What Happened to VRV? Why is VRV Shutting Down? Is VRV Link with Crunchyroll?
by Sona | Updated Apr 19, 2023
VRV
VRV, an over-the-top streaming service launched in November 2016 by AT&T and the Chernin Group, offers a wide range of anime, speculative fiction, and gaming related channels aimed at large fandoms. The service is owned by Crunchyroll and operated by Sony through a joint venture between Sony Pictures and Sony Music Entertainment Japan's Aniplex.
While some of VRV's content can be accessed for free, other content requires a subscription, which can be purchased individually or as part of a premium bundle. Although some of its partnered content can be viewed worldwide outside the platform, VRV is currently only available in the United States. Recently, on April 3, 2023, Sony announced that it plans to merge the VRV service with its main Crunchyroll app. This integration is expected to be completed by May 8.
What Happened to VRV ?
VRV experienced significant changes in late 2021 and early 2022. In November 2021, Rooster Teeth and Cartoon Hangover were announced to be leaving the platform by December 13, 2021. Currently, only Crunchyroll, Mondo, and VRV Select remain on VRV.
On March 1, 2022, it was revealed that VRV would be integrated into Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Wakanim, with the VRV app ceasing operations on May 8, 2023. Existing VRV accounts will be transferred to Crunchyroll, but VRV Select content will no longer be available.
Why is VRV Shutting Down?
On April 3, 2023, Sony announced that VRV, the anime streaming service, will be merged with its main Crunchyroll app by May 8, leading to the eventual shutdown of VRV. However, subscribers need not worry about losing their content as all credits, gift card balances, and subscriptions will be transferred to a Crunchyroll membership, along with the Watch History and Queue.
Despite the merger, there are currently no plans to shut down Crunchyroll, and the company is encouraging VRV members to switch. If subscribers have a subscription to both services, the VRV subscription will no longer be available, and they can use their VRV username and password to log in to their Crunchyroll account.
Is VRV Link with Crunchyroll?
Yes, VRV is linked with Crunchyroll. By subscribing to VRV, you gain access to all the channels on Crunchyroll, including the benefits of Crunchyroll Plus such as discounts on merchandise from the Crunchyroll store.
Although there is no set timeline for the merger of VRV and Crunchyroll, it is likely that the entire VRV library will eventually migrate to Crunchyroll. At present, you can still stream the Crunchyroll channel on VRV, but any series or seasons released after March 2022 are only available on Crunchyroll.
What Does VRV Stand for?
VRV is a streaming service that offers a variety of content including anime, animation, gaming, comedy, fantasy, and technology. The name "VRV" was chosen as a unique and memorable brand name for the streaming service. It is pronounced as "verve" and is meant to convey a sense of energy and enthusiasm for the content offered on the platform.
It was established in 2016 and has since continued to grow. The platform categorizes its content into separate "channels" based on similar genres and themes, allowing users to easily browse and watch their preferred shows.
What Happened to VRV? - FAQs
VRV is a streaming service that offers a wide range of content, including anime, animation, gaming, comedy, fantasy, and technology.
On March 1, 2022, it was revealed that VRV would be integrated into Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Wakanim, with the VRV app ceasing operations on May 8, 2023.
On April 3, 2023, Sony announced that VRV, the anime streaming service, will be merged with its main Crunchyroll app by May 8, leading to the eventual shutdown of VRV.
Yes, VRV is linked with Crunchyroll.
VRV offers a wide range of content, including popular anime series, classic cartoons, video game content, comedy shows, and more.