BTS (Behind The Scenes): A Complete Guide for Brands and Creators
BTS (Behind The Scenes) shows the process, people, and prep behind a final product or content. It’s a powerful way for brands and influencers to connect with audiences by sharing authentic, inside-look moments online.
What Does BTS (Behind The Scenes) Mean?
BTS stands for “Behind The Scenes.” It refers to the raw footage, photos, or stories that reveal how content, products, or events are created. Rather than polished final shots, BTS gives your audience an inside look at planning, setup, and the real people involved.
BTS in Influencer Marketing and Social Media
Influencers often sprinkle BTS content into their feeds to keep followers engaged. For example:
- A beauty creator shows how they choose lighting, set up their camera, and test makeup shades before filming a tutorial.
- A DTC apparel brand posts a video of its design team sketching outfits and sampling fabrics in a small workshop.
- A food blogger shares quick clips of chopping, seasoning, and plating dishes before the final hero shot.
On platforms like Instagram Stories, TikTok, and YouTube, BTS clips might include time-lapse edits, candid moments, or voice-over explanations of each step.
Why BTS Matters for Brands and Creators
1. Builds Trust: Audiences see that your content or product isn’t magic—it’s real people doing real work.
2. Fosters Authenticity: BTS breaks the polished veneer. It highlights mistakes, laughter, and genuine moments.
3. Drives Engagement: Curiosity about how things happen can boost comments, shares, and saved posts.
4. Showcases Expertise: When you walk people through your craft, you position yourself as a knowledgeable authority in your niche.
Common Misconceptions and Variations
- Misconception: BTS is low-quality.
Reality: While BTS can be more casual, it still needs good lighting and clear audio to be effective.
- Misconception: It’s only for video.
Reality: Photos, Stories, Reels, even blog posts can deliver behind-the-scenes value.
- Variation: "Day in the Life." Often branded as BTS, these are personal routines rather than project processes. Both serve authenticity, but day-in-the-life focuses on the individual, not the product.
Practical Tips to Apply BTS in Your Strategy
1. Plan Key Moments: Identify 3–5 stages in your process that look interesting on camera.
2. Keep It Short: Aim for 15–60 seconds per clip—enough to show value without losing attention.
3. Add Context: Use captions or voice-overs to explain what viewers are seeing.
4. Mix It Up: Alternate between fast-paced time-lapses and slow, candid shots for variety.
5. Schedule Regularly: Commit to a weekly or biweekly BTS post to build anticipation.
By adding BTS content to your brand or influencer toolkit, you unlock a simple yet powerful way to deepen relationships, showcase your expertise, and stand out in a crowded social space.