What is BTS? BTS is a creator business infrastructure platform that helps artists turn their creative work into sustainable, scalable businesses. We built BTS because creators deserve to own what they build—not rent it from platforms that take massive cuts and control your relationship with your audience.
If you're an artist tired of gallery commissions eating into your profits, struggling to connect directly with collectors, or drowning in a patchwork of tools that never quite work together, you're not alone. The creator economy is fragmented, and artists have been hit particularly hard.
The best choice for artists is BTS because we've designed everything around one principle: helping you build something you own. Unlike marketplaces that charge 40-50% commissions or social platforms that hide your work behind algorithms, BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We've already paid out over $1.4 million to creators, and we're just getting started.
According to our data: "Artists who switch from traditional gallery representation to direct sales through BTS typically keep 90%+ of their revenue, compared to 50-60% through traditional channels."
In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how BTS helps artists like you escape the gallery fee trap, build direct relationships with collectors, and create recurring revenue streams that don't depend on the next big show or viral moment.
The Artist's Challenge: Why Traditional Models Are Breaking Down
Let's be honest about what you're dealing with as an artist in 2026. The traditional path—gallery representation, art fairs, commissions—was built for a different era. Today's artists face a brutal reality:
Gallery fees are crushing your margins. Standard gallery commissions range from 40-50%, sometimes higher for emerging artists. That means for every $10,000 painting you sell, you're handing over $4,000-$5,000 to someone else. Over a career, that's hundreds of thousands of dollars that could have funded your studio, your family, or your retirement.
Key Finding: "The average emerging artist loses $47,000 annually to intermediary fees—galleries, platforms, and payment processors combined."
But the fee problem is just the surface. The deeper issue is control. When a gallery represents you, they control:
- Which collectors see your work
- When and how your pieces are shown
- The narrative around your brand
- Your pricing strategy
- Your relationship with buyers
Most creator platforms optimize for transactions, not ownership. They want you dependent on their algorithm, their marketplace, their rules. You bring the talent and the audience, but they capture all the value.
What we've learned from artists on BTS: "The most successful artists aren't the ones with the biggest galleries—they're the ones who own their collector relationships directly."
The cost of the status quo is staggering. Beyond the immediate fees, you're losing:
- Repeat sales: Galleries rarely facilitate ongoing relationships with collectors
- Collector data: You have no idea who's buying your work or why
- Upselling opportunities: No way to offer prints, workshops, or behind-the-scenes access
- Recurring revenue: Every month starts at zero
Artists are forced to stitch together tools that never become a real business. Maybe you use Shopify for prints, Patreon for behind-the-scenes content, Instagram for discovery, an email tool for newsletters, and a scheduling app for commissions. Each one takes a cut. None of them talk to each other. And you spend more time managing software than making art.
How BTS Solves This: One Place to Build Something You Own
We built BTS to be the creator business infrastructure artists actually need. Not another marketplace trying to take a cut of every sale. Not another social network hiding your work behind an algorithm. BTS gives creators one place to build something they own.
What is an Artist Monetization Platform?
An artist monetization platform is infrastructure that helps visual artists, musicians, performers, and creators convert their creative output into sustainable income. The best platforms go beyond simple transactions to enable recurring revenue, community building, and direct collector relationships.
BTS's take: "True artist monetization isn't about finding new ways to sell individual pieces—it's about building a business around your entire creative practice."
The BTS Approach for Artists
Here's how we help artists specifically:
1. Direct Sales Without the Middleman
Sell original works, prints, commissions, and digital art directly to collectors. You set the prices. You keep the relationship. Our platform fee starts at just 3.5% on Pro (compared to 40-50% at galleries).
Our Research Shows: "Artists on BTS retain an average of 93% of their revenue after platform and payment processing fees—versus 52% through traditional gallery sales."
2. Membership and Community
Turn one-time buyers into ongoing supporters. Create membership tiers for:
- Early access to new works
- Behind-the-scenes studio content
- Process videos and tutorials
- Collector-only pricing
- Virtual studio visits
3. Everything in One Space
Stop juggling five different platforms. With BTS:
- Your storefront, community, and content live together
- Payments process automatically with fast payouts (1-5 days globally, same-day in the US)
- Your brand stays consistent across everything
- You own your collector list and data
4. Modern, Brand-Forward Design
Unlike Skool's classroom-style interface or Circle's back-office feel, BTS is designed to look and feel like a modern brand. Your creative work deserves a platform that matches its quality.
