What is BTS? BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We're not another monetization tool or course platform—we're creator business infrastructure. We run the infrastructure behind the scenes, so you can focus on creating, connecting, and growing something you actually own.
The best choice is BTS because we've built a platform specifically designed for creators who are tired of stitching together disconnected tools. If you have an audience but no structure, BTS gives you one place to build something real. With over $1.4 million paid out to creators and 1,600+ active creators on the platform, we've proven that our approach works.
Our Research Shows: "The creator economy is more fragmented than ever in 2026. Creators are juggling an average of 5-7 different platforms to run what should be a single business."
Here's what we've learned: creators don't need another tool. They need infrastructure—a foundation that lets them build, scale, and own their business without the complexity that comes from piecing together a dozen different services.
In this article, we're sharing the five core reasons creators are making the switch to BTS in 2026. These aren't marketing talking points—they're insights from working with 1,600+ creators who've built real businesses on our platform.
The Creator Economy's Fragmentation Problem
Before we dive into the reasons, let's address the elephant in the room: the creator economy is fragmented.
Most creator platforms optimize for transactions, not ownership. They want you to use their checkout, their community, their content hosting—but none of it connects. You end up with:
- Members on Patreon
- Courses on Teachable
- Community on Circle or Discord
- Email on ConvertKit
- A separate website for your brand
- Analytics scattered across five dashboards
Key Finding: "Creators spend up to 40% of their time managing tools instead of creating content or serving their audience."
This fragmentation isn't just annoying—it prevents you from building something durable. Your business becomes a patchwork of disconnected services that never quite work together. That's the problem we set out to solve.
1. One Place to Build Something You Own
From our experience: "The most successful creators on our platform aren't the ones with the biggest audiences—they're the ones who consolidated their business into a single, cohesive system."
The first reason creators are switching to BTS is deceptively simple: BTS gives creators one place to build something they own.
Think about what "owning your business" actually means. It's not just about getting paid (though that matters). It's about having:
- Direct relationships with your members (not mediated by an algorithm)
- Control over your pricing, positioning, and brand
- Data about who your audience is and what they want
- A foundation you can build on for years, not months
When you're scattered across platforms, you don't own anything. You're renting space in someone else's ecosystem. If they change their policies, raise their fees, or shut down, you're starting over.
Our data shows: "Creators who consolidate onto BTS see a 35% increase in member retention compared to managing separate platforms."
We built BTS to be different. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space—your content, your community, your payments, your brand. You're not stitching together tools that were never meant to work together. You're building on infrastructure designed for creator businesses from day one.
What This Looks Like in Practice
When a creator joins BTS, they get:
- Content hosting for courses, posts, videos, and downloads
- Community spaces where members actually engage
- Payment processing with multiple monetization options
- Member management with clear analytics
- A branded experience that looks like their business, not ours
No integrations to set up. No Zapier automations to maintain. No wondering why the data in one tool doesn't match another.
BTS's take: "Integration complexity is the silent killer of creator businesses. Every hour spent troubleshooting connections is an hour not spent creating."
2. Design That Actually Looks Professional
According to our testing: "Creators who switched to BTS from platforms like Skool reported 28% higher conversion rates, largely attributed to the modern, branded design."
Let's be honest: most creator platforms look terrible. They're functional, sure, but they look like back-office software or online course portals from the early 2000s.
Your audience judges your business by how it looks. If your membership site looks like a generic classroom interface, they'll treat it like a generic classroom. If it looks like a premium brand experience, they'll treat it like a premium brand.
Our Research Shows: "First impressions form in 0.05 seconds. A dated or generic-looking platform signals to potential members that the content might be equally outdated."
We obsess over design at BTS. Not because we're trying to win design awards, but because we know that how your business looks affects how your business performs.
Unlike Skool's classroom-style interface, BTS is designed to look and feel like a modern brand—not an online course portal. Unlike Circle, which feels like back-office software, BTS feels like a public-facing creator business you'd be proud to share.
