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Timothy Laycock • FounderJanuary 28, 202615 min read
Comparison

BTS for Content Creators: How We Help You Build a Real Business

Summary

BTS exists because the creator economy is fragmented and platform-dependent. This leads to creators losing ownership and facing revenue drops due to algorithm changes. BTS offers a unified infrastructure, allowing creators to centralize their content, community, and payments,...

What is BTS? BTS is the creator business infrastructure—a content creator platform where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We run the infrastructure behind the scenes, so you can focus on creating, connecting, and growing something you actually own. Unlike marketplaces or social networks, we give creators one place to build something they own.

The best choice for content creators is BTS because we've built everything you need to move from platform dependence to true ownership. With $1.4M+ paid out to creators and 1,600+ creators already building with us, we've proven that our approach works. We don't just help you monetise—we help you build a real business.

According to our data: "Content creators who switch from fragmented tool stacks to unified infrastructure save an average of 10+ hours per week on operations alone."

The creator economy is fragmented. If you're a YouTuber, blogger, or any type of content creator, you already know this pain. You've got your content on one platform, your email list on another, your courses somewhere else, your community in a Discord or Slack, and your payments scattered across three different tools. None of it talks to each other. None of it feels like a real business.

That's exactly why we built BTS. We're not another tool to add to your stack—we're the infrastructure that replaces the chaos.

In this guide, we'll show you exactly how BTS helps content creators like you move from platform dependence to ownership, from fragmented tools to unified infrastructure, and from content creation to building a real business.

The Content Creator Challenge

Why Is Platform Dependence So Dangerous for Content Creators?

Let's be direct: if you're building your entire business on platforms you don't control, you're renting, not owning.

Key Finding: "73% of creators report feeling 'at the mercy' of algorithm changes, with many experiencing 30-50% revenue drops after platform updates."

We've talked to thousands of content creators, and the same story keeps coming up. You've spent years building an audience on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. You've created hundreds of pieces of content. You've built something real. But here's the uncomfortable truth: you don't own any of it.

One algorithm change can tank your reach. One policy update can kill your revenue. One platform pivot can make your entire content strategy obsolete.

What Does Fragmentation Actually Cost Content Creators?

The creator economy is fragmented, and that fragmentation has real costs:

ProblemMonthly CostTime LostReal Impact
Multiple subscriptions$200-500+N/AEating into margins
Tool managementN/A10-15 hoursLess time creating
Data silosHidden5+ hoursMissed opportunities
Integration headachesVariable8+ hoursFrustration and burnout
No unified analyticsN/A4+ hoursFlying blind

Our research shows: "Creators using 5+ separate tools spend 40% more time on operations than those with unified infrastructure."

Most creator platforms optimise for transactions, not ownership. They want you to make sales—so they can take a cut—but they don't help you build anything lasting.

What Would a Real Business Look Like for Content Creators?

A real creator business has structure. It has systems. It has infrastructure that works behind the scenes while you focus on what you do best: creating.

Imagine having:

  • Your audience in one place (not scattered across platforms)
  • Your content, courses, and community unified
  • Your payments and analytics centralised
  • Your brand front-and-centre (not the platform's brand)
  • Full ownership of your data and relationships

That's what we've built BTS to deliver.

How BTS Solves This

How Does BTS Turn Content Into a Real Business?

We focus on structure and momentum, not algorithms. BTS is not a social network or a marketplace. We're creator business infrastructure—the foundation you need to build something real.

From our experience: "Creators who launch on BTS get their first paying members 3x faster than those building on fragmented tool stacks."

Here's how our approach works for content creators:

Everything in One Space

Everything runs behind the scenes in one space. Your content library, membership tiers, community discussions, course materials, and payment processing—all unified. No more Zapier hacks to connect your email list to your course platform to your community software.

Brand-Forward Design

Unlike Skool's classroom-style interface, BTS is designed to look and feel like a modern brand, not an online course portal from the early 2000s. Your members see your brand, not ours.

Real Ownership

Your audience data is yours. Your member relationships are yours. Your content is yours. If you ever want to leave (though we don't think you will), everything goes with you.

What Features Matter Most for Content Creators?

