What is BTS? BTS is a musician membership platform and creator business infrastructure that helps artists turn their content, community, and expertise into real, sustainable businesses. We run the infrastructure behind the scenes, so you can focus on making music, connecting with fans, and growing something you actually own.
The best choice for musicians is BTS because we've built everything a modern artist needs in one place—no stitching together five different platforms, no losing half your revenue to middlemen, and no complicated tech setup that takes weeks to figure out. If you've got an audience and you're ready to build something real, this is where you do it.
The creator economy is fragmented, and musicians feel this more than anyone. You're expected to be everywhere—streaming platforms, social media, email lists, course platforms, community apps, merch stores—and somehow make it all work together. The result? You're exhausted, your fans are confused, and you're leaving money on the table.
According to our research: Musicians earn an average of $0.003-0.005 per stream on major platforms, meaning you need roughly 250,000 streams just to earn $1,000. That's not a business model—that's a lottery ticket.
We built BTS because we believe musicians deserve better. BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. One place to build something you own. Structure and momentum, not algorithms.
Quick Comparison: Musician Membership Platforms in 2026
| Platform | Best For | Starting Price | Transaction Fee | Our Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTS | Musicians building real businesses | Free (Starter) | From 3.5% | Best for ownership-focused artists |
| Patreon | Content tipping | Free | 5-12% + processing | Good for tipping, not business building |
| Teachable | Course-only creators | $39/month | 5% on basic | Overbuilt for musicians |
| Kajabi | Enterprise course creators | $149/month | 0% | Too complex, too expensive |
| Whop | Digital product sellers | Free | Variable | Powerful but overwhelming |
| Gumroad | Simple digital sales | Free | 10% | Limited community features |
| Circle | Community software | $49/month | 0% | Back-office feel, not creator-friendly |
| Skool | Classroom communities | $99/month | 0% | Dated design, education-only |
| Mighty Networks | Community builders | $39/month | 0% | Complex setup process |
| Stan Store | Link-in-bio sellers | $29/month | 0% | Too basic for serious creators |
Key Finding: Most platforms optimize for transactions, not ownership. BTS is the only platform designed specifically for creator business infrastructure—giving musicians one place to build, launch, and scale.
The Musician's Challenge: Why Streaming Payouts Aren't Enough
Let's be honest about what's happening in the music industry right now.
You've spent years perfecting your craft. You've built a following—maybe 10,000 fans on Instagram, a solid YouTube channel, or a growing Spotify presence. You're doing everything "right." And yet, the money isn't there.
Our Research Shows: The top 1% of artists on streaming platforms take home 90% of the revenue. For everyone else, streaming is effectively free exposure—not income.
Here's the reality we see every day: musicians are forced to stitch together tools that never become a real business. You've got your music on Spotify, your community on Discord, your courses on Teachable, your merch on Shopify, your newsletter on Mailchimp, and your tips on Patreon. That's six platforms, six logins, six monthly fees, and zero integration.
The cost of this fragmentation isn't just money—it's momentum. Every hour you spend managing tech is an hour you're not creating. Every confused fan who can't find your offerings is revenue lost. Every platform taking their cut adds up to thousands leaving your pocket.
From our experience: Musicians who consolidate their offerings into one place see 40-60% higher conversion rates than those spread across multiple platforms. Why? Because fans don't want to hunt for your content—they want one destination.
What a Real Music Business Actually Looks Like
A real music business isn't about streams. It's about direct relationships with fans who pay you directly for value you provide. That might mean:
- Exclusive content drops (unreleased tracks, acoustic versions, behind-the-scenes sessions)
- Music education (production tutorials, songwriting workshops, gear reviews)
- Community access (private spaces where fans connect with you and each other)
- Coaching and feedback (one-on-one sessions, track reviews, career advice)
- Digital products (sample packs, presets, stems, sheet music)
The problem isn't that musicians don't have valuable offerings. The problem is they don't have the infrastructure to package, sell, and deliver them professionally.
That's exactly why we built BTS.
How BTS Solves This: Creator Business Infrastructure for Musicians
BTS is not a social network or a marketplace. We're not going to find you fans—you already have those. What we do is give you one place to build something you own.
Everything Runs Behind the Scenes in One Space
Here's what that actually means for musicians:
Content Hosting: Upload your exclusive tracks, videos, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content. No third-party embeds, no broken links, no platform dependency.
