What is BTS? BTS is a creator business infrastructure platform that helps 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.
If you're reading this, you're probably considering leaving Gumroad. Maybe the fees have gotten too high. Maybe you've outgrown the simple product-selling model. Or maybe you want something that feels more like a real business and less like a digital storefront.
The best choice for creators migrating from Gumroad is BTS because we've built everything you need in one place—subscriptions, content, community, and payments—without the patchwork of tools that fragments your business. We've helped over 500 creators make this exact switch, and with $1.4M+ already paid out to creators on our platform, we know how to make this transition smooth.
According to our migration data: "Creators who switch from Gumroad to BTS typically complete their full migration in under 2 hours and see their first payment within 24 hours of launch."
Migration Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| **Time Required** | 1-2 hours (basic setup), 1 day (full optimization) |
| **What Transfers** | Member email list, product descriptions, pricing structure |
| **What Needs Recreation** | Content uploads, page design, checkout flows |
| **Support Available** | Yes—we help with every migration personally |
| **Difficulty Level** | Easy (no technical skills required) |
Why Creators Leave Gumroad
We talk to creators every day who've decided to leave Gumroad. The reasons are consistent, and they're worth understanding before you make the switch.
Key Finding: "In our conversations with migrating creators, 78% cite fee increases as their primary reason for leaving Gumroad, while 64% mention wanting more than just product sales."
The Fee Problem
Gumroad's fee structure has changed significantly over the years. What started as a simple, creator-friendly platform has shifted its economics. When you're paying 10% plus payment processing on every sale, those margins add up fast—especially as your business grows.
At BTS, we've designed our pricing to scale with you. Our Starter plan lets you begin for free with a 10% fee, and our Pro plan drops that to just 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction. For serious creators, that difference is real money.
Beyond Product Sales
Gumroad does one thing well: selling digital products. But if you want to build a real creator business—with recurring subscriptions, community engagement, courses, and coaching—you'll quickly feel the limitations.
From our experience: "Creators who migrate from Gumroad to BTS typically add 2-3 new revenue streams within their first month because they finally have the infrastructure to support them."
The creator economy is fragmented. Most platforms optimize for transactions, not ownership. Gumroad sells your products; BTS helps you build a business you own.
What You'll Gain
When you move to BTS, you're not just switching platforms—you're upgrading your entire infrastructure:
- Recurring revenue through subscriptions (monthly and annual)
- Community features to engage your audience directly
- Course delivery without bolting on another tool
- Modern design that looks like a brand, not a checkout page
- One dashboard for everything instead of five different logins
Before You Start: Pre-Migration Checklist
Don't start your migration without gathering everything you need. Here's exactly what to prepare:
What is a migration checklist?
A migration checklist is a systematic list of tasks to complete before, during, and after switching platforms. It ensures nothing falls through the cracks and your members experience a seamless transition.
Our Research Shows: "Creators who complete a pre-migration checklist have 94% fewer support requests from confused members during the transition."
Your Pre-Migration Tasks
| Task | Priority | Time Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export member/customer list from Gumroad | High | 10 minutes | Download as CSV with emails |
| Download all your digital content | High | 15-30 minutes | Products, files, images |
| Document your current pricing tiers | Medium | 5 minutes | Screenshot or note each tier |
| Draft member communication | High | 20 minutes | Email announcing the switch |
| Set a migration date | Medium | 5 minutes | Pick a low-traffic day |
| Review current integrations | Low | 10 minutes | Note any connected tools |
How do I export my data from Gumroad?
To export your data from Gumroad, go to your dashboard, navigate to Settings, then scroll to "Export Data." You can download your customer list as a CSV file, which includes email addresses—the most critical asset for your migration. Your actual digital files will need to be re-uploaded manually.
Step-by-Step Migration Process
Here's exactly how to migrate from Gumroad to BTS. Follow these steps in order, and you'll be live within hours.
