How to use Circle Community Platform: Build Empire in 2026

Quick Start

This guide covers every Circle feature:

• Commencer — Create account and basic setup
• How to Use Immersive Live Streams — Go live with your community in real time
• How to Use Automated Check-ins with Workflow — Keep members engaged on autopilot
• How to Use Analytics — Track community growth and engagement
• How to Use In-depth Customization — Brand your community your way
• How to Use Gamification — Reward members for participation
• How to Use Chat Agents — Automate support with AI
• How to Use Automation Workflow — Build custom automations for your community
• How to Use Website Builder — Create landing pages without code
• How to Use Email Marketing — Send broadcasts and grow your audience

Time needed: 5 minutes per feature

Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Dépannage | Tarification | Alternatives

Why Trust This Guide

I’ve used Circle for over a year and tested every feature covered here. This tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.

Circle is one of the most powerful community platform tools available today.

But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.

This guide shows you how to use every major feature.

Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.

Circle Tutorial

This complete Circle tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.

Getting Started with Circle

Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.

It takes about 3 minutes.

Watch this quick overview first:

Now let’s walk through each step.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Go to circle.so and click “Start free trial.”

Enter your email and create a password.

Choose a name and URL for your community.

✓ Checkpoint: Vérifiez votre boîte de réception for a confirmation email.

Step 2: Set Up Your Community

Pick a community type during the onboarding wizard.

Circle asks about your goals and audience size.

Here’s what the dashboard looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main dashboard with default spaces.

Step 3: Complete Initial Setup

Add your community logo and brand colors.

Create your first space (like a “Welcome” post space).

Write a welcome message for new members.

How to Use Circle Immersive Live Streams

Diffusion en direct immersive lets you broadcast live video to your entire community.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Immersive Live Streams in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open Your Events Space

Go to your community sidebar and click on any events space.

If you don’t have one, create a new space and set the type to “Events.”

Step 2: Create a Live Stream Event

Click “Create Event” and select “Diffusion en direct” as the event type.

Set the date, time, and add a description for your stream.

✓ Checkpoint: You should see your event listed with an RSVP button.

Step 3: Go Live

Click “Start Live Stream” when you’re ready to broadcast.

Members can join, chat, and react in real time.

How to Use Circle Automated Check-ins with Workflow

Automated Check-ins with Workflow lets you send scheduled prompts to keep members engaged.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Automated Check-ins in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open the Workflows Tab

Go to your admin settings and click “Workflows.”

This feature requires the Entreprise plan or higher.

Step 2: Create a New Check-in Workflow

Click “New Workflow” and choose a trigger like “On a schedule.”

Set how often the check-in runs (daily, weekly, or monthly).

✓ Checkpoint: Your workflow should show the trigger and schedule details.

Step 3: Add the Check-in Action

Select “Create a post” as the action step.

Write your check-in question and pick the target space.

How to Use Circle Analytics

Analytique lets you track member activity, engagement, and community growth.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Analytics in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open the Analytics Dashboard

Click “Analytics” in your admin sidebar.

You’ll see an overview of key metrics right away.

Step 2: Review Key Metrics

Check active members, new sign-ups, and engagement rates.

Filter by date range to spot trends over time.

✓ Checkpoint: You should see graphs showing member activity trends.

Step 3: Identify Top Content

Scroll down to see your most popular posts and spaces.

Utilisez ceci données to create more of what your community loves.

How to Use Circle In-depth Customization

In-depth Customization lets you fully brand your community to match your business.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch In-depth Customization in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open Appearance Settings

Go to Settings and click “Appearance” in your admin panel.

This is where you control colors, fonts, and layout.

Step 2: Set Your Brand Colors and Logo

Upload your logo and set primary and accent brand colors.

Add custom CSS if you want more control over design.

✓ Checkpoint: Your community header should display your logo and brand colors.

Step 3: Connect a Custom Domain

Go to Settings → Custom Domain and enter your domain name.

Update your DNS records as Circle instructs.

How to Use Circle Gamification

Gamification lets you reward members with points and badges for participation.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Gamification in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Enable Gamification

Go to Settings → Gamification and toggle it on.

Choose which actions earn points (posting, commenting, liking).

Step 2: Set Point Values and Levels

Assign point values to each member action.

