What is DMM TV? A Complete Guide to Pricing, Content, and How to Use It
Many people are wondering, "I keep hearing about DMM TV lately, but what kind of service is it really?"
I imagine some of you are hesitant to sign up because you aren't quite sure how it differs from Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, how much it costs, or what you can watch.
In this article, I will explain what kind of service DMM TV is, including its pricing plans, available content, how to use it, and how it compares to other services.
I will explain everything carefully so you can decide if DMM TV is right for you.
What kind of service is DMM TV? Let's start with the basics.
DMM TV is a video-on-demand (VOD) service operated by the DMM Group.
VOD stands for "Video On Demand," a system that allows you to enjoy the content you want to watch, whenever you want to watch it.
You can think of it as a service in the same category as Netflix or Hulu.
What kind of company is DMM?
DMM is a large company that operates over 100 services, including games, e-books, online English conversation, and FX.
DMM TV is the video service that was reborn after DMM revamped it in 2022, and it took its current form by integrating content from the former "DMM Video" and dTV.
Since it is operated by a major company, you can feel secure using it.
How would you describe DMM TV in one phrase?
My honest impression is that it is a "video distribution service that is strong in anime and offers high cost-performance."
Being able to watch tens of thousands of titles for a monthly fee of 550 yen (DMM Premium) is quite a good deal compared to other services.
It is a service that will especially appeal to anime fans!
How much are the DMM TV pricing plans? Is there a free period?
To use DMM TV, you need to subscribe to a plan called DMM Premium.
Monthly fee for DMM Premium
You can use it for 550 yen (tax included) per month.
For example, since Netflix's standard plan is 1,590 yen per month, that means you can watch unlimited videos for less than one-third of that price.
Don't you think it's a great deal to be able to enjoy movies and anime for the price of a cup of coffee?
There is also another plan called "DMM TV Standard" (990 yen per month).
The difference is whether or not there are DMM point reward benefits; the video content itself is the same.
DMM Premium is recommended for those who also use other DMM services.
Is there a free trial?
Yes, first-time registrants can use a 30-day free trial (campaign details may vary depending on the time of year).
If you cancel during the free period, you won't be charged, so it's best to try it out first before making a decision.
Types of content available on DMM TV
The biggest question is, "What can I actually watch?"
DMM TV's content can be broadly divided into four genres.
Especially strong in anime
DMM TV is particularly rich in anime, with over 10,000 titles reportedly available for unlimited viewing.
They offer a wide range of content, from new anime every season (about every 3 months) to classic masterpieces and niche titles.
For anime fans who want to keep up with all the current season's shows, I think it's currently one of the most powerful services available.
What I feel from actually using it is the satisfaction of "almost never failing to find the anime I want to watch."
There are many cases where titles that are only available as older works on other services have their latest seasons on DMM TV, making it a truly reliable service for anime lovers.
Dramas and Movies
They also have a wide range of video content, including domestic dramas, Korean dramas, foreign films, and Japanese films.
Many titles can be enjoyed with unlimited viewing, and for content not included in the unlimited plan, such as new movie releases, you can rent them individually.
Adult Content
DMM TV also includes adult content (age verification required).
The richness of this genre is also a major difference from Netflix and other services.
Yes, it is a friend to gentlemen and ladies alike.
DMM TV Exclusive and Early Access Content
There are also some exclusive titles not yet available on other services, as well as early access titles that you can watch ahead of others.
This is a point that will really appeal to people who love content they "can only see here."
How to use DMM TV and supported devices
Let me explain the process for getting started.
Registration steps
Register for DMM Premium from the official DMM website.
The steps are simple: just set your email address and password, and register your payment method.
If you have experience registering for Amazon or Netflix, you can finish it quickly with the same feeling.
In addition to credit cards, multiple payment methods are supported, including d-barai, Docomo payment, and convenience store payments.
Supported Devices
You can watch on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and Fire TV sticks.
Whether you want to enjoy it on the big screen at home or watch on your smartphone during your commute, both work perfectly fine.
It works especially well with the Fire TV Stick, and many users enjoy DMM TV on their large TV screens.
Downloading and Offline Viewing
By using the app, you can download videos in advance and watch them offline.
If you download them while on Wi-Fi, you can enjoy them on the go without worrying about data usage, which is especially convenient for those who want to binge-watch anime during their commute to work or school.
Pros and Cons of DMM TV
Every service has its good points and things to consider.
I will summarize them honestly.
Pros
The cost-effectiveness of the 550 yen monthly fee is definitely its greatest strength.
The extensive anime lineup and the ability to link points with other DMM services are also well-received.
Since you can easily try it out with a 30-day free trial, the barrier to entry for saying "let's just give it a try" is low, which is great.
Cons
Compared to Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, they don't put as much effort into producing original content.
To be honest, there are still few reasons to subscribe specifically for "works that can only be seen on this service."
Also, the fact that many of the latest movies are not included in the unlimited viewing plan and require individual rental might be a concern in some cases.
Differences Between DMM TV and Other Video Streaming Services
Here is a rough summary of the differences between Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and U-NEXT.
Netflix has a rich library of original works, but the monthly fee is on the higher side at 1,590 yen or more.
Amazon Prime Video comes as a set with other benefits like shipping and music, making it ideal for those who use Amazon frequently.
U-NEXT has one of the largest numbers of titles in the industry and offers added value such as unlimited magazine reading, but the monthly fee is quite high at 2,189 yen.
Compared to others, DMM TV is positioned as having an "overwhelmingly low monthly fee and strong anime selection."
I think DMM TV is the best fit for people who mainly want to watch anime or those who want to enjoy video streaming while keeping costs down.
Summary of DMM TV Reviews and Feedback
Looking at the voices of actual users, there are many comments saying, "I'm satisfied with the rich anime selection" and "550 yen is too cheap."
On the other hand, there are also some opinions that "the UI is a bit harder to use compared to Netflix" and "I want more original content."
Based on this feedback, it can be said that DMM TV is a highly satisfying service for those who want to enjoy anime primarily or those who want to try video streaming with a focus on cost-performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I cancel DMM TV at any time?
You can cancel at any time. You can continue to watch until the next renewal date after cancellation, and there are no cancellation fees.
Q. How many devices can watch simultaneously?
You can watch on up to 3 devices simultaneously. You can also share it with your family.
Q. Will I be charged if I cancel during the free period?
If you cancel during the free trial period, you will not be charged. However, please be careful about the timing of your cancellation.
Q. Can anyone access adult content?
Age verification is required to access adult content. There is also a feature to restrict access for minors.
Conclusion
DMM TV is a video streaming service with excellent cost-performance that you can use from 550 yen per month.
There are three points you should keep in mind.
The anime lineup is particularly extensive, making it perfect for anime lovers.
You can easily try it out with a 30-day free trial.
You can watch comfortably on various devices such as smartphones, TVs, and PCs.
First, please check if there is content you like during the free period!