# What is Protected Content?

> Protected Content keeps videos, files, text and private links inside BCL and opens them only for buyers who confirm a one-time code.
>
> Source: https://docs.bcl.my/protected-content-overview/

Protected Content is an add-on that locks your digital products inside BCL. You link a video, file, text or private link to something you sell. When a customer pays, BCL gives them their own access link, and they confirm a one-time code (OTP) before the content opens. A forwarded link is no use to anyone else.

## How a buyer gets access

The same flow runs for every piece of content:

1. The customer buys an item on your payment form, or a ticket on your event form, that has protected content linked to it.
2. BCL creates their access as soon as the payment succeeds. The receipt page shows **Your Content is Ready!** with a button for each piece of content, and BCL emails them **Your Protected Content is Now Available**.

   *(Screenshot: The receipt page with the Your Content is Ready! window listing four pieces of content)*

3. The customer opens their link and chooses where to receive a 6-digit code: **Email**, **SMS** or **WhatsApp**.
4. They enter the code and the content opens. The browser stays verified, so they do not need a new code each time.

Customers can also find their content again in the [Customer Portal](/customer-portal/), from the **Access Link** you share, or from the receipt page.

## What you can protect

You choose one **Content Type** for each piece of content:

| Content type | Use it for | Details |
|---|---|---|
| **Video** | Online classes, webinar recordings, members-only videos, pay-per-view live streams | YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook or your own embed code. [Protect a video](/protected-content-video/) |
| **Text** | Instructions, member codes, passwords, a thank-you note | Rich text with the buyer's name and order number. [Protect text content](/protected-content-text/) |
| **File** | eBooks, PDF guides, templates, ZIP packs | Up to 10 files, 5MB each. [Protect files](/protected-content-files/) |
| **Redirect URL** | A private Telegram or WhatsApp group, a course on another site | The link is only revealed after the code. [Send buyers to a private link](/protected-content-redirect/) |

## Features

Protected Content has these parts:

| Feature | What it does | Where to learn more |
|---|---|---|
| OTP by email, SMS or WhatsApp | Only the buyer can open their access link | [Access control](/protected-content-access-control/) |
| Access Type | Open straight away, only between two dates, or for a number of days after purchase | [Access control](/protected-content-access-control/) |
| Maximum Devices | Limits how many devices can use one buyer's access at the same time | [Access control](/protected-content-access-control/) |
| Maximum Downloads | Limits how many times a buyer can download the files | [Protect files](/protected-content-files/) |
| Show on Receipt | Puts the content buttons on the receipt page | [Access control](/protected-content-access-control/) |
| Preview | Shows the content page exactly as buyers see it | [Create protected content](/create-protected-content/) |
| Link to items and tickets | Payment form items and event tickets grant access when paid | [Give buyers access](/protected-content-attach-to-products/) |
| Grant Buyer Access | Gives access to people who bought before you linked the content | [Give buyers access](/protected-content-attach-to-products/) |
| Customer Access | Lists every buyer, their dates, views and devices; resend or revoke access | [Manage who has access](/protected-content-customers/) |
| Access Finder link | One link where buyers look up their access with their email or phone | [Manage who has access](/protected-content-customers/) |
| Video protection | Blocks right-click, copying, dragging and common save and developer shortcuts on video pages | [Protect a video](/protected-content-video/) |
| Pay-per-view stream page | A stream player with themes, Watch on TV and live ad breaks | [Sell a pay-per-view live stream](/ppv-live-stream/) |
| API and AI tools | Read content and buyers, change status, title and access by API or MCP | [Manage protected content by API](/protected-content-api/) |

Access links also appear in automation variables and in the payment webhook, so you can send them by WhatsApp or to your own system.

## Turn on the add-on

Protected Content is the **OTP-Protected Content** add-on, which you turn on under **Add-ons** in the sidebar. Until it is on, the **Protected Content** menu opens a page about the add-on instead of your content. Once it is on, the menu shows your content list.

*(Screenshot: The Protected Content list with New Content at the top right)*

Ready to start? See [real examples](/protected-content-use-cases/), or go straight to [Create protected content](/create-protected-content/).

## Common issues

### How do I sell content that customers must pay for before they can watch it?

Use the OTP-Protected Content add-on. Create the content under Protected Content, link it to a payment form item or an event ticket, and BCL gives every paid buyer their own access link that opens only after a one-time code.

### Can the customer turn off the OTP?

No. The one-time code is always required. It is what stops a buyer from sharing the link with friends, because the code only goes to the buyer's own email, phone or WhatsApp.

### Can I use a Google Drive link instead of protected content?

Yes, as a Download Link on the item (see Sell digital products (/sell-digital-products/)). It needs no add-on, but anyone who gets the link can open it. Protected Content asks for a one-time code first.