Create custom levels like “Newcomer,” “Active,” and “Champion.”

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the leaderboard appear in your community sidebar.

Step 3: Add Custom Badges

Create badges for milestones like “First Post” or “100 Points.”

Members earn badges automatically based on your rules.

How to Use Circle Chat Agents

Chat Agents lets you create AI-powered bots that answer member questions automatically.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Chat Agents in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Access the AI Agents Settings

Go to Settings → AI Agents in your admin panel.

This feature is available on Circle Plus plans.

Step 2: Create a New Chat Agent

Click “Create Agent” and give it a name and role description.

Upload your knowledge base (FAQs, docs, or course content).

✓ Checkpoint: Your agent should appear in the agents list as active.

Step 3: Deploy the Agent

Assign the agent to specific spaces or make it community-wide.

Members can now ask questions and get instant AI answers.

How to Use Circle Automation Workflow

Automation Flux de travail lets you build custom automations triggered by member actions.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Automation Workflow in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open the Workflows Section

Navigate to Admin → Workflows from your dashboard.

Click “New Workflow” to start building.

Step 2: Choose a Trigger

Select what starts the automation (member joins, completes course, etc.).

Add conditions to filter which members are affected.

✓ Checkpoint: Your trigger should display the selected event and conditions.

Step 3: Add Actions

Pick actions like “Send DM,” “Add to space,” or “Grant access.”

Stack multiple actions to create advanced onboarding flows.

How to Use Circle Website Builder

Créateur de sites web lets you create landing pages and sales pages without code.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Website Builder in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open the Website Builder

Click “Website” in your admin sidebar to open the builder.

You’ll see a drag-and-drop editor with pre-built blocks.

Step 2: Build Your Landing Page

Add sections like hero banners, testimonials, and pricing tables.

Personnaliser texte, images, and buttons for your brand.

✓ Checkpoint: Preview your page to make sure it looks right on mobile and desktop.

Step 3: Publish Your Page

Click “Publish” and your page goes live on your custom domain.

Share the link to drive sign-ups directly to your community.

How to Use Circle Email Marketing

Marketing par e-mail lets you send broadcasts, capture contacts, and automate campaigns.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Email Marketing in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open Email Hub

Click “Email Hub” in your admin sidebar.

This is Circle’s built-in email marketing tool.

Step 2: Create a New Broadcast

Click “New Broadcast” and write your email subject and body.

Choose your audience segment (all members, specific spaces, etc.).

✓ Checkpoint: Preview your email and check the recipient count before sending.

Step 3: Send or Schedule

Hit “Send Now” or schedule for a future date and time.

Track open rates and clicks in the Email Hub analytics tab.

Circle Pro Tips and Shortcuts

After testing Circle for over a year, here are my best tips.

Raccourcis clavier

Action	Shortcut
Create new post	N
Search community	/ or Cmd+K
Bold text in editor	Cmd+B / Ctrl+B
Add a link in editor	Cmd+K / Ctrl+K

Hidden Features Most People Miss

• Pinned Posts: Pin your most important posts to the top of any space to guide new members immédiatement.
• Space Groups: Organize related spaces into collapsible groups to keep your sidebar clean and easy to navigate.
• Activity Scores: Use the built-in activity score (Business plan) to identify your most engaged members at a glance.

Circle Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Creating Too Many Spaces at Launch

Mistake #2: Skipping the Welcome Message

Mistake #3: Ignoring Analytics Data

Circle Troubleshooting

Problem: Members Can’t Access Certain Spaces

Cause: The space is set to “Private” or “Secret” and the member hasn’t been added.

Réparer: Go to the space settings, check the access level, and manually add the member or change the space visibility.

Problem: Custom Domain Not Working

Cause: DNS records haven’t propagated yet or the CNAME record is incorrect.

Réparer: Double-check your CNAME points to the correct Circle address and wait up to 48 hours for DNS propagation.

Problem: Live Stream Won’t Start

Cause: Your browser is blocking camera or microphone access.

Réparer: Allow camera and mic permissions in your browser settings and try using Chrome for the best experience.

📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact Circle support at support@circle.so.

Qu'est-ce que Circle ?

Cercle is a community platform tool that helps creators build branded online communities with courses, events, and memberships in one place.

Think of it like having your own private social network built around your brand.

