We get it. You've got questions about BTS, and you want straight answers—not marketing fluff. That's exactly what this page delivers.
Since launching in 2024, we've helped over 1,600 creators build real businesses and paid out more than $1.4 million to our community. Along the way, we've answered thousands of questions from creators just like you. This FAQ compiles the most common ones with honest, detailed answers.
BTS is 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.
Use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on Mac) to jump to specific topics. Can't find what you're looking for? Reach out to our support team—we're real humans who actually respond.
Getting Started Questions
Q: What exactly is BTS and what does it do?
BTS is the creator business infrastructure. We give creators one place to build something they own—combining content, community, courses, and commerce into a single, cohesive platform.
Unlike patchwork solutions where you're stitching together five different tools that never quite work together, BTS provides the foundation for a real business. We handle subscriptions, one-off payments, content delivery, community features, and everything else that runs behind the scenes.
Think of us as the operating system for your creator business. You bring your audience and expertise; we provide the structure and momentum to turn that into sustainable income.
Q: How do I get started with BTS?
Getting started takes about 15 minutes. Here's the process:
- Sign up at behindthescenes.com with your email
- Choose your plan (Starter is free with 10% platform fee, Pro is $149/month with 3.5% + 30¢)
- Set up your space by adding your branding, content, and pricing
- Connect payments through our integrated payment system
- Invite your audience and start building
We've designed the onboarding to be intuitive. No technical skills required, no weeks of setup. Most creators have their first paying members within a week of signing up.
Q: Do I need an existing audience to use BTS?
Yes—and we're upfront about this. BTS is not a discovery platform. We don't have algorithms pushing your content to new audiences or a marketplace connecting you with customers.
We built BTS for creators who already have an audience on social platforms (10,000+ followers is our sweet spot) and want to turn that attention into a real, owned business. If a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer.
If you're still building your initial following, focus on that first. When you're ready to monetize and own your relationship with your audience, we'll be here.
Q: What types of creators is BTS best suited for?
Our platform works best for two types of creators:
Education-focused creators with a clear niche and existing audience of 10,000+. You're teaching something—business, fitness, music, design, whatever—and you have a digital product to offer (content, courses, coaching, or community).
Entertainment-focused creators with 100,000+ audience who want to give their community behind-the-scenes access to their lives and creative process.
The common thread? You have an audience, a clear value proposition, and you want to build something durable—not just collect tips.
Q: How is BTS different from a social network?
BTS is not a social network. We don't have public feeds, algorithmic recommendations, or discovery features. We focus on structure and momentum, not algorithms.
Social networks are designed to keep people scrolling and serve ads. We're designed to help you build a business. Your members come to BTS because they chose to join your community, not because an algorithm showed them your content.
This is intentional. Most creator platforms optimize for transactions, not ownership. We believe creators deserve to own what they build—including their audience relationships, their data, and their business.
Q: Can I migrate my existing community to BTS?
Absolutely. We support migrations from most major platforms including Patreon, Circle, Skool, and others.
Our migration process includes:
- Importing your member list (with their permission)
- Transferring subscription data
- Moving your content library
- Setting up redirects from your old platform
Our support team walks you through every step. We've helped hundreds of creators make the switch, and we know how to make it smooth for both you and your members.
Pricing and Cost Questions
Q: How much does BTS cost?
We offer two plans:
Starter (Free): No monthly fee, 10% platform fee on transactions. Perfect for testing the waters or creators just getting started with monetization.
Pro ($149/month): 3.5% + 30¢ platform fee. Makes sense once you're doing $1,500+ in monthly revenue—the lower transaction fee more than covers the subscription cost.
Both plans include all features. We don't gate functionality behind pricing tiers. The only difference is the transaction fee structure.
Q: What payment methods do you support?
We support all major credit and debit cards globally, plus Apple Pay and Google Pay where available.
Payments are processed through our integrated payment system with bank-level security. You don't need to set up your own Stripe or PayPal account—we handle all of that behind the scenes.
Q: How quickly do I get paid?
Payouts happen within 1-5 days globally, with same-day payouts available in the US.
