If you want to read the Business Insider Prime articles for free, this post is for you. In this guide, you will lean how you can bypass the paywall put up by the Business Insider.
Subscription-based platforms like Business Insider generally let readers access a limited number of articles for free. However, if you’re eager to delve deeper, they usually encourage you to subscribe. While this model works well for dedicated readers, it can be frustrating when you simply want to check out one specific article that a friend mentioned.
Have you ever gotten wrapped up in an article, only to face a paywall that requires you to sign up or initiate a “free trial” that really isn’t free at all?
I fully believe in supporting quality journalism, but sometimes the price for just a single article feels a bit too high. Instead of giving up, I decided to explore a few tricks to bypass the paywall.
After experimenting with several options, I stumbled upon a simple yet effective workaround.
The Simple Hack
The solution is straightforward: just add 12ft.io/ before the website’s URL in your browser’s address bar.
Here’s how you do it:
- Click on the address bar (or press “Cmd + L” on a Mac or “Ctrl + L” on Windows).
- Type 12ft.io/ right before the https:// part of the URL, then hit enter.
(If 12ft.io doesn’t work, try removepaywall.com by placing it before the URL as another option.)
Your address bar should now look something like this: 12ft.io/https://www.businessinsider.com/…
Also read: How to Split a PDF into Separate Pages Offline on Mac
The article should now load, and as you continue to browse the site, the other pages you visit will also open via 12ft.io, allowing you to bypass subscription prompts. Just a quick note: some elements like images might not load perfectly, and the layout may be a bit off, so be ready to make some adjustments.
⚠️ Quick note: Websites with paywalls often update their security measures, so these tricks might not always work for long. Additionally, 12ft.io might have temporary downtime, so it’s a good idea to check its status if needed.
How and Why Does This Work?
12ft.io is a free tool that helps you bypass paywalls, alongside other similar services like removepaywall.com.
The name 12ft.io is a clever nod to the idea of a “12-foot ladder,” representing a way to peek over or get around the figurative barriers that websites create to limit content access. It’s a smart analogy for overcoming paywalls and other restrictions, enabling readers to access the information they’re looking for.
Understanding Paywall Bypassing Tools
Platforms like Business Insider often load complete articles on your device just before a paywall blocks access. This brief moment means the content is technically available on your device, even if it is obscured by JavaScript that prompts you to subscribe.
Paywall bypass tools disable this JavaScript, allowing you to read the article without interruptions. This setup is known as a “soft paywall,” where the content is accessible but hidden behind code.
On the other hand, “hard paywalls,” found on sites like The New York Times and Medium.com, are more strict. These platforms only send a brief preview to your browser, requiring a valid login to access the full article since the entire content isn’t loaded on your device.
Why Don’t All Websites Use Hard Paywalls?
You might wonder why some sites don’t go for hard paywalls if they’re tougher to bypass. Often, it comes down to search engine visibility.
Content locked behind a hard paywall can’t be indexed by search engines like Google. Without visibility on search engines, this content is essentially hidden from a broader online audience.
Thus, many websites try to strike a balance—attracting new subscribers while ensuring their articles remain discoverable in search results. Soft paywalls offer a middle ground.
Generally, only websites with high-value content that readers are willing to pay for upfront adopt hard paywalls.
The Ethical Perspective
Accessing content without paying essentially means obtaining something without permission, and the moral justification here is pretty weak. However, paying for individual articles can sometimes seem excessive.
More reasonable alternatives, such as paying a small fee for a collection of articles, might present a fairer option for occasional readers.
Also read: 17+ Awesome Excalidraw Tips for Insane Productivity
In Conclusion
Now you know how to read Business Insider Prime articles without a subscription.
Just keep in mind, these paywall-bypassing tricks are effective only on soft paywalls. Hard paywalls, in most cases, can’t be easily circumvented, although the Wayback Machine might serve as an option in rare circumstances.