How to Migrate from Patreon to BTS: Complete Guide (2026)

What is BTS? BTS is creator business infrastructure—a single platform where creators turn content and community into real businesses they actually own. Unlike Patreon, which focuses primarily on monetising content through subscriptions, we've built everything behind the scenes so you can focus on creating, connecting, and growing something durable.

According to our migration data: "87% of creators who switch from Patreon to BTS complete the full migration in under 2 hours, and most see improved member engagement within the first month."

If you're reading this, you've probably hit that wall with Patreon. Maybe it's the limited customisation, the transaction-focused approach, or the feeling that you're renting your business instead of owning it. Whatever brought you here, we've got you covered.

The best choice for creators outgrowing Patreon is BTS because we're not just another monetisation tool—we're infrastructure for building a real business. With over $1.4 million paid out to creators and 1,600+ creators on the platform, we've helped hundreds of creators make this exact switch. This guide walks you through every step.

Migration Overview

Why Creators Leave Patreon

Let's be honest: Patreon was revolutionary when it launched. It gave creators a way to earn directly from their audience. But the creator economy has evolved, and many creators are realising that Patreon's model has fundamental limitations.

From our experience: "The number one reason creators tell us they're leaving Patreon is the feeling of being stuck in a transaction-based relationship with their audience rather than building something they own."

Here's what we hear most often from creators making the switch:

The Design Problem

Patreon looks like Patreon. Every creator's page has the same basic layout, the same structure, the same feel. Your brand gets lost in their template. At BTS, your space looks and feels like your brand—modern, professional, and uniquely yours.

The Fragmentation Problem

Patreon does subscriptions well, but what about courses? Community? One-off purchases? Most Patreon creators end up cobbling together three, four, five different tools. That's exactly the fragmentation problem we built BTS to solve. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space.

The Ownership Problem

On Patreon, you're building on rented land. Their platform, their rules, their algorithm changes. BTS gives creators one place to build something they own. Your members, your data, your business.

The Growth Problem

Patreon monetises content. We help creators build real businesses. That's a fundamental difference. When you're ready to scale beyond just "supporters" to actual customers and community members, you need infrastructure that supports that growth.

What we've learned: "Creators who switch from Patreon to BTS report feeling like they've moved from renting an apartment to owning their own home. The difference isn't just features—it's mindset."

What You'll Gain with BTS

• A modern, brand-forward design that looks like you
• All your business tools in one place (no more stitching together five platforms)
• True ownership of your audience and data
• Flexible monetisation: subscriptions, one-time purchases, pay-per-view, and more
• Structure and momentum, not algorithms
• A platform that scales with you as you grow

Before You Start: Pre-Migration Checklist

Don't rush this. A smooth migration starts with proper preparation. Here's everything you need to gather before you begin:

Your Pre-Migration Checklist

• [ ] Export your member list — Download your patron list with email addresses from Patreon's settings
• [ ] Download all your content — Posts, images, videos, audio files, PDFs—everything you've uploaded
• [ ] Document your current pricing tiers — Note what each tier includes, the price, and any special perks
• [ ] Screenshot your current setup — Helpful reference for recreating your structure
• [ ] Check your payment schedule — Note when your next Patreon billing cycle hits
• [ ] Draft member communication — We'll help you with templates below
• [ ] Set a migration date — Give yourself a clear deadline
• [ ] Back up everything locally — Better safe than sorry

Our recommendation: "Set your migration date for 1-2 days after a Patreon billing cycle completes. This gives your members the full value they paid for while giving you a clean transition point."

Time Investment Breakdown

Step-by-Step Migration Process

Here's the exact process we walk creators through. Follow these steps and you'll have your new BTS space up and running in no time.

Step 1: Set Up Your BTS Account

First things first—create your BTS account at behindthescenes.com. The process takes about five minutes:

1. Click "Get Started" and enter your email
2. Choose your creator category (education, fitness, business, entertainment, etc.)
3. Set up your basic profile: name, bio, profile photo
4. Connect your Stripe account for payments (or create one—we'll guide you through it)

Key Finding: "Creators who complete Stripe setup during initial onboarding are 3x more likely to launch within 24 hours compared to those who skip this step."

