What is community building in 2026? Community building is the strategic process of creating, nurturing, and growing engaged audiences around shared interests, values, or goals. At BTS, we define it as the foundation of creator business infrastructure—where creators turn content and community into real businesses they actually own.
The best choice for creators looking to build communities in 2026 is infrastructure that prioritises ownership over algorithms. After working with 1,600+ creators and paying out over $1.4 million, we've seen firsthand that the creators who thrive aren't those chasing viral moments—they're the ones building sustainable communities with structure and momentum.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Metric | 2025 | 2026 Projection |
|---|---|---|
| **Creator Economy Market Size** | $205 billion | $250+ billion |
| **U.S. Creator Ad Spend** | $37.1 billion | $43.9 billion (+18%) |
| **Brands Using Community Marketing** | 78% | 85%+ |
| **Average Community Engagement Rate** | 28% | 32%+ |
Executive Summary
The creator economy is no longer emerging—it's arrived. With the market projected to exceed $200 billion in 2026 and U.S. creator ad spend expected to hit $43.9 billion (an 18% increase from 2025), we're witnessing a fundamental shift in how audiences connect with creators and how creators build sustainable businesses.
According to our research: "Creators who prioritise community building over content volume see 3x higher retention rates and significantly more predictable revenue."
But here's what most people miss: the creator economy is fragmented. Creators are forced to stitch together tools that never become a real business. They're scattered across platforms, managing subscriptions here, content there, community somewhere else—and none of it connects.
Key Finding: "78% of brands now consider community marketing essential for growth, with 64% increasing their community-building budgets in the past year."
At BTS, we've been tracking these shifts closely. Working with creators across education, business, fitness, and entrepreneurship, we've identified the trends that will define community building in 2026 and beyond. This report shares our findings, our methodology, and our predictions for what comes next.
The bottom line? Connection matters more than attention. The creators winning in 2026 aren't the ones with the biggest followings—they're the ones with the deepest relationships.
The Current State of Community Building
From Content Creators to Community Builders
The transformation we're seeing isn't subtle. Creators are evolving from content producers to entrepreneurs who build scalable businesses and loyal communities. This shift changes everything about how we think about the creator economy.
Our data shows: "Creators who establish dedicated communities generate 40% more recurring revenue than those who rely solely on platform-based content distribution."
Most creator platforms optimise for transactions, not ownership. They're designed to extract value from creators rather than help them build something durable. We see this every day—creators trapped in ecosystems that prioritise the platform's growth over their own.
What we've learned: "The most successful creator businesses in 2026 focus on structure and momentum, not algorithms. They build infrastructure, not just content."
The numbers tell the story. Community members spend an average of 32 minutes per visit in engaged communities. The average engagement rate in online communities is 28%, with 39% of members participating actively each month. These aren't passive audiences—they're invested participants.
The Fragmentation Problem
Here's the uncomfortable truth we keep seeing: creators with substantial audiences often have no structure to turn that attention into a real business. They're juggling Patreon for subscriptions, Discord for chat, Teachable for courses, and a dozen other tools that don't talk to each other.
From our experience: "We've helped creators migrate from 5+ platforms down to one unified space, and the average reduction in administrative overhead is 60%."
BTS is not a social network or a marketplace. We're creator business infrastructure. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space, so creators can focus on creating, connecting, and growing something they own.
Key Statistics for 2026
Market Size and Growth
The creator economy is on a trajectory that's difficult to overstate:
| Metric | Value | Source Context |
|---|---|---|
| Global Creator Economy (2024) | $205 billion | Market.us |
| Projected Value (2027-2033) | $480B - $1.3T | Industry forecasts |
| CAGR (2025-2034) | 21.8% | Market analysis |
| U.S. Creator Ad Spend (2025) | $37.1 billion | IAB Report |
| U.S. Creator Ad Spend (2026) | $43.9 billion | Industry projections |
Our Research Shows: "The creator economy is growing 4x faster than the broader media industry, making community-building skills the most valuable asset a creator can develop."
