--- title: "The Nitty Gritty: How to Set up Your First Track" description: Learn how to create and build Tracks on Ontheside. Step by step directions to easily build, managing access, and engage your community effectively. image: https://hub.ontheside.com/hubfs/Fast%20Track.png --- [![ontheside-logo-horizontal-white](https://hub.ontheside.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Brand/ontheside-logo-horizontal-white.png?width=200&height=54&name=ontheside-logo-horizontal-white.png "ontheside-logo-horizontal-white")](https://hello.ontheside.com) [the Inside Track](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/home) - [Insights & Influence](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/home#insights) - [Athlete-Creator Resources](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/home#creator-resources) - [Ontheside 101](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/home#ontheside-101) - [Why We're Here](https://hello.ontheside.com/why-we-are-here) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ###### [Ontheside 101](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/tag/ontheside-101) # The Nitty Gritty: How to Set up Your First Track ![Katie Edson](https://hub.ontheside.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KatieEdson.png?width=48&height=48&name=KatieEdson.png) [By Katie Edson](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/author/katie-edson) 3 min read Mar 31, 2026 ##### Share - - - [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/the-nitty-gritty-how-to-set-up-your-first-track&body=Check%20out%20https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/the-nitty-gritty-how-to-set-up-your-first-track&media=https://47413808.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/47413808/Fast%20Track.png](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/the-nitty-gritty-how-to-set-up-your-first-track&body=Check%20out%20https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/the-nitty-gritty-how-to-set-up-your-first-track&media=https://47413808.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/47413808/Fast%20Track.png) ## Let’s dig into the details of creating your first Track and what to keep in mind when creating a Private or Paid Track. ### To create your first Track: 1. Click your **Profile icon** in the top navigation 2. Select **View Profile** 3. Click on **Create Track** in the search and filter bar.   ![An image of the Track button on Ontheside](https://hub.ontheside.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tracks%20image-1.png?width=900&height=125&name=Tracks%20image-1.png) ### There are three ways to build a Track. Choose the option that works best for you.   ![Dialog box for creating posts](https://hub.ontheside.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-3.png?width=500&height=386&name=undefined-3.png) ### **Option 1: Start With a New Post** This option is ideal if you already know what content you want to create first, and you have all your content prepped. Select **Start with New Post**, then choose the type of post you want to create: 1. Spotlight 2. Article 3. Episode 4. Event 5. Guide 6. SplitSync ![Create new post image](https://hub.ontheside.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined.png?width=500&height=119&name=undefined.png) Add: 1. A **Title** - make it short yet descriptive 2. A **Description** - optional but recommended 3. **Media** such as video, audio, or images At this stage you can save the post as a draft for later by clicking on the **Save Draft** button, or continue with creating your Track. To add your newly created post to a **Track**: 1. Select the pink **Publish** button. This will prompt you to create your Track. 2. In the Create Track & Publish Posts dialog box: 3. Add the post(s) you wish to add to your Track. Your recently created post will be selected by default. 4. Click, *Continue with Selected.*   ![Dialog box showing selected tracks](https://hub.ontheside.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Create%20Tracks%20and%20package%20posts.png?width=500&height=436&name=Create%20Tracks%20and%20package%20posts.png "Dialog box showing selected tracks")   Next you’ll create your Track: 1. Add a **Track title** - make it short yet descriptive 2. Write a **Track description** -include as much or little information as you want. But the more you share the more your fans will know what they get out of your Track. 3. Upload a **Thumbnail image** -pick an image that clearly depicts what your Track is all about. You’ll see previews of how your image will look both in the feed and on your profile. You can zoom or adjust the thumbnail as needed. Remember to click **Save** 4. Select a **Track Type** - choose whether the Track is **Public**, **Private**, or **Paid.** For Private and Paid Tracks you’ll also decide if you want to enable **Group Chats** or **Direct Messages**. Once everything looks good, click **Publish**. ![A dialog box with choices to add additional info to Track](https://hub.ontheside.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Adding%20additional%20information%20to%20your%20track-1.png?width=400&height=629&name=Adding%20additional%20information%20to%20your%20track-1.png) ### **Option 2: Create a Track Using Existing Posts** This is often the easiest and most flexible way to build a Track. 1. Choose **Select from Existing Posts**. 2. Pick the content you want to include from your saved drafts or published posts. 