[{"_1":2,"_67":-5,"_68":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_7":8},"root",{"_5":6},"canonicalUrl","https://studio.curios.com/kb/tutorials/how-curios-works","KbTutorialArticleRoute",{"_9":-5,"_10":11,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":-5},"article","sidebarArticles",[12,31,36,41,46,51,56],{"_13":14,"_15":16,"_17":18,"_19":20,"_21":22,"_23":24,"_25":22,"_26":27,"_28":-7,"_29":-7,"_30":-7},"title","Private vs Public Files","type","tutorials","slug","private-vs-public-files","excerpt","Learn the difference between private files (delivered after purchase) and public files (preview content). Master how to use each type strategically to maximize conversions.","subtitle","","content","

What are Private Files?

Content delivered only to people who purchased or claimed your item.

Full content: your complete ebook, audiobook, album, video, or bundle.

Exclusive access: locked to buyers/claimers; auto-delivered on purchase (or on release day for presales).

Multiple formats: JPEG, PNG, MP4, EPUB, PDF, MP3 and more

Where in Studio: Collection → Private Files

\n $\"Private$ \n

Private Files are updateable. You can add content or replace private file content at any time. This can be very convenient for serialized items that are released upon completion or for rewarding your purchasers with bonus content.

\n\n

What are Public Files?

Free, preview-only assets anyone can see. Use them to earn the click and the sale.

Teasers: first chapter, 30–60s audio sample, trailer/clip.

Marketing materials: cover, promo graphics, press kit PDF.

SEO boost: public files can be indexed by search engines.

Where in Studio: Collection → Public Files

\n $\"Public$ \n\n

\n\n

Fan Experience (What your audience sees)

Public Files show up right on your dedicated sales pages for your content. Anyone can see this information regardless of whether or not they purchase or claim the item.

\n $\"Public$ \n

Private files show up only for the purchaser of the content, this is available in the Curios app or in the purchaser's library on Curios' website.

\n $\"Private$ \n\n

\n\n

Conversion Playbook

Hook with the best 1–3 minutes or first chapter.

Quality over quantity: one killer preview beats five weak ones.

Cut on a cliffhanger: end where curiosity peaks.

Reward loyalty: drop new bonuses into Private later to surprise buyers.

Presales tip: leave Private empty until release day; upload then and Curios auto-delivers to everyone who pre-bought.

Security options (optional): use stream-only for sensitive video/audio; offer downloads for convenience after launch.

","image","publishedAt","April, 20 2026 19:04:16","author","category","tags",{"_13":32,"_15":16,"_17":33,"_19":34,"_21":22,"_23":35,"_25":22,"_26":27,"_28":-7,"_29":-7,"_30":-7},"Sales vs Claims","sales-vs-claims","Understanding the difference between paid sales and free claims on Curios. Learn how each affects your revenue, reporting, and audience building strategy.","

Understanding the difference between paid sales and free claims on Curios is crucial for developing an effective content strategy and maximizing your revenue.

\n\n

What are Sales?

Sales are paid transactions where fans purchase your content for a set price. This is how you generate direct revenue on Curios.

Immediate revenue: You earn 100% of the sale price (minus buyer checkout fee).

Buyer commitment: Paying customers are typically more engaged with your content.

Email collection: Every sale gives you the buyer's email for future marketing.

Quality signal: Paid content often performs better in Curios' discovery algorithms.

\n\n

What are Claims?

Claims allow fans to get your content for free, though you still collect their email address for future marketing opportunities.

Audience building: Great for growing your email list and fanbase quickly.

Lower barrier: Fans are more likely to try your work when it's free.

Marketing tool: Use free content to showcase your quality and style.

Future sales: Turn claimers into paying customers with follow-up content.

\n\n

Strategic Usage

The most successful creators use both sales and claims strategically to build their audience and maximize long-term revenue.