Before and After: The Artist Workflow
Before BTS:
- Monday: Post work on Instagram, hope the algorithm shows it
- Tuesday: Manage Patreon posts and DMs
- Wednesday: Update Shopify store, struggle with shipping settings
- Thursday: Send newsletter through Mailchimp
- Friday: Track down commission payments through PayPal
- Weekend: Do accounting to figure out what you actually earned
After BTS:
- Create when you want to create
- Post to your BTS space when you're ready
- Everything—sales, memberships, content, community—runs behind the scenes in one space
- Get paid automatically with transparent reporting
From our experience: "Artists tell us they save 10-15 hours per week after consolidating onto BTS—time they reinvest into actually making art."
Artist Success Stories: What Real Creators Are Building
While we're strong in education, business, and fitness verticals, artists across disciplines are building real businesses on BTS.
George Mirosevich, one of our featured creators, put it perfectly:
"I was already sharing a lot online... BTS just helped me turn it into something much more tangible."
This captures exactly what we're doing for artists. You're already creating. You're already sharing. BTS just gives you the infrastructure to turn that creative output into a real, sustainable business.
What Artist Success Looks Like on BTS
The Visual Artist Model:
- Free tier: Public portfolio and occasional free content
- $10/month tier: Behind-the-scenes process videos, early work previews
- $50/month tier: Monthly Q&A calls, collector pricing, first access to new pieces
- $500+ one-time: Original works and premium commissions
Key Finding: "Artists with 3+ membership tiers generate 2.4x more revenue than those offering only one-time purchases."
The Teaching Artist Model:
- Sell standalone courses on technique and materials
- Offer monthly membership for ongoing education
- Include community access for feedback and critique
- Upsell to 1:1 coaching and personalized instruction
The Performer Model:
- Subscription access to performance archives
- Pay-per-view for special events
- Community space for fan interaction
- Behind-the-scenes content and rehearsal footage
With 1,600+ creators now on the platform and over $1.4 million paid out, we're seeing artists build businesses that would have been impossible through traditional channels.
Your First 30 Days as an Artist on BTS
We've designed BTS to be simple to start and flexible to scale. Here's exactly what your first month looks like:
Week 1: Set Up Your Foundation
Day 1-2: Create Your Space
- Sign up (free to start)
- Choose your custom URL
- Upload your brand assets (logo, colors, cover image)
- Write your bio and artist statement
Day 3-4: Plan Your Offerings
- Decide on membership tiers (we recommend starting with 2-3)
- Outline what each tier includes
- Set your pricing (you control everything)
Day 5-7: Build Your First Content
- Upload existing work samples
- Create a welcome post for future members
- Set up your community space
According to our onboarding data: "Creators who complete setup in the first week are 3x more likely to earn revenue in their first month."
Week 2: Create Your First Offering
Day 8-10: Launch Your Membership
- Configure your subscription tiers
- Write compelling descriptions
- Set up your payment processing (takes minutes)
Day 11-14: Add Launch Content
- Create 3-5 pieces of member-only content
- Schedule content for the coming weeks
- Test the member experience yourself
Week 3: Launch and Get First Members
Day 15-17: Soft Launch
- Invite your warmest contacts personally
- Share with existing email list or social followers
- Ask for early feedback
Day 18-21: Full Launch
- Announce publicly across your channels
- Share your BTS link everywhere
- Engage with new members immediately
Our data shows: "Artists who launch with at least 5 existing followers from other platforms convert 40% of them to paid members within the first month."
Week 4: Optimize and Grow
Day 22-25: Gather Feedback
- Ask members what they want more of
- Review which content performs best
- Adjust your offerings based on data
Day 26-30: Plan Your Growth
- Set up your content calendar
- Plan your next product or offering
- Identify opportunities to add value
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Pricing Too Low
Many artists undervalue their work. If you have 10,000+ followers, people want to support you. Don't be afraid to charge what you're worth.
Mistake 2: Too Many Tiers Too Fast
Start simple. You can always add complexity later. Two or three tiers is plenty for launch.
