained a mixed reaction on social media platforms, with some users being upset, while others believe the decision makes the platform better.