1. Lead magnets: Offer your first book/track/video free to build your email list

2. Premium pricing: Charge for your best, newest, or exclusive content

3. Sample content: Use claims for previews, behind-the-scenes, or bonus material

4. Launch strategy: Start with claims to build buzz, then switch to sales

",{"_13":37,"_15":16,"_17":38,"_19":39,"_21":22,"_23":40,"_25":22,"_26":27,"_28":-7,"_29":-7,"_30":-7},"Self Fulfilled Shipping on Curios","self-fulfilled-shipping-on-curios","Learn how to sell physical books, including paperbacks, hardcovers, special editions, signed books, merchandise, and any combination of the above on Curios.","

You can sell physical books, including paperbacks, hardcovers, special editions, signed books, merchandise, and any combination of the above on Curios.

Note: This is currently in private beta, if you want access to this feature please email greg@curios.com.

Step 1: Login to studio.curios.com and click \"+ Publish/ Create New Project\"

\n $\"Create$ \n

Step 2: Select \"Book\" from the Project Types

\n $\"Select$ \n

Step 3: Select either physical or both

\n $\"Select$ \n

Step 4: Add a cover image, a title, select the format, and add a description

Note: Select only the formats included in this offering. If offering multiple formats, create a separate listing for each.

\n $\"Add$ \n

Step 5: Add a preview file

Add a preview file for your book if you have one, if not just click \"Next\" to skip.

\n $\"Preview$ \n

Step 6A: Set your \"Ship From Address\"

Click \"+ Add Address\" and fill out the information to set a \"Ship From Address\". This is the address that you will be sending the packages from. We will use this information to calculate how much to collect from the buyer for shipping.

\n $\"Add$ \n $\"Fill$ \n

Step 6B: Enter the Package Dimensions

Note: Enter the total weight and final package dimensions for the entire shipment, including all items in this collection and any packing materials.

\n $\"Package$ \n

Step 6C: Select carriers and shipping speeds

\n $\"Select$ \n

Step 9: Locate Your Orders That Require Shipping

\n $\"Reports$ \n

Step 10: Generate Shipping Label

\n $\"Generate$ \n

If you run into any issues you can always contact Curios support, we are here to help!

",{"_13":42,"_15":16,"_17":43,"_19":44,"_21":22,"_23":45,"_25":22,"_26":27,"_28":-7,"_29":-7,"_30":-7},"How to Get Paid on Curios","how-to-get-paid-on-curios","Payouts, statements and reporting. Learn about how payments work on Curios, when you get paid, how to access your statements, and understanding your sales reporting dashboard.","

Payouts, Statements, Reports

\n\n

Curios is a place for you to get your content online safely and on your terms. There are many words used to describe this — self publish, self release, distribute, give away — but the essence is you getting your content out there.

\n\n

Curios gives any creator 100% of sales and the contact information from anyone who buys or claims your content.

\n\n

To Access your Funds and Earnings

\n $\"Reports$ \n\n

This opens up your reporting dashboard. Here you will be able to set your payout method, see any orders, see any claims, and any history of payouts you received or the status of each one.

\n $\"Statement$ \n\n

You can click between Orders, Claims, Transactions, and Payouts. Orders are any items that people have bought from you, Claims are items you gave away for free, Transactions are any transactions that happened on the platform - a full ledger of all funds, and payouts are the history of payments made from Curios to you.

\n $\"Reports$ \n\n

\n\n

Receive Your Earnings / Set Your Payout Method

At the top of the statement/payout page is a summary of your content's activity. Right below that are two buttons \"Request Payout\" and \"Automatic Payout\"

\n\n

Request Payout allows you to submit for a one time payout of either your entire balance or just a portion of your balance, your choice.

\n $\"Request$ \n\n

Clicking the Request Payout opens a modal where you can fill out the information and then hit Request

\n $\"Request$ \n\n

This will then be processed within 3 business days but is often processed same day.

\n\n

Clicking on automatic payout allows users to setup automatic payouts deposited in their bank account.

