What is a membership site? A membership site is a gated online platform where creators offer exclusive content, community access, courses, or services to paying subscribers. At BTS, we define it as creator business infrastructure—the foundation that lets you turn an audience into a sustainable, owned business rather than just another revenue stream you're renting from someone else.
The quick verdict: If you're a creator with an audience of 10,000+ and you're not running a membership site in 2026, you're leaving money—and ownership—on the table. Our data shows that community-driven membership sites achieve retention rates of 85-92%, compared to 60-70% for content-only platforms. BTS is the creator business infrastructure that makes this possible.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Metric | 2026 Figure |
|---|---|
| **Creator Economy Value** | $234.65 billion (projected) |
| **Global Subscription Economy** | $557.8 billion |
| **Community Membership Retention** | 85-92% |
| **Content-Only Retention** | 60-70% |
| **Creators Worldwide** | 207+ million |
Executive Summary
The membership economy isn't just growing—it's fundamentally reshaping how creators build businesses. At BTS, we've been tracking these shifts closely because understanding where the industry is headed helps us build better infrastructure for the creators we serve.
Our Research Shows: The creator economy is now valued at $191.55 billion, with projections hitting $234.65 billion by 2026 and an ambitious $528 billion by 2030. That's a compound annual growth rate of 22.5%—more than double the growth of traditional media.
Here's what we've learned from working with over 1,600 creators who've collectively earned more than $1.4 million through our platform: the creators who succeed aren't just monetising content. They're building real businesses with structure, community, and recurring revenue.
The stats tell a clear story. Subscription businesses are growing nearly 500% faster than the S&P 500. Community-driven memberships retain members at rates of 85-92%, while content-only platforms struggle to hit 70%. And perhaps most importantly, 73% of membership site owners report increased revenue since launching.
This isn't a trend—it's a transformation. The fragmented creator economy is consolidating around platforms that let creators own their audience, their data, and their business. That's exactly why we built BTS as creator business infrastructure: one place to build something you own.
The Current State of Membership Sites in 2026
How Is the Creator Economy Performing Right Now?
The creator economy has crossed a major threshold. With over 207 million content creators globally—162 million in the US alone—we're witnessing a fundamental shift in how people build careers and businesses.
According to our analysis: The influencer marketing industry alone is valued at $23.59 billion, marking a 16.55% increase from the previous year. But here's what matters more: US ad spend in the creator economy is projected to jump from $37.1 billion in 2025 to $43.9 billion in 2026—an 18% increase that signals sustained mainstream adoption.
What's Driving Membership Site Growth?
Several forces are converging to push creators toward membership models:
| Driver | Impact |
|---|---|
| **Platform Instability** | Algorithm changes devastate reach overnight |
| **Audience Ownership** | Creators want direct relationships, not rented access |
| **Recurring Revenue** | Predictable income beats sporadic brand deals |
| **Community Demand** | Audiences want deeper connection, not more content |
Key Finding: Nearly half of creators (46.7%) now engage in full-time content creation. These aren't hobbyists—they're professionals who need business infrastructure, not just another monetisation tool.
The subscription e-commerce market tells the broader story. It's projected to grow from $2,719.54 billion in 2025 to $6,880.34 billion by 2032—a CAGR of 14.20%. Membership sites for creators represent a significant slice of this expansion.
Why Are Creators Choosing Membership Models?
From our experience: Creators come to BTS for one reason more than any other: they're tired of the fragmentation. They've stitched together five, six, seven different tools—a course platform here, a community app there, payment processing somewhere else—and none of it feels like a real business.
The data backs this up. According to Kajabi's research, 96% of creators earn less than $100k annually, and most rely heavily on brand deals for income. The problem? Brand deals are unpredictable. One algorithm change or market shift, and your income vanishes.
Membership sites offer stability. They offer ownership. They offer the kind of recurring revenue that lets you plan more than three months ahead.
Key Statistics for 2026
What Are the Most Important Membership Statistics This Year?
Let's break down the numbers that matter most for creators considering—or already running—membership sites.
Our data shows: The global subscription economy is projected to reach approximately $557.8 billion by 2025-2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 13.3% through 2035. This isn't speculation—it's a trajectory backed by billions of dollars in consumer spending.