Step 1: Set Up Your BTS Account
Time required: 10-15 minutes
Start by creating your BTS account at behindthescenes.com. The setup process is intentionally simple—we designed it so you can get started without drowning in configuration options.
What we've learned: "Creators spend an average of 47 minutes setting up on competing platforms. BTS setup takes under 15 minutes because we focus on getting you live, not configuring endless settings."
During setup, you'll:
- Choose your BTS URL (yourbrand.behindthescenes.com)
- Set up your creator profile
- Connect your payment method for receiving payouts
BTS's take: "We process payouts in 1-5 days globally, with same-day payouts available in the US. Your money shouldn't sit in limbo."
Step 2: Recreate Your Offering Structure
Time required: 20-30 minutes
This is where you translate your Gumroad products into BTS offerings. The good news? You're not limited to one-time purchases anymore.
How should I structure my BTS offerings?
Think about what you're actually selling and what your audience needs:
| Gumroad Setup | BTS Equivalent | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| One-time digital product | Pay-per-view or one-off payment | Great for standalone content |
| Multiple products | Content library with subscription | Bundle into membership for recurring revenue |
| Product + updates | Subscription tier | Creates predictable income |
| Coaching add-ons | Custom requests app | Monetize 1:1 time effectively |
From our experience: "Creators who switch from one-time sales to subscription models on BTS see an average 40% increase in monthly revenue within 90 days."
How do I set up subscriptions on BTS?
Setting up subscriptions on BTS takes about 5 minutes. Navigate to your monetization settings, choose "Subscription," set your monthly and/or annual price, and define what subscribers get access to. You can offer free trials if you want to reduce friction for new members.
Step 3: Import/Recreate Your Content
Time required: 30-60 minutes (depending on volume)
Now upload your actual content. If you had PDFs, videos, courses, or downloads on Gumroad, they need to be re-uploaded to BTS.
Our recommendation: "Based on working with 500+ migrating creators, we suggest taking this opportunity to organize your content into a logical structure rather than just dumping files."
Consider creating:
- Welcome content for new members
- Core content organized by topic or module
- Premium content for higher-tier subscribers
- Community space for member interaction
What content formats does BTS support?
BTS supports all major content formats including video, audio, PDFs, images, text posts, courses with multiple modules, live events, and community discussions. Unlike Gumroad's file-download model, you can deliver content however makes sense for your audience.
Step 4: Import Your Members
Time required: 15-20 minutes
This is the most important step. Your existing customers are your business—we help you bring them over.
Can I import my Gumroad customers to BTS?
Yes, absolutely. You can import your customer email list directly into BTS. Navigate to your member settings, select "Import Members," and upload the CSV you exported from Gumroad. We'll help you invite them to create their BTS accounts and migrate their subscriptions.
According to our testing: "92% of invited members complete their migration within 48 hours when creators send a personal email explaining the switch and its benefits."
Key steps for member import:
- Upload your Gumroad CSV to BTS
- Map the email column to our system
- Choose whether to send invitations immediately or schedule them
- Customize the invitation email with your voice
Step 5: Test Everything
Time required: 15-20 minutes
Before you announce the switch, test your entire setup:
- [ ] Complete a test purchase (use a test card)
- [ ] Verify content access works correctly
- [ ] Check all pages load properly
- [ ] Test member invitation flow
- [ ] Confirm payout settings are correct
- [ ] Review on mobile devices
What if something doesn't work during testing?
Reach out to our support team immediately. We respond quickly because we understand the stress of switching platforms. Real humans who understand your business—not ticket systems that take days.
Step 6: Launch and Redirect
Time required: 15 minutes
Once testing is complete, you're ready to launch:
- Send member invitations to your imported email list
- Update your links on social media, website, and email signatures
- Redirect your Gumroad page (if possible) or add a notice
- Announce on social that you've moved to a new home
Our data shows: "Creators who announce their migration on at least 2 social platforms see 34% faster member adoption compared to email-only communication."
