If you're reading this, chances are you've heard of Skool. Maybe you're already using it, or perhaps you're weighing your options as a creator looking to turn your audience into something more substantial. We get it—we've been asked "What's the difference between BTS and Skool?" more times than we can count.
Here's the thing: Skool is a solid platform. Sam Ovens and his team have built something that works for a lot of creators. We're not here to trash them. But we did build BTS because we saw the creator economy differently, and we made fundamentally different choices about what matters most.
BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. That's not just a tagline—it's our entire philosophy. We run the infrastructure behind the scenes, so you can focus on creating, connecting, and growing something you actually own.
In this piece, we're going to be honest about both platforms. We'll tell you where Skool wins, where we think we're better, and most importantly, which platform makes sense for your specific situation. Because the best platform isn't always the same platform for everyone.
Let's dig in.
Quick Comparison Table
Before we get into the philosophy and details, here's a side-by-side snapshot of what each platform offers:
| Feature | BTS | Skool |
|---|---|---|
| **Starting Price** | Free (Starter Plan) | $9/month (Hobby) |
| **Pro Plan Price** | $149/month | $99/month |
| **Transaction Fee (Starter/Hobby)** | 10% | 10% |
| **Transaction Fee (Pro)** | 3.5% + 30¢ | 2.9% |
| **Custom Domain** | ✅ (Pro) | ✅ (Pro only) |
| **Gamification/Leaderboards** | Limited | ✅ Strong |
| **Design Customization** | ✅ Extensive | Limited |
| **Native Video Hosting** | ✅ | ✅ |
| **Course Creation** | ✅ | ✅ |
| **Community Features** | ✅ | ✅ |
| **Subscriptions** | ✅ | ✅ |
| **One-off Payments** | ✅ | Limited |
| **Pay-per-view Content** | ✅ | ❌ |
| **Tips** | ✅ | ❌ |
| **Custom Requests** | ✅ | ❌ |
| **Bundles** | ✅ | ❌ |
| **Free Trials** | ✅ | ✅ |
| **Mobile Apps** | ✅ | ✅ |
| **Global Payouts** | ✅ (1-5 days) | Varies |
| **Trial Period** | Free forever (Starter) | 14-day trial |
| **Communities per Plan** | Multiple | 1 per subscription |
Our take: The pricing looks similar on paper, but the platforms serve different purposes. Skool charges per community, which adds up if you run multiple groups. We built BTS to be your entire business infrastructure in one place.
Why We Built BTS Differently
Let's start with the problem we set out to solve.
The creator economy is fragmented. And not in a minor, annoying way—in a way that fundamentally prevents creators from building real businesses. We watched talented creators cobble together Teachable for courses, Patreon for memberships, Circle for community, ConvertKit for email, Stripe for payments, and a dozen other tools just to do what should be simple: build a business around their expertise.
Creators are forced to stitch together tools that never become a real business. Each tool takes a cut. Each tool has different branding. Your customer data lives in fifteen different places. You're spending more time managing software than creating content.
This isn't just inconvenient—it's structural. It means creators can't build durable businesses. They're always renting, never owning.
From our experience: "When we talked to hundreds of creators before building BTS, the number one complaint wasn't about features. It was about fragmentation. Creators felt like they were running their business with duct tape and prayer."
We built BTS as creator business infrastructure. Not another tool to add to the pile—the foundation that replaces the pile entirely. One place to build something you own. One space where everything runs behind the scenes.
Most creator platforms optimise for transactions, not ownership. They want you to make sales through them, not build a business on them. The distinction matters. A transaction platform takes a cut and moves on. Infrastructure helps you build something that compounds over time.
Our philosophy is different: We focus on structure and momentum, not algorithms. We're not trying to be a social network or a marketplace. BTS is not going to help you find customers—you bring your audience. What we do is help you turn that audience into a real, sustainable business that you own.
When we sat down to design BTS, we asked ourselves: "If a creator has an existing audience but no structure, what do they actually need?" The answer wasn't more features. It was one place to build something they own.