This is something we're proud of. Many platforms hold your money for weeks. We believe it's your money—you should have it as fast as possible.
Payouts are automatic. Once you've connected your bank account, earnings flow to you on schedule without any manual intervention required.
Q: What countries does BTS support?
We support creators and members globally, with some exceptions.
Currently excluded regions: Africa, Spain, Venezuela, North Korea, Iran, and Russia.
For everywhere else, you're good to go. We've paid out to creators in over 50 countries, and our payment infrastructure handles currency conversion automatically.
Q: Are there any hidden fees?
No hidden fees. Ever.
You pay the platform fee (10% on Starter, 3.5% + 30¢ on Pro), and that's it. No setup fees, no per-member fees, no fees for using specific features.
Standard payment processing fees are included in our platform fee—we don't pass those through separately.
Q: Can I offer free content alongside paid content?
Yes. You control exactly what's free and what's paid.
Many of our successful creators use a freemium model: valuable free content to attract and engage their audience, with premium content, courses, or community access behind a paywall. BTS supports this mixed model natively.
Q: Do you take a cut of tips and one-off payments?
Yes, the same platform fee applies to all transaction types—subscriptions, one-off payments, tips, and custom requests.
We don't differentiate between transaction types because, frankly, it's all revenue you earned. The infrastructure cost to process a tip is the same as processing a subscription payment.
Feature Questions
Q: What monetization options does BTS support?
We support the full range of creator monetization:
| Monetization Type | Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly subscriptions | ✅ | Flexible pricing you control |
| Annual subscriptions | ✅ | With optional discount |
| Pay-per-view content | ✅ | For individual pieces |
| One-off payments | ✅ | Courses, products, etc. |
| Free trials | ✅ | Configurable length |
| Tips | ✅ | Via app integration |
| Custom requests | ✅ | Via app integration |
| Bundles | ✅ | Via app integration |
Pricing is entirely creator-controlled. We don't dictate what you can charge or impose minimum/maximum prices.
Q: Can I create courses on BTS?
Yes. BTS includes native course creation with:
- Video lessons with progress tracking
- Text and multimedia content
- Drip content scheduling
- Completion certificates
- Quiz and assessment tools
- Community discussion tied to lessons
Unlike dedicated course platforms like Kajabi or Teachable, your courses live alongside your community and content in one cohesive experience. Members don't feel like they're logging into separate products.
Q: How does the community feature work?
Our community feature gives you a private space for your members to connect, discuss, and engage.
Key features include:
- Discussion threads and topics
- Direct messaging between members
- Member directory and profiles
- Content sharing and reactions
- Moderation tools
- Member tagging and mentions
Our take: Circle feels like back-office software, while BTS feels like a modern, public-facing creator business. We've designed our community features to match your brand, not look like generic forum software.
Q: Can I customize the look and feel of my BTS space?
Absolutely. Your BTS space should look like your brand, not ours.
Customization options include:
- Custom colors and typography
- Logo and brand imagery
- Custom domain support
- Layout configurations
- Branded email templates
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.
Q: Does BTS support live events and webinars?
Yes. You can host live events directly within BTS, including:
- Live video sessions
- Q&A sessions
- Member-only broadcasts
- Scheduled events with reminders
- Event recordings for later access
Live events are integrated with your community, so discussions and engagement happen naturally before, during, and after your sessions.
Q: Can members access BTS on mobile?
Yes. BTS works beautifully on mobile browsers, and we offer native mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Your members can access your content, engage with community discussions, and manage their subscription from anywhere. The mobile experience mirrors the desktop experience—we don't hide features or create a stripped-down mobile version.
Q: What analytics and insights do I get?
We provide comprehensive analytics including:
- Revenue tracking and projections
- Member growth and churn metrics
- Content engagement data
- Community activity insights
- Subscription analytics
- Payout history
From our experience: Creators who regularly review their analytics grow faster. That's why we've made the data accessible and actionable, not buried in complex dashboards.
Technical Questions
Q: Do I need technical skills to use BTS?
