Pre-launch registration
An application is preparing for launch and wants to collect prospective users before opening access.
Clerk · Component
Waitlist
The Clerk Waitlist component provides a prebuilt form for collecting early-access requests. It emails users after submission and again when they are approved, while Waitlist mode restricts new-user access until approval.
How it works
After Waitlist mode is enabled, this prebuilt component presents a form for early-access requests. Clerk confirms the request by email, and approved users receive instructions for joining the application; existing and approved users can sign in while new users must join the waitlist.
Syntax
<Waitlist />Key points
- Use the component when the application needs a ready-made early-access registration form.
- After submitting the form, users receive an email confirming that Clerk recorded their request.
- Approval triggers a separate email containing instructions for joining the application.
- Turn on Waitlist mode in the Clerk Dashboard before placing the component in the UI.
- Waitlist mode still permits sign-in for existing users and users whose requests have been approved.
Common mistakes
- Enable Email in the Clerk Dashboard; otherwise approved users will not receive waitlist invitation emails.
Example: Render a waitlist form
import { Waitlist } from '@clerk/nextjs'
export default function Page() {
return <Waitlist />
}Render the prebuilt waitlist form in a Next.js page after enabling Waitlist mode in the Clerk Dashboard.
When to use it
Controlled early access
A product team wants to approve users selectively while allowing existing accounts to continue signing in.
Interview questions
QWhat does the Waitlist component do?
The component renders a ready-made form for users requesting early access. Clerk sends a confirmation email after the request, then sends joining instructions when the request is approved.
Follow-up: What access behavior does Waitlist mode enforce? Existing and approved users can sign in, while new users must join the waitlist first.
QWhat must be configured before using Waitlist?
Waitlist mode must be enabled in the Clerk Dashboard before rendering the component. The dashboard setting changes registration so new users enter the waitlist instead of immediately accessing the application.
Follow-up: What additional dashboard capability is needed for approval emails? Email must be enabled so Clerk can send invitation emails after approval.
QHow does Waitlist mode affect different user groups?
In Waitlist mode, existing users and users approved from the waitlist may sign in. New users are directed to join the waitlist to gain access.
Follow-up: How would you support a custom design? Use Clerk's custom waitlist flow with the platform's waitlist hook, rather than the prebuilt component.
Related
Waitlist modeEmailClerk Dashboard