Bitterblocking

Bitterblocking is a term used to describe the practice of intentionally making certain content or services undesirable or difficult to access for users who are not paying for them. This is often done through methods that create a negative user experience for free users, thereby encouraging them to upgrade to a paid subscription or purchase.

Common bitterblocking tactics include limiting the number of free actions a user can perform, introducing frequent and intrusive advertisements, slowing down performance for non-paying users, or restricting access to essential features. The goal is to make the free experience so frustrating that the perceived value of a paid option becomes much higher.

This strategy is frequently employed by companies offering freemium models, where a basic version of a product or service is provided for free, with the expectation that a portion of users will convert to paid customers for enhanced features or an improved experience. While bitterblocking can be an effective revenue generation tool, it also carries the risk of alienating potential customers and damaging brand reputation if implemented too aggressively. Critics argue that it prioritizes monetization over user satisfaction.