--- articleType: Tutorial breadcrumbPath: Memberships > Getting started with Memberships categories: - Memberships - Payments contextString: Requires Memberships enabled on your Fourthwall account. Available on all Fourthwall plans. labels: - dms - dm - pay-per-view - direct-messages - ppv - pay-per-view last_updated: '2024-09-23' path: memberships/getting-started-with-memberships/locked-messages primaryTopic: locked-messages relatedModules: - name: memberships-settings-messages route: /admin/dashboard/memberships/settings/messages - name: memberships-messages route: /admin/dashboard/memberships/messages/ - name: memberships-post-tags route: /admin/dashboard/memberships/settings/post-tags/ - name: memberships-overview route: /admin/dashboard/memberships/overview - name: memberships-upselling route: /admin/dashboard/memberships/settings/upselling shortDescription: Locked messages (PPV) are direct messages that members pay a one-time price to unlock. tags: - locked-messages - pay-per-view - ppv - direct-messages - memberships - creator-monetization - fan-engagement - one-time-payment tasks: - send locked PPV message - set price and teaser for locked message - attach media to locked message - track locked message revenue terms: - locked messages - ppv - pay per view - direct messages - dms - monetize dms - sell content in messages - membership messages - unlock message - message revenue - fan commissions title: Locked messages zendeskArticleId: '23454431235355' --- # Locked Messages Locked messages — also called PPV (pay-per-view) — are direct messages containing text, photos, audio, or video that members must pay a one-time price to access. You set the unlock price and a teaser preview. Members receive a notification, see the teaser, and pay to unlock the full content. You can send locked messages to individual members or as a mass message to all members or selected segments. ## What can I use locked messages for? Locked messages give you multiple ways to earn from direct engagement with your community: - **Increased engagement**. Private messages — including locked ones — drive conversations with your closest fans and create a more personal connection than public posts. - **Upsell higher tiers**. Send higher-tier content to lower-tier members as a one-off incentive to upgrade. - **New revenue stream**. Earn additional income from exclusive content delivered in a private, direct channel. - **Sell custom commissions**. Offer personalized creations such as artwork, music, or custom videos directly through pay-per-view messages, where you can also discuss details privately. - **Monetize overflow content**. If you have content that does not fit your main feed but is too valuable to offer for free, locked messages provide a separate, more private distribution channel. ## How do I send a locked message? Direct messages must be enabled on your site before you can send locked messages. If not yet enabled, see [How Direct Messages Work](/memberships/getting-started-with-memberships/how-direct-messages-work). 1. Navigate to **Memberships > Messages** and click **New message** or the + icon. 2. Select your recipients and click **Confirm**. 3. In the message composition window, click the **$** icon next to the message input. This reveals two additional fields: - **Message price** — the one-time amount members must pay to unlock the message (minimum $1, maximum $100) - **Message teaser** — text displayed to members before they unlock, visible as a preview 4. Optionally attach media: either one or more photos, one video, or one audio file. You cannot mix media types in a single locked message. 5. Click **Send**. Audio and video attachments may take up to one hour to process. For faster video processing, upload videos at a maximum resolution of 1080p. ## What do members see when they receive a locked message? When a locked message is delivered, members receive both an email notification and a push notification. In the Messages window, they see: - Your teaser text - A blurred preview of any attached image, or a blurred thumbnail for video attachments - The number of images (if image attachment) or media duration (for audio or video) - An **Unlock for $X.XX** button that takes them to the purchase flow After payment, they gain immediate access to the full message content. ## How do I track locked message revenue? In your Fourthwall dashboard, navigate to **Analytics**, click **Full report** on the Profit chart, and select **Memberships paid message** from the **Type** filter dropdown. This shows earnings specifically from locked messages. ## Frequently asked questions **How should I price my locked messages?** Pricing depends on your audience and content type. Starting between $5 and $20 is a reasonable baseline — send a few messages, observe how your fans respond, and adjust accordingly. **What media types can I attach to a locked message?** You can attach one or more photos, one video, or one audio file. Mixed media types in a single message are NOT yet supported. **What are the content restrictions for locked messages?** Content must comply with the [Fourthwall Acceptable Use Policy](https://fourthwall.com/acceptable-use-policy). There are no additional restrictions specific to locked messages beyond what applies to all Fourthwall content. **Can former or expired members unlock locked messages?** Yes. Former and expired members can unlock and purchase locked messages. They cannot send a message back unless they re-subscribe. **Can I see how many members unlocked a specific locked message?** Per-message unlock counts are NOT available yet. Enhanced analytics for locked messages are on the roadmap. You can currently see total locked message revenue in the Analytics tab using the Memberships paid message filter. **Can I edit or delete a locked message after sending?** Edit and delete functionality for locked messages is NOT currently available. ## Troubleshooting & Common Issues **Problem:** The $ icon is not visible in the message composition window **Solution:** Confirm that direct messages are enabled under **Memberships > Settings > Messages**. The locked message option is only available when DMs are active. **Problem:** Attached video is not appearing for members after sending **Solution:** Video processing can take up to one hour. Ensure the video was uploaded at 1080p or lower for the fastest processing times. If it still does not appear after an hour, contact support@fourthwall.com. **Problem:** A member clicked the unlock button but says they cannot access the content **Solution:** Confirm the payment completed successfully. Members are taken to a purchase flow — if payment did not go through, the content remains locked. Ask the member to check their payment method and retry.