Everything you need to know about how the scout network works. Tap any question to expand.
Why can't I see the dashboard like pro users?
The full BTD dashboard is a paid product for labels, managers, and A&R teams. Scouts have a different role: you find them early, BTD does the deep analysis. You'll see every artist you've submitted on your profile, with status and payout, but the full signals (streaming velocity, playlist movement, social momentum, etc.) are reserved for paying subscribers. If you want full access, you can subscribe like anyone else.
How do I get paid?
When Chad accepts your submission, $50 is added to your scout payout balance. Payouts are sent via Stripe Connect once your balance reaches the $50 minimum and you've completed Stripe onboarding (a quick identity + tax form step). You'll see your accumulating balance on your scout dashboard. No caps, no monthly limits. Supported countries at launch: US, Canada, UK, and Australia.
What if my submission gets rejected?
Not every submission makes the dashboard. The bar is tuned tight on purpose. Rejection is not a strike against you. Keep submitting. Some scouts get accepted on their first try. Some take a few. The point is: the good calls compound.
What happens if another scout submitted the same artist?
First scout to flag wins. If someone got there before you, your submission is marked as a duplicate. No payout, but no negative hit on your stats either. The credit and the $50 go to whoever submitted first.
Can I see what data BTD tracks on the artist I submitted?
Once your submission is accepted, the artist becomes part of the BTD dashboard. You'll see your name attached as the discoverer, and your scout profile will list the artist. The detailed signals and analytics are part of the paid Pro product. If you want to see what your finds are doing, you can upgrade like any other user.
When do payouts go out?
Payouts run in weekly batches, typically on Fridays. To be included in a given batch, your payout balance must be at least $50 and your Stripe onboarding must be complete. Balances below $50 roll into the next batch. You'll get an email when your payout is sent.
Can I change my handle?
Yes. Edit your profile at any time from your scout dashboard. Your old handle is kept in your history so that anyone who linked to your old profile URL will still find you.
How do I delete my account?
From your scout dashboard. Deleting your account is a soft-delete: you can't submit anymore, your handle is freed up, but your past submissions stay on file (we keep these for accounting and for any credits already earned on artists in the dashboard).
What if I'm in a country that doesn't support payouts yet?
Stripe Connect only supports a handful of countries at launch (US, Canada, UK, Australia). If you're outside those, you can still join the waitlist. We'll notify you the moment your region opens up. In the meantime, you can still email Chad with finds directly.
What's required to actually start scouting?
Three things: (1) your application is approved by Chad, (2) you create your scout profile (handle, photo, bio), and (3) you complete Stripe Connect onboarding so you can receive payouts. Step 3 is the only one that takes a few minutes (Stripe asks for ID and tax info). Submissions you make before completing Stripe still count and accumulate, but no money moves until onboarding is done.
What about taxes?
You're an independent contractor, so we don't withhold any tax from your payouts. You're responsible for reporting your earnings to your country's tax authority. If you're in the US and your YTD earnings hit $600, Stripe will issue you a 1099-NEC at year-end. Non-US scouts (Canada, UK, Australia) won't get a tax form from us, but you'll need to self-report on your normal tax return.
Where can I read the full terms?
The full
Scout Network Terms covers payouts, attribution, conduct, termination, taxes, and dispute resolution. By applying you agree to those terms. Read them.