How Crunchyroll Builds and Scales Global Fandom Communities w/ Siobhan Sullivan

How Crunchyroll Builds and Scales Global Fandom Communities w/ Siobhan Sullivan

Author: The Influencer Marketing Factory January 28, 2026 Duration: 25:52

In this episode of The Influence Factor, Alessandro Bogliari speaks with Siobhan Sullivan, Director of Audience Development at Crunchyroll, to discuss the evolution of anime marketing and fandom culture.

Siobhan shares how influencers, global communities, and in-person events shape today’s anime industry, while highlighting the power of co-creation and community-driven storytelling.

She also explores how Crunchyroll connects with fans worldwide and what’s next for anime in the creator economy.


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Show Notes:

(01:25) - Introduction to Siobhan Sullivan
(05:55) - Building Fandom in Anime
(08:00) - Influencer Marketing and The Creator Economy
(11:55) - In-Person Events and Community Engagement
(15:55) - Anime’s Global Audience Reach
(19:45) - The Future of Crunchyroll and Anime Marketing


Check out some of our previous episodes!


Hosted by Alessandro Bogliari, CEO and Co-Founder of The Influencer Marketing Factory, The Influence Factor pulls back the curtain on the rapidly evolving world of digital promotion. Each conversation moves beyond surface-level trends to examine the real mechanics of influencer marketing, social media strategy, and the burgeoning creator economy. You’ll hear from a range of guests-from brand leaders to successful creators themselves-who share candid insights on what actually works. Discussions often delve into the practicalities of social commerce, campaign measurement, and navigating the shifting algorithms of major platforms. This isn’t about vague theories; it’s a grounded look at the tactics and relationships that drive modern brand growth. For anyone involved in marketing, business development, or content creation, this podcast serves as a direct line to the expertise of a leading global agency. The dialogue is focused on actionable knowledge, whether you're looking to understand the ROI of a partnership or the future of digital community building. Tune in for thoughtful analysis that treats influencer marketing as the sophisticated business discipline it has become.
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The Influence Factor by The Influencer Marketing Factory
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