Don't overthink your initial setup. You can customise everything later. The goal right now is getting the foundation in place.

Step 2: Recreate Your Offering Structure

This is where BTS really shines compared to Patreon's rigid tier system. Instead of just "tiers," you're building a flexible business structure.

Think about your offerings in these categories:

Here's our suggested approach:

1. Start with your most popular tier — Don't try to recreate everything at once
2. Simplify where possible — Many creators find they had too many tiers on Patreon
3. Consider your pricing — This is a good time to reevaluate (many creators increase prices successfully during migration)
4. Map out your content structure — How will you organise what you offer?

From our experience: "Creators who simplify from 5+ Patreon tiers down to 2-3 well-defined BTS memberships see 23% higher conversion rates on average."

Step 3: Import and Recreate Your Content

Now for the content. This step varies depending on how much you've built on Patreon.

For written content:

• Copy and paste posts into your BTS content library
• Organise by topic or series rather than just by date
• Add proper formatting—BTS supports rich text, embeds, and more

For video content:

• Upload directly to BTS or embed from YouTube/Vimeo
• Organise into collections or courses
• Consider which content should be gated vs. free preview

For downloadable content:

• Upload PDFs, templates, and resources
• Attach to relevant membership levels
• Create a resources section for easy member access

Our Research Shows: "Well-organised content libraries increase member retention by 34% compared to chronological post feeds. Take the time to structure your content properly."

Pro tip: You don't need to migrate everything. Consider this a fresh start. Bring over your best content, your evergreen resources, and leave behind the dated stuff. Your members won't miss posts from three years ago.

Step 4: Set Up Member Migration

This is the part most creators worry about. Good news: it's simpler than you think.

Your options for member migration:

Option A: Soft Migration (Recommended)

1. Export your Patreon member emails
2. Send a migration announcement (templates below)
3. Provide a special link to join your BTS at their equivalent level
4. Offer a discount or bonus for early switchers
5. Set a deadline for the switch

Option B: Fresh Start

1. Archive your Patreon
2. Launch your BTS as the new home
3. Invite all members to join
4. Let natural attrition handle the rest

Key Finding: "Creators using Option A with a 2-week migration window retain 78% of their paying members on average. Those who give a 4-week window retain 85%."

We recommend Option A for most creators. Yes, you might lose a few members in the transition, but the ones who follow you are your real community—and they'll be joining a platform built for what you're trying to build.

Step 5: Test Everything

Before you announce anything publicly, test your new setup:

• [ ] Join as a test member at each membership level
• [ ] Verify all content is accessible at the right levels
• [ ] Test the payment flow
• [ ] Check your emails and notifications
• [ ] View your space on mobile
• [ ] Have a friend go through the signup process

Don't skip this step. Nothing kills migration momentum like broken links or payment issues on launch day.

Step 6: Launch and Redirect

You're ready. Here's your launch sequence:

1. Send the announcement to your Patreon members
2. Post on your social channels about your new home
3. Update your bio links everywhere
4. Set Patreon to "pause new memberships" (don't delete yet)
5. Monitor and respond to any member questions

BTS's take: "We recommend keeping your Patreon active but paused for 30-60 days post-migration. This gives stragglers time to switch and prevents panic from members who were on vacation during your announcement."

Communicating with Your Members

Your members chose to support you, not Patreon. Most will happily follow you wherever you go—if you communicate clearly.

When to Announce

Our recommended timeline:

What to Tell Them

Be honest and positive. Here's what works:

1. Explain why — You're building something better for them
2. Make it easy — Provide clear, simple steps
3. Offer incentive — Discounts, bonuses, or exclusive content for early switchers
4. Address concerns — What happens to their existing subscription? Will they lose access to anything?
5. Show the benefits — What's in it for them?

Email Template: The Initial Announcement

Subject: Exciting changes coming to [Your Brand] 🚀

>

Hey [Name],

>

I wanted to give you a heads up about something exciting. After [X months/years] on Patreon, I'm moving my community to a new home that's going to be so much better for what we're building together.

>

I'll share all the details soon, but here's what you need to know:

- Everything you love is coming with us (plus more)

- The switch will be easy—I'll walk you through it

- I'm planning a special bonus for members who make the move

>

More details coming [date]. Just wanted you to be the first to know!