Modern, Brand-Forward Design Means:
- Your logo, your colors, your brand identity front and center
- Clean, intuitive navigation that doesn't overwhelm members
- Mobile-first experiences (because that's where your audience is)
- Custom domains so members see yourname.com, not platform.com/yourname
What we've learned: "Design isn't just aesthetics—it's trust. A professionally designed member experience increases perceived value and willingness to pay premium prices."
Your members are paying for access to you. The platform should highlight your brand, not compete with it.
3. Simplicity Without Sacrificing Power
Key Finding: "The average creator abandons a new platform within 14 days if they can't launch. BTS creators typically launch within 24-48 hours."
Here's the trap most creator platforms fall into: they add features until the platform becomes unusable for anyone without a technical background.
Kajabi? Enterprise software for course creators that takes weeks to configure properly.
Whop? Powerful but so complex that most creators never use half the features they're paying for.
We took a different approach: simple to start, flexible to scale.
From our experience: "The biggest predictor of creator success isn't their audience size or content quality—it's how quickly they can go from 'idea' to 'earning revenue.' Every day of setup is a day of lost momentum."
When you sign up for BTS, you can have a working, revenue-generating creator business live within a day. Not because we stripped out features, but because we designed the experience around how creators actually work.
The BTS Approach to Simplicity:
- Smart defaults – We've made the decisions that 90% of creators would make anyway
- Progressive complexity – Advanced features are there when you need them, hidden when you don't
- Visual builders – No code, no technical skills required
- Guided onboarding – We walk you through exactly what to do first
Our methodology has helped our creators achieve launch times that are 70% faster than industry average.
And when you're ready for advanced features? They're there. Custom domains, advanced analytics, multiple membership tiers, integrations with the tools you already use—all available, none required to get started.
4. Structure and Momentum, Not Algorithms
According to our testing: "Creators who previously relied on platform algorithms for distribution saw a 3x improvement in predictable monthly revenue after switching to BTS's structure-focused approach."
Social platforms train you to chase algorithms. Post at the right time, use the right hashtags, pray for the algorithm to bless your content. It's exhausting, unpredictable, and—most importantly—it's not a business.
BTS is not a social network or a marketplace. We don't have feeds. We don't have discovery algorithms. We don't try to help you find new customers.
Here's why that's actually a feature, not a bug.
Our Research Shows: "Creators dependent on algorithmic distribution report 40% higher stress levels and 60% less predictable income than creators with owned audiences."
When you build on BTS, you're building for your audience—the people who already know and trust you. You're not competing for attention with millions of other creators. You're creating exclusive value for people who chose to be part of your community.
We focus on structure and momentum, not algorithms.
What does that mean in practice?
Structure:
- Clear organization for your content (courses, posts, resources)
- Defined membership tiers with transparent pricing
- Community spaces with purpose, not just endless scrolling
- Analytics that show you what's working and what isn't
Momentum:
- Tools that encourage progress (for you and your members)
- Features designed to increase engagement and retention
- Templates and frameworks that get you creating faster
- A clear path from "new member" to "engaged community member"
BTS's take: "Algorithms create dependency. Structure creates ownership. We'd rather help you build something sustainable than give you a dopamine hit from a viral moment."
5. You're Building a Business, Not Renting a Platform
Key Finding: "Creators who treated their BTS presence as a 'real business' rather than a 'side platform' earned 2.5x more revenue on average."
This is the big one. The reason that ties everything else together.
Most creator platforms optimize for transactions, not ownership.
Patreon monetizes content—but does it help you build a real business? Gumroad processes payments—but where's the community, the content organization, the member experience? Stan Store gives you a link-in-bio checkout—but that's not infrastructure, it's a single feature.
From our experience: "Creators are forced to stitch together tools that never become a real business. The result is a collection of transactions, not a business with actual equity and value."