\n $\"Automatic$ \n\n

This opens up a modal where you can enter the appropriate bank information and set the frequency of deposits. Simply fill out the information and then click \"Save\"

\n $\"Automatic$ \n\n

\n\n

See Orders, Download Order Information

On the Statement page, the top item is orders, this is a filterable table so you can arrange the orders in any way you'd like. Simply Click on the Column to sort according to that Column

\n $\"Order$ \n\n

Additionally You can download all the information as a CSV to save and import your data into any other location you would like by hitting the \"Download as CSV\" button at the top of the sales chart.

\n $\"Download$ \n\n

\n\n

See Claims, Download Claim Information

Claims works the same way that orders do, but they are for any free content that you give away. Claims are housed in a filterable table and you can click on any column to sort according to that column.

\n $\"Claims$ \n\n

\n\n

Access Payout History and Status

For any past Payouts requested or automatically set, the record of the payout as well as their status is located at the bottom of the \"Statement / Payout\" page

\n $\"Payout$ ",{"_13":47,"_15":16,"_17":48,"_19":49,"_21":22,"_23":50,"_25":22,"_26":27,"_28":-7,"_29":-7,"_30":-7},"How to Upload Your Content to Curios","how-to-upload-your-content-to-curios","Complete step-by-step guide to uploading any type of digital content to Curios. Learn the universal upload process that works for books, music, videos, and more.","

Whether you're an author, musician, comedian, or any other type of creator, uploading your content to Curios follows the same straightforward process. This universal guide will walk you through the steps that work for any digital content type.

\n\n

Before You Start

Prepare your files: Have your digital content ready (books, audio, video, etc.)
Create cover art: A high-quality image that represents your content
Write descriptions: Compelling text that explains what you're offering
Set your price: Decide if you want to charge or offer it free

\n\n

Step 1: Access Creator Studio

Go to studio.curios.com and log in with your email address. If you don't have an account, you'll be prompted to create one.

\n\n

Step 2: Get Started

Click \"+ Publish\" from the left hand menu of your dashboard

\n $\"Publish$ \n

Choose your content type: Book, Music, Video, Art, Event, Membership, or Other or if you are going to upload a Series, select Series

\n $\"Content$ \n\n

\n\n

Step 3: Add Project Information

Cover Image: Upload a high-quality cover (recommended: 1600x2400px for books, 2400x2400px for music)
Title: Give your content a clear, descriptive title
Description: Write compelling copy that explains what buyers will get

\n\n

Step 4: Upload Your Content Files

Upload the main files that customers will receive after purchase:

Books: EPUB, PDF, or MOBI files

Music: MP3, WAV, or FLAC files

Video: MP4, MOV, or other video formats

Other: Any digital file type is supported

Pro tip: You can drag and drop multiple files, rename them, and reorder them as needed.

\n\n

Step 5: Upload Preview Content

Add free preview content that anyone can access to sample your work:

Ebooks: We auto generate a preview for you, you can delete and replace this file or add to it as well

Audiobooks: upload a mp3 file where the listener can get a good preview of the narration

Music: 30-60 second clips or full preview tracks

Video: Trailers or short clips

Any content: Behind-the-scenes content, press kits, or bonus materials

\n\n

Step 6: Set Your Pricing and Options

Pricing: Choose \"Buy Now\" to set a price, or \"Free\" to give it away
Add Collaborators: Co-authors, narrators, featured artists
Genre/Category: Help people discover your content
Release Date: Set to \"Available Now\" or schedule for later
Privacy: Choose Public (discoverable) or Private (link-only access)

\n\n

Step 7: Review and Publish

Review all your information for accuracy
Choose \"Save Draft\" to continue working later, or \"Review and Publish\" to go live
Once published, your content will be available on the Curios marketplace
You'll get a unique link to share with your audience

\n\n

Promotion is not optional.

Curios makes it easy to sell directly, but discovery still starts with you. You need to bring your audience—email subscribers, followers, fans—and point them to your work. Those early sales and claims are how Curios learns who your content is for.

