Russian streaming service Kinopoisk has launched a dedicated anime section, offering personalized recommendations for fans of the genre. The rollout coincided with the July 7 premiere of the new Ghost in the Shell series based on the popular manga. The new hub brings together fresh releases, top hits, curated collections, and a monthly top 10, all in one place.
Inside the anime section, viewers can find recent titles as well as flagship series like Attack on Titan, Gachiakuta, Dandadan, and Spy Family. Recommendations are tailored based on individual watch history and user ratings. Kinopoisk also simplified access to original Japanese audio tracks, allowing users to set the Japanese soundtrack as the default when available.
The company shared updated anime statistics revealing that 4.5 million subscribers have watched anime on the platform since the start of 2023, generating over 3.8 million user ratings. The most viewed series in the first half of the year included Gachiakuta, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Handyman Saitou in Another World, Attack on Titan, and Fire Force.
The anime experience on Kinopoisk is expanding beyond the section itself. User profiles now feature anime-themed backgrounds inspired by popular series, and iOS users gained an alternative app icon. The service also promises several high-profile premieres this July, including the new Ghost in the Shell installment and the third season of Reincarnation of the Unemployed.
Interest in anime is no longer just a niche in Russia. According to the Association of Japanese Animations, the global anime market hit a record 3.3 trillion yen ($24 billion) in 2023. Major players include Sony, which acquired Crunchyroll for $1.175 billion in 2021, and Netflix, which has been steadily expanding its slate of anime exclusives. Against this backdrop, Kinopoisk’s dedicated anime section signals a shift to treat anime not just as part of the broader catalog but as a distinct category with its own showcase on the platform.