Content Availability & Scheduling in Circles

Content Availability allows you to control when content becomes accessible to members inside your Circle. Instead of releasing everything at once, you can design a paced, structured, and intentional experience—whether that’s a drip-based course, a guided onboarding flow, a challenge, or a cohort-based program.

By combining Content Availability with Access Levels, you gain full control over who can access content and when—a powerful foundation for scalable courses, memberships, and programs.

Where Content Availability Is Set

Content Availability can only be configured at Page Group level and Page level. It is not available at Circle level.

To set Content Availability for a Page Group or Page:

• Open your Circle.
• Locate the Group or Page in the Circle navigation.
• Click the ⚙️ cog icon next to the Group or Page name.
• Select Group or Page Settings.
• Locate Content Availability and choose the desired option.

This setting applies to all pages inside the group, unless a specific page overrides it.

This gives you flexibility to:

• Release entire modules at once (Page Groups)
• Control lesson-by-lesson progression (Pages)
• Mix different availability rules within the same Circle

Content Availability Options (Overview)

Each Page or Page Group can use one of the following availability options:

1. Right Away – Content is available instantly
2. Drip Release – Content is available a specific time after the member joined the circle
3. Completion-Based Release – Content is available after the member has completed another page
4. Scheduled Release – Content is available at a specific day and time

Each option serves a different pedagogical and business purpose. Let’s break them down in detail.

1. Right Away (Immediate Access)

What it does

Content becomes available immediately as soon as a member has access to the Circle, Page Group, or Page.

Member experience

• No delay
• No locking
• Content is fully accessible instantly

Best for

• Resource libraries
• Open communities
• Bonus material
• Self-paced programs
• Evergreen content

Typical use cases

• A free resource hub
• A knowledge base
• Bonus pages unlocked with purchase
• Catch-up content for late joiners

2. Drip Release (Time-Based)

Drip Release unlocks content after a defined time period has passed since the member gained access (since enrollment).

How Drip Release Works

• You set a delay (e.g. 1 day, 3 days, 7 days)
• Content remains locked until the timer expires
• Once unlocked, content stays available

Example setup

• Page: Video 2
• Availability: Drip Release
• Delay: 1 day after enrollment

If a member tries to access the page before the release time, they’ll see a locked state with a countdown timer indicating when the content becomes available.

Use Case Examples for Drip Content

Course module release

• A course releases one lesson every 3 days
• Prevents overwhelm
• Encourages steady progress

Membership content

• Weekly expert insights released on a schedule
• Keeps members engaged long-term
• Prevents binge-and-churn behavior

Onboarding sequences

• New members unlock tools and resources step by step
• Guides them through setup and orientation

Challenges and training series

• Daily workouts, tasks, or prompts
• Prevents skipping ahead
• Creates momentum and accountability

3. Completion-Based Release (Progress-Gated)

Completion-Based Release unlocks content only after a member completes specific previous content.

This creates a structured learning path where progression is intentional and enforced.

How Completion-Based Release Works

• Content remains locked until a prerequisite page is completed
• Completion is tracked at page level
• Once completed, the next content unlocks automatically

Example Setup

• Video 1
  • Track Content Completion: Enabled
• Video 2
  • Content Availability: Completion-Based
  • Unlocks when Video 1 is completed

Members cannot access Video 2 until they actively complete Video 1. If a member tries to access the page before they have completed the specified content, they’ll see a locked state prompting them to complete the specified content to gain access  with a CTA to go to the specified content.

Best Use Cases for Completion-Based Release

Structured courses

• Lessons must be completed in order
• Ideal for certifications or skill-based training

Compliance or mandatory training

• Ensures members don’t skip required material

Progressive learning programs

• Builds knowledge step by step
• Reinforces understanding before advancing

Hybrid programs

• Combine drip + completion logic
• Example: weekly releases + required completion

4. Scheduled Release (Date & Time)

Scheduled Release makes content available at a specific date and time, regardless of when the member joined.

How Scheduled Release Works

• You select a calendar date and time
• Content unlocks simultaneously for all eligible members
• Ideal for live or cohort-based experiences

Example Setup: Scheduled Release

• Module 1
  • Content Availability: Scheduled
  • Release Date: June 15, 10:00 AM

How it works:

Module1 becomes accessible automatically at the scheduled date and time, regardless of when a member joined the Circle or completed previous content.

Before the release time:

• Members can see the page in the navigation (if not hidden)
• The content remains locked
• Members are shown a locked state with a message indicating when the content will be available

Once the scheduled time is reached:

• Video 2 unlocks automatically
• No manual action is required
• All eligible members gain access at the same time

Best Use Cases for Scheduled Release

Cohort-based programs

• Everyone progresses together
• Content unlocks weekly on fixed dates

Live launches

• Content released in sync with live calls
• Prevents early access

Events and workshops

• Pre-work unlocks before an event
• Replays unlock after the event

Announcements or seasonal content

• Timed releases aligned with campaigns

Page Group vs Page Availability (Important Distinction)

Page Group availability

• Applies to all pages inside the group
• Ideal for releasing full modules or sections

Page-level availability

• Applies only to a single page
• Ideal for lesson-by-lesson control

You can combine both:

• Drip an entire module (Page Group)
• Then gate individual lessons by completion (Pages)

Combining Content Availability with Access Levels

Content Availability controls when content is available.

Access Levels control who can access it.

Together, they allow you to create:

• Free previews that unlock over time
• Trials with staged access
• Paid programs with guided progression
• Evergreen courses with structured pacing

Example combination

• Circle Access: Logged-in Members (free registration)
• Page Group Access: Members of a Group (paid)
• First Page: Right Away (preview)
• Remaining Pages: Drip or Completion-Based

Best Practices for Content Availability

• Start with Right Away for simple content
• Use Drip Release to manage pacing and engagement
• Use Completion-Based Release for learning integrity
• Use Scheduled Release for cohorts and launches
• Avoid overcomplicating – clarity beats complexity
• Always test availability rules using a real member account

Testing Content Availability Correctly

Preview mode is useful to fully simulate availability logic.

Best practice

1. Create a test member account (use a separate email)
2. Assign correct access levels or member groups
3. Log in as that member
4. Navigate the Circle normally

This is the only reliable way to verify:

• Locked vs unlocked content
• Drip timers
• Completion-based gating
• Scheduled releases

Summary

Content Availability allows you to:

• Control when content becomes accessible
• Design paced and intentional learning journeys
• Prevent overwhelm and improve engagement
• Support courses, memberships, challenges, and cohorts

By thoughtfully combining Content Availability, Access Levels, and Page Groups, you can create structured, engaging, and scalable Circle experiences—exactly the way you want your members to progress.