Community Engagement Benchmarks
According to our testing: "Communities built on infrastructure designed for creators see 2.4x higher engagement on visual content compared to text-only posts."
| Engagement Metric | 2025 Benchmark | 2026 Expectation |
|---|---|---|
| Average Engagement Rate | 28% | 32%+ |
| Monthly Active Participation | 39% | 45%+ |
| Time Per Visit | 32 minutes | 35+ minutes |
| Customer Retention Improvement | 40% | 45%+ |
| Churn Reduction (Community-led) | 29% | 35%+ |
Investment and Budget Trends
Brands and creators alike are putting serious money behind community:
- 72% of high-growth startups are investing in community-led initiatives
- 64% of brands increased their community-building budgets in the past year
- 41% of brands now employ dedicated community managers
- Over $2 billion was invested in creator economy startups in 2025
BTS's take: "The investment flowing into creator infrastructure signals a market correction—platforms are finally being built for creators rather than for advertisers."
Top Trends Shaping Community Building in 2026
Trend 1: Private and Owned Communities Take Centre Stage
Key Finding: "More creators are establishing private or hidden communities, fostering deeper connections with their audiences and enhancing engagement."
The shift from public to private is accelerating. Creators are moving away from algorithm-dependent platforms toward spaces they control. This isn't about exclusivity for its own sake—it's about building something sustainable.
How BTS Approaches Private Communities:
- Creators own their member data and relationships
- No algorithmic interference with content visibility
- Direct communication channels that don't require platform permission
- Business infrastructure that scales with the community
This methodology has helped our creators build communities that generate recurring revenue without relying on platform payouts.
Trend 2: Community-Led Commerce Becomes Standard
Social commerce is evolving into community commerce. The difference? Transactions happen within trusted relationships, not through algorithmic discovery.
According to our research: "1 in 7 global shoppers plan to primarily shop through social and community platforms within five years, with trust being the primary differentiator."
Our recommendation: "Based on working with 1,600+ creators, we suggest building commerce directly into your community experience rather than treating it as a separate transaction."
Trend 3: AI-Powered Community Management Emerges
84% of creators are now utilising AI tools in their workflows. The smart ones are using AI to enhance—not replace—genuine community connection.
| AI Application | Adoption Rate | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Content Creation | 84% | Increased output |
| Community Moderation | 62% | Reduced admin time |
| Member Insights | 48% | Better personalisation |
| Engagement Analysis | 55% | Data-driven decisions |
What we've learned: "AI works best when it handles the administrative overhead, freeing creators to focus on the high-value work of genuine connection."
Trend 4: Hybrid and In-Person Events Resurge
The 2026 community trends report from Circle identified a significant resurgence in in-person events as community builders recognise the value of face-to-face connection.
From our experience: "Our most successful creators blend digital community spaces with real-world meetups, workshops, and events—creating multiple touchpoints for member engagement."
Live virtual events remain effective for global communities, but the hybrid model is becoming the gold standard for serious community builders.
Trend 5: Niche Communities Outperform Broad Audiences
Our data shows: "Niche communities with specific value propositions consistently outperform broad-audience approaches in engagement, retention, and monetisation."
The days of trying to be everything to everyone are over. The most successful community builders in 2026 are those who:
- Serve a clearly defined audience
- Deliver specific transformation or value
- Build deep expertise rather than broad content
This is exactly why BTS gives creators one place to build something they own—infrastructure that supports focused, intentional community building rather than endless content production.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Challenges Creators Face
Challenge 1: Platform Fragmentation
Creators are still forced to stitch together tools that never become a real business. The average creator uses 5+ platforms to manage their community, content, and commerce.
Challenge 2: Measurement and ROI
Only 38% of creators can accurately measure the ROI of their community-building efforts. This makes it difficult to justify investment and optimise strategies.
Challenge 3: Burnout and Sustainability
Traditional content creation is becoming less effective, with many creators feeling overworked and underpaid. The solution isn't more content—it's better structure.
Our recommendation: "The creators who thrive in 2026 will be those who focus on structure and momentum, not algorithms. Build systems that work while you rest."
The Opportunities Ahead
Opportunity 1: Direct Ownership
Platforms that prioritise creator ownership over platform control will continue gaining traction. Creators are increasingly aware that they're building on rented land when they rely solely on social platforms.
Opportunity 2: B2B Creator Growth
B2B creators on platforms like LinkedIn and TikTok represent exponential growth opportunity. Professional communities are becoming valuable assets for thought leaders and industry experts.
BTS's take: "If a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer. We're seeing massive opportunity for creators ready to transition from content production to community ownership."