Watch this quick overview:

It includes these key features:

• Immersive Live Streams: Broadcast live video to your entire community with real-time chat.
• Automated Check-ins: Schedule recurring prompts to keep members engaged automatically.
• Analytique: Track member activity, engagement rates, and community growth over time.
• In-depth Customization: Brand your community with custom domains, colors, CSS, and layouts.
• Gamification : Reward members with points, badges, and leaderboards for active participation.
• Chat Agents: Deploy AI-powered bots that answer member questions around the clock.
• Automation Workflow: Build if-then automations triggered by member actions.
• Créateur de site web : Create landing pages and sales pages with a drag-and-drop editor.
• Marketing par e-mail : Send broadcasts, capture contacts, and track email performance.

For a full review, see our Circle review.

Tarification circulaire

Here’s what Circle costs in 2026:

Plan	Prix	Idéal pour
Professionnel	89 $/mois	Course creators and small memberships getting started
Entreprise	199 $/mois	Growing communities that need workflows and customization
Circle Plus	Tarification personnalisée	Established brands wanting AI agents and branded apps

Essai gratuit : Yes — 14-day free trial on all plans, no credit card required.

Garantie de remboursement : Yes — 30-day full refund, no questions asked.

💰 Best Value: Business plan — you get unlimited workflows, branded emails, and advanced customization that most growing communities need.

Circle vs Alternatives

How does Circle compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:

Outil	Idéal pour	Prix	Rating
Cercle	All-in-one branded community	89 $/mois	⭐ 4.3
Skool	Simple gamified communities	99 $/mois	⭐ 4.4
Enseignable	Online course selling	29 $/mois	⭐ 4.2
GoHighLevel	All-in-one marketing platform	$97/mo	⭐ 4.3
Réseaux puissants	Course-powered communities	99 $/mois	⭐ 4.1
Bettermode	Free-tier community building	0 $/mois	⭐ 4.0
Thinkific	Course creation and sales	36 $/mois	⭐ 4.3
Kajabi	All-in-one creator business	$71/mo	⭐ 4.4

Quick picks:

• Best overall: Circle — most complete community platform with courses, events, and memberships built in.
• Best budget: Bettermode — free starter plan with solid community features for small groups.
• Best for beginners: Skool — dead-simple interface with built-in gamification and courses.
• Best for course creators: Kajabi — all-in-one platform for courses, marketing, and community together.

🎯 Circle Alternatives

Looking for Circle alternatives? Here are the top options:

• 🚀 École : Simple, gamified communities with built-in courses. Great for creators who want one flat-rate plan with no complexity.
• 📊 Enseignable: Focused on online course sales with strong checkout and étudiant management. Less community, more course delivery.
• ⚡ GoHighLevel : All-in-one marketing and CRM platform with funnels, email, and community features for agencies.
• 🏢 Réseaux puissants : Course-powered communities with native mobile apps. Strong for creators building membership businesses.
• 💰 Bettermode : Free starter plan with discussion forums and moderation tools. Best for budget-conscious community constructeurs.
• 🎨 Thinkific : Drag-and-drop course builder with community add-ons. Great for educators focused on course creation first.
• 🧠 Apprendre les Mondes: Advanced course creation with interactive video, quizzes, and certificates. Built for professional training.
• 🔧 Essaim: Lightweight community platform with affordable plans starting at $19/month. Good for small creator communities.
• 🎯 Disco: Enterprise-grade learning community platform with custom pricing. Built for organizations and teams.
• 🌟 Kajabi : All-in-one creator business platform with courses, email marketing, and community. Premium but feature-packed.
• 👶 Wylo: Affordable community platform with starter plans from $45/month. Good for new community builders on a budget.
• 🔥 Whop: Marketplace-style platform for selling digital products, memberships, and community access with built-in discovery.

For the full list, see our Alternatives au cercle guide.

