> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.dscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.dscout.com/ai-moderated-studies/create-an-ai-moderated-study/manage-participant-limit-and-incentive-in-an-ai-moderated-study.md).
# Manage participant limit and incentive in an AI moderated study
Your research needs (and your research budget!) determine how many participants your study can have—and how much you'll pay them. You manage both on the **Overview** tab of your study before launch.
### Participant limit
Your study’s participant limit determines how many people can complete your study. You can have as few as one participant or as many as 200 in a single AI moderated study. When your limit is reached, your study is automatically closed to new applicants.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** When inviting your own participants, closure of your study is based on the number of processed submissions. You may receive more than your desired number of submissions if additional participants submit responses before all others have finished processing.
{% endhint %}
**To set your study's participant limit:**
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Navigate to the **Overview** tab of your study.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Click anywhere in the **Study details** section, then enter a **Participant limit**. Limits apply based on recruitment approach:
* **Auto-recruit:** 1–200 participants.
* **Add from screeners:** Not applicable—you set your limit in the screener.
* **Invite via share link:** 1–1,000 participants (limit is optional for this approach).
* **Invite from Private Panels:** 1–1,000 participants.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** When inviting your own participants, you'll first need to toggle the **Participant limit** setting **ON**, then enter your limit. If you're paying participants through Dscout, a limit is required.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Click **Done**.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
Now, your participant limit is set. Once your study receives your designated number of responses, recruitment stops and your study closes.
### Study incentive
Your study incentive is how much each participant receives as a thanks for their input. It should reflect the time and effort required on their part and be enticing enough to encourage applicants if you're auto-recruiting.
{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip:** For advice on what to offer, see [How much should an AI moderated study pay?](/ai-moderated-studies/what-are-ai-moderated-studies/how-much-should-an-ai-moderated-study-pay.md)
{% endhint %}
**To set your study's incentive:**
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Navigate to the **Overview** tab of your study.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Click anywhere in the **Study details** section.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**(Studies with bring-your-own participants only)** Select whether participants should be **Paid via Dscout**:
* **Yes:** Dscout issues payments via PayPal seven days after submissions are received. During those seven days, you can review submissions for quality before each payment is sent. A participant limit is required when Dscout manages payments.
* **No:** You're responsible for issuing payments using whatever method you choose.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Enter an **Incentive per participant**. Your study's incentive total is automatically calculated from this and your participant limit. Ranges apply based on recruitment approach:
* **Auto-recruit:** $2–200.
* **Add from screeners:** $1–200.
* **Invite via share link:** $2–200 if paid via Dscout. If not, you can issue non-monetary incentives.
* **Invite from Private Panels:** Managed in Private Panels.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Click **Done**.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
Now, your study's incentive is set. This amount is displayed to participants when they apply to or begin your study.
---
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