Time Capsule: Schedule a Birthday Surprise Link

Most birthday surprises die the moment you send the link — the recipient opens it whenever they see the notification, which might be hours before the actual day, or while they're in a meeting, or right after you sent it out of curiosity. A Time Capsule fixes the timing problem: the link exists, you can send it whenever it's convenient for you, but it stays locked until the exact moment you choose.

How it works

1. Create your Interactive Experience as normal — write the message, pick a reveal format, add photos or a voice message.
2. Toggle on Time Capsule and pick an unlock date and time, up to 365 days ahead.
3. Send the link right away, or whenever you like — timing the send no longer matters.
4. Anyone who opens it before the unlock time sees a locked screen with a live countdown, not the message or reveal itself.
5. The instant the unlock time arrives, the link opens normally — candles, confetti, and the message, exactly as if you'd sent it that moment.

Good uses for a Time Capsule

• You'll be busy or without signal on the actual day — set it up in advance and it still lands exactly on time.
• Milestone birthdays planned weeks out — build the whole thing when you have time to do it properly, without worrying about sending too early.
• Midnight surprises — set the unlock for 12:00am on their birthday so it's the first thing waiting for them.
• Long-distance timezones — schedule it to unlock at the right local time for them, not yours.

What makes the lock real

The lock isn't just a UI trick — the server itself refuses to render the actual message or reveal content until the unlock timestamp has passed, so there's no way to see it early by inspecting the page or guessing the URL differently. The countdown page shows exactly when it opens, so the anticipation is part of the gift.

Frequently asked questions

How far ahead can I schedule a Time Capsule?

Up to 365 days in advance, so you can even set one up a full year before the birthday.

What does the recipient see before it unlocks?

A locked screen with a live countdown to the unlock date and time — no preview of the actual message or reveal.

Can I send the link before the unlock date?

Yes — that's the point. Send it whenever you like; it simply won't open until your chosen date and time arrive.

Does the link expire after it unlocks?

Yes, it stays open for 7 days after the unlock date, then is automatically deleted along with any attached photos or media. Adding the optional Encore add-on removes that deadline, keeping the wish online until you delete it yourself.