How do I launch a feature to beta customers only?

To launch a feature to beta customers only, use a feature flag / feature toggle and target the flag to a specific customer segment.

Common approach

1. Define who counts as “beta customers”

   • A list of customer accounts
   • A tag/segment like beta_customer = true
   • A customer group in your app or feature flag tool

2. Create a feature flag

   • Example: new_dashboard_enabled

3. Target only beta customers

   • Turn the flag on only for that segment/account list
   • Keep it off for everyone else

4. Release gradually

   • Start with internal users
   • Then beta customers
   • Then expand if stable

Example logic

if user.account in beta_customers:
    show_new_feature()
else:
    show_old_feature()

If you use a feature flag service

Most tools (LaunchDarkly, Unleash, Split, ConfigCat, etc.) let you:

• target by user/account ID
• target by custom attributes like plan, company, is_beta
• percentage-roll out gradually

Best practices

• Use account-level targeting if multiple users belong to the same customer
• Keep a rollback switch so you can disable quickly
• Monitor errors and usage during the beta
• Log exposure so you know who saw the feature
• Protect backend APIs too, not just the UI

If you want, I can show you how to do this in a specific stack like LaunchDarkly, Unleash, or in code with React/Node/Python.