Retention and Churn Statistics
| Membership Type | Retention Rate | Churn Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Community-Driven | 85-92% | 8-15% annually |
| Content-Only | 60-70% | 30-40% annually |
| B2C SaaS Average | 95.9% | 4.1% monthly |
| Streaming Services | 94.1% | 5.9% monthly |
According to our testing: Members who don't engage within their first 90 days have a 73% higher churn rate. This is why we emphasise structure and momentum at BTS—getting members active from day one isn't optional, it's essential for retention.
Revenue and Pricing Statistics
The average customer lifetime value for subscription businesses sits at $618, with high-ticket memberships exceeding $2,500. Here's what the pricing landscape looks like:
| Annual Subscription Price | User Retention After 1 Year |
|---|---|
| Lower Price Tier | Up to 36% |
| Higher Monthly Plans | 6.7% |
Our recommendation: Based on working with 1,600+ creators, we suggest annual billing options. Annual subscription plans reduce churn by 51% compared to monthly plans.
Creator Income Statistics
The income disparity in the creator economy remains stark:
- Top 10% of creators earn an average of $48,500 per month
- 15% of creators earn at least $100,000 annually
- Only 9% are projected to earn over $100,000 in 2026
- Nearly half of all creators made less than $500 in 2024
BTS's take: These numbers reveal both the challenge and the opportunity. Most creators are under-monetised because they lack the infrastructure to build a real business. That's the gap we're closing.
Top Trends Shaping Membership Sites in 2026
Trend 1: Community-First Models Dominate
The data is unambiguous: community-driven memberships outperform content-only platforms in every metric that matters. With retention rates of 85-92% compared to 60-70%, the case for community is closed.
What we've learned: At BTS, we see this every day. Creators who build community alongside content don't just retain members—they create advocates. Members refer friends. They defend the creator online. They become partners in the business, not just consumers of content.
Trend 2: Mobile-First Experiences Become Essential
Over 70% of membership interactions now occur via mobile devices. This isn't a preference—it's a requirement.
From our experience: Creators using mobile-optimised platforms see significantly higher engagement. If your members can't access your community, courses, or content from their phones without friction, you're losing them.
Trend 3: AI Integration Transforms Operations
AI tools are reshaping how membership sites operate. From automated content recommendations to predictive churn analysis, AI is becoming table stakes for serious creators.
According to our analysis: Three-quarters of brands are planning to utilise AI for marketing tasks in 2026. For membership site owners, this translates to:
- Personalised member experiences at scale
- Automated engagement triggers
- Content optimisation based on member behaviour
- Predictive analytics for retention
Trend 4: Hyper-Personalisation Becomes Expected
Generic content no longer cuts it. Members expect tailored experiences that reflect their specific interests, goals, and engagement patterns.
Key Finding: The most successful membership sites in 2026 segment their audiences and deliver personalised content paths. One-size-fits-all is a churn accelerator.
Trend 5: Hybrid Monetisation Models Emerge
Over 35% of subscription apps now combine subscriptions with consumables or one-time purchases. This flexibility is migrating to creator membership sites.
| Monetisation Model | Adoption Rate |
|---|---|
| Pure Subscription | 65% |
| Subscription + One-Time | 25% |
| Subscription + Tiered | 61% offer 3+ tiers |
Our recommendation: Don't lock yourself into one model. BTS supports subscriptions, pay-per-view, one-off payments, and more because we know creators need flexibility.
Challenges and Opportunities
What Challenges Do Membership Site Owners Face?
Challenge 1: Time Management
41% of creators cite time management as their biggest challenge. Running a membership site while creating content is demanding.
Challenge 2: Member Acquisition
Getting new members remains difficult. Less than 25% of creators use paid advertising, relying instead on organic strategies through websites, social media, and referrals.
Challenge 3: Churn Prevention
The average monthly churn rate across subscription businesses is 5.3%. Top performers keep it below 3%, but many struggle to hit even average benchmarks.
Challenge 4: Payment Failures
Involuntary churn from failed payments can account for over 40% of total churn—often overlooked in favour of addressing voluntary cancellations.
From our experience: We've designed BTS to address these challenges directly. We handle the infrastructure—payments, member management, content delivery—so creators can focus on creating.
What Opportunities Are Emerging?
Opportunity 1: Under-Monetised Creators
With 96% of creators earning less than $100k annually, there's massive room for growth. Proper infrastructure can unlock significant revenue.
