Fansub

A fansub is a fan-made subtitle track and often a fan-created video edition of a foreign-language audiovisual work, most commonly anime. Fansubs arose in the 1980s and 1990s to provide translations for non-Japanese speakers before licensed releases or official simulcasts existed. They typically target niche titles or older series that had little or no official localization.

The production process involves several roles. A translator renders the dialogue into the target language, followed by an editor or proofreader who checks accuracy and consistency. A timer synchronizes subtitles to the audio, and a typesetter adds on-screen text formatting and effects. A final encoder produces a subtitled video file, which may be distributed with a separate subtitle file (soft subtitles) or as a single hard-subbed video file.

Distribution methods vary, including direct downloads and peer-to-peer networks. Subtitles may be distributed as SRT, ASS, or similar formats, and the same group can release multiple language versions. While fansubs are created by volunteers, their legality is often unclear; many jurisdictions treat distribution of copyrighted material without permission as infringement. Rights holders sometimes pursue takedowns, and some regions have official licensing or streaming services that provide licensed subtitles.

Impact and reception are mixed. Fansubs have played a key role in expanding access to non-English titles and in shaping fan culture, but concerns about translation quality and licensing persist. The rise of official simulcasts and licensed releases has reduced demand in many cases, though fansubs continue for discontinued titles, region-specific releases, or titles without official localization.