---
title: "How to use split tests to give users access to private features | Netlify"
description: "Realize the speed, agility and performance of a scalable, composable web architecture with Netlify. Explore the composable web platform now!"
source: "https://www.netlify.com/blog/2018/03/02/how-to-use-split-tests-to-give-users-access-to-private-features/"
last_updated: "2026-07-04T21:00:36.000Z"
---
Netlify’s [Split Testing (beta)](https://docs.netlify.com/site-deploys/split-testing/) allows you to direct your site visitors to different versions of your site. It does this invisibly, by shaping the traffic at the CDN level and serving different branches to your visitors without changing the URL.

With just a few clicks you can specify what percentage of your traffic is served by each branch, and Netlify’s intelligent CDN will do the rest, including things like _version affinity_ to ensure that repeat visitors are returned to the same version that they were shown previously.

## A handy trick

This ability to ensure that returning users always gain access to the same branch is managed by a simple cookie provided by the CDN. But it also has a useful side effect that you can use to let visitors opt into a new feature or version of your site.

We use this technique at Netlify when trialling new features and running betas.

The short video below shows how to do this, including setting up a split test and providing a UI to allow your site visitors to gain access to your new version.

For more information on running split tests and measuring the results, take a look at the [Split Testing documentation](https://docs.netlify.com/site-deploys/split-testing/).

### Share

-   [X (fka Twitter)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How to use split tests to give users access to private features&url=https://www.netlify.com/blog/2018/03/02/how-to-use-split-tests-to-give-users-access-to-private-features//)
-   [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netlify.com%2Fblog%2F2018%2F03%2F02%2Fhow-to-use-split-tests-to-give-users-access-to-private-features%2F%2F)
-   [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://www.netlify.com/blog/2018/03/02/how-to-use-split-tests-to-give-users-access-to-private-features//)
-   [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=How to use split tests to give users access to private features+https://www.netlify.com/blog/2018/03/02/how-to-use-split-tests-to-give-users-access-to-private-features//)

* * *

### Tags

-   [Features](/blog/tags/features/)
-   [Tutorial](/blog/tags/tutorial/)

## Keep reading

![](/_astro/3f45eb6eda4ea8814be310e3df4a7883a5bd9ba0-1200x675_ZcBDUS.webp)

Guides & Tutorials May 15, 2026

[

### How to build a real-time AI chatbot in minutes with Netlify Agent Runners (no backend)

](/blog/how-to-build-a-real-time-ai-chatbot-in-minutes-with-netlify-agent-runners-no-backend)

-   ![Profile picture of Nahrin Jalal](/_astro/f0e7c8f227a03fe58340c99ef5439d5a896c0733-272x272_Z23kDpD.webp)
    
    Nahrin Jalal
    

![](/_astro/8fe9e8a23f944c9912003233d99a2df7fee637cf-1600x900_Z1gMhmf.webp)

Guides & Tutorials May 15, 2026

[

### Tracking AI search traffic: how to use Netlify Log Drains to maximize AEO

](/blog/tracking-ai-search-traffic)

-   ![Profile picture of Nahrin Jalal](/_astro/f0e7c8f227a03fe58340c99ef5439d5a896c0733-272x272_Z23kDpD.webp)
    
    Nahrin Jalal
    

## Recent posts

News & Announcements June 25, 2026

[

### Netlify Functions, designed for Agent Experience

](/blog/netlify-functions-designed-for-agent-experience)

-   ![Profile picture of Eduardo Bouças](/_astro/52958f21e8450baf6d8e60302341a984e220c0cd-512x512_13VDlu.webp)
    
    Eduardo Bouças
    

News & Announcements June 24, 2026

[

### How we measure Netlify’s Agent Experience

](/blog/how-we-measure-netlify-agent-experience)

-   ![Profile picture of Sean Roberts](/_astro/bbf2243f8171dbddd80ab2103622106cef84d125-512x512_Z1d2LKE.webp)
    
    Sean Roberts
    

Guides & Tutorials May 15, 2026

[

### How to build a real-time AI chatbot in minutes with Netlify Agent Runners (no backend)

](/blog/how-to-build-a-real-time-ai-chatbot-in-minutes-with-netlify-agent-runners-no-backend)

-   ![Profile picture of Nahrin Jalal](/_astro/f0e7c8f227a03fe58340c99ef5439d5a896c0733-272x272_Z23kDpD.webp)
    
    Nahrin Jalal
    

![](/_astro/3f255b372fa958df35802666ee33b4609b2d71bd-1200x1586_1VtE2D.webp)

### How do the best dev and marketing teams work together?

[Access the report](https://www.netlify.com/reports/2024-leadership-trend-report/access/)