AniWave – A Popular Platform to Watch or Stream Anime

AniWave was a popular anime streaming site that allowed users to stream and download anime for free. Launched as 9anime in 2016, it rebranded to AniWave in 2023. The site quickly gained millions of users with its vast anime library. 

However, AniWave shut down on August 27, 2024, due to copyright enforcement by ACE and Vietnamese authorities. This Platform hosted pirated content, making it illegal. Despite its popularity, the site posed security risks to users. This article covers AniWave’s rise, shutdown, and legal alternatives for anime fans.

Overview of AniWave Website 

AniWave (formerly known as 9anime) was an anime-focused file streaming website launched in 2016. It allowed users to stream and download anime for free through hosted links and embedded videos, operating illegally. 

The site rebranded as AniWave in 2023 and became a major player in anime piracy, drawing millions of visits monthly. 

• Content: Hosted links and embedded videos for a vast collection of anime movies and TV shows.
• Features: Included favorites, watchlists, and a powerful search functionality.
• Domains: Operated on various domains, with AniWave.to being the most notable after rebranding in 2023.
• Popularity: Attracted millions of monthly visits worldwide, with significant traffic from the United States.
• Issues: Criticized for being illegal, lacking a mobile app, and not offering direct download options.

Key Features of AniWave

This Platform was a popular anime-focused streaming website that operated from 2016 to 2024, initially. Here are the key features of the site are. 

• Free and Ad-Free: No subscription fees or intrusive ads.
• Wide Anime Library: Extensive collection of anime movies and TV shows.
• User-Friendly Features: Included watchlists, favorites, and search functionality.
• Streaming and Downloading: Allowed users to stream anime and, in some cases, download content.
• Multi-Domain Support: Operated across several domains including a popular .to domain.
• Global Accessibility: Attracted millions of users worldwide, with a significant share from the United States.

AniWave’s Popularity

AniWave’s popularity grew rapidly over the years. Here’s a look at its monthly visits:

• October 2020: 39 million visits
• May 2023: 214 million visits
• 2024: 170 million visits
  It ranked as high as #164 globally in 2023, with 30% of traffic coming from the U.S.

Why is AniWave Popular?

This Platform became popular due to its free, ad-free streaming and a vast anime library. It also offered useful features like watchlists and search functionality to enhance the user experience.

• Free Streaming: No need for subscriptions.
• Wide Range of Anime: From classic shows to the latest releases.
• User-Friendly: The site was easy to navigate with features like favorites and easy search options.

Aniwave Domains 

This Platform operated under multiple domains throughout its history, adapting to avoid shutdowns and maintain accessibility. Some key domains included:

• 9anime.to: One of the most recognized and widely used domains.
• AniWave.to: The primary domain after rebranding in 2023.
• Clones and Imitations: Fake domains using the this Platform name appeared after its shutdown, misleading users.

Aniwave Down

AniWave was shut down on August 27, 2024, following action by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) and Vietnamese authorities. The site’s features, including streaming, searching, and downloading, were disabled, though users could export bookmarks briefly before it went fully offline. 

This Platform displayed a goodbye message reflecting on its history, urging users to switch to legal platforms. The message also included the music video for “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth. On August 29, 2024, ACE confirmed its role in shutting down AniWave and other related sites, such as FMovies.

Official Statement from the AniWave Team

The official statement from the AniWave team, as posted on their Facebook account:

Hi,

You know, it has been a long journey since Aniwave (9Anime) first appeared. Creating better products that provide an improved user experience and fostering competition to drive the market to enhance products is something we are very happy about. Now that everything has improved… it is also time for us to say goodbye…It is difficult to part with something we have invested so much effort and passion into, but it is something we need to do. Thank you for standing by and supporting us throughout this time!

Every game must have an end…and life is about experiences. Every mistake teaches us lessons that help us grow.

If possible, please use legal paid services. It’s something we should do to show our respect for creators and content producers.

Good bye!

Why did AniWave shut down?

AniWave is gone because it was shut down due to copyright enforcement actions. The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), along with Vietnamese authorities, targeted the site for hosting illegal anime content without proper licenses. 

This led to the site’s closure on August 27, 2024. The shutdown was part of a larger effort to combat anime piracy and protect intellectual property. 

This Platform, being one of the largest anime piracy sites, had significant traffic and impact, which made it a prime target for legal action. Users were encouraged to switch to legal streaming services to support the creators and the industry.

Aniwave Back 

Since AniWave’s shutdown in August 2024, there have been no official indications of its return. However, several fake clones and imitations using the Platform name have appeared online, misleading users. These sites are not affiliated with the original AniWave and often lack its quality and features.

While some users remain hopeful for a comeback, the site’s closure by ACE and Vietnamese authorities makes a return highly unlikely. Instead, fans are encouraged to use legal streaming platforms to support anime creators and the industry.

Is Aniwave Safe?

No, AniWave was not safe in terms of legality and security. Here’s why:

1. Illegal Content: AniWave hosted pirated anime content without permission from copyright holders. This made it an illegal platform for streaming and downloading, potentially putting users at risk of legal consequences for accessing pirated material.
2. Security Risks: As with many piracy sites, This Platform might have exposed users to potential malware, phishing attacks, or malicious ads. These can compromise user data and device security.

AniWave Alternatives 

If you’re looking for legal alternatives to AniWave for streaming anime, here are some popular and safe platforms:

Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is a leading anime streaming site with a vast library. It offers both free and premium options, starting at $7.99/month. It’s home to many popular anime and exclusive series, available on all streaming devices.

Netflix

Netflix features a wide range of anime, including award-winning titles like Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan. It also has Netflix Originals like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. Subscription required for access.

Funimation

Funimation offers classic and current anime. After being acquired by Crunchyroll, it remains a great resource for anime lovers. Premium subscriptions are around $10/month, but there are also free options.

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video offers a variety of classic and current anime for subscribers. It’s a great option if you already have an Amazon Prime membership. Available on most personal devices and streaming platforms.

YouTube

YouTube hosts anime clips, reactions, and full episodes on official channels like Funimation. Subscribers to YouTube TV can access a number of anime titles.

Hulu

Hulu offers an extensive anime collection for subscribers. With plans starting at $1.99/month for students, it’s one of the more affordable options. Available on personal devices or Roku TV.

HBO Max

HBO Max offers a selection of anime films, including titles like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. It’s available through personal devices and Roku TV.

Disney Plus

Disney Plus has recently expanded into anime with original animated productions and some anime titles on its Japan-exclusive platform. Availability outside Japan is limited.

D Anime Store

A popular Japanese streaming service, D Anime Store offers 5,500+ anime for $4/month. However, it’s only available in Japan.

U-Next

U-Next is a Japanese streaming platform that provides a wide variety of anime, sports, and entertainment. It costs about $16/month, with a 31-day free trial available.

These services ensure legal access to anime while providing a safe and virus-free viewing experience.

FAQs

Is AniWave Download available?

No, This Platform was shut down in August 2024, and its download features are no longer accessible.

Why is AniWave Not Working?

This Platform is offline because it was shut down due to copyright enforcement by ACE and authorities in Vietnam.

Is AniWave legal?

No, This Platform was not legal.

Can I still use AniWave?

No, This Platform is no longer accessible. 

What should I do if I see fake AniWave websites?

If you encounter fake AniWave clones, it’s important to avoid them.