How episode unlock works
A series is split into many short episodes. The opening episodes play free. From a chosen point, each episode shows a lock, and the viewer unlocks it by spending coins, watching a rewarded ad or holding a subscription pass.
An unlocked episode stays unlocked on that account. Most apps offer auto-unlock, which spends coins for the next episode automatically so that playback is not interrupted.
Where to put the lock
The lock belongs after the viewer is invested in the story and immediately after a cliffhanger. Too early and viewers leave before caring; too late and you give away most of the series.
Test the position per series. The measure to watch is the share of viewers who reach the lock and then unlock at least one episode.
Pricing a series by the episode
- Price each episode low enough to be an impulse decision
- Check the total: episodes multiplied by price should be a figure a fan would accept
- Offer a whole-series unlock or a pass at a discount for committed viewers
- Let free viewers progress slowly through ads or daily rewards
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