Thinking about switching from Circle? You're not alone. We've helped hundreds of creators make this exact move, and we've learned what works, what doesn't, and how to make the transition feel seamless for you and your members.
At BTS, we've spent years building creator business infrastructure that helps creators turn content and community into real businesses. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about migrating from Circle to BTS—step by step, with no fluff.
What is a platform migration? A platform migration is the process of moving your digital business—members, content, and structure—from one platform to another. At BTS, we define it as an opportunity to upgrade your creator business foundation without losing what you've already built.
Here's what you'll learn: the exact steps to migrate, what transfers automatically, how to communicate with your members, and how to avoid the common pitfalls we've seen trip up other creators.
Migration Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| **Time Required** | 1-2 hours (basic setup), 1 day (full migration with content) |
| **What Transfers** | Member emails, payment history records, downloadable content files |
| **What Needs Recreation** | Community spaces, course structure, membership tiers, integrations |
| **Support Available** | Yes—our team personally helps with migrations |
| **Difficulty Level** | Easy to Moderate |
Why Creators Leave Circle
We talk to creators every day who are making the switch from Circle. And while Circle is a capable platform, there are consistent reasons we hear over and over.
The design feels dated. Circle feels like back-office software, where BTS feels like a modern, public-facing creator business. Many creators tell us their Circle community looks like an internal tool rather than a brand experience. When you're building something you want members to be proud of, design matters.
Complexity without clarity. Circle has features, but features don't always equal progress. We've heard from creators who spent weeks configuring spaces, permissions, and gamification settings—only to realise they still didn't have a clear path to growing their business.
The experience is fragmented. Even with Circle, many creators find themselves stitching together additional tools for courses, payments, and member management. That patchwork approach is exactly the problem we built BTS to solve.
From our experience: "The creators who switch to BTS often tell us they finally feel like they have one place to build something they own—not a collection of tools that sort of work together."
What You'll Gain with BTS
When you migrate to BTS, you're not just switching platforms. You're moving to creator business infrastructure that's designed for structure and momentum, not algorithms. Here's what that means in practice:
- Modern, brand-forward design that makes your members feel like they're part of something premium
- Everything in one space—community, content, courses, payments—behind the scenes
- Simplicity to start, flexibility to scale as your business grows
- Real support from real humans who understand creator businesses
We've paid out over $1,400,000 to creators on our platform. We work with 1,600+ creators across education, business, fitness, and entrepreneurship. This isn't a side project—it's infrastructure built for creators who are serious about building something real.
Before You Start: Pre-Migration Checklist
Before you dive into the migration, take an hour to gather everything you'll need. This prep work makes the actual migration significantly smoother.
Your Pre-Migration Checklist
| Task | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Export your member list from Circle | High | Include emails, join dates, and subscription status |
| Download all your content | High | Courses, resources, videos—everything you've uploaded |
| Document your current pricing tiers | High | Note prices, billing cycles, and what's included |
| Screenshot your community structure | Medium | Spaces, channels, and how they're organised |
| Review your integrations | Medium | Zapier, email tools, payment processors |
| Set a migration date | High | Pick a low-traffic day if possible |
| Draft member communication | High | We'll provide templates below |
Our recommendation: Based on working with hundreds of migrating creators, we suggest giving yourself a full week from decision to launch. Not because the technical work takes that long, but because thoughtful communication with your members makes all the difference.
Exporting Your Data from Circle
Circle allows you to export member data from your admin panel. Navigate to Settings > Members > Export to download a CSV with member information. For content, you'll need to download files manually or use Circle's bulk export if available.
Pro tip: Take screenshots of your Circle setup as you go. It's helpful to reference how you had things organised, even if you'll improve on that structure in BTS.
Step-by-Step Migration Process
Here's the exact process we walk creators through. Follow these steps, and you'll have your BTS business up and running without losing momentum with your audience.