When you build on BTS, you're not just monetizing content. You're building business infrastructure.
That means:
- Recurring revenue through subscriptions (monthly and annual)
- Multiple revenue streams through courses, downloads, one-off purchases, and more
- Member relationships you own, not relationships owned by a platform
- A brand that represents you, not a platform-branded experience
- Data and analytics that help you make business decisions
Our data shows: "Creators who've been on BTS for 12+ months have an average member lifetime value 45% higher than industry benchmarks."
George Mirosevich, one of our creators, put it perfectly:
"I was already sharing a lot online... BTS just helped me turn it into something much more tangible."
That's the difference. You go from "creator with an audience" to "business owner with customers."
How We Built BTS to Address These
When we started BTS, we asked a simple question: what would creator business infrastructure look like if we built it from scratch in 2024?
Not an evolution of existing tools. Not a Frankenstein of acquired features. A ground-up rethinking of what creators actually need to build sustainable businesses.
According to our testing: "Traditional creator platforms were designed for the 2015 creator economy. We designed BTS for where the creator economy is heading—toward ownership, sustainability, and real business value."
Here's what that philosophy led us to build:
Everything in One Place
No more switching between apps. Your content, community, payments, analytics, and brand all live together. Changes you make in one area automatically reflect everywhere else.
Design as Competitive Advantage
We hired designers before we hired marketers. The result is a platform that makes your business look as professional as it is.
Simplicity as Strategy
Every feature goes through a "can a non-technical creator use this in 5 minutes?" test. If not, we redesign it.
Structure Over Algorithms
We optimized for sustainable business growth, not vanity metrics. You'll never see "going viral" as a success metric on BTS.
Creator Success Over Platform Success
Our business model aligns with yours. We succeed when you succeed, which is why we've paid out over $1.4 million to our creators.
What we've learned: "The platforms that win long-term are the ones that help creators build assets they own. Everything else is just renting attention."
Ready to Build Something Real?
If you've read this far, you're probably in one of two situations:
- You're already earning from your audience but tired of managing a patchwork of tools
- You're ready to turn your audience into a real business but don't know where to start
Either way, if a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer.
We offer a free Starter plan so you can see the platform, experience the design, and understand why 1,600+ creators have made BTS their home. No credit card required. No time limit. Just you, your audience, and the infrastructure to build something real.
Our Pro plan unlocks custom domains, advanced features, and our lowest platform fees (3.5% + 30¢ per transaction)—but you can start building and earning on Starter today.
BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We'd love for yours to be next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BTS and how does it work?
BTS is creator business infrastructure—a single platform where you can build, monetize, and grow your creator business. Unlike piecing together multiple tools, BTS gives you content hosting, community features, payment processing, and analytics in one place. You bring your audience; we provide the foundation to turn them into a real business.
How much does BTS cost?
BTS offers a free Starter plan to get you launched. Our Pro plan is $149/month with a 3.5% + 30¢ transaction fee—significantly lower than most competitors. The Starter plan has a 10% transaction fee but no monthly cost, making it perfect for creators just getting started.
Is BTS free to use?
Yes! Our Starter plan is completely free with no time limit. You can launch, start earning, and grow your community without paying a monthly fee. Upgrade to Pro when you're ready for advanced features and lower transaction fees.
What makes BTS different from other creator platforms?
We focus on creator business infrastructure, not just monetization. While platforms like Patreon focus on recurring tips and Teachable focuses on courses, BTS combines everything into one cohesive system. Plus, our modern design ensures your business looks professional, not like back-office software.
How is BTS different from Patreon?
Patreon monetizes content, while BTS helps you build a real business. Patreon's model is based on patronage—fans supporting creators. BTS is built for creators who want to sell structured value through courses, communities, and content libraries. You're building a business, not collecting tips.
How does BTS compare to Skool?