3. Click **Continue with Selected**. Next you’ll continue with the same Track creation steps: 1. Add a **Track title** 2. Write a **Track description** 3. Upload a **Thumbnail image** . Remember to click **Save** 4. Select a **Track type** Once everything looks good, click **Publish**. > **Note**: If you are taking an existing public **Post** and adding it to a **Private** or **Paid Track**, the **Post** will no longer be visible as a public **Post** in **Discover** or **Profile Feeds** or in your **Profile.** ### **Option 3: Create an Empty Track and Add Content Later** This option is perfect if you want to build a Track first and add content over time. Select **Add Posts Later**. You’ll be prompted to create your Track container. Follow the same steps as for Option 1 and 2 to create your Track: 1. Select a **Track title** - make it short yet descriptive. 2. Add a **Track description** - include as much or little information as you want. But the more you share the more your fans will know what they get out of your Track. If your Track features a Group Chat or Direct Messaging, make sure to call that out. 3. Upload a **Track thumbnail image** - pick an image that clearly depicts what your Track is all about. Remember to click **Save.** 4. Choose the **Track type** - select whether the Track is **Public**, **Private**, or **Paid.** For Private and Paid Tracks you’ll also decide if you want to enable **Group Chats** or **Direct Messages**. > Note: The empty Track will appear in **Discover**, **Home** feeds and on your **Profile** even before content is added. To add content to your Track: 1. Go to your Profile. 2. Select **Tracks** from the search and filter bar. 3. Click the Track thumbnail you want to add content to. 4. Choose **Edit Track** and click into the **Content** tab. 5. Select from your existing, already published or draft content in your Library. Alternatively you can start a new content post via the + icon in the main navigation and directly save your post to your Track. **Managing Access to Tracks** Tracks display icons that indicate how access works. **Private Tracks** 1. Displays a **lock icon** on the thumbnail. ![undefined-4-1](https://hub.ontheside.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-4-1.png?width=176&height=179&name=undefined-4-1.png) 1. Requires the owner to approve access requests. 2. Access can be granted or removed anytime. You’ll receive a notification and can manage the request directly within the Track. **Paid Tracks** 1. Users must purchase a day, month, or all-access-pass to view content. 2. Displays a **dollar icon** on the thumbnail. **![undefined-Mar-25-2026-05-26-03-3496-PM-1](https://hub.ontheside.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Mar-25-2026-05-26-03-3496-PM-1.png?width=172&height=179&name=undefined-Mar-25-2026-05-26-03-3496-PM-1.png)** #### **Turn Your Story Into Something Bigger** Tracks are about more than content, they’re about building meaningful connections. When you package your expertise intentionally and align it with what your fans value, you create something sustainable, sustainable, and uniquely yours. Ready to start? Create your first Track and invite your community to join and sponsor your journey. [Back to List](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track) [Next Article](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/when-nil-isnt-an-option-where-athletes-can-still-win) ## Related Posts ###### [Insights](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/tag/insights) ##### [Athlete POVs – Liam Lonsdale, Trail Runner & Coach](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/athlete-povs-liam-lonsdale-trail-runner-coach) [![Athlete POVs – Liam Lonsdale, Trail Runner & Coach](https://hub.ontheside.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Liam.png?width=900&name=Liam.png)](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/athlete-povs-liam-lonsdale-trail-runner-coach) ###### [Insights](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/tag/insights) ##### [Reshaping the Sports Sponsorship Economy: From Exposure to Equity](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/reshaping-the-sports-sponsorship-economy) [![Reshaping the Sports Sponsorship Economy: From Exposure to Equity](https://hub.ontheside.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Inside%20Track%20-%20Images.png?width=900&name=Inside%20Track%20-%20Images.png)](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/reshaping-the-sports-sponsorship-economy) ###### [Podcast](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/tag/podcast) ##### [Conversations Ontheside—Building Athlete-Led Communities](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/conversations-ontheside-building-athlete-led-communities) [![Eric Hill and Crystal Kovacs](https://hub.ontheside.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Athlete%20Enablement%20Resources/the-Inside-Track/Podcast/Building%20Athlete-Led%20Communities%20(1920%20x%20800%20px).png?width=900&name=Building%20Athlete-Led%20Communities%20(1920%20x%20800%20px).png)](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/conversations-ontheside-building-athlete-led-communities) [![logo white](https://hub.ontheside.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Brand/ontheside-logo-horizontal-white.png?width=200&height=54&name=ontheside-logo-horizontal-white.png "logo white")](https://hello.ontheside.com) Empower Sports Excellence. 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