Describing online content (articles, videos, data, etc.) that is accessible only to those who have paid a subscription fee, membership, or made a one-time purchase. This restriction prevents general, free access, relying instead on a financial transaction to unlock the material. Paywalls can be used by news organizations, academic institutions, and content creators as a method of revenue generation and to protect intellectual property.
Paywalled meaning with examples
- The investigative report was paywalled, requiring a premium subscription to the news outlet. I couldn't access the details of the corruption scandal without signing up. This financial barrier restricts access and favors paying members. Many online news sources use this strategy to fund their journalism efforts and maintain quality.
- Researchers found that academic journals are heavily paywalled, often making vital scientific breakthroughs unavailable to the general public. Access requires expensive institutional subscriptions or individual article purchases. This limits the dissemination of knowledge and hinders collaborative research efforts by pricing out unaffiliated parties.
- The online course's video lectures were paywalled behind a course fee. Potential students must pay before they have the privilege to view the entire course content. The restriction created an obstacle for those with limited financial resources. Content creators utilize this as a common source of revenue.
- To protect its exclusive content, the streaming service's original documentaries are all paywalled. Viewers must have an active subscription. This model ensures exclusivity and generates steady revenue. It protects from unwanted content distribution. This business model is popular in the entertainment industry.
- The financial analysis report, crucial for investment decisions, was paywalled and needed a hefty payment. Its exclusivity created a sense of limited access. This approach is commonly adopted by financial firms that offer premium services for users requiring the content for their operations.