Oc Storage Sites
I mostly use toyhou.se, but i'm aware there are a few others out there and was curious to compare and contrast! Obviously these are just my opinions, but i tried to include some objective base info to help if you were curious about the pros and cons of any particular site!
A bit of a tldr image if you aren't interested in more in depth discussion of each site! I'll go into detail below for all the options
UNVALE
I don't have strong feelings one way or another! A solid site, good character creation, but a bit strict about NSFW which is a downside for me personally
I enjoy the character creation! Contains a basic info card, tabs for more in depth information, and then a gallery, a solid choice if you don't want to get crazy with customization but still want some options for the info you can include!
Option to create worlds, which i enjoy! These can host a description for the world, as well as characters, art, and writing! A comment section is also available
Option to host writing which is always nice!
Minor gripe but the rules are listed under the help center instead of having a designated link
Lots of little in depth posts explaining the answers to various questions! I enjoy this a lot, and while you might have to do a tiny bit of hunting to find out what post you need its overall very straightforward
Anti AI
TOYHOUSE
This is what I use! I enjoy the site, though i have my qualms i will not lie
Character creation can range from a simple text list of details to in depth html code! Many provide bases to work off of for html, but if you're unfamiliar with coding then having a bit of a 'fancier' character or user profile has a learning curve
Allows all forms of nsfw as long as appropriately listed and warned for.
• Non graphic, story based mentions of underage characters in sexual situations is allowed.
In depth forum with a decent amount of subcategories, including designated roleplay areas!
marketplace available both on the searchpage and also in the forums
World creation option! These can host their own forums and get pretty in depth if desired
A pro for some, a con for others, can feel a bit like a social media at times as opposed to a character storage site. I dislike the amount of drama, and hate that the review forum is almost exclusively people posting callout posts
No official rule or statement, but appears Anti AI as profiles containing it are taken down
REFSHEET.NET
Simple, but i like it! I'd go with this if you don't need or want a very complicated character layout, creation UI is simple and straightforward
Seems to allow basically any type of character, very low filter for whats allowed which i personally enjoy in a site.
NSFW markers available for 18+ content
Specifies in site guidelines that you cannot use the site as a fallback if you're banned from other, similar sites. Not very relevant to me, but may be worth noting for some folks.
Unable to access forums at the time of writing this, so i cannot speak on the quality of the content there!
Does not host written works, but allows for a lengthy description
Unable to find stance on AI
OCBIN
This is one I have the least information on! It uses an invite system like Toyhouse and I wasn't inclined to hunt down a code to create an account. Anyone who uses this site is free to chime in to clarify missing info
My biggest issue here is the lack of easily Accessible rules or community guidelines. These MAY be on the discord, but i'd rather not have to join a discord server to be able to find the rules.
Other than that the site seems decent! I cannot speak from the perspective of having an account, but outwardly the character pages look nice and seem to have variety! Seems to have a few templates to choose from for character profiles, so customization seems fairly varied!
Contains all the basics you'll need if nothing else. Gallery, description, trait options, etc
Can host written works as well
Unable to find stance on AI
CHARACTERHUB
Personally i'm not a fan of this one. Some might love it, and that's fine! It just isn't my cup of tea. Seems a bit like its aimed at a younger audience, based on the rules
Minor pet peeve but the rules are hosted off a google doc as opposed to on the site itself. Unsure as to why this is?
I enjoy the character profile creator! It seems to have a lot of options like adding a spotify playlist and several mini windows for various details. Some tab options are hidden behind a paywall, though frankly you could just add these in a normal description tab
Not a super big fan of how they're presenting themselves? I can't explain it but i feel like they're trying to sell me a product more than anything. Its just a personal preference really, i don't tend to enjoy sort of quirky cutesy marketing vibes?
Only nongraphic violence / injuries are allowed, heavy injuries or sexual nsfw aren't!
Designated area for roleplay, and while there aren't forums there are community chat areas!
Also has an option for worlds with a pretty large amount of options to customize the info in them
Has a reward system? They seem to be going for a variety of things on Characterhub, including sort of being a game based on interacting with the community? I'm not super sure, but im not a big fan of having a currency shop where you can spend irl money to get more of the currency so im not a big fan
Unable to find stance on AI
Overall i wouldn't say any particular site is AWFUL, your mileage will vary depending on what you're looking for. While CharacterHub is personally my least favorite some people might really enjoy a quirky, community based sort of game-y approach!
If you're looking for simplicity and a more 'anything goes' approach then Refsheet.net is what i'd recommend, while if you'd like simplicity with a bit more moderation i'd suggest Unvale! If you want a bit more customization i'd suggest Toyhouse or OCbin, though i won't FULLY endorse OCbin as i wasn't personally able to gather much info on it, so take that with a grain of salt!
CharacterHub and Toyhouse are the most community based if you're interested in the social aspect just as much as the oc aspect, while Unvale, OCbin, and Refsheet lean more into that 'OC storage' vibe even if they retain at least a bit of a community aspect
I really cannot be bothered to look into any drama or controversies Abt each site so if there are statements against anything listed here I haven't looked for em, I'd highly encourage doing your own research!
If i were to use something other than toyhouse, i'd likely go with Refsheet.net or look further into OCbin, but as things stand i'm more or less content enough with Toyhouse as it is