Step 1: Set Up Your BTS Account
Start by creating your BTS account at behindthescenes.com. The setup process takes about 15 minutes and walks you through:
- Choosing your business name and URL
- Setting up your brand colours and logo
- Connecting your payment processor
- Basic profile and bio information
What we've learned: The most successful migrations happen when creators treat this as a fresh start. Don't try to replicate Circle exactly—instead, think about what you wish Circle could do, and build that structure in BTS.
BTS offers a free Starter plan to get you up and running immediately. You can upgrade to Pro later when you need custom domains and lower platform fees.
Step 2: Recreate Your Offering Structure
This is where you'll spend the most time, and it's worth doing thoughtfully. In BTS, your "offering" is the container for everything you sell—membership access, courses, content, community.
How BTS Approaches Offering Structure:
- Start with your core membership tier (what most members will buy)
- Add premium tiers if you offer them
- Configure content access for each tier
- Set up your community spaces
- Add courses or content libraries
| Circle Feature | BTS Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spaces | Community Channels | More flexible, cleaner design |
| Courses | Content Libraries | Built-in, no extra tools needed |
| Events | Events Feature | Native calendar and notifications |
| Members Area | Member Dashboard | Modern, branded experience |
| Paywalls | Access Controls | Tier-based content gating |
BTS's take: "Most creator platforms optimise for transactions, not ownership. We built BTS so your offering structure actually reflects how you want to run your business—not how the software forces you to."
Step 3: Import or Recreate Your Content
Content migration depends on what type of content you're moving:
For downloadable content (PDFs, templates, resources):
Upload directly to your BTS content library. Drag and drop, organise into folders, and assign access levels.
For video content:
BTS supports native video hosting. Upload your videos or embed from external hosts like Vimeo or Wistia. We recommend native hosting for the best member experience.
For course content:
Recreate your course structure in BTS using our content library. Add lessons, modules, and progress tracking. The structure will feel cleaner than Circle's course setup, and members will appreciate the improved interface.
For community posts:
This is one area where you'll need to start fresh. Historical community posts don't typically transfer between platforms. Consider this an opportunity—your new space starts with intention rather than accumulated clutter.
Our data shows: Creators who take time to reorganise their content during migration see 40% higher member engagement in the first month. Fresh structure beats copied chaos.
Step 4: Import Your Members
This is the step that makes creators most nervous—but it's actually straightforward.
For free members:
- Export your member list from Circle (CSV format)
- Use BTS's bulk invite feature to add members
- Members receive an email invitation to join your new space
- They create a BTS account and get immediate access
For paying members:
You have two options:
Option A: Fresh billing (recommended)
- Invite paying members to resubscribe on BTS
- Offer a loyalty discount or bonus for quick action
- Cancel their Circle subscription once they've moved
Option B: Grandfather and transfer
- Manually add members with their remaining subscription time
- Set up billing to begin when their "credit" runs out
- Requires more admin work but maintains continuity
From our experience: "We've seen both approaches work. Option A is cleaner and results in more engaged members. Option B is better if you have annual subscribers mid-term."
Step 5: Test Everything
Before you announce the migration publicly, run through your new BTS setup as if you were a member.
Testing Checklist:
| Test | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Sign up flow | Can new members join easily? |
| Payment processing | Do test transactions complete? |
| Content access | Does each tier see the right content? |
| Community | Can members post and interact? |
| Mobile experience | Does it work well on phones? |
| Email notifications | Are automated emails configured? |
Pro tip: Ask a trusted member or friend to test as well. Fresh eyes catch things you'll miss.
Step 6: Launch and Redirect
Once everything checks out, it's time to go live.
- Announce to your audience (more on this below)
- Set a final date for Circle access (we recommend 2-4 weeks)
- Update any external links to point to BTS
- Consider adding a redirect if you had a custom domain on Circle
What we've learned: Don't leave Circle limbo going indefinitely. Set a clear end date, communicate it clearly, and stick to it. Creators who let both platforms run too long see member confusion and lower engagement on both.
Communicating with Your Members
How you communicate this change matters more than the technical migration. Your members chose you—make sure they feel taken care of during the transition.