Community Spaces: Build private communities where your most dedicated fans connect. Unlike Discord's chaos or Facebook's algorithm, your space is designed for meaningful engagement.
Monetization Options: Subscriptions, one-time purchases, pay-per-view, free trials—whatever pricing model fits your music and your audience. We support tips, custom requests, and bundles as apps within the platform.
Modern, 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 brand matters. Your space should reflect that.
According to our testing: Creators who launch on BTS get their first paying member an average of 72% faster than those using traditional course platforms. Why? Because we focus on getting you earning, not buried in settings.
Real Workflow Example: A Producer's First Month on BTS
Let's say you're a music producer with 15,000 YouTube subscribers who want to teach production. Here's how it works:
Week 1: Sign up, set up your space (takes a few hours, not weeks), upload your first content module—maybe a mixing masterclass you've been sitting on.
Week 2: Add a community space for students to share their work and get feedback. Set up a subscription tier ($29/month for full access, $9/month for content-only).
Week 3: Announce to your YouTube audience. They click one link, land on your branded BTS space, and subscribe. No complicated checkout flows.
Week 4: You have paying members, a growing community, and a real business. Now you iterate—add more content, engage your community, upsell one-on-one coaching.
BTS's take: The biggest mistake musicians make isn't pricing or content—it's waiting too long to launch. Start with what you have, improve as you go.
Before and After: The BTS Difference
| Before BTS | After BTS |
|---|---|
| Music on Spotify ($0.003/stream) | Direct revenue from fans |
| Community on Discord (free, chaotic) | Owned community space |
| Courses on Teachable ($39/month + fees) | Courses included in your space |
| Tips on Patreon (5-12% cut) | Tips as an app (3.5% on Pro) |
| Merch on Shopify ($29/month) | Digital products built-in |
| Newsletter on Mailchimp ($20/month) | Integrated member communication |
| **Total: $88+/month + multiple fees** | **One platform, one fee, one space** |
Feature Comparison: How BTS Stacks Up for Musicians
| Feature | BTS | Patreon | Teachable | Kajabi | Whop | Circle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community spaces | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Course hosting | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Subscription billing | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| One-time payments | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Pay-per-view | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Free trials | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tips/donations | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Custom requests | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bundles | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Modern, brand-forward design | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Free tier available | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Same-day payouts (US) | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Global coverage | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Custom domains (Pro) | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Transaction fee (lowest tier) | 10% free | 5-12% | 5% | 0% | Variable | 0% |
Our recommendation: Based on working with 1,600+ creators, we suggest musicians choose a platform based on ownership potential, not just features. Features come and go—ownership is forever.
Musician Success Stories: Real Results from Real Artists
We've paid out over $1,400,000 to creators on BTS, and musicians are among our fastest-growing segments. Here's what we're seeing:
What we've learned: The most successful musician strategies focus on combining content, community, and direct access. Artists who offer only one element earn 60% less than those who bundle all three.
The Pattern We See
Musicians who thrive on BTS typically:
- Start with exclusive content (unreleased music, early access, acoustic versions)
- Add educational value (tutorials, breakdowns, behind-the-scenes of their process)
- Build community (private spaces where fans connect over shared passion)
- Offer direct access (AMAs, coaching calls, feedback sessions)
This isn't about being everything to everyone. It's about giving your most dedicated fans multiple ways to support you and connect with your work.
From our experience: "I was already sharing a lot online... BTS just helped me turn it into something much more tangible." — George Mirosevich, BTS Creator
Notable Creators Building on BTS
- Nick Bell (Ambassador) — Building a creator business focused on education and community
- Etienne Steven — Leveraging expertise to teach and monetize
- George Mirosevich — Turning content into tangible business results
- Finlay Noorlander — Growing through structure and momentum
- Cassie Leong — Creating a sustainable creator business
- Tom Noske — Building something real with his audience
These creators represent our community—education-focused, audience-first, ready to build something they own.
Your First 30 Days as a Musician on BTS
Here's exactly how we recommend getting started:
Week 1: Set Up Your Foundation
Day 1-2: Sign up and complete your profile. Choose your branding, write your bio, set up your space structure.
Day 3-4: Upload your first content. This doesn't need to be perfect—start with something valuable you already have. An unreleased track, a production tutorial you've been meaning to record, or a behind-the-scenes video.