No. We built BTS for creators, not developers.
Everything is visual and intuitive. Drag-and-drop content organization, simple settings panels, no code required anywhere. If you can use social media, you can use BTS.
That said, if you are technical, we offer API access and integrations for advanced use cases.
Q: Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. Custom domains are supported on all plans.
You can connect your existing domain (like community.yourname.com) to your BTS space. We handle all the technical setup—SSL certificates, DNS configuration guidance, everything.
Q: Does BTS integrate with other tools?
We integrate with the tools creators actually use:
- Email: Connect your email marketing platform
- Zapier: Automate workflows with 5,000+ apps
- Webhooks: For custom integrations
- Analytics: Google Analytics and other tracking
- Payment: We handle payments natively
We're continuously adding new integrations based on creator requests. If there's something you need, let us know.
Q: How secure is my content on BTS?
Very. We take content security seriously.
Security measures include:
- SSL encryption on all connections
- Secure video hosting with DRM options
- Fraud detection on payments
- Regular security audits
- GDPR compliance
- Data backup and redundancy
Your content is your business. We protect it like it's our own.
Q: Can I export my data if I leave BTS?
Yes. Your data is your data.
You can export:
- Member lists and contact information
- Content and media files
- Transaction history
- Community discussions
- Analytics data
We don't believe in holding your data hostage. If you ever decide to leave (though we hope you won't), you can take everything with you.
Q: What uptime and reliability can I expect?
We maintain 99.9%+ uptime. Your business depends on your platform being available, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Our infrastructure is built on enterprise-grade cloud services with automatic failover and redundancy. We monitor everything 24/7 and proactively address issues before they affect your members.
Q: Do you offer an API?
Yes. Our API allows developers to:
- Sync member data with external systems
- Automate content publishing
- Build custom integrations
- Create advanced workflows
API access is available on all plans. Documentation is comprehensive, and our support team can help with implementation questions.
Comparison Questions
Q: How is BTS different from Patreon?
Patreon monetizes content; BTS helps creators build a real business.
Patreon is essentially a tip jar with tiers. It's great for what it is, but it's not designed for creators who want to build something more substantial.
| Aspect | BTS | Patreon |
|---|---|---|
| Business model | Creator infrastructure | Content monetization |
| Community | Native, full-featured | Limited, add-on |
| Courses | Built-in | Not supported |
| Branding | Fully customizable | Limited |
| Feel | Your brand | Patreon's brand |
If you're looking for quick tips from casual supporters, Patreon works. If you want one place to build something you own, that's what we built BTS for.
Q: How does BTS compare to Skool?
Unlike Skool's classroom-style interface, BTS is designed to look and feel like a modern brand.
Skool has great community features and gamification, but it looks like... Skool. Every Skool community has the same interface, the same feel.
BTS gives you a space that looks and feels like your brand. Your community shouldn't look like everyone else's community.
| Aspect | BTS | Skool |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Modern, customizable | Classroom-style |
| Branding | Your brand | Skool's brand |
| Monetization | Multiple models | Subscription only |
| Content | Full CMS | Limited |
| Vibe | Professional | Gamified |
Q: What about Circle vs BTS?
Circle feels like back-office software; BTS feels like a modern, public-facing creator business.
Circle is powerful and feature-rich. It's also complex and takes time to set up properly. The interface is functional but not particularly inspiring.
We built BTS for creators who want something that looks as good as it works. Your members' first impression matters.
Q: How does BTS compare to Kajabi?
Kajabi is enterprise software for course creators; BTS is infrastructure for creator businesses.
Kajabi is comprehensive but complex. It's designed for course creators running six and seven-figure businesses with teams. The learning curve is steep, and the price reflects that ($149-$399/month).
BTS is simpler to start but still flexible enough to scale. We're built for creators who want to focus on creating, not managing complex software.
Q: What about Whop?
Whop is powerful but complex; BTS is designed for creators who want simplicity and momentum.
Whop offers incredible flexibility—you can build almost anything on it. That flexibility comes with complexity. Setup takes longer, and the learning curve is steeper.
