A paywall restricts access to content and creates a value exchange between the publisher and their audience. Specifically, a user is blocked by a paywall and required to pay a subscription fee in order to gain access to your content.
A Voluntary Contribution aims to integrate voluntary payment contributions into the web application in which it is used, providing a value exchange between the publisher and their audience, allowing who accesses the website and registers to make financial contributions to the project.
A metered paywall typically allows access to a set number of articles per month before requiring a subscription. Publishers can test the number of articles offered to optimize subscription conversions for their audience. The metered model is less disruptive to casual visitors and can convert 5-10% of the most engaged readers into paying digital subscribers, according to research from the Lenfest Institute.