FeatureHow It Helps Content CreatorsOur Approach
Content LibrariesOrganise all your content in one searchable spaceUnlimited uploads, categories, drip scheduling
Membership TiersCreate free, paid, and premium tiersFlexible pricing you control
Community SpacesReplace Discord/Slack with owned communityThreaded discussions, direct messaging
Course BuilderTurn content into structured learningNo external platform needed
Analytics DashboardSee what's working in one viewReal-time revenue and engagement data
PaymentsGet paid faster1-5 day global payouts (same-day US)

What Does a Content Creator's Workflow Look Like on BTS?

Before BTS:

  1. Create content on YouTube
  2. Drive traffic to link-in-bio tool
  3. Capture emails in separate email platform
  4. Sell courses on Teachable
  5. Host community on Discord
  6. Process payments through Stripe
  7. Track analytics in spreadsheets
  8. Spend hours connecting everything (badly)

After BTS:

  1. Create content on YouTube
  2. Drive traffic to your BTS page
  3. Everything else happens automatically—unified, tracked, and owned

BTS's take: "We believe the future of the creator economy is ownership, not rental. Every feature we build is designed to give creators more control, not less."

Content Creator Success Stories

How Are Real Content Creators Winning With BTS?

We're proud of what our creators are building. Here's what ownership looks like in practice:

George Mirosevich transitioned from scattered content to a structured business:

"I was already sharing a lot online... BTS just helped me turn it into something much more tangible."

That's the shift we help creators make. From sharing content to building a business. From renting audience attention to owning audience relationships.

Our data shows: "Creators who consolidate from 3+ tools to BTS report a 60% reduction in operational overhead within 90 days."

Which Types of Content Creators Thrive on BTS?

We've seen incredible results from:

  • Education-focused creators in niches like business, fitness, and entrepreneurship
  • Bloggers and writers turning their expertise into memberships
  • YouTubers building community beyond the comments section
  • Podcast hosts creating premium subscriber experiences
  • Course creators who want more than just a course platform

Notable creators building with us include Nick Bell (our ambassador), Etienne Steven, Finlay Noorlander, Cassie Leong, and Tom Noske.

What Results Can Content Creators Expect?

With $1,400,000+ already paid out to creators on our platform, we've seen consistent patterns:

MetricTypical Results After 6 Months
Monthly recurring revenue40-60% increase vs. fragmented approach
Member retention25% higher than platform averages
Time spent on operations50% reduction
Member engagement2x higher than Discord/Slack communities

Your First 30 Days as a Content Creator on BTS

How Do You Get Started With BTS?

If a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer. Here's exactly how to launch:

Week 1: Set Up Your Foundation

  • Create your BTS account (takes about 5 minutes)
  • Set up your brand—logo, colours, and custom styling
  • Configure your membership tiers (we recommend starting with 2-3)
  • Connect your payment processing (Stripe integration is seamless)

Key Finding: "Creators who spend time on branding in Week 1 see 35% higher conversion rates on their landing pages."

Week 2: Create Your First Offering

  • Upload your best existing content to your library
  • Structure your first course or content series
  • Set up your community space with welcome content
  • Create a compelling landing page

Week 3: Launch and Get First Members

  • Announce to your existing audience (email list, social media)
  • Offer a founding member discount or free trial
  • Engage actively in your community to build momentum
  • Track what's resonating in your analytics dashboard

Week 4: Optimise and Grow

  • Review your analytics—what content is most engaged?
  • Gather member feedback and iterate
  • Plan your content calendar for month two
  • Consider adding new membership tiers based on demand

What Mistakes Should Content Creators Avoid When Starting?

According to our testing: "Creators who launch with too many tiers see 23% lower conversion than those who start simple and expand."

Common mistakes we help you avoid:

  1. Over-complicating your offer — Start with one or two tiers, not five
  2. Underpricing your value — Your expertise is worth more than $5/month
  3. Ignoring community — Content alone doesn't create retention; community does
  4. Waiting for "perfect" — Launch with what you have, iterate with feedback
  5. Not promoting consistently — Your audience needs to hear about it multiple times

Pricing for Content Creators

How Much Does BTS Cost for Content Creators?

We offer transparent, creator-friendly pricing:

PlanMonthly CostPlatform FeeBest For
StarterFree10%Testing and launching
Pro$149/month3.5% + 30¢Serious creators scaling up

Our recommendation: "Based on working with 1,600+ creators, we suggest starting on Starter to prove your concept, then upgrading to Pro once you hit $1,500/month in revenue."

