A content locker hides part of a post, such as a bonus download, template, or extra tips, until the reader takes an action. Classic “social lockers” asked readers to share a post to unlock it; today, email lockers that ask for an email address are far more common and effective.
Updated October 2026: several social locker plugins from the original version of this post (OnePress Social Locker and MyThemeShop’s Content Locker Pro) are no longer available, so this list now covers the options that still work.
Social Lockers vs Email Lockers
- Social lockers trade content for a share. They can boost shares, but social networks discourage incentivized engagement (Facebook’s platform policy prohibits rewarding people for liking a Page), and forced shares rarely bring much traffic.
- Email lockers trade content for an email address. You build an audience you own and can contact again, which is usually worth much more than a share.
Whatever you lock, make it worth it: a checklist, template, ebook, discount code, or video. Never lock the main answer the reader came for, or they will simply leave.
Best Content Locker Plugins
1. Social Snap (Content Locker Add-on)
Social Snap is an all-in-one social media plugin with share buttons, click to tweet, share count recovery, and social login. Its Pro version includes a Content Locker add-on that hides content until visitors share or follow, which is the simplest option if you already use Social Snap for sharing.
2. Thrive Leads (Email Content Lock)
Thrive Leads includes a Content Lock form: part of a post is blurred or hidden until the visitor subscribes. It connects to all major email services, offers A/B testing, and lets you target lockers to specific posts or categories.
3. OptinMonster (Content Locking)
OptinMonster can lock content behind an inline opt-in form, either blurring or removing the hidden part, alongside its popups, floating bars, and advanced targeting.
4. Social Share & Locker Pro
Social Share & Locker Pro on CodeCanyon combines share buttons with social lockers, multiple locker themes, delayed unlock, and targeting by device or user role. It costs about $20, but it was last updated in 2022, so test it with your current WordPress version before relying on it.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Want shares and already use a sharing plugin: Social Snap.
- Want to grow your email list: Thrive Leads or OptinMonster.
- Need full paid memberships instead of simple lockers: a membership plugin such as MemberPress or Paid Memberships Pro.
Learn more about growing your list with these email popup plugins and social sharing plugins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are social lockers bad for SEO?
Hidden content may not be counted by Google if it is not in the page code. Keep your main content visible and lock only bonus material.
Do social lockers violate Facebook rules?
Facebook prohibits rewarding people for liking a Page. Share-based lockers are a gray area, which is one reason many bloggers have switched to email lockers.
What should I lock?
Bonus items such as checklists, templates, ebooks, or discount codes, never the main answer to the reader’s question.
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