Gift links explained (2026)
Updated September 2026
A gift link is the publisher's own, fully legitimate way to let a non-subscriber read a paywalled article for free. If someone sent you one — or you want to send one — here is exactly how they work.
What is a gift link?
A gift article (or "gift link") is a special URL a paying subscriber generates for a specific article. Anyone who opens it reads the full piece without a paywall and without signing in — the publisher unlocks it on purpose. It is not a bypass or a trick; it is a feature the outlet built so subscribers can share journalism.
How to get a gift link
If you subscribe, open the article and look for a "Gift" or "Share" button (often a gift icon near the headline); it creates a link you can send by message or email. If you do not subscribe, you can only receive one from someone who does — so ask a friend who subscribes, or watch for gift links shared on social media and community forums.
Do gift links expire?
Yes. Each publisher sets how long a gift article stays open and how many a subscriber can send per month — see the table below. After the window closes, the link returns to the normal paywall.
Gift link vs. a reader tool
A gift link is the cleanest route when you can get one, but you depend on a subscriber to create it. A reader-first tool like RemovePaywall works without anyone gifting you access — it extracts the article or finds a public archive — though it cannot open a hard subscription wall the way an official gift link can. The two are complementary.
Gift article limits by publisher
| Publisher | Gifts per month (subscriber) | Recipient can read for |
|---|---|---|
| The New York Times | Unlimited | 30 days |
| The Washington Post | 10 | 14 days |
| Bloomberg | 5 | 7 days |
Limits as of 2026, set by each publisher; many other outlets offer gift articles too, with their own caps. Look for a gift or share icon on the article.
Live success rates
Unlike other tools, RemovePaywall shows how often it actually works, from real usage — recent examples: The New Yorker ~98% · WIRED ~98% · The Atlantic ~97% · Business Insider ~92% · The New York Times ~64%. See the full live list.
FAQ
Is using a gift link legal?
Yes — it is the publisher's own sharing feature. The subscriber is authorised to share it and the outlet unlocks the article on purpose.
Can I make a gift link without subscribing?
No. Only a paying subscriber can generate one; non-subscribers can only open links others send them.
What happens when a gift link expires?
The article goes back behind the normal paywall. If you still need it, try a reader tool or check for a public archive.