Token-gated content delivery is transforming how Web3 communities manage exclusive access. By using blockchain tokens, creators can grant secure, members-only access to content, perks, and experiences. Whether you're running a DAO, NFT project, or private community, here are four tools to consider:
| Feature | EtherMail | Collab.Land | Unlock Protocol | Lit Protocol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use Case | Email marketing & token-gated content | Community management | Membership NFTs & access control | Conditional content access |
| Key Features | Token segmentation, AI newsletters | Discord/Telegram integration | Time-based memberships | Conditional decryption |
| Blockchain Support | Ethereum-compatible chains | 24+ EVM chains | Ethereum, Polygon, Gnosis | Multi-chain (EVM, Cosmos, Solana) |
Each tool caters to unique needs, from email campaigns to encrypted content. Choose the one that aligns with your community’s goals and blockchain ecosystem.
EtherMail is a Web3 email marketing platform designed to deliver token-restricted content while boosting community interaction and rewards.
With advanced segmentation tools, EtherMail targets specific token holders effectively. Its PayWall system allows users to set their content preferences and earn EMCs for engaging with the platform. These tools work seamlessly with EtherMail's infrastructure for smooth operations.
EtherMail brings several standout features to the table:
This setup offers flexibility, making it easier to manage and deliver Web3 content.
EtherMail supports various delivery methods tailored to Web3 projects:
| Feature | Capability | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Contract Integration | Wallet-to-wallet messaging | Better security and verification |
| Token Segmentation | Focused content targeting | Higher engagement rates |
| AI Newsletters | Automated content adjustments | More relevant content for readers |
Collab.Land is a token-gating platform that supports over 40,000 communities and integrates with 3.5 million wallets .
Collab.Land uses Token Gating Rules (TGRs) to manage access. It offers two verification methods: balance-based verification for ERC20 tokens and attributes-based verification for NFTs. The system automatically checks token ownership and removes access if the criteria are no longer met . This process integrates smoothly with a variety of blockchain networks.
Collab.Land is compatible with 24 L1 and L2 blockchain networks and supports multiple token standards:
| Token Type | Supported Networks |
|---|---|
| ERC Standards | ERC20, ERC721, ERC1155 |
| BSC Standards | BEP20, BEP721, BEP1155 |
| Other Chains | FLOW FT/NFT, Solana FT/NFT |
| Networks | Ethereum, Polygon, Avalanche, Arbitrum One, Optimism, Gnosis |
Collab.Land enables developers to integrate token-gating through its advanced API and endpoint system. Its features include single-link access control, restricting website elements based on token ownership, and automating role management in platforms like Discord and Telegram.
"Collab.Land is a read-only application. When you sign a message, you attest that you own a particular wallet address. Collab.Land reads the public blockchain to verify that the wallet address is connected to the required token address to grant a role. There is no opportunity for Collab.Land to have access to anything other than your public wallet address, which is viewable to everyone." - Collab.Land
For example, Frogland uses Collab.Land to manage Discord access for holders of Notorious Frogs NFTs .
Unlock Protocol provides token-gating through its 'Bring Your Own NFT' system. This allows creators to use any ERC-721, ERC-1155, or ERC-20 token for access control . Membership durations are highly customizable, ranging from just 1 second to over 10,000 years .
"One way to think of token gating is that it is 'permission-less' in-app purchases. Your application does not need the approval of an App Store to sell access to custom features or content." - Unlock Protocol
Here’s a breakdown of its membership management features:
| Feature Category | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Access Control | Front-end and back-end token gating |
| Membership Options | Purchasable or earnable memberships |
| Duration Control | Configurable from 1 second to 10,000+ years |
| Management Tools | Price setting, quantity limits, renewals |
| Payment Methods | Cross-chain checkout with USDC, ETH, OP |
This setup works across multiple blockchain networks, offering creators flexibility and scalability.
Unlock Protocol is compatible with several blockchain networks, such as Ethereum, xDAI, and Polygon (Matic) . This multi-network support allows creators to connect with audiences across various ecosystems while maintaining consistent access controls.
The platform makes delivering exclusive content seamless. For instance, e-commerce sites can offer discounts specifically for Boss Beauties NFT holders, or creators can restrict access to certain sections for communities like World of Women . Unlock Protocol also enables creators to generate purchase URLs for NFT memberships, complete with credit card payment options and customization features .