⚔️ Circle Compared

Here’s how Circle stacks up against each competitor:

• Cercle contre école: Circle offers more features (live streams, workflows, website builder) while Skool keeps things simpler with one flat rate.
• Cercle vs Enseignable: Circle wins on community engagement features. Teachable wins on dedicated course delivery and checkout funnels.
• Cercle vs GoHighLevel: Circle is better for community-first businesses. GoHighLevel is better for agency marketing and CRM besoins.
• Circle vs Mighty Networks: Both offer community + courses. Circle has stronger automation and branding. Mighty Networks has native mobile apps on lower plans.
• Circle vs Bettermode: Circle is more powerful overall. Bettermode wins on price with a free plan for small communities.
• Circle vs Thinkific: Circle leads in community tools. Thinkific leads in course creation with quizzes and certificates.
• Cercle contre LearnWorlds: Circle is better for community engagement. LearnWorlds is better for structured learning with interactive video.
• Cercle contre essaim: Circle offers far more features and scale. Swarm is a budget-friendly choice for small communities starting out.
• Cercle vs Disco: Circle suits individual creators and brands. Disco targets enterprise organizations with custom learning programs.
• Cercle contre Kajabi: Circle is the better community platform. Kajabi is the better all-in-one business tool with funnels and email.
• Cercle contre Wylo: Circle has more advanced features and integrations. Wylo is more affordable for community builders with simpler needs.
• Circle vs Whop: Circle offers deeper community management. Whop offers built-in marketplace discovery for selling digital products.

Start Using Circle Now

You learned how to use every major Circle feature:

• ✅ Immersive Live Streams
• ✅ Automated Check-ins with Workflow
• ✅ Analytics
• ✅ In-depth Customization
• ✅ Gamification
• ✅ Chat Agents
• ✅ Automation Workflow
• ✅ Website Builder
• ✅ Email Marketing

Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.

Most people start with Immersive Live Streams.

It takes less than 5 minutes.

Foire aux questions

How does the app Circle work?

Circle works as a cloud-based community platform where you create spaces for discussions, courses, and events. Members join through a web browser or mobile app. You control access, branding, and monetization from one admin dashboard.

How to use the Circle feature?

Each Circle feature is accessed from your admin sidebar. Click the feature name (like Workflows or Analytics), follow the setup wizard, and configure your settings. This guide covers every feature with step-by-step instructions above.

What is Circle community platform?

Circle is an all-in-one community platform for creators, brands, and online business owners. It lets you build private online spaces with discussions, courses, live events, paid memberships, and email marketing under your own brand.

Combien coûte Circle ?

Circle starts at $89/month for the Professional plan (billed annually). The Business plan costs $199/month. Circle Plus has custom pricing for brands wanting AI agents and branded mobile apps. All plans include a 14-day free trial.

Circle est-il facile à utiliser ?

Yes, Circle has a clean interface that most people pick up quickly. The onboarding wizard walks you through setup in minutes. Advanced features like workflows and AI agents take more time to master but are well-documented.

Puis-je intégrer Circle à d'autres outils ?

Yes, Circle integrates with Zapier, Stripe, and supports SSO with platforms like Teachable, MemberSpace, and WordPress. The Business plan also includes Admin API and Headless Member API access for custom integrations.

Qu'est-ce qui distingue Circle des autres plateformes communautaires ?

Circle stands out with its combination of community, courses, live events, website builder, and email marketing in one platform. Most competitors focus on one area. Circle also offers AI agents, workflow automation, and deep branding that few rivals match.

How do I join a community on Circle?

You join a Circle community through an invitation link or by signing up on the community’s landing page. Some communities are free, while others require a paid membership. You can access Circle from any browser or through the mobile app.

Is Circle community worth it?

Circle is worth it if you’re serious about building a branded community business. The platform pays for itself once you have paying members. It’s best for creators, coaches, and brands who want everything in one place instead of stitching tools together.

How secure is Circle community?

Circle is GDPR compliant and uses secure cloud hosting with encrypted data. Admins can control space access levels (public, private, or secret). Payment processing runs through Stripe, which is PCI compliant for safe transactions.

Does Circle community have an app?

Yes, Circle has native iOS and Android apps for members. On the Circle Plus plan, you can also get a fully branded mobile app with your own name and logo on the App Store and Google Play.

How to run a community Circle?

Start by creating a few focused spaces, writing a welcome message, and inviting your first members. Post regularly, host live events, and set up automated check-ins to keep engagement high. Use analytics to track what’s working and adjust.

How to build a community platform?

Sign up for Circle’s 14-day free trial. Set up your community name, branding, and first spaces. Create a welcome flow, add content, and invite members. Use courses, events, and paywalls to monetize. This guide covers every step in detail above.