What is your go-to platform for Otome CDs, and why?

[yumachan]

★Q1★
What's your main platform, and why?

★Q2★
Do you use just one platform, or do you use multiple platforms?

★Q3★
For those who use Pokedora, StellaPlayer, FANZA etc —how is the overall user experience and campaign/sales on those sites?


I imagine many people use DLsite, but I'm interested in other platforms because there are bonus items and titles available exclusively on them.

I only use DLsite, but sometimes I find myself more interested in the bonus content offered on a different platform for a title I like.

I think the people who collect all the bonus CDs are amazing.
I offer my heartfelt respect for their love and dedication.

 

[baybridge]

I hope to use LoveCul aka Fanza at some point which will make it easy to move around since the files can be downloaded instead of streaming it on the browser.

DLsite is where I have most of my purchases and it doesn't help that they have a lot of exclusives for my fave voice actor

 

[Hayate Sasa]

I hope to use LoveCul aka Fanza at some point which will make it easy to move around since the files can be downloaded instead of streaming it on the browser.

DLsite is where I have most of my purchases and it doesn't help that they have a lot of exclusives for my fave voice actor

As far as I know, you should be able to download files on Dlsite as well by clicking "Download" button and then "Download onto your device."
Or is there some other problem preventing you from downloading files?

 

[baybridge]

As far as I know, you should be able to download files on Dlsite as well by clicking "Download" button and then "Download onto your device."
Or is there some other problem preventing you from downloading files?

Some creators/companies on DLsite only allow streaming them :3 (the option is greyed out in the listing or that there's no download button on the play.dlsite)

 

[Iiiiii]

I only use Dlsite personally

 

[Hayate Sasa]

Some creators/companies on DLsite only allow streaming them :3 (the option is greyed out in the listing or that there's no download button on the play.dlsite)

View attachment 110498 View attachment 110499

I'm sorry, I wasn't aware that such special cases existed.
If creators are intentionally restricting downloads, it seems similar measures would apply even if the works were sold on other sites.
I'm not sure if this will be helpful, as I tried, it seems possible to download audio from Dlsite player using Chrome add-ons like Video Download Helper and Douga-getter or screen recording software.
I usually use these on Ci-en when there's no download link available.

 

[baybridge]

I'm sorry, I wasn't aware that such special cases existed.
If creators are intentionally restricting downloads, it seems similar measures would apply even if the works were sold on other sites.
I'm not sure if this will be helpful, as I tried, it seems possible to download audio from Dlsite player using Chrome add-ons like Video Download Helper and Douga-getter or screen recording software.
I usually use these on Ci-en when there's no download link available.

That's all right - it was only 1 or 2 series out of the many purchases that had this restriction - don't worry about it:)

There used to be a clearer table indicating what device it's available on

example: (download ✖ / streaming on browser 〇 / app only 〇)

But since they moved to promoting DLsound that information kinda went away :(

And yes! I have tried some browser extensions and accidentally installed some with malicious code (thankfully nothing happened but that was nerve-wracking ;;; )

Appreciate your bringing it up - hope it will be useful to others looking for ways to keep a copy of their purchase ^_^

 

[yumachan]

>>baybridge
Thanks for always leaving comments! I really appreciate it.
Thank you for letting us know about the risks of browser extensions. Hearing your story honestly made my blood run cold... That must have been so scary for you!


>>Hayate Sasa
Thanks for commenting!


>>Iiiiii
I only use DLsite as well. (Though I am starting to get interested in other platforms, too.)
I get the impression that DLsite holds an overwhelming market share.

 

[Flowerr]

I also only use dlsite as that seems to be the most popular one, others like fanza/lovecul I have heard of before but havent gotten to try them out since I am quite in my comfort zone with dlsite already
But I definitely would be interested to try them out in the near future!

 

[weichen96]

DLsite is my go-to platform. Recently, I've also bought some streaming-only titles on Stellaplay. It generally delivers better audio quality. I used Pokedora a long time ago, but I had to stop using it once login required going through Animate. Verification text messages hardly reach my region.

 

[failedwebsite]

I'm sorry, I wasn't aware that such special cases existed.
If creators are intentionally restricting downloads, it seems similar measures would apply even if the works were sold on other sites.
I'm not sure if this will be helpful, as I tried, it seems possible to download audio from Dlsite player using Chrome add-ons like Video Download Helper and Douga-getter or screen recording software.
I usually use these on Ci-en when there's no download link available.

I haven't tried browser add-ons yet. I use Apowersoft Streaming Audio Recorder - the free version allows you to record up to 30 minutes per track, I think?

 

[q1w3e5]

DLsite and Animate Games,they're pretty convenient to use, and downloading is a breeze, lol.

 

[Hayate Sasa]

I use Dlsite, Lovecul and Pokedora.

Dlsite is the largest platform and has the widest selection, particularly when it comes to doujin works.
They hold sales frequently, so it's the platform I use the most.

Lovecul is a platform that was launched after Dlsite.
While its selection is not as extensive as Dlsite's, the discount rates on its coupons are higher, so you can sometimes purchase titles there for less than on Dlsite.
Whenever the same item is available on both sites, I always make a point of comparing prices.

Pokedora is a platform that specializes in offering a wide selection of label releases.
However, generally, the discount rates aren't as high as those on the other two sites, so, I use it to buy titles that aren't available on those sites.

