As publishers search for new ways to convert readers beyond the traditional paywall, a quiet shift in monetization is taking hold.

A recent article in What’s New In Publishing, “Increasing Conversions - with a Subscription Twist,” examines how short-term, pay-as-you-go access is emerging as a practical complement to subscriptions, capturing value from the vast majority of readers who never convert. The piece highlights how publishers are embedding Supertab directly into their paywalls to offer timed access - such as one hour, one day, or one week - through a seamless running tab connected to a reader’s Google account.

Rather than replacing subscriptions, this approach gives audiences choice while helping publishers recover lost revenue and even nurture future subscribers. With early trials showing promise at outlets like the Portland Press Herald, the model points to a new balance between access, affordability, and sustainability.

Read the full article to see how publishers are rethinking conversions and why 2026 may mark the start of a more flexible subscription economy.