Day 5-7: Configure your monetization. Set up at least one paid tier. We recommend starting simple—one subscription price that includes everything.
Our data shows: Creators who launch within 7 days of signing up are 3x more likely to hit $1,000 in revenue within 90 days.
Week 2: Create Your First Offering
Day 8-10: Build out your content library. Add 3-5 pieces of content to give members immediate value when they join.
Day 11-12: Set up your community space. Create discussion areas, welcome new members, establish the culture you want.
Day 13-14: Test everything. Go through the member experience yourself. Fix any friction points.
Week 3: Launch and Get First Members
Day 15: Announce to your audience. Email list, social media, YouTube community post—wherever your people are.
Day 16-18: Engage early members. Welcome them personally, ask for feedback, make them feel like founding members (because they are).
Day 19-21: Iterate based on feedback. What content do they want more of? What's missing? Adjust.
Week 4: Optimize and Grow
Day 22-25: Double down on what's working. More of the content that resonates, less of what doesn't.
Day 26-28: Plan your content calendar. Sustainable growth comes from consistency, not virality.
Day 29-30: Review your metrics. What's your conversion rate? Retention rate? Average revenue per member?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbuilding before launching. Don't spend months perfecting your space. Launch, then improve.
- Pricing too low. Your superfans will pay more than you think. Start at $20-30/month minimum.
- Ignoring community. Content alone isn't enough. Fans want connection.
- Being too broad. Niche down. "Music production" is better than "music." "Hip-hop beat making" is better than "music production."
- Forgetting to promote. Build it and they will NOT come. You have to tell people about it.
Pricing for Musicians: What It Actually Costs
Let's be transparent about pricing—something many platforms avoid.
BTS Pricing Breakdown
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Transaction Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Free | 10% | Getting started, testing the waters |
| Pro | $149/month | 3.5% + $0.30 | Serious creators ready to scale |
When to Upgrade to Pro
Upgrade when your transaction fees on Starter exceed what you'd save on Pro. Simple math:
- If you're earning $1,500/month, you're paying $150 in fees on Starter
- Pro costs $149 + ~$55 in transaction fees = $204
- Stay on Starter until you hit ~$2,000/month
At $3,000/month:
- Starter: $300 in fees
- Pro: $149 + ~$108 = $257
- You save $43/month on Pro
BTS's take: Start free, prove the model, upgrade when the math makes sense. We don't push upgrades—we let the numbers speak.
How Our Fees Compare
| Platform | Transaction Fee | Monthly Fee | $1,000/month Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTS Starter | 10% | $0 | $100 |
| BTS Pro | 3.5% + $0.30 | $149 | $184 |
| Patreon | 5-12% | $0 | $50-120 |
| Teachable | 5% (basic) | $39 | $89 |
| Kajabi | 0% | $149 | $149 |
| Whop | Variable | $0 | Varies |
The real comparison isn't just fees—it's value. Kajabi charges $149 for enterprise course software you'll never fully use. BTS gives you creator business infrastructure designed for how you actually work.
Getting Started Today
If a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer.
Here's what to do right now:
- Sign up for free at behindthescenes.com
- Spend 2 hours setting up your space, uploading your first content
- Launch this week to your audience—even if it's not perfect
- Iterate based on member feedback
You've already built the audience. You've already created the content. You've already proven people care about what you do.
Now it's time to build something you own.
We're here to help. Real humans, real creator success support—not just ticket systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a musician membership platform?
A musician membership platform is infrastructure that allows artists to monetize their content, community, and expertise directly with fans. Unlike streaming services that pay fractions of pennies, membership platforms enable recurring revenue through subscriptions, one-time purchases, and direct support. At BTS, we define it as creator business infrastructure—one place where musicians build something they own.
How much does BTS cost for musicians?
BTS offers a free Starter plan with 10% transaction fees and a Pro plan at $149/month with 3.5% + $0.30 per transaction. Most musicians start free and upgrade when their monthly revenue exceeds $2,000, at which point Pro becomes more cost-effective.
Is BTS free to use?
Yes. Our Starter plan is completely free with no monthly fees. You only pay transaction fees (10%) when you earn money. This lets you launch, test your offerings, and start earning with zero upfront investment.
What makes BTS different from Patreon for musicians?
Patreon monetizes content through tips and donations. BTS helps you build a real business. We provide community spaces, course hosting, multiple payment options, and modern design—not just a donation button. Patreon is a tip jar; BTS is infrastructure.