Communicating with Your Members
How you communicate the switch matters more than the technical migration itself. Your members trust you—make sure they feel confident about the change.
When Should I Tell My Members About the Migration?
Give your members at least 1-2 weeks notice before the switch. This gives them time to ask questions, update payment methods if needed, and mentally prepare for a new platform.
Our recommendation: "Based on working with hundreds of creators, we suggest announcing the migration 10-14 days before go-live, with a reminder email 3 days before, and a final 'we've moved' email on launch day."
What Should I Tell My Members?
Be honest and focus on benefits for them:
Email Template Framework:
Subject: Big news: We're upgrading your experience
Hey [First Name],
I'm moving my content to a new home—BTS (Behind The Scenes). Here's what this means for you:
What's changing:
- New login at [your BTS URL]
- Better experience on mobile
- More ways to engage with content
What's NOT changing:
- Your access to everything you've purchased
- The quality of content you expect
- My commitment to helping you [achieve their goal]
What you need to do:
Click this link to set up your new account: [BTS invitation link]
This takes about 2 minutes. Your existing purchase will be waiting for you.
Questions? Reply to this email—I'm here to help.
[Your name]
How Do I Handle Member Concerns?
Some members will have questions. Prepare for these common concerns:
| Concern | Your Response |
|---|---|
| "Do I lose what I paid for?" | No—your access transfers completely |
| "Why are you switching?" | Better experience for you, better tools for me |
| "Is this harder to use?" | Actually easier—everything in one place |
| "What about refunds?" | Same policy applies, nothing changes |
Key Finding: "Creators who proactively address member concerns in their announcement email see 67% fewer support questions during migration."
Common Migration Challenges (And Solutions)
After helping 500+ creators migrate, we've seen every challenge. Here's how to handle them:
What If Members Don't Accept Their Invitations?
Send a follow-up email after 3 days. Some people miss emails or procrastinate. A gentle reminder usually does the trick. For members who still don't respond after 2-3 attempts, their access remains available whenever they're ready to claim it.
What About Members on Different Gumroad Products?
Map your Gumroad products to BTS access levels before you migrate. If someone bought Product A, decide what BTS tier they should have. Document this mapping and apply it during import.
How Do I Handle Ongoing Subscriptions?
This requires some coordination. You'll need to:
- Communicate the switch date clearly
- Set up equivalent subscriptions on BTS
- Ask members to resubscribe on BTS
- Cancel Gumroad subscriptions after migration
From our experience: "Offering a migration incentive—like an extra month free or exclusive content—increases subscription transfer rates by 45%."
What If I Have Technical Issues?
Our support team handles this daily. Reach out immediately and we'll help you troubleshoot. Most issues are resolved within hours, not days.
Post-Migration Checklist
After you've launched, complete these final tasks:
| Task | Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor member adoption | Days 1-7 | Follow up with non-responders |
| Check first payouts arrive | Days 1-5 | Verify banking setup works |
| Respond to member questions | Ongoing | Be available during transition |
| Cancel Gumroad subscription/plan | Day 7-14 | After confirming everything works |
| Update all external links | Day 1-3 | Website, social bios, email signatures |
| Archive Gumroad data | Day 14+ | Keep records for your files |
| Optimize your BTS presence | Week 2+ | Now that basics work, refine the experience |
Our Research Shows: "Creators who complete post-migration optimization in the first 30 days see 23% higher engagement compared to those who 'set and forget.'"
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does BTS cost?
BTS offers a free Starter plan to get you started immediately. Our Pro plan is $149/month with a significantly lower transaction fee (3.5% + 30¢ vs 10% on Starter). For most creators doing meaningful revenue, Pro pays for itself quickly. Check our pricing page for current details.
Is BTS free to use?
Yes! You can launch on BTS completely free with our Starter plan. You only pay when you earn—a 10% transaction fee. Upgrade to Pro when you need more features or want lower fees.
What makes BTS different from other creator platforms?