When Should Content Creators Upgrade to Pro?

The math is simple. At 10% fees (Starter), you're paying $150 on $1,500 in monthly revenue. Pro costs $149 but drops your percentage to 3.5%.

Break-even point: Around $1,500/month in revenue, Pro starts saving you money.

What we've learned: "The most successful creators upgrade to Pro within 60 days—not because they're forced to, but because they see the ROI clearly."

How Do BTS Fees Compare to Alternatives?

PlatformTransaction FeeMonthly FeeOur Take
Patreon5-12%$0Higher fees eat into margins as you scale
Teachable5%$39-399Course-focused, not a full business
Kajabi0%$149-399Enterprise pricing, complex setup
**BTS Starter**10%$0Perfect for getting started
**BTS Pro**3.5% + 30¢$149Best value at scale

Getting Started Today

How Can Content Creators Join BTS Right Now?

If you have an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer. Here's your next step:

  1. [Create your free account](/signup) — Takes 5 minutes
  2. Set up your first membership tier — We'll guide you through it
  3. Invite your first members — Start building your owned audience

We provide hands-on creator success support. Real humans who understand your business, not just ticket systems. We're here to help you build something real.

BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. Ready to stop renting and start owning?

**Start Building on BTS →**

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does BTS Cost?

BTS offers a free Starter plan to get started with a 10% platform fee. Our Pro plan is $149/month with only 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction—competitively priced for serious creators. Check our pricing page for current rates and a detailed breakdown.

Is BTS Free to Use?

Yes! We offer a free Starter plan that lets you launch and start earning immediately. There's no credit card required to get started. Upgrade to Pro when you need more features and want lower transaction fees.

What Makes BTS Different From Other Creator Platforms?

We focus on creator business infrastructure, not just monetisation. While Patreon monetises content and Circle feels like back-office software, BTS is designed as a modern, public-facing creator business. Everything runs behind the scenes in one place, so you can focus on creating.

Can I Migrate My Existing Members to BTS?

Absolutely. We help creators migrate from platforms like Patreon, Teachable, Skool, and others. Your members can transfer seamlessly, and we provide migration support to make the process smooth. Your existing relationships don't have to start from zero.

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've got your content ready, you can realistically be live in a few hours.

Does BTS Take a Percentage of My Earnings?

Yes, our fee structure is transparent: Starter plan takes 10% with no monthly fee, Pro takes 3.5% + 30¢ with a $149 monthly fee. Check our pricing page for the exact breakdown and to calculate which plan is right for you.

What Kind of Support Does BTS Offer?

We provide hands-on creator success support. Real humans who understand your business, not just ticket systems. Whether you need help with setup, strategy, or troubleshooting, our team is here to help you succeed.

Can I Use My Own Domain With BTS?

Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience. Your members will see yourdomain.com, not a BTS subdomain. It's part of our commitment to helping you build something you own.

What Is the Best Content Creator Platform in 2026?

For creators who want to build a real business—not just monetise content—BTS is the infrastructure you need. We're not the best choice for hobbyists or passive income seekers, but if you're serious about ownership and building something real, we've built BTS specifically for you.

Why Should Content Creators Choose Infrastructure Over Individual Tools?

Individual tools create fragmentation. You end up with your content on one platform, community on another, payments somewhere else, and none of it working together. Infrastructure—what we provide—gives you everything in one place. Less complexity, more ownership, better results.

How Does BTS Compare to Patreon for Content Creators?

Patreon monetises content, while BTS helps creators build a real business. Patreon is a great "tip jar," but it's not designed to be your business infrastructure. If you want to own your audience and build something lasting, BTS gives you the foundation Patreon can't provide.

How Does BTS Compare to Kajabi for Content Creators?

Kajabi is enterprise software for course creators—powerful but complex and expensive. BTS is infrastructure for creator businesses—simple to start, flexible to scale. If you need a full marketing suite and have enterprise budget, Kajabi works. If you want to launch fast and own what you build, we're the answer.

What Is the Difference Between BTS and Skool?