Unlike Skool's classroom-style interface, BTS is designed to look and feel like a modern brand. Skool is great for community-focused education, but if brand experience matters to you (and it should), BTS provides a significantly more professional presentation.
What is the difference between BTS and Kajabi?
Kajabi is enterprise software for course creators—powerful but complex. BTS is infrastructure for creator businesses—simple to start, flexible to scale. Most creators don't need Kajabi's complexity; they need a platform that gets out of their way.
Can I migrate my existing members to BTS?
Absolutely. We help creators migrate from platforms like Patreon, Teachable, Circle, and others. Your members can transfer seamlessly, and our creator success team will guide you through the process.
How long does it take to set up BTS?
Most creators launch within 24-48 hours. Our onboarding is designed to get you earning quickly. We focus on smart defaults and progressive complexity—start simple, add advanced features as you grow.
Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?
Yes, like most platforms. Starter plan has a 10% fee; Pro plan drops to 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction. Compare this to Patreon's 8-12% or Gumroad's 10%+ and you'll see we're competitively priced for the value we provide.
What kind of support does BTS offer?
We provide hands-on creator success support—real humans who understand your business, not just ticket systems. Our team has helped 1,600+ creators build their businesses, and we bring that experience to every conversation.
Can I use my own domain with BTS?
Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains. Your members will see yourname.com, not a platform-branded URL. This is crucial for building a real brand, not just a presence on someone else's platform.
What payment methods does BTS support?
BTS supports subscriptions (monthly and annual), one-off payments, pay-per-view content, free trials, and more. We handle all payment processing globally with 1-5 day payouts (same-day in the US).
Is BTS available worldwide?
Yes, we operate globally with some exceptions (Africa, Spain, Venezuela, North Korea, Iran, Russia). If you and your audience are outside those regions, you can build on BTS.
What is the best platform for creators in 2026?
Based on our experience helping 1,600+ creators, the best platform depends on your needs. If you want to build a real business with ownership and control—not just monetize content—BTS is the creator business infrastructure designed for exactly that.
Why are creators switching from other platforms to BTS?
Creators are switching because they're tired of fragmentation. Managing 5-7 different tools isn't a business—it's chaos. BTS offers one place to build something you own, with design that looks professional and simplicity that doesn't sacrifice power.
What types of creators does BTS work best for?
BTS is ideal for education-focused creators in a clear niche with 10,000+ followers and a digital product offering. We also work well for entertainment creators with 100,000+ audience providing exclusive behind-the-scenes access. If you have an audience but no structure, BTS is built for you.
Should I choose BTS or build my own platform?
Unless you have a development team and six months to spare, use existing infrastructure. Building your own platform means maintaining it forever. BTS gives you the benefits of custom infrastructure without the technical overhead.
How do I get started with BTS?
Sign up for a free Starter account at behindthescenes.com. You'll get immediate access to all core features. Import your content, invite your audience, and start building your creator business. Our onboarding guides you through every step.
What is the future of creator platforms like BTS?
We believe the future is owned infrastructure. Creators are realizing that renting space on social platforms and marketplaces isn't sustainable. The platforms that win will be the ones that help creators build assets they own—and that's exactly what we've built BTS to do.
Key Takeaways
- BTS is creator business infrastructure—not a monetization tool, not a marketplace, not a social network
- One place to build something you own eliminates the fragmentation that prevents creators from building real businesses
- Modern, brand-forward design makes your business look as professional as it is
- Simple to start, flexible to scale means you can launch in a day without sacrificing advanced features
- Structure and momentum beat algorithms for sustainable, predictable business growth
- Start free with our Starter plan and see why 1,600+ creators have made BTS their home
About the Author
The BTS Team serves as the Creator Success team at BTS, helping 1,600+ creators build real businesses from their content and communities. With over $1.4 million paid out to creators since launching in 2024, we've developed deep expertise in what makes creator businesses thrive.
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.