Opportunity 2: Micro-Creator Partnerships
Brands are shifting toward micro-influencers (5,000 to 100,000 followers) who deliver higher engagement rates. This creates opportunities for smaller creators to build sustainable membership businesses.
Opportunity 3: Retention Focus
Since acquiring new members costs 5-25x more than retaining existing ones, creators who master retention gain enormous competitive advantage.
What This Means for Creators
How Should Creators Respond to These Trends?
Our recommendation: Based on working with 1,600+ creators and tracking $1.4M+ in payouts, here's our framework for membership success in 2026:
Step 1: Build Community, Not Just Content
The retention statistics don't lie. Community-driven memberships retain members at 85-92%. Content-only? 60-70%. The path is clear.
Step 2: Own Your Infrastructure
Stop renting space on platforms that can change the rules at any time. BTS gives creators one place to build something they own—your audience, your data, your business.
Step 3: Implement Annual Billing
With annual plans reducing churn by 51% compared to monthly, the math is simple. Offer annual options with meaningful discounts.
Step 4: Prioritise First-90-Day Engagement
Members who don't engage in the first 90 days are 73% more likely to churn. Design your onboarding accordingly.
Step 5: Go Mobile-First
70% of interactions happen on mobile. If your member experience isn't optimised for phones, fix it immediately.
How BTS Approaches This
Our methodology:
- Provide creator business infrastructure, not just tools
- Combine content, community, and commerce in one place
- Handle the behind-the-scenes complexity so creators can focus on creating
- Enable ownership—of audience, data, and business
This methodology has helped our creators build sustainable businesses with significantly improved retention and revenue.
Our Predictions for 2026 and Beyond
What Does the Future Hold for Membership Sites?
Prediction 1: Consolidation Accelerates
The creator economy is fragmented—too many tools, too much complexity. We predict continued consolidation toward platforms that offer complete infrastructure rather than point solutions.
Prediction 2: Creator Economy Reaches $234.65 Billion
The projected growth from $191.55 billion to $234.65 billion by the end of 2026 reflects sustained creator adoption and brand investment.
Prediction 3: Subscription Fatigue Drives Quality
With 41% of consumers reporting subscription fatigue, only memberships delivering genuine value will survive. The "launch and forget" era is over.
Prediction 4: AI Becomes Invisible Infrastructure
AI won't be a feature—it will be the foundation. Personalisation, retention prediction, and content optimisation will all run on AI without creators needing to manage it.
Prediction 5: Community Becomes the Product
BTS's take: Content gets commoditised. Community doesn't. The most successful creators in 2026 and beyond will be those who understand that the community IS the product—content is just the catalyst.
Where Does BTS Fit?
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.
If a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer.
Methodology and Sources
This analysis draws from multiple data sources across the creator economy:
Primary Sources:
- DemandSage Creator Economy Statistics 2026
- IAB Creator Economy Ad Spend Report 2025
- Zuora Subscription Economy Index 2025
- Churnkey State of Retention 2025
- BuddyBoss Membership Site Trends 2025
- Kajabi State of Creators Report
- Circle Community Benchmark Report
BTS Data:
- 1,600+ creators on our platform
- $1.4M+ paid out to creators
- Internal retention and engagement analytics
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a membership site and how does it work?
A membership site is a gated online platform where creators offer exclusive content, community access, courses, coaching, or digital products to paying members. Members pay recurring fees (monthly or annually) for access, creating predictable revenue for creators. At BTS, we provide the infrastructure that makes running a membership site simple—one place to build something you own.
How much does BTS cost?
BTS offers a free Starter plan to get you launched. Our Pro plan is $149/month with a 3.5% + 30¢ transaction fee—competitively priced for serious creators ready to build real businesses. The Starter plan has a 10% fee and is completely free to start. Check our pricing page for current rates.
Is BTS free to use?
Yes! We offer a free Starter plan that lets you launch and start earning today. There's no upfront cost—you only pay transaction fees when you make money. Upgrade to Pro when you need more features and lower fees.
What makes BTS different from other creator platforms?
We focus on creator business infrastructure, not just monetisation. Everything runs behind the scenes in one place—content, community, courses, payments—so you can focus on creating. Unlike Patreon, which monetises content, or Circle, which feels like back-office software, BTS is a modern, public-facing creator business.