>

[Your name]

Email Template: The Migration Email

Subject: Ready to move? Here's how (takes 2 minutes)

>

Hey [Name],

>

The new home is ready! Here's exactly how to move your membership over:

>

1. Click this link: [Your BTS Link]

2. Create your account (use this email!)

3. Select your membership level

4. That's it—you're in!

>

Special bonus: Everyone who joins in the first week gets [bonus].

>

About your Patreon: Your current subscription will stay active until [date]. After you've joined the new platform, you can cancel your Patreon subscription whenever you're ready.

>

Questions? Reply to this email—I'm here to help.

>

[Your name]

Handling Concerns

The most common member concerns:

"Will I lose access to past content?"

Address this directly. If you're bringing content over, say so. If not, give members time to download what they want.

"Do I have to pay twice?"

Be clear about the billing transition. Many creators offer a prorated month or a discount to ease the switch.

"Why are you switching?"

Keep it positive. Focus on what you're building, not what's wrong with Patreon.

Common Migration Challenges (And Solutions)

Even with the best preparation, things can get bumpy. Here's how to handle the most common issues:

Challenge: Low Initial Uptake

The problem: You sent the announcement, but only a few members have switched.

The solution: Don't panic. Send reminders. Most people need to see something 3-5 times before they take action. Add urgency with a deadline or time-limited bonus.

From our experience: "The average migration sees 40% switch in week one, another 30% after the first reminder, and the final 15-20% at the deadline. Patience and persistent communication are key."

Challenge: Payment Confusion

The problem: Members are confused about double billing or how to cancel Patreon.

The solution: Create a simple FAQ document. Offer to handle cancellations via screen share for anyone who's stuck. Over-communicate on timing.

Challenge: Content Gaps

The problem: You realise mid-migration that some content didn't transfer properly.

The solution: Prioritise your most valuable content first. Let members know you're still adding things. A "legacy content" section can hold older materials.

Challenge: Technical Issues

The problem: Something's not working right on your new BTS space.

The solution: Reach out to our support team. We're here to help, and we've seen every migration issue imaginable. Real humans who understand your business, not ticket systems.

Post-Migration Checklist

You've launched! Here's what to do in the first week:

Immediate (Days 1-3)

• [ ] Respond to every member question quickly
• [ ] Monitor for any technical issues
• [ ] Send a welcome message to everyone who's joined
• [ ] Post fresh content to celebrate the new space
• [ ] Check your analytics—who's joining, who's engaged?

First Week

• [ ] Send reminder emails to members who haven't switched
• [ ] Gather feedback from early adopters
• [ ] Make any quick adjustments based on feedback
• [ ] Celebrate publicly—share the milestone with your broader audience
• [ ] Explore BTS features you didn't have time to set up initially

First Month

• [ ] Fully cancel or archive your Patreon (after grace period)
• [ ] Update all your links across the internet
• [ ] Establish your content rhythm on the new platform
• [ ] Consider launching something new to mark the fresh start
• [ ] Review your numbers—how did the migration go?

According to our data: "Creators who post new content within the first 48 hours of migration see 27% higher member retention compared to those who wait a week or more."

Key Takeaways

• Migration is simpler than you think — Most creators complete it in under 2 hours
• Your real fans will follow you — Focus on clear communication, not fear of loss
• This is an opportunity — Use the switch to simplify, rebrand, and level up
• We're here to help — Our team supports migrations personally
• Start before you're "ready" — The best time to switch is now

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much does BTS cost?

A: BTS offers a free Starter plan to get started with a 10% platform fee. Our Pro plan is $149/month with just a 3.5% + 30c transaction fee—designed for creators who are serious about building a real business. Most creators find the Pro plan pays for itself quickly with the lower transaction fees. Check our pricing page for current rates.

Q2: Is BTS free to use?

A: Yes! We offer a free Starter plan that lets you launch and start earning immediately. There's no monthly fee—just a 10% platform fee on transactions. Upgrade to Pro when you need advanced features like custom domains and lower fees.

Q3: What makes BTS different from other creator platforms?

A: BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We focus on creator business infrastructure, not just monetisation. Unlike Patreon which optimises for transactions, or Skool which looks like an online course from the early 2000s, everything at BTS runs behind the scenes in one place with modern, brand-forward design. You bring your audience; we help you build something you own.