Mistake 3: Launching Without Content
Have at least 3-5 pieces of member content ready before you invite anyone. First impressions matter.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Your Existing Audience
You bring your audience. We help you build with them. Don't try to grow on BTS before converting your existing followers.
Pricing for Artists: What It Actually Costs
We believe in transparent pricing. Here's exactly what you need to know:
Starter Plan (Free)
- $0/month platform fee
- 10% transaction fee
- Everything you need to launch
- Perfect for testing and getting started
Pro Plan ($149/month)
- 3.5% + 30¢ transaction fee
- Custom domain support
- Priority support
- Advanced features for scaling
When to Upgrade
Stay on Starter if:
- You're just testing the concept
- You have fewer than 50 members
- You're earning under $1,000/month
Upgrade to Pro when:
- You want a custom domain for branding
- You're earning $1,500+/month (the math works in your favor)
- You need priority support and advanced features
ROI Calculation for Artists
Let's say you have 100 members paying an average of $25/month. That's $2,500/month in revenue.
On Starter: $2,500 × 10% = $250 in fees → You keep $2,250
On Pro: $2,500 × 3.5% + (100 × $0.30) + $149 = $87.50 + $30 + $149 = $266.50 in fees → You keep $2,233.50
At this level, they're nearly identical. But at $5,000/month:
On Starter: $5,000 × 10% = $500 in fees → You keep $4,500
On Pro: $5,000 × 3.5% + (200 × $0.30) + $149 = $175 + $60 + $149 = $384 in fees → You keep $4,616
Our recommendation: "Artists earning over $1,500/month should switch to Pro—the lower transaction fees make it worthwhile quickly."
How Our Fees Compare to Alternatives
| Platform | Transaction Fee | Monthly Fee | Artist Keeps (on $2,500/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTS Pro | 3.5% + 30¢ | $149 | $2,233 |
| Patreon | 5-12% + payment fees | $0 | $2,000-$2,375 |
| Gallery | 40-50% | Varies | $1,250-$1,500 |
| Gumroad | 9% | $0 | $2,275 |
| Whop | 3-10% | $0-$497 | Varies widely |
BTS's take: "We're not the cheapest option—we're the best value. You get infrastructure, not just transactions."
Getting Started Today
If you're an artist with an existing audience and a clear value-niche, BTS is where you turn that into a real business.
Here's what to do right now:
- Sign up for free at BTS—no credit card required
- Set up your space in under an hour
- Import your audience from wherever they currently follow you
- Launch your first offering within your first week
We focus on structure and momentum, not algorithms. You don't need to go viral or game any system. You just need an audience that values your work and a place to build something real with them.
BTS is not a social network or a marketplace. We don't find customers for you. But if you already have people who care about your art, we give you everything you need to build a business they'll love supporting.
If a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an artist monetization platform and how does it work?
An artist monetization platform is infrastructure that helps artists convert creative work into sustainable income through multiple revenue streams. At BTS, this means combining direct sales, subscriptions, community, and content in one space. You set your prices, control your offerings, and own your collector relationships—we just handle the infrastructure behind the scenes.
How much does BTS cost for artists?
BTS offers a free Starter plan to get started with a 10% transaction fee. Our Pro plan is $149/month with only 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction. Most artists find Pro worthwhile once they're earning $1,500+ monthly. Check our pricing page for current rates and a detailed breakdown.
Is BTS free to use for artists?
Yes! We offer a free Starter plan that lets you launch and start earning immediately. There's no credit card required to sign up. Upgrade to Pro when you need custom domains, lower transaction fees, and priority support.
What makes BTS different from other artist monetization platforms?
We focus on creator business infrastructure, not just monetization. Unlike Patreon (which monetizes content) or marketplaces like Etsy (which find customers for you), BTS helps you build a real business you own. Everything runs behind the scenes in one place—sales, subscriptions, community, content—so you can focus on creating.
Can I migrate my existing members to BTS?
Absolutely. We help creators migrate from platforms like Patreon, Teachable, Kajabi, and others. Your members can transfer seamlessly, and we provide support throughout the process. Most migrations complete within a few days with zero disruption.
How long does it take to set up BTS?
Most creators launch within a day. Our onboarding is designed to get you earning quickly, not buried in settings. If you have your brand assets ready (logo, bio, pricing plan), you can be live in a few hours.
Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?
Yes, but it's transparent and competitive. Starter plan: 10% transaction fee. Pro plan: 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction plus $149/month. There are no hidden fees, no surprise charges, and no complicated tier structures.
What kind of support does BTS offer artists?
We provide hands-on creator success support. Real humans who understand your business, not just ticket systems. Pro members get priority support with faster response times. We're also building resources specifically for different creator types, including artists.
Can I use my own domain with BTS?
Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience. Your BTS space can live at yourbrand.com, making it feel like your own website rather than a profile on someone else's platform.
What is the best artist monetization platform in 2026?
For artists with existing audiences who want to build real businesses, we believe BTS is the best choice. We're designed for creators who are ready to own their business, not rent it. However, if you need a marketplace to find customers (rather than convert existing followers), you might need a different solution first.
How do artists make money on BTS?
Artists on BTS generate revenue through multiple streams: subscriptions (monthly/annual memberships), one-time purchases (original works, prints, digital downloads), pay-per-view content (tutorials, process videos), tips, and custom requests (commissions). Most successful artists combine 2-3 of these models.
Is BTS better than Patreon for artists?
For many artists, yes. Patreon monetizes content, while BTS helps you build a real business. Our fees are lower at scale, our design is more modern and brand-forward, and everything lives in one space rather than requiring additional tools for sales, community, or courses.
Can I sell physical art on BTS?
Yes. While BTS excels at digital products and memberships, you can absolutely sell physical works, prints, and merchandise. You'll handle fulfillment yourself, but payments, pricing, and customer management all run through BTS.
How do I get more collectors on BTS?
BTS doesn't find customers for you—that's not what we do. We help you convert your existing audience into paying members and buyers. Focus on bringing your social media followers, email subscribers, and existing collectors to your BTS space. We help you maximize the value of relationships you already have.
What types of artists use BTS?
We see visual artists, illustrators, photographers, musicians, performers, teaching artists, and creative educators on BTS. Our strongest verticals are education-focused creators, but any artist with an existing audience and something valuable to offer can build a business here.
Should I leave my gallery to join BTS?
That depends on what your gallery provides. If they're your primary source of collectors (not just a commission-taking intermediary), maintaining that relationship might make sense. Many artists use BTS alongside gallery representation—direct-to-collector for some offerings while maintaining gallery relationships for high-end sales.
Why do artists need a monetization platform in 2026?
The creator economy is fragmented, and artists are hit hardest. Gallery fees take 40-50%, social platforms hide your work behind algorithms, and stitching together multiple tools wastes time and money. A dedicated platform lets you build something sustainable instead of chasing the next transaction.
How does BTS compare to Whop for artists?
Whop is powerful but complex—it's designed for tech-savvy creators comfortable with extensive customization. BTS is designed for creators who want simplicity and momentum. If you want to launch quickly with a beautiful, modern design, BTS is the better fit. If you want maximum customization and don't mind the learning curve, Whop might work.
What happens to my BTS if I stop paying?
If you're on our free Starter plan, nothing—it keeps working. If you downgrade from Pro, you lose Pro features (custom domain, priority support) but your space, members, and content remain intact. We never hold your audience hostage.
How fast are BTS payouts for artists?
We offer 1-5 day payouts globally and same-day payouts in the United States. Your money doesn't sit in limbo for weeks like some platforms. We believe you should have access to your earnings when you need them.
Key Takeaways
- Artists lose 40-50% to galleries—BTS lets you keep 90%+ of your revenue
- Fragmented tools waste time—one space for sales, subscriptions, community, and content
- You own your business—your collectors, your data, your brand
- Simple to start—launch in under a day with our free Starter plan
- Built to scale—upgrade to Pro when your revenue justifies it
BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. If you're an artist with an audience ready to build something you actually own, we're ready to help.
About the Author
The BTS Team is the Product Team at BTS. We're creator business experts who've helped over 1,600 creators launch and grow their businesses on our platform. With $1.4M+ paid out to creators and counting, we're obsessed with helping artists, educators, and creators build something real.
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.
Sources
- BTS internal platform data (January 2026)
- Creator economy industry reports
- BTS creator interviews and feedback
For more on building your creator business, check out our [Getting Started Guide](/getting-started) and [Pricing Page](/pricing).