When creating or editing a channel in Webcastcloud, you can control how users access your content using two key security settings:
- Authentication Required
- Private Channel
This article focuses on Authentication Required.
What does “Authentication Required” mean?
Enabling Authentication Required ensures that users must log in before they can access a channel or its content.
Users can still see that the channel exists (for example, in your library, spotlight rows, or navigation), but they won’t be able to open the channel page or view its content unless they are logged in.
This is commonly used to:
- Encourage registrations or sign-ups
- Gate premium or member-only content
- Control access to event or course material
How it works on a Channel
When Authentication Required is enabled on a channel:
- If an anonymous user tries to access the channel directly (e.g.
https://yoursite.webcastcloud.com/channel-name), they will be redirected to your login page. - If a user is browsing your library and selects the channel, they will also be prompted to log in before continuing.
- The login experience will follow your configured method (local login or SSO).
Once logged in, the user can proceed to the channel and access any content they have permission to view.
When should you use this?
This setting is widely used across most Webcastcloud sites.
Typical use cases include:
- Free content that still requires user login
- Channels with large libraries of videos or resources
- Event hubs or conference content
- Lead generation (allow browsing, require login to watch)
A common approach is to:
- Leave a small amount of content fully open
- Use Authentication Required to unlock deeper access
- Prompt users to register before engaging further
How to enable Authentication Required
To enable this setting, follow the steps in the article below:
Require Login on a Channel (Authentication Required)