 

[yumachan]

Thanks for sharing which platforms you all use!
It turns out a lot of you use DLsite.

weichen96, your report on Stellaplay is really interesting.

Hayate Sasa, it looks like you use quite a few different platforms.
The information about the discount rates for Lovecul coupons is really useful.
Thank you for letting us know.

 

[enren]

I only knew about dlsite before seeing this thread o.o

I have tried some browser extensions and accidentally installed some with malicious code (thankfully nothing happened but that was nerve-wracking ;;; )

I use Apowersoft Streaming Audio Recorder - the free version allows you to record up to 30 minutes per track, I think?

Other than browser add-ons and the software mentioned (never tried it) there's another work around you can try === just record your pc sound.

There's an audio recording software called - Audacity - it's free, no viruses.
Install it, then choose the mic - your pc sound output, set pc volume to max for better quality (turning down the volume on your monitor/speakers won't affect anything) and press record. It will record any sound your pc makes until you stop recording it.
Finally save the track you recorded as any file type you like.

This is more of a hussle then click and save option but will work 100% as long as you're able to hear the sound yourself.
Any recorder would work in same manner, Audacity the one I tried personally.

 

[Arietta08]

I've mostly used DLsite, however since they've changed their payment methods for purchasing points it's become much less convenient for me. My card very frequently declines overseas websites, and when calling my provider they've basically said they can only do temporary measures. So places that allow paypal are always my go-to. Fanza doesn't have a lot of the items available that DLsite does, but when they do it's a very smooth experience. Still on the lookout to give more alternatives a try.

 

[failedwebsite]

I've mostly used DLsite, however since they've changed their payment methods for purchasing points it's become much less convenient for me. My card very frequently declines overseas websites, and when calling my provider they've basically said they can only do temporary measures. So places that allow paypal are always my go-to. Fanza doesn't have a lot of the items available that DLsite does, but when they do it's a very smooth experience. Still on the lookout to give more alternatives a try.

I'm not sure how useful it will be for you, but you can buy points on DLsite using Google Pay and Apple Pay and also crypto.

 

[Arietta08]

I'm not sure how useful it will be for you, but you can buy points on DLsite using Google Pay and Apple Pay and also crypto.

When I tried Google/Apple Pay, it insisted on only using a card option tied to those (so no using paypal tied to Apple Pay), so my CC still declined the purchase. In the end my provider had to set a 24hr travel strategy for me to be able to temporarily use my card on the site lol. So I at least loaded up on points I'm hoarding for now.
I know nothing about using crypto, but I'll have to try giving it a look.

 

[failedwebsite]

When I tried Google/Apple Pay, it insisted on only using a card option tied to those (so no using paypal tied to Apple Pay), so my CC still declined the purchase. In the end my provider had to set a 24hr travel strategy for me to be able to temporarily use my card on the site lol. So I at least loaded up on points I'm hoarding for now.
I know nothing about using crypto, but I'll have to try giving it a look.

It seems you need specialist banking advice specific to your country. If it's a widespread issue, I'm sure there are guidelines online or even companies that sell it as a service.

 

[icterine]

Some creators/companies on DLsite only allow streaming them :3 (the option is greyed out in the listing or that there's no download button on the play.dlsite)

View attachment 110498 View attachment 110499

if you have internet download manager or similar app (it's not a free app though-- I paid for mine), you can play the audio and download it from the IDM popup that appears. it's very straightforward.

> Do you use just one platform, or do you use multiple platforms?

Multiple.
If platform exlusive, then whichever platform.
If platform exclusive bonuses (animate/stella/official tokuten) come with it, then whichever platform.
If nothing exclusive, then dlsite, preferably when there's a discount.

 

[baybridge]

if you have internet download manager or similar app (it's not a free app though-- I paid for mine), you can play the audio and download it from the IDM popup that appears. it's very straightforward.

> Do you use just one platform, or do you use multiple platforms?

Multiple.
If platform exlusive, then whichever platform.
If platform exclusive bonuses (animate/stella/official tokuten) come with it, then whichever platform.
If nothing exclusive, then dlsite, preferably when there's a discount.

Great suggestion for others! I did rip one or two - gave up since I'm really short on storage space.

 

[starlight7]

I only tried DLsite too, but it'd be great if I can expand to other sites. I don't really like streaming only options but the tools being discussed here sounds helpful.

 

[beepbeepboopboop123]

Lovecul is a platform that was launched after Dlsite.
While its selection is not as extensive as Dlsite's, the discount rates on its coupons are higher, so you can sometimes purchase titles there for less than on Dlsite.
Whenever the same item is available on both sites, I always make a point of comparing prices.

I only use DLsite but I'm interested in Lovecul, seems that I cannot just create an account but need to use Google/Line/Twitter to log in?

May I ask how much it overlaps with DL? Does it have doujin or official label CDs? And it is easy to make purchases using overseas credit card?

 

[baybridge]

I only use DLsite but I'm interested in Lovecul, seems that I cannot just create an account but need to use Google/Line/Twitter to log in?

May I ask how much it overlaps with DL? Does it have doujin or official label CDs? And it is easy to make purchases using overseas credit card?

Lovecul is limited to Japanese IP - if you're outside Japan, you'll need a VPN :3

Also overseas > consider buying DMM points I think?

https://www.reddit.com/r/kancolle/comments/1mfyhpo/question_best_way_to_buy_dmm_points

(from 2025)