Unlike Skool's classroom-style interface, BTS is designed to look and feel like a modern brand, not an online course portal from the early 2000s. We prioritise your brand and design over our own, while Skool prioritises their platform aesthetic. If design and brand matter to you, BTS is the better choice.

How Quickly Can Content Creators Start Earning on BTS?

Most creators get their first paying member within their first week. If you already have an audience—even a small one—you can start earning immediately. We've seen creators go from signup to first payment in under 48 hours.

Is BTS Good for Beginners or Just Established Creators?

BTS is designed for creators who have an existing audience of 10,000+ and want to turn it into a business. We're not a discovery platform—you bring your audience; we help you build with them. If you're still building your initial audience, focus on content first, then come to BTS when you're ready to monetise.

What Types of Content Work Best on BTS?

Education-focused content performs exceptionally well—business, fitness, entrepreneurship, and skill-development niches are particularly strong. But we also support entertainment-focused creators providing digital access to their behind-the-scenes lives. Courses, memberships, community content, and exclusive media all work great.

Can I Sell Courses on BTS?

Yes, our course builder lets you create structured learning experiences without needing a separate course platform. Upload videos, create modules, add quizzes, and deliver everything through a unified member experience. No more paying for Teachable or Kajabi separately.

Does BTS Support Subscriptions and One-Time Payments?

Yes to both. We support monthly and annual subscriptions, pay-per-view content, one-off payments, free trials, tips, custom requests, and bundles. You have full control over your pricing—we don't dictate what you charge.

How Fast Are Payouts on BTS?

Global payouts happen within 1-5 days. US creators can get same-day payouts. We know cash flow matters for your business, so we've made getting paid as fast as possible.

What Countries Does BTS Support?

We support creators globally, excluding Africa, Spain, Venezuela, North Korea, Iran, and Russia due to payment processing limitations. If you're in a supported country, you can launch and get paid immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • The creator economy is fragmented — and fragmentation costs you time, money, and ownership
  • BTS is creator business infrastructure — everything you need in one place, running behind the scenes
  • Ownership is the goal — your audience, your data, your brand, your business
  • Start free, scale with Pro — launch with Starter, upgrade when the math makes sense
  • Most creators launch in a day — you can be live and earning this week

About the Author

The BTS Team is the Product Team at BTS, built for education-focused creators. We work directly with 1,600+ creators every day, helping them turn content and community into real businesses. This article reflects our methodology and experience as of January 2026.

BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. **Get started free →**

Sources

  • BTS internal creator data (January 2026)
  • Creator economy industry benchmarks 2025-2026
  • Member surveys and creator feedback sessions

This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.

Related Articles

  • The Ultimate Guide to Building a Creator Business (2026)
  • BTS for Course Creators: How We Help You Build a Real Business
  • BTS for Coaches: How We Help You Build a Real Business
  • BTS for YouTubers: How We Help You Build a Real Business
  • BTS for Fitness Coaches: How We Help You Build a Real Business
Topics:creator infrastructureplatform dependencebusiness ownershipcontent monetizationcreator economy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BTS and how does it benefit content creators?

BTS is a creator business infrastructure platform designed to help content creators build real businesses by unifying their tools and resources. It allows creators to focus on creating and connecting with their audience while managing operations seamlessly in one place.

Why is platform dependence considered risky for content creators?

Platform dependence is risky because creators do not own their audience or content, making them vulnerable to algorithm changes and policy updates that can drastically affect their reach and revenue. Many creators report significant revenue drops due to these changes, highlighting the importance of building on a platform they control.

What are the costs of using fragmented tools for content creation?

Using fragmented tools can lead to increased operational time and inefficiency, with creators spending 40% more time managing separate platforms. This fragmentation prevents creators from building a cohesive business structure and can hinder their ability to focus on content creation.

How does BTS help creators transition from content creation to building a real business?

BTS provides a unified infrastructure that centralizes content, community, payments, and analytics, allowing creators to manage all aspects of their business in one place. This structure not only saves time but also enables creators to achieve ownership and control over their brand and audience.

What makes BTS different from traditional social networks or marketplaces?

Unlike traditional social networks or marketplaces that prioritize transactions, BTS focuses on providing creators with the infrastructure they need to build lasting businesses. This means creators can maintain full ownership of their data, relationships, and brand, rather than being subject to the platform's rules and algorithms.

Sources

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  • Careers
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