Worried anime watchers out there! HiAnime, one of the leading names in anime streaming, has been added to the United States government’s Notorious Markets List. That should raise enormous red flags regarding its future. If you are one of those people who rely on this website to get their anime fix, you might be asking: Is HiAnime shutting down? What does this mean for anime streaming?
Let’s dissect all of it so that any anime enthusiast will be able to grasp it.
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HiAnime.to – A Streaming Giant in the Shadows
HiAnime.to has dominated the anime streaming scene, pulling in massive traffic numbers that even legal giants like Disney+ and Crunchyroll couldn’t compete with.
According to website traffic tracker Similarweb, HiAnime.to hit a whopping 364 million visits in October 2024, surpassing Disney+ (343 million). Even after a slight drop in November, HiAnime. to’s 331.6 million visits still beat Disney+ (328.2 million).
And more shocking, still: the site’s traffic was almost three times as large as that of Crunchyroll, the world’s largest legal anime streaming service, with only 125.1 million visits in the same period.
Undoubtedly, anime fans were thronging to HiAnime.to watch their favorite shows—but the authorities have also noticed this site.
Why Is HiAnime.to Under Fire?
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has officially blocked HiAnime.to and added it to the Notorious Markets List (NML). The NML consists of websites involved in copyright infringement and piracy—something that has previously resulted in the shutdown of some anime piracy sites.
If you’ve been in the anime community for a while, you might remember Aniwatch or Zoro.to. Authorities shut down both sites for the same reasons. HiAnime emerged as their successor, continuing their legacy—but with this recent development, it now faces the same risk.
What Does Being on the Notorious Markets List Mean?
Getting placed on the NML is a big deal. It means that:
- The U.S. government recognizes HiAnime.to as a piracy website.
- Legal steps could be initiated to close it.
- This time, it caught the attention of prominent publishers like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and VIZ Media.
Bottom line: HiAnime is close to being shut down like its precursors.
What Happens If HiAnime Gets Shut Down?
This news might be frustrating for anime fans who rely on free streaming. But what does a potential shutdown mean?
1. HiAnime could be rebranded under a new name
This has happened before. Aniwatch, Zoro.to, and Aniwave all disappeared but were replaced by new sites. If HiAnime follows the same pattern, a new website could emerge
2. Another piracy site might take its place.
Anime piracy never goes away. Whenever there is demand, new websites come up.
3. Anime fans may have to look for alternative streaming options.
Legal streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu may gain more subscribers.
Current Issues on HiAnime.to
Aside from legal troubles, HiAnime.to users have faced various issues while streaming. Recently, there have been multiple reports of:
- “HiAnime not showing video” – Some users have complained about videos failing to load.
- “HiAnime to”– Many fans search for alternatives or updates about the site’s status.
- “Black screen on HiAnime” – This issue has affected playback for some viewers.
- “HiAnim” – A common mistyped search term for the site as fans look for updates.
- “HiAnime down” – Frequent service interruptions have left users wondering if the site is permanently shutting down.
- “HiAnime not allowing ad blockers”—Many users have noted that ad-blocking software prevents them from streaming on the site.
With all these issues piling up, it’s clear that HiAnime.to is facing severe instability.
The Bigger Picture: The Battle Against Anime Piracy
The anime industry has been losing billions due to piracy. According to CODA (Content Overseas Distribution Association), anime and manga piracy caused an estimated $12.4 to $14 billion in damages in 2024—nearly six times higher than in 2019.
Japanese and international authorities are cracking down harder than ever. The Japanese government has just approved a $2 million AI initiative to combat anime and manga piracy. At the same time, U.S. copyright owners are sending more DMCA takedown notices than ever.
This makes sites like HiAnime.to even more vulnerable to shutdowns. The more attention they attract, the higher the risk of legal action.
What Does This Mean for Anime Fans?
What will you do if you rely on free streaming if HiAnime disappears?
Here are some things to consider:
1. Exploring Legal Streaming Services
Many legal platforms offer free plans with ads, such as:
- Crunchyroll (Free with ads)
- Tubi TV (Free anime selection)
- Pluto TV (Anime channels)
2. Supporting the Industry
Piracy does hurt the anime industry. By supporting legal streaming services, you’re helping studios, animators, and voice actors continue creating fantastic anime.
3. Remaining Informed on the Matter
This is not the first time authorities have targeted an anime piracy website, and it won’t be the last. Stay informed and be ready for shifts in how you access anime online.
FAQs
Does HiAnime show filler episodes?
Yes, HiAnime generally provides canon and filler episodes for most anime series, similar to legal streaming platforms.
Is HiAnime down?
Many users have reported HiAnime down issues, which could be due to maintenance, legal action, or domain changes.
Is HiAnime.to down?
If you’re experiencing issues accessing HiAnime.to, it may be due to server issues, regional restrictions, or a possible shutdown.
Is HiAnime safe?
Since HiAnime.to is a piracy website, it comes with risks such as malware, ads, and potential data breaches. Using such sites is generally not recommended.
How to download from HiAnime?
Downloading anime from HiAnime.to is not officially supported, and since it’s a piracy site, it’s best to use legal alternatives.
Is HiAnime.to safe?
Like most unofficial streaming sites, HiAnime.to may contain intrusive ads, malware, or phishing attempts, making it risky.
Is HiAnime legal?
No, HiAnime.to is an illegal streaming website as it provides copyrighted content without permission.
Conclusion
While HiAnime.to remains online for now, its future is uncertain. Whether you stick with it, switch to legal streaming, or wait for the next piracy giant, one thing is clear: Anime streaming is evolving, and fans must adapt.