Many anime fans have a secret: they sometimes turn to pirate websites to satisfy their cravings for their favorite shows. Even if you’re a subscriber to official streaming channels, you might find their collections lacking. The world of anime is vast, and it’s easy to run out of content on legitimate platforms. In response to the growing global demand for anime, piracy websites are thriving, and one such site, Zoro.to, has now secured a spot among the top 10 entertainment websites on Google. Let’s dive into why Zoro.to is gaining popularity and explore the reasons behind its rise.
Why Do People Prefer Zoro.to?
- Extensive Anime Catalog: Zoro.to boasts an extensive anime catalog that rivals the combined offerings of platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix. This vast selection ensures that fans always have something new to watch, making it hard to return to paid services with limited options.
- User-Friendly Interface: Zoro.to features a user-friendly interface with a simple search bar on the homepage and top searches prominently displayed. Moreover, the site offers curated lists for every genre, a feature not commonly found on pirate websites. This organization helps users discover new content easily.
- High-Quality Video Player: Fans appreciate the quality of Zoro.to’s video player, which even includes the option to turn off subtitles. Multiple subtitle languages are available and customizable. Additionally, the player offers features like ‘auto-skip intro’ and ‘autoplay next episode,’ usually found only on official paid platforms.
The Rise of Zoro.to
Zoro.to has recently climbed four ranks to secure the #8 position in the ‘Most Visited Streaming & Online TV Websites’ category, surpassing Crunchyroll, known for its extensive anime collection. Crunchyroll now sits at rank 22. Meanwhile, other websites like Prime Video, kinopoisk.ru, and nicovideo.jp have slipped in the rankings, helping Zoro.to reach the top.
The surge in Zoro.to’s popularity could be attributed to its expanding fanbase in recent months. In March, the website received 206.2 million visits, and with the start of a new anime season in April, this number is expected to rise even further.
Understanding the Impact of Anime Piracy
Piracy poses a significant threat to the anime and manga industry. In April 2023, Japan’s Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) reported that the Japanese Entertainment industry suffered losses ranging from $14 to $16 billion in 2021, a five-fold increase compared to estimates from 2019. Fueled by the pandemic, piracy rates have surged.
To combat piracy, CODA has joined forces with other nations to shut down websites like Mangamura and Kissanime, with many others facing the same fate.
Why People Turn to Pirate Websites
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the use of piracy websites. Financial constraints, coupled with the proliferation of new streaming services, led many people to seek free alternatives. Exclusive content rights further complicate matters, making it impractical to subscribe to multiple platforms.
Moreover, geographic restrictions limit access to certain anime series, pushing viewers to piracy websites for access. While piracy is deemed unethical, it becomes a lifeline for those left with no other options.
Third-party ads on piracy websites can be annoying, but for many, it’s a minor inconvenience compared to the cost of multiple paid subscriptions with limited content.
Conclusion
Piracy websites like Zoro.to have gained popularity due to their vast anime catalogs, user-friendly interfaces, and high-quality video players. The rise of Zoro.to in global rankings highlights the demand for accessible and diverse anime content. While piracy remains a contentious issue, it persists as a consequence of the challenges faced by viewers seeking affordable and convenient access to their favorite shows. As the industry evolves, finding ways to bring anime to more people without harming creators remains a crucial challenge.
