Want to create exclusive content, channels, or events for a specific group of members? You can do that easily in Heartbeat using Access Groups.

New to Access Groups? Check out our full Access Groups Overview →

Want to sell paid access to a group? Learn more about Offers →

What Are Access Groups?

Think of Access Groups like “buckets” or segments of members — similar to how you'd segment an email list. Once a member is added to a group, they automatically get access to any discussion channels, events, documents, courses, and sidebar links tied to that group.

Use Cases for Private Groups

Access Groups are powerful and flexible — here are a few ways communities use them:

• High-ticket coaching → Exclusive content, events, and booking links

• Interest-based subgroups → e.g. Podcasters, TikTokers, Designers

• Skill level breakdowns → Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced learning paths

• Paid upgrades → Content tied to specific Offers or memberships

Simple Workflow: Build Your Group, Then Gate Your Content

In this video example, we start by creating content first — then tie it to a private group. Here’s a high-level summary of that process:

1. Create Your Private Content

• Add channels (like #mastermind-questions)

• Add documents, events, or booking links

• Initially limit visibility to Admins (to avoid exposing content early)

2. Create Your Access Group

• Go to Settings → Access Groups

• Click Create Group

• Choose how members are added:

  • Admin-controlled (you assign members)

  • Joinable (members opt-in)

  • Automated (based on activity or attributes)

• Under Access, select all content tied to this group

3. (Optional) Create a Signup Page

• Auto-enroll people into the group via a unique invitation link

• Great for landing pages, email campaigns, or cohort programs

Use an automated workflow to send a welcome message or email as soon as someone joins a group.

Recap: Keep It Simple

Access Groups might sound complex — but at the end of the day, you're just:

Creating a bucket of people → Tying content to that bucket → Controlling who sees what

Once a member joins the group, they immediately get access to all the linked content — no manual work required.

Need help structuring your content or building your first private group? Just reach out — we’re here to help.