codoc

Overview

codoc adds reader payments to an existing website, giving publishers and creators a way to sell individual content, subscriptions, and tips. It suits operators who want to monetize a site they already run; its free entry point is useful, but a 15% sales fee applies on both plans.

Content can be offered through an embedded tag on WordPress or HTML sites, with a WordPress plugin also available. Hatena Blog and custom HTML or CMS sites are supported. This keeps codoc relevant to publishers who want to retain their current publishing setup, rather than move sales to a separate storefront.

Key features

Creators can sell articles, videos, and audio as one-time purchases, offer monthly or annual subscriptions, and accept tips. Subscription trials are configurable for buyers, but billing starts automatically when the trial ends unless the subscriber cancels. That can help encourage sign-ups, provided the transition to paid billing is made clear to readers.

Payment options include credit and debit cards, prepaid credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and convenience store payment. Card details go directly to Stripe or CREDIX and are not stored on codoc’s servers. Paid content is stored and delivered by codoc, then shown through JavaScript after payment or login authentication.

REST API access for managing articles and subscription plans requires codoc pro, as does access to buyer email addresses, buyer UI design changes, and private accounts. Pro infrastructure uses AWS and is designed to scale out; Pro also includes a dedicated email support desk. Paid WordPress setup and design customization services are offered, but they add to the cost.

Pricing

The free codoc plan costs nothing. It includes general sales functions, but content gifts and buyer messages have quantity limits. Sales carry a 15% fee, and each payout has a 300円 transfer fee. This is a low-cost way to start selling, but the percentage fee and payout charge matter when estimating what creators will keep.

codoc pro costs ¥9,800 a month (billed 9,800円/月). It adds API use, buyer email access, buyer UI design changes, and private accounts; the sales fee remains 15%. Pro is aimed at publishers that need these controls or deeper CMS integration, not simply those seeking a lower transaction rate. Its standard account limits include a 50,000円 maximum price for an individual item or subscription, a 10,000円 tip cap, and a limit of 100 messages per send.

codoc is freemium and offers a 14-day trial. The free plan gives up the Pro tools, while neither plan removes the 15% sales fee. Publishers should weigh the monthly Pro charge against the value of its additional integration and account features.

Platforms

codoc is available on web, as an API, and as an extension. It supports WordPress, Hatena Blog, and custom HTML or CMS sites. Pro API access is required to manage article and subscription plan information through the REST API.

Who it's for

codoc is a practical fit for publishers, bloggers, and web service operators with an existing site and an audience willing to pay for individual media, ongoing access, or tips. The free plan is suited to trying direct reader sales while accepting its fees and quantity limits. Pro makes more sense when API-based CMS work, buyer email access, private accounts, or buyer-facing design changes are important. It is less compelling for publishers whose economics cannot accommodate a 15% sales fee or who need prices above the stated caps.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Individual sales, subscriptions, and tips cover several ways to monetize content without replacing an existing site.
• Pros: Multiple payment methods, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and convenience store payment, give readers several ways to pay.
• Pros: Card details are sent to Stripe or CREDIX rather than stored on codoc’s servers.
• Cons: The 15% sales fee applies to both plans, and the free plan also charges 300円 per payout.
• Cons: The 9,800円/月 Pro subscription is necessary for REST API management and several account and design controls.
• Cons: Standard account price and message caps constrain higher-priced offers and larger sends.

Alternatives

Paywall Software is a useful category starting point for comparing options. Choose Pelcro instead if its freemium plans and support for Android, iOS, API, and web suit a broader platform mix; its free plan covers 100 customers, while Advanced costs $450 per month for up to 2,000 customers.

Cleeng may suit publishers seeking global payment processing, automatic local tax calculation, and fraud and chargeback management on its free Merchant Basic plan, which covers up to 10k subscribers. Content Credits SDK is another option for readers considering a free API, extension, and web product based on the Content Credits idea.

Pay-To-View Lite is worth considering for WordPress users who want a fixed rental price and duration on a free, limited plan; its Pro plan is a one-time $29.00 payment. Pigeon offers a free WordPress demo mode that allows no transactions, alongside a Publishers plan at $99.00 per month.

Steady may fit publishers wanting a free web and API option with no audience limits, though it takes 10% of earnings plus variable payment-provider fees and applicable VAT. Uix Page Builder and Milkie are other free options to consider.

Verdict

Choose codoc if you want to add paid content, subscriptions, or tips to a site you already operate, and value its range of payment methods and WordPress or HTML integration. The free plan keeps the starting cost down, but its 15% sales fee and 300円 payout charge deserve close attention. Look elsewhere if those charges undermine your margins, or if your offers exceed codoc’s standard price caps.