Overview
In this article, you'll learn how to create a paywall for your Course and Modules. This strategy not only provides potential customers with a preview of your Course, but also entices them to purchase and unlock all the valuable lessons you have to offer.
Key benefits / use cases
Control access to specific lessons or modules with a paywall.
Customize customer experience by gating content at logical points in your course.
Quick edits let you move the paywall without recreating content.
Test purchases to verify the paywall behavior before you publish.
Power of the Paywall
Setting up a paywall for your Course content allows you to offer a sneak peek at what’s inside, while still encouraging people to purchase the full course. A paywall is like a gateway: it gives potential customers the opportunity to experience a portion of your content, but they’ll need to purchase the full course to access the rest.
This method not only helps you convert free users into paying customers, but it also creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity. With this approach, you can:
Increase conversions: Offering a preview of your Course helps build trust and demonstrates the value of your content. When customers see how much value you provide in just a preview, they’re more likely to buy the full course.
Leverage lead magnets: By offering a free or discounted portion of your Course content as a lead magnet, you can capture potential customers’ interest and lead them down the sales funnel to purchasing the full course.
Enhance accessibility: With a paywall, customers have the flexibility to access a portion of the content at no cost before deciding whether to make a full purchase.
How is my Course content protected?
Kajabi takes the security of your business seriously. We use protective measures to ensure your content stays secure and is only accessible to those who have purchased or been granted access.
Here’s how Kajabi keeps your course content safe:
Paywall obscures content: Course content is hidden behind the paywall and remains secure before it’s rendered on-page.
Content protection: If a user tries to bypass the paywall or inspect the page’s code using technical methods, they won’t be able to view any content.
Restricted content includes:Videos and audios
Written lesson content
Comments
Downloads
Course progress integrity: We also disable actions like marking lessons as complete or favoriting, ensuring your course progress data stays accurate.
How to add a paywall
Click Products in the left sidebar.
Click Courses.
Select the Course you wish to update.
Navigate to Settings.
Scroll down and toggle on Add a paywall to this course.
Change the Offer Title to reflect the paywall edition (optional).
Choose the Offer you want members with limited access to see when they try to access paywalled content.
Click Save changes to apply the paywall.
Note:
Make sure the Offer you select is published and active so visitors see the correct pricing and access.
Toggling the paywall affects who can open paywalled lessons — double-check your course Access Settings after saving.
Tip: Use a clear Offer Title like Course name — paywall edition so prospective buyers immediately understand they’re viewing a preview.
How to manage your paywall
Move your paywall from within your Course outline to customize your customers' access to your course.
Open the Products tab from your Dashboard.
Click Courses.
Select the Course with the paywall enabled.
Hover your mouse over the Paywall indicator.
Then, drag and drop it to your desired location.
Note: Paywalls can only be placed between modules.
How to customize the paywall pop-up modal
When a lesson is locked by a paywall, students will see a pop-up modal prompting them to purchase or upgrade their access. You can customize this modal within your Product theme editor.
Note: Paywalls are only supported on the Premier and Momentum product themes.
To customize your paywall modal:
Open the Course you would like to edit.
Click Customize to open the product theme editor.
Confirm that your product is using either the Premier or Momentum theme.
If you are using a different theme, you will need to switch to Premier or Momentum to access and customize paywalls.In the theme editor, use the dropdown at the top of the page and switch from Product to Post.
In the left sidebar, click Paywall.
Toggle on Edit Paywall Modal.
Add and arrange any custom blocks you would like to display in the modal.
When you are finished editing, toggle off Edit Paywall Modal.
Click Save to apply your changes.
How to preview your paywall modal
To see how your customized modal appears to students:
Return to your Course outline.
In the top right corner, click the eye button to Preview.
Select Preview Limited Access.
Click into any locked lesson to view your paywall modal.
Your updates will now display whenever a student attempts to access a lesson restricted by your paywall.
Marketing with a Course paywall
Using a paywall as a lead magnet is an effective strategy for driving new customers to your Course. Here’s how you can use your paywall to capture interest and convert visitors into paying customers:
Offer a preview module or lesson: Allow potential customers to access the first module or a specific lesson in your Course for free. This allows them to experience a part of the value you provide without giving away everything.
By default, your Course paywall will be created directly below the first module. However, you can adjust the placement to best fit your Course.
Create a sneak peek video: Provide a sneak peek video or webinar that introduces your course content. After the preview, prompt users to unlock the rest of the course by purchasing.
Set up a limited-time Discount: Create urgency by offering a limited-time Discount for users who decide to purchase the full course after accessing the preview content. This can drive conversions and encourage users to take action quickly.
Course paywall best practices & troubleshooting
Place the paywall where it maximizes value — gate content after a free preview or introductory module.
Preview as a customer or use a test account to confirm the paywall works before publishing.
Name gated sections clearly so customers understand what they get after purchase.
Important:
Moving the paywall only changes access for new enrollments and guests — review existing customer access before significant changes.
If you don’t see the paywall toggle, refresh the pricing page and confirm you have permission to edit the course.
FAQs
Can I paywall only specific lessons in a Course?
Yes — mark specific lessons as paywalled in the Course editor so visitors can preview some content while premium lessons remain locked.
Will existing students lose access after I enable a paywall?
No — existing students who already have the appropriate purchase or access level retain access.
Important: Double-check access settings if you use custom permission logic.
Can I change the Offer Title after the paywall is enabled?
Yes — update the Offer Title any time and click Save changes. Changes apply immediately to new visitors.
How can I test the paywall before it is enabled?
Log out or open your site in an incognito window and try to access paywalled lessons to confirm the preview and Offer display correctly.