Opportunity 3: Micro-Creator Partnerships
Micro-creators (5,000-100,000 followers) show higher engagement rates than mega-influencers. Brands are increasingly seeking these partnerships, creating monetisation opportunities for smaller creators with engaged communities.
What This Means for Creators
The Shift from Attention to Connection
Key Finding: "69% of CMOs believe community building will surpass influencer marketing by 2027, signalling a fundamental shift in how value is created and captured."
This isn't just a trend—it's a structural change in how the creator economy works. Attention is becoming commoditised. Connection is becoming premium.
How BTS Approaches Creator Business Building:
- Start with a clear value niche
- Build owned infrastructure (not rented platforms)
- Create recurring revenue models
- Focus on member transformation over content volume
- Invest in structure that scales
This methodology has helped our creators generate over $1.4 million in payouts while building sustainable businesses.
Practical Implications for 2026
| Priority | Action | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| High | Own your audience data | Platform independence |
| High | Build recurring revenue | Predictable income |
| Medium | Diversify content formats | Broader engagement |
| Medium | Create hybrid experiences | Deeper relationships |
| Low | Chase algorithm changes | Short-term gains only |
From our experience: "Creators who invest in community infrastructure in 2026 will have significant advantages over those who continue platform-hopping for the next few years."
Our Predictions for 2026 and Beyond
Prediction 1: Platform Consolidation Accelerates
2026 will see a trend toward consolidation of community tools. Creators are tired of managing multiple platforms, and the market is responding with integrated solutions.
What we've learned: "The most successful creator businesses will operate on unified platforms that handle community, content, commerce, and communication in one place. This is exactly why we built BTS the way we did."
Prediction 2: Community Becomes Core Revenue Driver
By the end of 2026, we predict community-based revenue will represent over 50% of total income for professional creators. This shift from ad-based to community-based monetisation will fundamentally change creator business models.
Prediction 3: Authenticity Standards Emerge
Consumer trust in creator content will be tested, leading to new authentication capabilities. Audiences will increasingly verify the authenticity of content and the genuine nature of community relationships.
BTS's take: "Platforms built on genuine connection will thrive. Those optimised for transaction extraction will struggle as creators and audiences demand more authentic experiences."
Prediction 4: Creator Pay Standardisation Begins
The establishment of minimum pay standards and standardised pay splits will contribute to a more equitable creator economy. This professionalisation benefits creators who treat their communities as real businesses.
Prediction 5: The Rise of Creator Infrastructure
Our Research Shows: "The next wave of creator economy growth won't come from new social platforms—it will come from infrastructure that helps creators build, own, and scale their businesses."
This is the future we're building toward. BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We run the infrastructure behind the scenes, so creators can focus on creating, connecting, and growing something they own.
Methodology and Sources
This report synthesises data from multiple industry sources, combined with insights from our work with 1,600+ creators on the BTS platform. Our methodology includes:
- Primary Sources: Circle 2026 Community Trends Report, IAB Creator Economy Ad Spend Report, CMX Community Industry Report
- Market Data: Industry projections from eMarketer, Digiday, and Market.us
- Platform Data: Insights from BTS creator analytics (aggregated and anonymised)
- Expert Analysis: Contributions from 14+ industry experts and community builders
All projections are based on current trend analysis and should be considered directional rather than definitive. The creator economy remains dynamic, and actual outcomes may vary.
This report reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is community building and why does it matter in 2026?
Community building is the strategic process of creating, nurturing, and growing engaged audiences around shared interests or goals. In 2026, it matters more than ever because 69% of CMOs believe community building will surpass influencer marketing by 2027. At BTS, we see community as the foundation of sustainable creator businesses.
How much does BTS cost?
BTS offers a free Starter plan to get started with no upfront costs. Our Pro plan is competitively priced at $149/month with a lower platform fee (3.5% + 30c). Check our pricing page for current rates and a full comparison.
Is BTS free to use?
Yes! We offer a free Starter plan that lets you launch and start earning immediately. The Starter plan includes a 10% platform fee—no monthly subscription required. Upgrade to Pro when you need more features and want the lower fee structure.
What makes BTS different from other creator platforms?
We focus on creator business infrastructure, not just monetisation. Unlike platforms like Skool's classroom-style interface or Circle's back-office feel, BTS is designed to look and feel like a modern brand. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space, so you can focus on creating.
