Amanda
Backstage Took My Money. A Client Used My Videos Without Paying. Support Told Me to Contact the Authorities.
Backstage takes your money for access, but when a client doesn't pay you, don't expect the platform to get your money back. A job board that leaves creators to chase clients, pursue legal options, and escalate complaints independently isn't providing the protection many creators assume they're paying for. I would not recommend wasting your money on this platform. If I could cancel and get my money back, I would! They make it seem so safe and like you send your videos through their app then the job poster reviews them and when they accept them, you get paid. FALSE. The job poster can steal your work without accepting it in the Backstage app and not pay you ( and still be allowed to post new jobs while you remain unpaid!!)!! My videos were live as ads for over 2 weeks (they were submitted 9 days before they were posted as paid ads) while the client ghosted me and stole my videos. I reached out to the client and Backstage support multiple times and was eventually told by Backstage, “If you wish to pursue the matter further, we recommend contacting your local labor board or relevant authorities.” That’s it. That’s what I pay an annual fee for?! I contacted the business on social media and their website to tell them what their marketing firm they hired did and that I needed payment or was going to have to get lawyers as it involved my children. They had no idea and paid me that day. Absolutely ridiculous that I had to do that after begging Backstage to do something for nearly 2 weeks. Honestly, based on my experience, you're better off finding opportunities independently or looking in Facebook creator groups. Those options may offer a similar level of protection without charging you an annual membership fee for the “privilege”. Personally I prefer Insense and Cohley as they actually hold the money until you deliver the content and work with you should an issue occur.