Where Skool Shines
Here's where we give credit where it's due.
Skool's gamification system is genuinely excellent. Points, levels, leaderboards—they've built engagement mechanics that work. If your business model depends on keeping members actively participating in discussions every single day, Skool has invested heavily in making that happen.
The leaderboard system creates real competition within communities. Members earn points for posting, commenting, and engaging. There's a genuine dopamine hit when you climb the ranks. For certain types of communities—particularly those focused on accountability, networking, or ongoing challenges—this works brilliantly.
Skool's simplicity is intentional and effective. They've made specific choices to keep the platform streamlined. You won't find yourself lost in settings menus or overwhelmed by options. For creators who want to launch quickly and don't need extensive customization, that simplicity is a feature, not a bug.
Their pricing is straightforward for single communities. At $99/month for Pro, you get unlimited members and courses in one community. If you're running one focused group and that's your entire business, the math works well.
Skool has momentum. They've been around longer, have notable creators using the platform, and have built a community around their own product. There's something to be said for joining a platform with established social proof.
BTS's take: We respect what Sam Ovens and team have built. Gamification works for engagement-focused communities. But we deliberately chose not to make gamification our core feature because we believe sustainable creator businesses are built on value delivery, not engagement mechanics.
Where We Think We're Better
Now let's talk about why we built things differently.
Design That Looks Like Your Brand
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.
This isn't vanity. When your members visit your space, they should feel like they're entering your world—not logging into generic software. We've invested heavily in giving creators control over how their business looks and feels.
Skool uses a standardized interface. Every Skool community looks... like a Skool community. That's fine if you want to be part of the Skool ecosystem. But if you're building your own brand, you need your platform to reflect that.
Our data shows: "Creators who customize their BTS space report significantly higher perceived value from their members. Design isn't superficial—it's part of the product you're selling."
Monetization Flexibility
Skool focuses primarily on subscriptions. That works for some models, but the creator economy is more diverse than that.
On BTS, you can run:
- Subscriptions (monthly and annual)
- Pay-per-view content (for premium drops or exclusive releases)
- One-off payments (for courses, products, or events)
- Free trials (to reduce friction for new members)
- Tips (for creators who want optional supporter contributions)
- Custom requests (for personalized offers)
- Bundles (to package offerings creatively)
This isn't feature bloat—it's business flexibility. Different creators monetize differently. A fitness coach might want subscriptions. An educator might want course purchases. An entertainer might want pay-per-view exclusive content. BTS supports all of these in one place.
True Ownership
BTS gives creators one place to build something they own.
When you build on BTS, you own your customer relationships. Your data. Your brand. Your pricing. We're infrastructure—we help you build, but we don't insert ourselves between you and your audience.
This philosophy extends to how we handle payments. Global payouts in 1-5 days (same-day in the US) mean your money moves when you need it. You set your prices. You control your business.
Getting Started Without Risk
Skool offers a 14-day free trial. Then you're paying $9-99/month whether you've made a dollar or not.
BTS offers a free Starter plan. Forever. Launch your business, start earning, and upgrade when it makes sense. We believe you shouldn't have to pay platform fees before you've validated your idea.
What we've learned: "The creators who succeed on BTS often started on the Starter plan, proved their concept, and upgraded as their business grew. Lower barriers to entry mean more creators actually launch."
One Platform, Not One Community
Skool charges per community. If you want to run multiple groups—say, a free community and a paid membership, or separate offerings for different niches—you're paying multiple subscriptions.
BTS is built as your business infrastructure. One platform, multiple offerings, one fee. Your entire creator business in one place.
Who Should Choose Skool
We're not going to pretend BTS is right for everyone. Here's when Skool makes more sense:
If gamification is central to your model: If your business depends on daily engagement, community competition, and members climbing leaderboards, Skool has invested more heavily in these mechanics than we have. For accountability groups, challenge-based communities, or networking-focused spaces where engagement is the product, Skool's gamification creates real value.
If you want maximum simplicity: Skool has fewer options because they've made that choice intentionally. If you're overwhelmed by customization and just want something that works out of the box, Skool's streamlined approach might suit you better.