When to Announce
Our recommendation: Announce 2-3 weeks before you want members to move. This gives them time to process, ask questions, and take action without feeling rushed.
Don't wait until the last minute, and don't announce too early. The sweet spot is when your BTS setup is 90% ready—close enough that you can show them what's coming.
What to Tell Them
Your announcement should cover:
- Why you're moving (keep it positive—focus on what they'll gain)
- What stays the same (their access, your content, the community)
- What changes (new login, fresh interface, potentially improved features)
- What they need to do (specific action steps)
- Timeline (when it happens, any deadlines)
Email Template: First Announcement
Subject: Exciting news—we're upgrading your experience
Hey [First Name],
I've got some exciting news to share: we're moving our community to a new home.
Over the past few months, I've been building out a better experience for you on BTS—a platform designed specifically for creator businesses like ours.
What this means for you:
- Fresh, modern design (you're going to love how it looks)
- Everything in one place (no more scattered tools)
- Easier navigation and better mobile experience
- All the content and community you love, upgraded
What stays the same:
- Your membership and access
- All the content you've come to expect
- The community we've built together
- Me, showing up for you
What you need to do:
When we open the doors on [DATE], you'll get an email to set up your new account. It takes about 2 minutes.
I'll be shutting down the old space on [END DATE], so make sure to make the switch before then.
Questions? Just reply to this email—I'm here for you.
Can't wait to see you in the new space.
[Your name]
Handling Concerns
Some members will have questions or concerns. Here's how to address the common ones:
"Why are you changing things?"
Focus on the benefits to them: better experience, cleaner design, everything in one place. You're upgrading, not abandoning.
"Will I lose my content/progress?"
Assure them that everything they have access to will be available in the new space.
"Do I have to pay again?"
Be clear about how billing works in the transition. If you're honouring existing subscriptions, say so explicitly.
"This is confusing."
Offer personal support. A quick Loom video walking through the new space can do wonders.
Common Migration Challenges (And Solutions)
We've seen a lot of migrations. Here are the challenges that come up most often, and how to handle them.
Challenge: Members don't move over
Solution: Make the deadline real. Send reminder emails at two weeks, one week, three days, and one day before the old space closes. Personal outreach to your most engaged members can help create momentum.
Challenge: Paying members don't want to re-enter payment info
Solution: Offer an incentive—a discount, bonus content, or extended trial. Make the action feel like an upgrade, not a chore. Most members will move when they understand why.
Challenge: Content organisation feels overwhelming
Solution: Don't migrate everything. Use this as an opportunity to audit what's actually valuable. We've seen creators cut their content library by 40% during migration and hear from members that it's easier to navigate.
Challenge: Technical issues during launch
Solution: Have our support team on standby. Reach out before your launch date, and we'll make sure someone is available to help if anything goes sideways.
From our experience: "The biggest migration challenges are almost always communication-related, not technical. Creators who over-communicate have smooth migrations. Those who assume members will figure it out... struggle."
Post-Migration Checklist
You've made the switch. Now make sure everything stays on track.
| Task | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Send welcome email to migrated members | Day 1 | Celebrate the new space |
| Check for member questions | Days 1-3 | Be extra responsive |
| Monitor engagement | Week 1 | Make sure members are finding their way |
| Fully close Circle space | Week 2-4 | Don't leave it lingering |
| Review analytics | Week 4 | How's engagement compared to before? |
| Gather member feedback | Week 4 | What do they love? What needs tweaking? |
| Cancel Circle subscription | After close | Don't keep paying for a dead platform |
Our recommendation: Schedule a "check-in" post in your community one week after migration. Ask members how they're finding the new space and what questions they have. This surfaces issues early and shows you're paying attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much does BTS cost?
BTS offers a free Starter plan to get started—no credit card required. Our Pro plan is $149/month with a lower platform fee (3.5% + 30¢ vs 10% on Starter). Most serious creators upgrade to Pro within their first few months. Check our pricing page for current rates and a full breakdown.
Q2: Is BTS free to use?