BTS is more opinionated. We've made decisions about how creator businesses should work so you don't have to figure everything out from scratch. If you want maximum customization and don't mind the complexity, Whop is solid. If you want to get moving faster, we're a better fit.
Q: Is BTS better than building my own website?
For most creators, yes.
Building your own website with courses, community, payments, and member management requires:
- Multiple plugins or services
- Ongoing maintenance
- Technical knowledge or a developer
- Security responsibility
- Integration headaches
BTS gives you all of that in one place, maintained and secured by us. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space.
The exception: If you have very specific technical requirements or a dedicated development team, custom might make sense. For everyone else, the time and cost of building custom doesn't pencil out.
Q: Why shouldn't I just use YouTube memberships or Instagram subscriptions?
Platform-native monetization keeps you dependent on that platform.
- You don't own your member relationships
- You can't export your audience
- The platform takes a significant cut (30%+ typically)
- Features are limited to what they offer
- Algorithm changes can tank your reach overnight
BTS gives creators one place to build something they own. Your members, your data, your business—not rented from a social network that could change the rules anytime.
Business and Strategy Questions
Q: How much can I realistically earn on BTS?
Earnings vary wildly based on your audience size, niche, and offering. That said, here's what we see:
Our data shows: Creators with 10,000+ engaged followers who launch with a clear value proposition typically see $2,000-$10,000/month within their first six months.
Top creators on our platform earn six figures annually. We've paid out over $1.4 million to our creator community since launching.
The key factors: audience engagement (not just size), clear value proposition, consistent content, and active community cultivation.
Q: What support do you offer?
We pride ourselves on actual human support:
- Email support: Real humans, fast responses
- Help center: Comprehensive guides and tutorials
- Community: Connect with other BTS creators
- Onboarding calls: Available for Pro members
- Migration assistance: Hands-on help switching platforms
What we've learned: Creator success depends on more than just features. That's why we invest heavily in support and education, not just product development.
Q: Do you offer any guarantees?
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on Pro subscriptions. If BTS isn't right for you, we'll refund your subscription, no questions asked.
For Starter (free) plans, there's nothing to refund—you can simply stop using the platform anytime.
We're confident in what we've built. The guarantee exists because we want you to feel confident trying it.
Q: Can I run multiple businesses or brands on BTS?
Yes. You can create multiple spaces under one account, each with its own branding, pricing, and content.
This works well for creators who serve different audiences or have distinct product lines. Each space operates independently while you manage everything from one dashboard.
Q: What if I'm not sure BTS is right for me?
Start with the free Starter plan. Build your space, invite a few members, test the features.
The 10% transaction fee on Starter is higher than Pro, but it lets you validate the platform without any upfront commitment. When you're confident BTS is right, upgrade to Pro and save on transaction fees.
No pressure, no sales tactics. We want creators who are genuinely the right fit, not people we convinced against their better judgment.
Key Takeaways
- BTS is creator business infrastructure—not a social network, marketplace, or tip jar
- You need an existing audience (10,000+) to get the most from BTS
- Pricing is straightforward: Free with 10% fee, or $149/month with 3.5% + 30¢
- Everything lives in one place: content, courses, community, commerce
- You own what you build: your members, your data, your business
- Support is human and responsive—we're creators building for creators
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Reach out through any of these channels:
- Email support: support@behindthescenes.com
- Help center: Comprehensive guides at behindthescenes.com/blog/help
- Creator community: Connect with 1,600+ creators building on BTS
- Book a call: Schedule a demo with our team
The creator economy is fragmented enough. We built BTS so you don't have to stitch together tools that never become a real business. If you're ready to build something you own, we're ready to help.
About the Author
BTS Support is the Creator Success team at BTS. We've been answering creator questions since 2024, helping over 1,600 creators build real businesses on our platform.
We're not a faceless support department—we're creators and builder ourselves who genuinely want to see you succeed. Every question in this FAQ came from real conversations with real creators.
Sources
- Internal BTS platform data and creator surveys
- Creator community feedback and support conversations
- Competitive analysis conducted by BTS team
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.