If you're running one focused community: If your entire business is one community with one offering, Skool's $99/month Pro plan is straightforward. You don't need to think about multiple monetization options or extensive customization.
If you want to tap into Skool's ecosystem: Skool has built a discovery element where members can find communities. If you're hoping the platform itself will help drive new members, that's something we don't offer. BTS isn't a marketplace—you bring your audience.
Our honest take: Some creators genuinely thrive on Skool. If your model fits their system, there's no shame in using what works. We built BTS for creators who want something different.
Who Should Choose BTS
If a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer.
Here's who thrives on our platform:
Education-focused creators with a clear niche: If you're teaching something specific to an audience that's already following you, BTS gives you the infrastructure to turn that expertise into a real business. Our platform is built for creators with 10,000+ followers who are ready to build something substantial.
Creators who want to own their business: If you're tired of building on rented land—platforms that can change terms, take bigger cuts, or shut down features—BTS is where you build something you actually own. Your customers, your data, your brand, your rules.
Creators tired of fragmentation: If you're currently juggling multiple tools and feeling like your "business" is really just a collection of disconnected software, BTS consolidates everything. One place. Behind the scenes. Working for you.
Creators who value design and brand: If how your business looks matters to you—if you want members to feel like they're entering your world, not logging into generic software—BTS gives you that control.
Creators with diverse monetization needs: Subscriptions, courses, pay-per-view, tips, bundles—if you want flexibility in how you make money, we've built that in. You shouldn't have to choose a platform that locks you into one business model.
Our recommendation: Based on working with over 1,600 creators who've collectively earned $1.4M+ on the platform, we've found that creators with clear expertise, existing audiences, and a desire to build something durable are the ones who get the most from BTS.
Making the Switch
If you're currently on Skool (or another platform) and thinking about moving to BTS, here's what the process looks like.
Migration is easier than you think. We've helped creators migrate from Patreon, Teachable, Skool, and a dozen other platforms. Your members can transfer seamlessly—we provide tools and support to make the transition smooth.
What transfers easily:
- Member email lists and contact information
- Course content and materials
- Community structure and organization
- Pricing and subscription tiers
What takes some work:
- Historical engagement data (leaderboard points don't transfer)
- Platform-specific formatting (some cleanup may be needed)
- Member reactivation (they'll need to create new accounts)
How we help: Our creator success team provides hands-on migration support. Real humans who understand your business, not just ticket systems. We've done this enough times to know where the friction points are and how to minimize them.
Our approach: We don't just give you a platform and wish you luck. If you're making the switch, we'll help you plan the transition, communicate with your members, and get set up properly. That's part of what being infrastructure means.
Our Honest Take
Let's wrap this up with clarity.
Skool and BTS serve different philosophies.
Skool optimizes for engagement. They've built gamification mechanics, community feeds, and leaderboards designed to keep members actively participating. If engagement is your primary metric, they've invested heavily in making that happen.
BTS optimizes for ownership. We've built infrastructure that helps creators build durable, sustainable businesses. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space, so creators can focus on what matters: creating value and building something real.
We're not a social network. We're not a marketplace. We're not going to help you find customers or grow your following. What we do is help you turn the audience you already have into a business you actually own.
BTS is the creator business infrastructure. That's what we are. That's what we built. And for creators who resonate with that philosophy, we think it's the best choice available.
If you're ready to stop stitching together tools and start building something real, our free Starter plan is waiting. No 14-day trial countdown. No credit card required. Just launch, earn, and grow at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does BTS cost?
A: BTS offers a free Starter plan with a 10% transaction fee—you can launch and start earning without paying monthly fees. Our Pro plan is $149/month with a reduced 3.5% + 30¢ transaction fee, plus advanced features like custom domains. Check our pricing page for the full breakdown.
Q: Is BTS free to use?
A: Yes! Our Starter plan is free forever, not just a trial. You only pay transaction fees when you earn. Upgrade to Pro when your business grows and the math makes sense.
Q: What makes BTS different from other creator platforms?