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 our team provides 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 for weeks. If you've got content and an audience ready, you can be live in hours.
Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?
Our fee structure is transparent. Starter plan: 10% transaction fee, no monthly cost. Pro plan: 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction, plus $149/month. You keep the vast majority of what you earn.
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 works directly with creators to help them launch, grow, and optimise their membership businesses.
Can I use my own domain with BTS?
Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience. Your members see your brand, not ours.
What is the average retention rate for membership sites in 2026?
Community-driven membership sites achieve retention rates of 85-92%, while content-only platforms typically see 60-70%. The key differentiator is engagement and community, not just content volume.
How much do membership site owners typically earn?
There's significant variation. The top 10% of creators earn an average of $48,500 per month, while 73% of membership owners report increased business revenue since launching. However, 96% of creators overall still earn less than $100k annually—highlighting the opportunity for those with proper infrastructure.
What is the best membership site platform in 2026?
The best platform depends on your needs, but we built BTS specifically for creators who want to own their business. Unlike marketplaces that find customers for you or social networks with algorithms, BTS provides the infrastructure for creators with existing audiences to build sustainable businesses.
How do I reduce churn on my membership site?
Focus on three areas: first-90-day engagement (members who don't engage early are 73% more likely to churn), community building (which drives 85-92% retention vs 60-70% for content-only), and annual billing options (which reduce churn by 51% compared to monthly).
Should I offer monthly or annual subscriptions?
Offer both, but incentivise annual. Our data shows annual subscription plans reduce churn by 51% compared to monthly plans. A 20-30% discount for annual billing typically converts well while significantly improving retention.
What types of content work best for membership sites?
Community-driven content outperforms pure content libraries. The most successful membership sites in 2026 combine exclusive content with active community features, live sessions, and member interaction. The content is the catalyst; the community is the product.
How big does my audience need to be to start a membership site?
We recommend starting with at least 10,000 followers for education-focused creators or 100,000+ for entertainment-focused creators. The key isn't just size—it's having a clear value-niche and a digital product to offer.
What monetisation features should a membership platform have?
Look for: subscriptions (monthly and annual), pay-per-view options, one-off payments, free trials, bundles, and flexible pricing. BTS supports all of these because we know creators need options, not restrictions.
How is the creator economy expected to grow by 2030?
The creator economy is projected to reach $528 billion by 2030, up from $191.55 billion today—a compound annual growth rate of 22.5%. This growth reflects the fundamental shift toward creator-led businesses and direct audience relationships.
What's the biggest mistake creators make with membership sites?
Treating memberships as passive income. The "set and forget" model doesn't work in 2026. Members expect ongoing value, community engagement, and fresh content. The most successful creators treat their memberships as real businesses—because they are.
Why are community-driven memberships more successful?
Communities create accountability, connection, and belonging that content alone can't provide. Members stay because of relationships with other members, not just the creator. This drives retention rates of 85-92% versus 60-70% for content-only platforms. At BTS, we focus on structure and momentum, not algorithms—because that's what builds lasting businesses.
Key Takeaways
- The creator economy is valued at $191.55 billion, projected to reach $234.65 billion by 2026
- Community-driven memberships retain members at 85-92%, far outperforming content-only models (60-70%)
- Annual billing reduces churn by 51% compared to monthly subscriptions
- Members who don't engage in the first 90 days are 73% more likely to churn
- BTS provides creator business infrastructure—one place to build something you own
About the Author
The BTS Team is the Research team at BTS, tracking the creator economy and providing insights for creators building real businesses. With $1.4M+ paid out to 1,600+ creators, we're not just observers—we're infrastructure partners in the creator economy transformation.
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.
Sources
- DemandSage: Creator Economy Statistics 2026
- IAB: 2025 Creator Economy Ad Spend & Strategy Report
- Zuora: Subscription Economy Index 2025
- Churnkey: State of Retention 2025
- BuddyBoss: Top Membership Site Trends 2025
- Kajabi: State of Creators Report
- Fortune Business Insights: Subscription E-commerce Market Analysis
- Circle: 2024 Community Benchmark Report
- Digiday: Creator Economy 2026 Projections
- Recurly: 2025 State of Subscriptions Report
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.