The problem
Users encounter a locked feature. How do you (a) explain what they'd get, (b) not be annoying, (c) nudge without shaming, (d) close the sale?
Observed implementations
Replit Core Upgrade Modal
See Replit - Core Upgrade Modal:
- Trigger: clicking a Core-gated feature (e.g. + New task).
- Modal structure:
- Title: "Unlock Replit's full potential"
- Left column: 5 features with icon + name.
- Right column: illustration that updates based on hovered feature.
- Description paragraph: 2 sentences about the hovered feature.
- CTA: Upgrade to Replit Core (full-width blue button).
Replit Security Scanning (in-settings)
See Replit - Workspace Settings:
- Trigger: viewing a Core-only settings page.
- Structure:
- Shield icon + feature title.
- 4-bullet feature list, each with ✓.
- "Upgrade to Core to access security scanning."
- CTA: + Upgrade to unlock (blue pill).
Anything.com — inline upsells
Different approach — Anything doesn't have a big "Unlock Max" modal captured. Instead:
- Inline Try MAX [New] pills beside the prompt bar.
- Use MAX here link inside previews.
- "Upgrade to Pro" link inline with gated settings (e.g. custom domain in Anything.com - Code and Publish).
Pattern analysis
| Axis | Replit (Modal) | Anything.com (Inline) |
|---|---|---|
| Interruption | Blocks flow | Ambient |
| Education | High (full feature list shown) | Low (just "try Max") |
| Conversion energy | Strong (dedicated moment) | Weak (easy to ignore) |
| Feels natural | Only if user hit a real wall | Always visible, can feel naggy |
Replit's modal is conversion-focused — when triggered, it's a committed moment. Anything's inline style is discovery-focused — it never blocks, but is always nudging. Different monetization energies. Replit's probably converts at higher rate per view; Anything's gets more views.
Pattern variants
- Feature-list paywall (Replit Core modal) — bundle of 5 features shown together.
- Single-feature paywall (Replit Security subpage) — this specific feature, upgraded.
- Inline ambient (Anything Max pills everywhere) — no modal, persistent nudge.
Sources
- !raw/replit/Task_View.png
- !raw/replit/Settings.png