As of May 26, 2026, Requires Approval is no longer available. Hosts can no longer review, approve, or decline ticket buyers through the existing approval flow.
While there is no exact replacement that works the same way as Requires Approval, there are several other ways to control who can find, access, or purchase tickets to your event.
This article will help you choose the best option for your event.
Which option should I use?
The best alternative depends on what you are trying to do.
| Your goal | Recommended option |
| You only want to make your event harder to find | Use an unlisted listing and share the direct event link |
| You already know who you want to invite | Use a locked ticket with an Access Key |
| You want people to apply before they can buy | Use an external application form and send Access Keys to approved applicants |
Option 1: Make your event unlisted
Use this option if you do not need to screen individual attendees, but you want to limit how easily people can discover your event.
When your event is unlisted, it will not appear in public search or discovery areas. People can still access the event if they have the direct link.
Unlisted events are best for:
- Private events shared through email, social media, or a community group
- Events where you want to reduce public visibility
- Situations where link sharing is acceptable
Things to know
Anyone with the direct event link can access the listing and purchase available tickets. An unlisted event does not prevent someone from forwarding the link to others.
Use this option when you want to limit discoverability, not when you need to control exactly who can attend.
Option 2: Use a locked ticket with an Access Key
Use this option if you already know who you want to invite.
A locked ticket is hidden from buyers until they enter a valid Access Key. You can share the Access Key with the people you want to give access to the ticket.
Locked tickets and Access Keys are best for:
- Invite-only events
- Guest lists
- Members-only tickets
- Presales or exclusive access
- Events where you already know who should be allowed to buy
How it works
- Create your event.
- Create the ticket type you want to restrict.
- Lock the ticket so it does not appear publicly at checkout.
- Create an Access Key for that ticket.
- Share the Access Key, or a link containing the Access Key, with approved guests.
- Guests use the key to unlock and purchase the ticket.
Things to know
Access Keys control who can unlock a ticket, but they do not verify identity. If someone forwards the key to another person, that person may be able to use it.
For tighter control, create unique Access Keys for each invited person and limit each key to one redemption.
Option 3: Use an external application form, then send Access Keys to approved applicants
Use this option if you want people to apply before they can purchase a ticket.
This is the closest workaround for hosts who used Requires Approval to review unknown applicants before allowing them to attend.
Instead of collecting applications through Universe, you can use an external form tool, such as Google Forms, Typeform, Jotform, or another form provider. After reviewing the applications, send an Access Key only to the people you approve.
External application forms are best for:
- Open applications
- Screened or curated events
- Professional, community, or identity-based gatherings
- Events where you need to ask custom screening questions before purchase
Suggested workflow
- Create your event in Universe.
- Lock the ticket type you want approved applicants to purchase.
- Create an application form using your preferred form tool.
- Share the form link publicly or with your audience.
- Review the applications outside of Universe.
- Create and send Access Keys to approved applicants.
- Approved applicants use the key to unlock and purchase their ticket.
Things to know
This process happens partly outside of Universe. Universe provides the locked ticket and Access Key, while you manage the application and review process using your chosen form tool.
Applicants are not charged until after they are approved and use the Access Key to buy a ticket.
For more control, create one unique Access Key per approved applicant and limit each key to one redemption.
Recommended setup by event type
| Event type | Recommended setup |
| Private party or low-visibility event | Unlisted listing + direct link |
| Invite-only event | Locked ticket + Access Key |
| Members-only event | Locked ticket + Access Key |
| Application-based event | External form + Access Key for approved applicants |
| Fully in-platform pre-payment approval | No current direct alternative |
Choosing the right setup
Ask yourself these questions:
Do you need to screen attendees?
If no, make your event unlisted and share the direct link.
Do you already know who you want to invite?
If yes, use locked tickets with Access Keys.
Do you want unknown people to apply before buying?
If yes, use an external form to collect applications, then send Access Keys to approved applicants.
Do you need an in-platform approval process before payment?
There is currently no direct alternative.
Best practices
For the smoothest experience:
- Explain your process clearly in your event description or application form.
- Tell applicants when and how they will hear back from you.
- Use unique Access Keys when you need tighter control.
- Limit each Access Key to the number of tickets the approved person is allowed to buy.
- Do not rely on unlisted links or shared Access Keys if you need strict identity-based access control.