Showstream Creator FAQ
Everything you need to know about setting up your channel, publishing content, getting paid, and growing your membership on Showstream.
Getting Started
What is Showstream?
Showstream is a full-service subscription platform built for creators. We give you your own branded channel where fans pay to access your exclusive content. Think of it as your own mini streaming service, with Showstream handling the technology, payments, hosting, and support so you can focus on creating.
What does it cost to get started?
Nothing upfront. There are no setup fees, no invoices, and no costs to launch your channel. Showstream funds the platform and recoups its investment through a revenue share on your subscription income. You only pay when you earn.
How do I set up my channel?
Once you're onboarded, you'll get access to Creator Studio, your dashboard for managing everything. You'll start by uploading your channel artwork and avatar, then set up your membership tiers and pricing. From there, upload your first batch of content and complete your Stripe Connect identity verification (required before you can publish or receive payouts). You can preview how your channel looks to subscribers before going live. Your channel will be hosted on the showstream.studio domain with its own unique URL.
What do I need before launch?
We recommend having 8 to 10 short-form videos ready for day one, ranging from 90 seconds to around 60 minutes each. After launch, the expectation is a minimum of one new video per month and one social media post per month promoting your channel.
Membership Tiers and Pricing
How do membership tiers work?
You can offer multiple tiers to your fans. A typical setup might include a standard tier and a premium "Inner Circle" tier with additional perks and exclusive content. You also have the option to make some content available for free to attract new fans, though this is entirely up to you. Pricing is set at the channel level and displayed on your channel page.
Can fans switch between tiers?
Yes. Fans can upgrade at any time, and they'll be charged a pro-rated amount for the rest of their billing period with immediate access to the new tier. Downgrades are scheduled for the next renewal date, so fans keep their current access until the period ends.
Are annual plans available?
Yes. You can offer both monthly and annual billing options. Annual plans help reduce churn and lower per-transaction costs. They typically come with a small discount compared to paying monthly.
Content and Publishing
How do I upload content?
In Creator Studio, you can upload videos directly. The platform supports bulk uploads (up to 10 videos at a time), and your content will typically be processed and playable within about 10 minutes of uploading. Videos are served at up to 1080p with adaptive streaming that adjusts to your viewers' connection speeds.
Can I schedule content for later?
Yes. You can publish content immediately, schedule it for a future date, or save it as unpublished while you're still working on it. When scheduled content goes live, your subscribers receive an email notification automatically.
Can I control which tier sees which content?
Absolutely. When you publish a piece of content, you choose whether it's available to all subscribers, limited to a specific tier, or free for anyone to view without subscribing. You can also reorder your content library so fans see it in the sequence you want.
What happens if a video fails to process?
If something goes wrong during processing, you'll receive an email notification right away. You can re-upload the video from Creator Studio. If the issue persists, reach out to support@showstream.studio and we'll investigate.
How is my content protected?
All content is delivered via secure, time-limited signed URLs. This means videos can't be hotlinked, shared, or accessed outside of an active subscription. Fans are also prohibited from downloading, screen-recording, or redistributing your content under our Fan Terms of Use.
Announcements
Can I send announcements to my subscribers?
Yes. You can publish announcements from Creator Studio, and your subscribers will receive an email notification when you do. This is a great way to share updates, tease upcoming content, or engage with your community between video releases.
Revenue and Payouts
How does the revenue split work?
Showstream operates a 70/30 revenue split in your favour. From your gross subscription revenue (excluding VAT), you keep 70% and Showstream keeps 30%. Operational costs like payment processing and video streaming infrastructure are deducted from your share at actuals. Your Creator Studio dashboard gives you a full breakdown so you can see exactly where your revenue goes.
How and when do I get paid?
Payouts are made via Stripe Connect to your connected bank account. The specific payout schedule is set in your Commercial Schedule Addendum. After each period closes, Showstream reconciles your revenue, deducts costs and any refunds, and transfers your share.
What does my payout statement include?
Your Creator Studio dashboard shows a full breakdown for each payout period: gross subscription revenue, Showstream's 30% share, itemised channel costs (payment processing, streaming, and infrastructure), and your net payout amount. You can export statements as PDF or CSV for your accountant.
What if a subscriber gets a refund?
Refunds reduce your payout for the period in which they're processed. If refunds exceed your revenue in a given period (for example, during a channel closure), the negative balance carries forward to the next cycle.
Do I need to complete identity verification?
Yes. Before you can publish content or receive payouts, you'll need to complete Stripe Connect onboarding, which includes identity verification (KYC). This is a legal and payment processing requirement. You'll be guided through the process during setup, and you'll receive a confirmation email once it's complete.
Subscribers and Analytics
Can I see who's subscribed to my channel?
Yes. Creator Studio shows your subscriber list with names, email addresses, and the tier each person is on. You'll also receive email notifications whenever someone subscribes or cancels. This information is shared under a UK GDPR-compliant data sharing agreement and can be used to engage with fans in connection with your professional work.
What analytics and reporting are available?
Creator Studio provides channel-level analytics including subscriber counts, revenue summaries, and recent activity. Payout statements can be exported as PDF or CSV. We're continuing to build out our analytics and reporting capabilities over time.
Closing Your Channel (Sunset)
What if I want to leave Showstream?
We understand that circumstances change. To close your channel, you'll need to provide written notice as outlined in your agreement. Here's what happens after that:
- Notice period begins. Your channel stays live during this time, and fans continue to have access. No new memberships are accepted.
- Fans are notified. We email all of your subscribers to let them know the channel is closing, and again seven days before final closure.
- Subscriptions wind down. Existing fans keep access until their current billing period ends, up to a maximum of three months from the closure date.
- Refunds are issued. Any fan whose subscription extends beyond the closing date receives a pro-rated refund automatically.
- Channel is archived. Once all subscriptions have ended, your channel is permanently archived.
What happens to my content after closure?
You retain full ownership of all your content. Showstream's licence to host and display your material ends when the sunset period is over. Your videos, images, and brand materials remain yours.
What happens to my final payout?
Your final payout is calculated after all refunds have been processed. If refunds exceed your revenue for the period, the negative balance is accounted for in your final settlement.
Can I reverse a channel closure?
Once you initiate the sunset process, there is a 24-hour grace period during which you can change your mind and abort. If you abort within 24 hours, everything returns to normal and your fans are notified that the closure has been cancelled. After the grace period, the process continues as described above.
Support and Policies
How do I get help?
Email us at support@showstream.studio for general queries and technical issues. For legal or contractual questions, reach out to legal@showstream.studio. We're here to help with anything from technical issues to strategic advice on growing your channel.
What content am I responsible for?
You must hold all necessary rights, licences, and permissions for everything you publish. Content that is unlawful, defamatory, or violates our terms may be removed. Full details are in your Creator Terms of Service.
What happens if I stop posting?
We understand that creative schedules can vary. If there's a lapse in activity, we'll reach out to check in first. Our approach is collaborative: we'll discuss what's going on and work with you on a plan. Formal enforcement steps (reduced visibility, scaled-back support, or suspension) only come into play after fair notice and an opportunity to get back on track.