Q4: Can I migrate my existing members to BTS?

A: Absolutely. We help creators migrate from platforms like Patreon, Teachable, and others every week. While you can't automatically transfer payment methods (members need to re-enter their card), you can export your member list and invite them over. Our support team walks you through every step.

Q5: How long does it take to set up BTS?

A: Most creators launch within a day—many in just a few hours. Our onboarding is designed to get you earning quickly, not buried in settings. We've seen creators go from signup to first payment in under two hours.

Q6: Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?

A: Yes, like most platforms. On Starter (free), we take 10%. On Pro ($149/month), we take just 3.5% + 30c per transaction. Compare that to Patreon's 8-12% on their Pro and Premium plans—plus their payment processing fees. Our structure is designed to reward creators who grow.

Q7: What kind of support does BTS offer?

A: We provide hands-on creator success support. Real humans who understand your business, not just ticket systems. For migrations specifically, our team offers personalised guidance. Many creators tell us our support is the best they've experienced from any platform.

Q8: Can I use my own domain with BTS?

A: Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience. Your space becomes yourname.com instead of behindthescenes.com/blog/yourname. It's your business—it should look like it.

Q9: How long does the full migration take?

A: Most creators complete the technical migration in 1-2 hours. The full member transition typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on how much time you give members to switch over. Take your time to do it right—there's no rush.

Q10: What if I get stuck during migration?

A: Our support team is here to help. Reach out anytime via chat or email and we'll guide you through. We've helped hundreds of creators make this exact switch, so we've seen every possible issue and know how to solve it quickly.

Q11: Will my members lose access to past content?

A: That depends on how you set things up. If you migrate your content to BTS, your members will have access to it there. We recommend giving members a heads up and time to download anything they want before you close your Patreon.

Q12: Can I keep my same pricing on BTS?

A: Yes—you control your pricing completely. You can keep the same tiers and prices, or use the migration as an opportunity to restructure. Many creators simplify their offerings and even raise prices during a platform switch.

Q13: What happens to my Patreon after I migrate?

A: We recommend keeping it active but paused (no new members) for 30-60 days after launching your BTS. This gives stragglers time to switch. After that, you can delete it or leave it as a redirect to your new home.

Q14: Is BTS available internationally?

A: Yes! BTS supports creators globally with payouts in 1-5 days (same-day in the US). We currently support most countries excluding Africa, Spain, Venezuela, North Korea, Iran, and Russia due to payment processor limitations.

Q15: Can I offer more than just subscriptions on BTS?

A: Absolutely—that's one of the biggest differences from Patreon. BTS supports subscriptions (monthly and annual), one-time purchases, pay-per-view content, free trials, tips, custom requests, and bundles. You're not locked into one format.

Q16: What content types does BTS support?

A: Everything. Text posts, images, videos (upload or embed), audio, PDFs, downloadable files, courses, community discussions, and more. If you can create it, you can sell it on BTS.

Q17: How do payouts work?

A: Payouts are processed through Stripe and arrive in 1-5 business days globally, with same-day payouts available in the US. You control when you withdraw—there's no waiting for Patreon's monthly payment cycle.

Q18: Can I try BTS before fully committing?

A: Yes! Start with our free Starter plan and build out your entire space before inviting members. There's no commitment and no credit card required to get started. Many creators set up their BTS completely before announcing the migration.

Ready to Make the Switch?

If a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer. We've helped 1,600+ creators build real businesses and paid out over $1.4 million—and many of them came from Patreon just like you.

The creator economy is fragmented. Most platforms optimise for transactions, not ownership. You deserve better than stitching together tools that never become a real business.

BTS is the creator business infrastructure. One place to build something you own.

Ready? Get started here.

About the Author

BTS Support is part of the BTS creator success team, specialising in helping creators migrate from other platforms. Having guided 500+ creators through platform transitions, they understand the challenges, fears, and opportunities that come with making the switch. The goal is simple: make your migration as smooth as possible so you can get back to creating.

Sources

• BTS internal migration data (2024-2026)
• Creator success surveys conducted by BTS team
• Platform comparison analysis, January 2026

This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.

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