Anime fans increasingly use accelerated playback, study shows

A study conducted by the Japanese company Loyalty Marketing, which operates the Ponta service, reveals shifting viewing habits among anime fans. Based on a survey of 1,000 individuals aged 20 to 59, the data shows a significant trend toward accelerated playback among younger demographics.

Approximately 35.6% of respondents in the 20–29 age group (Gen Z) reported watching anime at an increased speed occasionally or frequently, compared to 32.4% of those aged 30–39 (Millennials). This tendency decreases with age, dropping to 18.4% for the 50–59 age group.

Other notable habits identified across all age groups include: • 61.7% occasionally skip opening or ending sequences. • 58.8% prefer binge-watching multiple episodes in a row. • 54.1% watch anime while performing other tasks, such as eating or doing housework.

Regarding platforms, paid streaming services are the most popular method of consumption at 29.7%, followed by recorded television broadcasts at 22.9% and free streaming or catch-up services at 22.0%.