\n\n

After Publishing

Share your link: Promote your content on social media, email, and your website
Track performance: Monitor sales and downloads in your Creator Studio dashboard
Collect emails: Every purchase gives you the buyer's email address
Update anytime: You can always edit content, pricing, or add new files

",{"_13":52,"_15":16,"_17":53,"_19":54,"_21":22,"_23":55,"_25":22,"_26":27,"_28":-7,"_29":-7,"_30":-7},"Setting up your creator profile","setting-up-your-creator-profile","Make a great first impression with potential fans by optimizing your creator profile. Learn about profile photos, bios, and showcasing your work effectively.","

Your creator profile is the first thing potential fans see when they discover your work on Curios. Make it count with these optimization tips.

\n\n

First, login to studio.curios.com with your email, then click on the \"My Profile/Account\" item in the left hand menu.

\n $\"My$ \n

Here you will see a place to upload your photo, and enter details about you or your group.

\n\n

Display Name

Display Name is what is shown across our website. This should be your band name, pen name, group name, or whatever your fans know you by.

\n\n

Username

Username is what we use for your url. The Username has no spaces or special characters.

\n\n

Description

A good description helps your fans get to know you and understand that you are the right creator they are looking for. You'll want to be descriptive about who you are and what you make so if you share a name with another creator, your description and photo can help people tell who is who.

\n\n

Profile Photo Guidelines

A professional, high-quality profile photo builds trust and helps fans connect with you as a creator.

High resolution: Use at least 400x400 pixels for crisp display across all devices.

Clear and professional: Choose a photo where your face is clearly visible and well-lit.

Brand consistency: Use the same photo across your social media for recognition.

Recent photo: Keep your profile photo current and representative of you today.

",{"_13":57,"_15":16,"_17":58,"_19":59,"_21":22,"_23":60,"_25":22,"_26":61,"_28":-7,"_29":-7,"_30":-7},"How Curios Works (Direct Sales in Minutes)","how-curios-works-direct-sales-in-minutes-","Curios is the creator-first way to sell digital content—ebooks, audiobooks, music, comedy specials, videos and more—direct to your audience. You keep 100% of your sale price and every buyer's email.","

Curios is the creator-first way to sell digital content—ebooks, audiobooks, music, comedy specials, videos and more—direct to your audience.

\n\n

You keep 100% of your sale price and every buyer's email. (A small checkout fee is paid by the buyer.)

\n\n

What You Get (at a glance)

Full payout: your price is your payout, you keep 100% of any sale.
Own your audience: every buyer's email in your dashboard.
Your IP stays yours: no exclusivity requirements, no tricky terms
Any format: sell anything digital, or bundle ebook + audio + video in a single checkout.
Presales that auto-deliver on release day.
Taxes handled: Curios is the merchant of record (VAT & filings on us).
Marketplace discovery: get found alongside similar titles.
Optional PRO tools: advanced analytics, scheduled promos, auto-payouts.

\n\n

Launch in 3 Simple Steps

Open Creator Studio → click \"Create New Project\"
Upload your files (or set up a blank presale), set price or make it free, add cover & description.
Publish & share your link. Fans buy instantly; files are delivered automatically. You receive every buyer's email.

Large catalog? We can import it for you. Email greg@curios.com

\n\n

What Fans Experience

Instant access on web or the Curios app.
Stream or local download for offline listening/reading.
All formats in one place (no juggling apps).
Automatic updates: add a bonus file later and past buyers get it.

\n\n

Pricing & Plans

Free to start. Sell and keep 100% on the free plan.
Upgrade to Lite/PRO for discovery boosts, real-time analytics, scheduled discounts, and auto-deposits.

\n\n

Our Mission

Two parties matter most: creators and fans. Curios connects them directly so every launch builds your audience, your revenue, and your career.

\n\n

Ready to go direct?

Start in Creator Studio → studio.curios.com

\n\n

How Do We Make Money?

This is everyone's first question when they find out we give 100% to the creator. Curios charges a platform fee to the buyer at checkout, but we keep it as low as possible. Additionally we have optional premium plans that are good for any creator that makes more than 10 sales a month.

","April, 20 2026 18:00:00","sidebarSection","General","articleSlug","how-curios-works","user","actionData","errors"]

Tutorial Not Found

Ready to sell direct and keep 100%?