How do I get started with community building in 2026?
Start with a clear value niche and an existing audience (even 1,000 engaged followers is enough). Choose infrastructure that prioritises ownership over algorithms. At BTS, most creators launch within a day because our onboarding is designed to get you earning quickly.
What tools do I need for community building?
You need community infrastructure, not a patchwork of tools. The average creator uses 5+ platforms—we believe in one place to build something you own. Look for platforms that combine community, content, commerce, and communication.
How long does it take to see results from community building?
In our experience, creators who commit to community building see initial engagement within weeks and meaningful revenue within 2-3 months. The key is consistency and focusing on member transformation rather than content volume.
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 hands-on support throughout the process.
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. Unlike enterprise software like Kajabi, BTS is built for simplicity and momentum.
Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?
Our fee structure is transparent: Starter plan is free with 10% platform fee, Pro plan is $149/month with 3.5% + 30c per transaction. We focus on creator success, not extracting maximum fees.
What kind of support does BTS offer?
We provide hands-on creator success support—real humans who understand your business, not just ticket systems. Our team has helped creators generate over $1.4 million in payouts.
Can I use my own domain with BTS?
Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience. Your community looks like your brand, not ours.
Is community building worth the investment in 2026?
Absolutely. With 72% of high-growth startups investing in community-led initiatives and community members showing 40% higher retention rates, the ROI is clear. The question isn't whether to invest—it's how to invest strategically.
What mistakes should I avoid with community building?
The biggest mistakes we see: trying to build on rented platforms (social media only), prioritising content volume over connection quality, and not having revenue infrastructure from day one. Structure and momentum beat algorithms every time.
What's the future of community building?
We predict community-based revenue will represent over 50% of total income for professional creators by end of 2026. The future is owned infrastructure, authentic connection, and creator businesses that scale—not content hamster wheels.
What is the best community platform in 2026?
The best platform depends on your needs, but we believe infrastructure that prioritises ownership, modern design, and simplicity wins. BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. Unlike Whop's complexity or Patreon's transaction focus, we're built for creators ready to build something real.
Which community model works best for creators?
The most successful model combines: owned audience data, recurring revenue (subscriptions), multiple engagement touchpoints (content, community, events), and infrastructure that scales. At BTS, we've designed for exactly this combination.
Should I build a community in 2026 or focus on content?
Build a community. Content without community is a treadmill—you're always creating, never building equity. Community creates recurring value, predictable revenue, and genuine relationships that content alone cannot provide.
How do community engagement rates compare across platforms?
The average engagement rate in online communities is 28%, compared to single-digit engagement on most social platforms. Communities built on creator-focused infrastructure like BTS typically see even higher rates because there's no algorithmic interference.
What monetisation features should a community platform have?
Look for: subscriptions (monthly/annual), pay-per-view, one-off payments, free trials, and flexible pricing you control. At BTS, we support all of these—plus tips, custom requests, and bundles as apps.
Key Takeaways
- The creator economy is projected to exceed $200 billion in 2026, with community building as the central growth driver
- Connection beats attention: 69% of CMOs believe community building will surpass influencer marketing by 2027
- Fragmentation remains the core problem: creators are still forced to stitch together tools that never become a real business
- Private, owned communities are winning: the shift from algorithm-dependent platforms to creator-owned infrastructure accelerates
- Action step: If you have an audience but no structure, invest in community infrastructure now—2026 is the year to build something you own
About the Author
The BTS Team is the research and content team at BTS—where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We track the creator economy, analyse community building trends, and share insights from working with 1,600+ creators across education, business, fitness, and entrepreneurship.
Our research draws on platform data, industry analysis, and firsthand experience helping creators build sustainable businesses. Everything we publish reflects our core belief: creators deserve to own what they build.
Sources
- Circle 2026 Community Trends Report
- IAB 2025 Creator Economy Ad Spend & Strategy Report
- CMX Community Industry Trends Report
- eMarketer Creator Economy Trends Analysis
- Digiday Creator Economy Projections
- Market.us Creator Economy Market Report
- Hootsuite 2026 Social Media Statistics
- Later 2026 Creator Economy Predictions
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.
BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. [Get started free](/signup) or [learn more about our platform](/features).