Unlock Protocol offers two service tiers to suit different needs:
| Feature | Basic (Free) | Unlock Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Onchain Payments | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-network Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Event Landing Pages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Event Limit | Up to 5 | Unlimited |
| Monthly ETH Rewards | – | ~110% of membership cost |
| Airdrops | Limited | Unlimited |
| Partner Discounts | – | ✓ |
Pricing: Unlock Prime costs 250 UP per month . Pricing depends on market conditions, and while members can cancel at any time, refunds are not pro-rated .
Lit Protocol uses its Access Control Conditions system to enforce token-based access rules with precision . Here's what makes it stand out:
"Token gating is a way to control and restrict access to exclusive content by requiring customers to acquire a specific NFT or number of tokens." – Samson Adesanoye
Lit Protocol is recognized for its broad cross-chain compatibility, supporting a variety of blockchain platforms. Here's a quick overview:
| Blockchain Category | Supported Networks | Features |
|---|---|---|
| EVM-Based | Ethereum, Polygon, others | ECDSA secp256k1 signing |
| Cosmos Ecosystem | Multiple Cosmos chains | Chain abstraction |
| Solana | Solana mainnet | Ed25519 curve support |
| Custom Solutions | Multiple networks | Custom Wrapped Keys SDK |
The chain abstraction feature allows smooth signing and interaction across networks like Bitcoin, EVM, Solana, Cosmos, and Move . Developers can also request support for other blockchains if needed .
Lit Protocol provides flexible content delivery options through key integrations:
One example: In September 2022, a Next.js app used the Polygon Mumbai Network to restrict routes by verifying NFT ownership .
The platform’s decentralized key management, powered by threshold cryptography, bridges on-chain and off-chain systems securely. This enables exclusive experiences tailored to digital assets owned by specific communities .
Explore how these Web3 token-gating tools enhance community interaction and protect content access.
| Feature | EtherMail | Collab.Land | Unlock Protocol | Lit Protocol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use Case | Web3 email marketing & token-gated content | Community token gating & role management | Membership NFTs & access control | Conditional content access |
| Key Features | • Token/NFT segmentation • AI newsletters • Email airdrops • Anti-phishing codes | • Discord/Telegram integration • Balance-based rules • Attribute-based NFT checks | • Time-based memberships • Direct creator compensation • Minting capabilities | • Conditional decryption • Cross-chain support |
| Blockchain Support | Ethereum-compatible chains | Multiple EVM chains | Ethereum, Polygon, Gnosis | Multi-chain (EVM, Cosmos, Solana) |
| Target Users | Web3 projects, DAOs, NFT communities | Discord/Telegram communities | Content creators, membership platforms | Developers, dApps |
This table breaks down the core offerings of each tool, showcasing their distinct functionalities.
EtherMail stands out for its Web3-focused email marketing solutions, offering tools like token-based audience segmentation and AI-powered newsletters. Collab.Land, on the other hand, simplifies community management with seamless Discord and Telegram integration, making it ideal for social platform-based groups .
Unlock Protocol focuses on time-limited NFT memberships, giving creators a way to earn steady income from loyal supporters . Meanwhile, Lit Protocol shines with its multi-chain support and advanced conditional access features, catering to developers and decentralized applications.
Token gating is reshaping how Web3 communities are managed by creating secure and exclusive digital environments. Different platforms cater to specific community needs, all while contributing to the broader Web3 ecosystem.
EtherMail uses token-based segmentation and AI-powered newsletters to engage directly with DAOs and NFT projects. It also strengthens security with anti-phishing tools and boosts interaction through email airdrops.
Collab.Land has become a popular choice for managing Discord and Telegram communities, thanks to its efficient verification system that simplifies community organization .
Practical examples highlight the flexibility of token gating. For instance, Friends With Benefits (FWB) requires members to hold 75 $FWB tokens to join their Discord, while access to the VeeCon conference is reserved for VeeFriends token holders . These cases show how token gating transforms digital interactions into meaningful community perks.
Here’s how to get started with token gating:
As Web3 continues to grow, token gating tools are evolving to meet increasing demands. Whether you're managing a DAO, an NFT project, or a membership-based platform, these tools help create exclusive, value-driven experiences for your community.