PrivateContent is a long-standing, robust membership and content restriction plugin for WordPress. Developed by LCweb, it is specifically designed to handle large user bases by using a standalone database table, which makes it faster and more scalable than the default WordPress user system.
This is EXACTLY the same product as distributed by the developer. Sales Page Documentation
Multilevel Access: Create unlimited user levels (e.g., Bronze, Silver, Gold). Users can belong to multiple levels simultaneously.
Standalone Database: Unlike most plugins that bloat the wp_users table, PrivateContent stores its users separately. This keeps your WordPress backend clean and improves performance for sites with thousands of members.
User-Reserved Pages: Each user can have a unique “Private Page.” You can display specific content meant only for that individual user, such as invoices, personal documents, or custom messages.
Restriction Wizard: A visual tool that lets you lock down posts, pages, categories, or even specific menu items with a few clicks. It also supports “Inheritance,” meaning if you restrict a category, all posts within it are automatically protected.
Form Builder: Includes a flexible registration and login form builder with custom fields, HTML5 validation, and anti-spam (skinning options like Light, Dark, and Minimal are included).
The plugin has evolved to stay compatible with the latest WordPress ecosystem tools:
Page Builders: Native blocks and widgets for Gutenberg, Elementor, Divi, and WPBakery. You can set visibility settings directly on individual design elements.
WooCommerce: It includes a “Purchase Lock” that can hide prices or disable the “Add to Cart” button until a user logs in.
Security: As of April 2026, ensure you are running version 1.3.1 or higher. Older versions (up to 1.2.0) were flagged for a minor security vulnerability (CVE-2026-4025) related to shortcode attributes.
| Feature | Free Version | Pro/Premium Version |
| User Levels | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Registration Forms | 1 Basic Form | Unlimited + Custom Skins |
| Restrictions | Basic Page/Post | Advanced Wizard + URL-based |
| User Sync | Basic | Advanced (Emulate WP Roles) |
| Export/Import | Limited | Full CSV/XLSX Hub |
| Add-ons | No | Supports Paid Subs, Mail Actions, etc. |
Client Portals: If you need to share specific files or data with individual clients.
Premium Content Sites: For bloggers or news sites that want to hide specific “levels” of content behind a wall.
Wholesale Stores: Hiding trade pricing from the general public while showing it to registered “Wholesaler” accounts.