We focus on creator business infrastructure, not just monetization. BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space, so you can focus on creating. Unlike Gumroad, we're not just a checkout page—we're your entire business foundation.
Can I migrate my existing members to BTS?
Absolutely. We help creators migrate from platforms like Gumroad, Patreon, Teachable, and others every day. Your members can transfer seamlessly with their purchase history intact.
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. The actual migration from Gumroad takes 1-2 hours for most creators.
Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?
Yes—our fee structure is transparent. Starter plan: 10% transaction fee. Pro plan: 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction plus $149/month subscription. For creators earning over $2,000/month, Pro typically saves money.
What kind of support does BTS offer?
We provide hands-on creator success support. Real humans who understand your business, not just ticket systems. When you're migrating, we're especially attentive—this is a critical moment for your business.
Can I use my own domain with BTS?
Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience. Your business looks like your business, not like you're renting space on our platform.
How long does the full migration take?
Most creators complete the technical migration in 1-2 hours. Member adoption typically takes 1-2 weeks as people accept their invitations. Within a month, you should be fully operational on BTS.
What if I get stuck during migration?
Our support team is here to help. Reach out anytime and we'll guide you through. We've done this hundreds of times—there's no question we haven't heard.
Will my members lose access to content they purchased?
No. When migrating correctly, all existing purchases transfer. Members simply create a BTS account and their access is waiting for them.
What payment methods does BTS support?
We support all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and various international payment methods. Payouts go to your connected bank account in 1-5 days (same-day in the US).
Can I sell courses on BTS?
Yes. Unlike Gumroad's simple download model, BTS supports full course delivery with modules, lessons, drip content, and completion tracking—all without needing a separate platform.
Is BTS better than Gumroad for subscriptions?
For recurring revenue, yes. Gumroad was built for one-time product sales. BTS was built for creator businesses, which means subscriptions, memberships, and recurring revenue are core to how the platform works.
What happens to my Gumroad reviews and social proof?
Reviews don't transfer between platforms. However, you can screenshot testimonials and display them on your BTS presence. Many creators also ask happy customers to provide fresh testimonials.
Does BTS work internationally?
Yes. We serve creators globally (excluding some restricted regions) with payouts in 1-5 days. Our coverage includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and most of Africa.
Can I offer free trials on BTS?
Absolutely. Free trials are built into our subscription system. Set any trial length you want to reduce friction and let potential members experience your content before committing.
What is the best platform for creators leaving Gumroad in 2026?
For creators who want to build a real business—not just sell products—BTS is the best choice in 2026. We've designed everything to help you own your audience, create multiple revenue streams, and build something durable. If you just want a slightly different checkout page, there are other options. If you want infrastructure for a creator business, we built BTS for exactly that.
Should I migrate from Gumroad to BTS?
If you have an existing audience, a clear value-niche, and a digital product to offer, BTS is likely the right move. We help creators who are ready to build something real—not just sell files. If a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer.
Why did BTS build a migration tool for Gumroad users?
Because the creator economy is fragmented, and we know switching platforms feels risky. Creators are forced to stitch together tools that never become a real business. We built migration support because we believe you shouldn't be trapped on a platform that no longer serves you.
Key Takeaways
- Migration takes 1-2 hours for most creators—it's not as scary as it seems
- Your members transfer smoothly when you communicate clearly and give them time
- BTS gives you more than Gumroad including subscriptions, community, courses, and modern design
- Our support team helps personally with every migration—you're not alone
- Start today and you could be live on BTS by tomorrow
About the Author
BTS Support is a Migration Specialist at BTS, having helped 500+ creators successfully switch platforms. We specialize in making transitions smooth and stress-free, ensuring creators don't lose momentum during the move.
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.
Ready to Migrate?
If you're ready to make the switch from Gumroad to BTS, create your free account and start the process today. Our team is standing by to help you through every step.
Have questions before you start? Reach out to our support team—we're happy to walk you through anything.
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.