# Create protected content

> Add a video, text, file or private link under Protected Content, choose who can open it and for how long, then check it with Preview.
>
> Source: https://docs.bcl.my/create-protected-content/

Each piece of protected content is one thing a buyer can open: a video, a text, a set of files or a private link. You create it once, then link it to the items or tickets that unlock it. You need the **OTP-Protected Content** add-on.

## Create the content

Have your video link, text, files or destination link ready. Then:

1. In the sidebar, click **Protected Content**.

   *(Screenshot: The BCL sidebar with Protected Content highlighted)*

2. Click **New Content**.

   *(Screenshot: The Protected Contents page with the New Content button highlighted)*

3. Under **Basic Information**, fill in **Title**, up to 100 characters. Add a **Description** if you like: buyers see it above the content. Click **Variables** to add the buyer's name, order number or access dates.

   *(Screenshot: Basic Information with the Title and Description fields highlighted)*

4. On the **Content Settings** tab, choose a **Content Type** and add the content. Each type has its own guide:

   | Content Type | What you add | Guide |
   |---|---|---|
   | **Video** | A YouTube, Vimeo or Facebook link, or an embed code | [Protect a video](/protected-content-video/) |
   | **Text** | Rich text written in BCL | [Protect text content](/protected-content-text/) |
   | **File** | Up to 10 files, 5MB each | [Protect files](/protected-content-files/) |
   | **Redirect URL** | The link buyers are sent to | [Send buyers to a private link](/protected-content-redirect/) |

   *(Screenshot: The Content Settings tab with Content Type set to Video)*

5. Under **Access Control**, choose the **Access Type** and set **Maximum Devices** (0 means unlimited). Turn on **Show on Receipt** so buyers see a button for the content on their receipt. See [Control who can open your content](/protected-content-access-control/).

   *(Screenshot: The Access Control section with Access Type and Show on Receipt highlighted)*

6. Click **Create Protected Content**.

   *(Screenshot: The Create Protected Content button at the top of the page)*

The content appears in the list. Nobody has access yet: [link it to an item or ticket](/protected-content-attach-to-products/) next.

## Check it with Preview

To see the page exactly as a buyer will, click **View** in the **Preview** column of the list, or **Preview** at the top of the content's edit page. Template variables such as `{name}` show as they are, because there is no buyer yet.

*(Screenshot: The Protected Contents list with the Preview column highlighted)*

## Manage your content

The list shows every content with its **Type**, **Access**, **Max Devices**, **Used In** (how many items and tickets unlock it) and **Total Access**. From it you can:

| Action | How |
|---|---|
| Edit the content | Click **Edit** |
| Turn it off for everyone | Switch off **Active**. Buyers see **Content Unavailable** until you turn it back on. |
| Hide or show it on receipts | Use the **Show on Receipt** switch |
| See the details and where it is used | Menu next to **Edit** → **View Details** |
| See who has access | Menu next to **Edit** → **Customer Access**. See [Manage who has access](/protected-content-customers/). |
| Get the Access Finder link | Menu next to **Edit** → **Access Link** |
| Copy it | Menu next to **Edit** → **Duplicate** |

Use the **All**, **Video**, **Text**, **File** and **Redirect** tabs, or **Filter**, to narrow the list.

## Tips

Two habits save trouble later:

- **Name content for the buyer, not for you.** The title is the button label on the receipt and the heading of the content page. If you want a different name in the access email, set **Email Item Name** on the **Additional Settings** tab.
- **Switch off Active instead of deleting.** Buyers keep their access and their links, and everything works again the moment you switch it back on.

## Common issues

### I created the content but my buyer cannot see it. What did I miss?

Creating the content does not give anyone access. Link it to a payment form item or an event ticket (see Give buyers access (/protected-content-attach-to-products/)). Buyers who paid before you linked it need Grant Buyer Access.

### Why is my content missing from the Protected Content list on the item?

The item's Protected Content field only lists content that is Active. Turn on Active on the content, or its switch in the Active column of the list.

### Can I copy a content to make a similar one?

Yes. In the list, open the menu next to Edit and click Duplicate. The copy is named with (Copy), starts inactive, and is not linked to any item or ticket.