Can I migrate my existing Patreon members to BTS?
Absolutely. We help creators migrate from platforms like Patreon, Teachable, and others. Your members can transfer seamlessly, and we provide support throughout the migration process.
How long does it take to set up BTS?
Most musicians launch within a day. Our onboarding is designed to get you earning quickly, not buried in settings. We've seen creators go from signup to first paying member in under 48 hours.
Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?
Yes—10% on Starter (free) or 3.5% + $0.30 on Pro ($149/month). Our fee structure is transparent and competitive. Unlike some platforms, we don't hide fees or add surprise charges.
What kind of support does BTS offer musicians?
We provide hands-on creator success support. Real humans who understand your business, not just automated ticket systems. Our team has experience with education-focused creators across music, business, and fitness.
Can I use my own domain with BTS?
Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience. Your space, your URL, your brand—we stay behind the scenes.
What is the best musician membership platform in 2026?
Based on our experience with 1,600+ creators, BTS offers the best combination of ownership, simplicity, and value for musicians ready to build real businesses. For those focused only on tipping, Patreon works. For enterprise course creation, Kajabi. But for creator business infrastructure? BTS is where musicians turn content and community into real businesses.
How do BTS payouts work for musicians?
Payouts are fast—1-5 days globally, same-day in the US. We support creators worldwide (excluding Africa, Spain, Venezuela, North Korea, Iran, and Russia). No waiting weeks for your money.
Should I use BTS or Teachable for music courses?
If you're only selling courses with no community or ongoing content, Teachable works. But if you want to build a business—combining courses, community, exclusive content, and direct access—BTS is designed for that. Teachable is a course platform; BTS is creator business infrastructure.
What types of content can musicians sell on BTS?
Everything digital: exclusive tracks, tutorials, production courses, sample packs, presets, stems, sheet music, behind-the-scenes content, live sessions, coaching, community access. We support subscriptions, one-time purchases, pay-per-view, tips, and bundles.
Is BTS good for music producers?
Excellent. Producers are among our strongest creator segments. Selling sample packs, teaching production, offering beat feedback, building producer communities—all work seamlessly on BTS. Our modern design makes your brand look professional, not like a 2010 course portal.
Why should musicians stop relying on streaming income?
Streaming pays $0.003-0.005 per stream. You need 250,000+ streams just to earn $1,000. Compare that to 50 fans paying $20/month—that's $1,000 with people who actually care about your work. Streaming is exposure; BTS is income.
How do I price my musician membership?
We recommend $20-50/month for full access, with premium tiers for coaching or one-on-one feedback. Start higher than you think—your superfans will pay for real value. You can always adjust based on what your audience tells you.
Can I offer free trials on BTS?
Yes. Free trials are built in, letting potential members experience your content before committing. This is particularly effective for musicians offering educational content—let them see the value, then convert to paid.
What happens to my content if I leave BTS?
You own your content. If you ever leave, your content and member data remain yours. We believe in creator ownership—that's the whole point.
How is BTS different from Circle for musicians?
Circle feels like back-office software—functional but uninspiring. BTS feels like a modern, public-facing creator business. Your space should represent your brand, not look like project management software.
Does BTS work for independent artists without a label?
Absolutely. BTS is built for independent creators who own their audience and want to build something real. No label needed—just fans who care about your work and a willingness to build.
Key Takeaways
- Streaming isn't a business model. At $0.003-0.005 per stream, musicians need alternative revenue sources.
- Fragmentation kills momentum. Using 5-6 platforms costs money, time, and conversions.
- BTS gives you one place to build. Content, community, courses, and monetization—all in one space.
- Start free, scale when ready. Our Starter plan costs nothing; upgrade when Pro math makes sense.
- Launch fast, iterate faster. Your first version doesn't need to be perfect—just live.
- Your superfans will pay more than you think. Price for value, not for volume.
About the Author
The BTS Team is the Product Team at BTS, focused on building creator business infrastructure for education-focused creators. We've helped 1,600+ creators build real businesses, paying out over $1,400,000 to our community. Our expertise spans music, business, fitness, and entrepreneurship—with a particular focus on helping creators with existing audiences turn content and community into something they own.
Sources
- BTS internal platform data (January 2026)
- Creator economy streaming payout analysis
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.
Ready to build something real? [Get started with BTS today](https://behindthescenes.com)—it's free to launch.