Behind The Scenes (BTS)

Funny illustration glossary
The messy middle. Trust, unfiltered.

Behind the scenes (BTS) content is the raw, unfiltered look at what happens before the polished final product reaches your audience. It’s the blooper reel, the setup shots, the failed takes, the workspace, the team collaboration—anything that reveals the authentic process behind your work. In social media marketing, BTS content has become essential because audiences no longer want perfection; they want honesty. They want to see the real people, real struggles, and real creativity that go into what you create.

Why does BTS content build so much trust?

When you show your audience the process, you’re showing them you have nothing to hide. This transparency is powerful. Brands that share behind the scenes moments—whether it’s a small business owner filming in their home studio or a larger company showing their team at work—humanize themselves. People connect with people, not with polished corporate images. By revealing the messy middle, you prove that your final product is the result of real effort, skill, and care. That authenticity resonates.

What types of BTS content perform best on social media?

The most effective behind the scenes content shows your unique process. This could be: a creator setting up their filming space, a team brainstorming session, time-lapse footage of production, mistakes or learning moments, the workspace or studio, interviews with team members, or a day-in-the-life format. The key is showing something your audience wouldn’t normally see. Video tends to outperform static images for BTS content because movement and real-time footage feel more authentic and immediate.

How does BTS content differ across platforms?

Instagram Stories and Reels work well for quick, casual behind the scenes glimpses—think 15 to 60-second clips. TikTok thrives on raw, imperfect BTS content that feels spontaneous. YouTube allows for longer-form documentaries or detailed process videos. LinkedIn works for professional behind the scenes content about company culture or industry insights. The format changes, but the core principle stays the same: transparency builds credibility.

Can BTS content actually drive sales or engagement?

Yes. Behind the scenes content satisfies curiosity, which is a powerful motivator. People want to understand how things work. When you satisfy that curiosity, they feel invested in you and more likely to support your work. BTS content also creates anticipation—sneak peeks of upcoming products or projects keep audiences engaged between major releases. Most importantly, it builds the trust factor that influences purchasing decisions in a crowded digital marketplace.