* No central tracking: There's no single organization that tracks anime viewership across all platforms (streaming services, TV, etc.).
* Variety of sources: People watch anime on different platforms (Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu, TV, etc.) and even through illegal means.
* Definition of "anime viewer": What counts as an "anime viewer"? Someone who watches one episode? Someone who watches regularly?
* Regional variation: Anime popularity differs greatly between regions. Japan, for example, has a huge domestic audience.
However, we can look at some estimates and data points:
* Research reports: Reports from companies like Statista or Nielsen often estimate the size of the anime market based on revenue and audience demographics. These reports suggest that the global anime market is worth billions of dollars.
* Streaming service data: Streaming services like Crunchyroll or Netflix sometimes release data on the popularity of specific anime shows, but this data is usually not publicly available.
* Social media: The popularity of anime is evident on social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok. While not a precise measure, the amount of discussion and engagement surrounding anime can give an idea of its reach.
Conclusion:
While an exact number of anime viewers is elusive, it's clear that anime has a large and passionate fanbase worldwide. The industry continues to grow, and its popularity is likely to continue increasing in the future.