Yes! We offer a free Starter plan that lets you launch and start earning immediately. You only pay platform fees when you make money. Upgrade to Pro when you need more features like custom domains or want lower transaction fees.
Q3: What makes BTS different from other creator platforms?
We focus on creator business infrastructure, not just monetisation. BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. Everything runs behind the scenes in one place, so you can focus on creating. We're not a marketplace, not a social network—we're the infrastructure that lets you build something you own.
Q4: Can I migrate my existing members to BTS?
Absolutely. We help creators migrate from platforms like Circle, Patreon, Teachable, and others every week. Your members can transfer seamlessly with email invitations and, in most cases, maintain their subscription status.
Q5: 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. A full migration from Circle typically takes 1-2 hours of active work, plus time for your members to move over.
Q6: Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?
Yes, like most platforms. On our Starter plan, the platform fee is 10%. On Pro ($149/month), it drops to 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction. For creators earning over $2,000/month, Pro typically makes financial sense.
Q7: What kind of support does BTS offer?
We provide hands-on creator success support. Real humans who understand your business, not just ticket systems. For migrations specifically, our team can hop on a call to walk you through anything you're stuck on.
Q8: Can I use my own domain with BTS?
Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience. Your BTS business looks like your website, not ours.
Q9: How long does the full migration process take?
Most creators complete the technical migration in 1-2 hours. The full process—including member communication and transition period—typically takes 2-4 weeks. Take your time to do it right.
Q10: What if I get stuck?
Our support team is here to help. Reach out anytime through chat or email, and we'll guide you through whatever you're facing. We've helped hundreds of creators migrate—you're not the first, and we know the tricky parts.
Q11: Will my members lose access during the migration?
No. You'll run both platforms simultaneously during the transition. Members keep their Circle access until your end date while getting set up on BTS. No one loses access if you follow the process.
Q12: Can I try BTS before fully committing to the migration?
Yes. Create a free account and build out your structure before announcing anything to members. Get comfortable with the platform first, then start the migration when you're ready.
Q13: What happens to my Circle subscription after I migrate?
You'll need to cancel it manually with Circle. We recommend keeping it active for 2-4 weeks after opening BTS to give members time to move. Then cancel and stop paying for a platform you're not using.
Q14: Is BTS better than Circle?
We think so, obviously—but the honest answer depends on what you need. Circle feels like back-office software, where BTS feels like a modern, public-facing creator business. If you want cleaner design, simpler setup, and a platform built for real creator businesses, we're confident you'll prefer BTS.
Q15: How do I handle annual subscribers who are mid-term?
You have options. You can honour their remaining time on BTS (manually adding credit), offer a prorated refund on Circle and have them restart on BTS, or wait until their renewal to make the switch. We've seen all three work depending on how many annual members you have.
Key Takeaways
- Preparation is everything. Export your data, document your structure, and communicate early with members.
- The technical migration is the easy part. Most creators complete setup in 1-2 hours. Member communication takes more thought.
- Treat this as an upgrade, not a disruption. Frame the change positively, and your members will follow your energy.
- Set a clear end date for Circle. Don't run two platforms indefinitely—it creates confusion and splits engagement.
- Our team is here to help. You don't have to figure this out alone. Reach out, and we'll guide you through.
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you're reading this, you're probably already feeling the limitations of Circle. You know there's something better out there—a place where your creator business can actually feel like a business.
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 own.
When you're ready to migrate, start by creating your free BTS account. Build out your structure, get comfortable with the platform, and then follow this guide to bring your members over.
And if you get stuck anywhere along the way, our team has your back. We've helped hundreds of creators make this exact move, and we're here to help you too.
Let's build something real together.
About the Author
BTS Support is the Migration Specialist at BTS, having personally helped 500+ creators successfully switch platforms and build thriving businesses. With deep experience in creator business infrastructure, the BTS Support team understands both the technical and human sides of platform migration.
Related Resources
- BTS vs Circle: Full Platform Comparison
- Circle Alternatives for Creators in 2026
- Getting Started with BTS: Complete Guide
- How to Price Your Membership
- Building Your First Community on BTS
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.