A: We're creator business infrastructure, not just a monetization tool. BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space—courses, community, payments, content—so you can focus on creating.
Q: Can I migrate my existing members to BTS?
A: Absolutely. We help creators migrate from Patreon, Teachable, Skool, Circle, and other platforms regularly. Your member data transfers, and our team provides hands-on support to make the transition smooth.
Q: How long does it take to set up BTS?
A: Most creators launch within a day. We've designed the onboarding to get you earning quickly, not buried in settings. Start with the basics, then customize as you grow.
Q: Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?
A: Yes, transparently. Starter plan: 10% transaction fee. Pro plan: 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction. No hidden fees, no surprises. Your pricing, your control.
Q: What kind of support does BTS offer?
A: Hands-on creator success support from real humans who understand your business. Not just ticket systems—actual people who can help you strategize, troubleshoot, and grow.
Q: Can I use my own domain with BTS?
A: Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains for a fully branded experience. Your business, your brand, your URL.
Q: Is BTS better than Skool?
A: It depends on what you're building. Skool excels at gamification and engagement mechanics. We built BTS for creators who want to own their business infrastructure. Both are solid platforms serving different philosophies.
Q: Can I use both BTS and Skool?
A: Some creators do run multiple platforms, but most find BTS handles everything they need in one place. The whole point of infrastructure is consolidation—one space to build something you own.
Q: What types of content can I sell on BTS?
A: Courses, community access, exclusive content, pay-per-view videos, digital downloads, coaching sessions, bundles—BTS supports diverse monetization. You're not locked into one format.
Q: Does BTS have a mobile app?
A: Yes, members can access your content through our mobile apps. Full functionality, not a watered-down experience.
Q: How fast do payouts work on BTS?
A: Global payouts typically process in 1-5 days. Same-day payouts are available in the US. Your money, moving when you need it.
Q: What countries does BTS support?
A: BTS supports creators and members globally, excluding a few regions (Africa, Spain, Venezuela, North Korea, Iran, Russia) due to payment processing limitations.
Q: Can I offer free content alongside paid content?
A: Absolutely. Mix free and paid offerings however you want. Free trials, freemium models, exclusive paid drops—you control the structure.
Q: Does BTS help me find customers?
A: No, and we're upfront about that. BTS is not a marketplace or discovery platform. You bring your audience; we help you turn them into a real business. We focus on structure and momentum, not algorithms.
Q: What if I'm just starting out with a small audience?
A: Our Starter plan is free—there's no risk in launching early. That said, BTS is designed for creators with existing audiences (typically 10,000+ followers) who are ready to build something substantial. If you're still growing your following, focus on that first.
Q: How does BTS compare to Patreon?
A: Patreon monetizes content; BTS helps creators build a real business. We offer more monetization flexibility, better design customization, and a focus on ownership over transactions.
Q: What's the biggest difference between BTS and Skool?
A: Philosophy. Skool is built around gamification and engagement. BTS is built around ownership and infrastructure. Both work—the question is what kind of business you're building.
Q: Why should I trust BTS?
A: We've paid out over $1.4 million to creators. We have 1,600+ creators on the platform. We raised at a $15 million valuation because investors believe in what we're building. But more importantly: try the free Starter plan and see for yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Skool excels at gamification and engagement mechanics—if daily participation is your business model, they've invested heavily there.
- BTS is creator business infrastructure—one place to build something you own, with flexible monetization and modern design.
- The creator economy is fragmented, and both platforms try to solve that problem differently.
- BTS offers a free Starter plan with no time limit—launch and earn before you pay monthly fees.
- For creators with audiences who want to build durable, owned businesses, BTS provides the structure and momentum to make that happen.
About the Author
The BTS Team is the Product Team at BTS. We're creator business experts who built this platform because we believe creators deserve to own what they build.
We've worked directly with over 1,600 creators across education, business, fitness, and entrepreneurship niches. This article reflects our honest perspective on the creator platform landscape—where we fit, where competitors fit, and how to make the right choice for your specific business.
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.