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Protecting Downloadable Files and Video

Updated on January 27, 2023

By default, files uploaded to WordPress are available publicly, so you will need a 3rd party service or plugin to fully protect uploads and videos.

Protecting Video Content

For video protection, you’ll need to use a third-party video streaming service to ensure that video content can only be viewed after purchasing a course.

We recommend using VideoPress. VideoPress is also an Automattic service (like Sensei) and is compatible with all of Sensei’s advanced video tools, including video progression.

More on how to enable private videos with VideoPress is found here.

Protecting Downloadable Files

If you provide course materials via download links in your lessons, learners can potentially share them, making it possible for anyone with the links to access those files. If you’d like to ensure that downloads are only accessible to learners, a separate plugin is required.

One such plugin is WordPress Download Manager. After installing and activating it, you can upload files via the Downloads > Add New menu, and restrict the download to certain user roles. So long as you don’t select All Visitors, the download will only be available to users who are logged into your site.

You can then include a download link to the file in any course/lesson using their provided shortcode. Anyone who tries to access the file without being logged into your site will see a login screen.

For help using Download Manager, please visit the plugin’s support forum.