Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Creator crowdfunding, investing, and how GigaStar works.
For Creators
You don't make direct payments to Investors. GigaStar handles all distribution processing. A percentage of your YouTube revenue is automatically shared with CRT holders as Monthly distributions. If your revenue decreases, distributions decrease proportionally—there is no fixed amount owed.
When the contractual term expires (e.g., after 3 or 5 years), distributions to CRT holders cease, and you no longer share YouTube revenue with those Investors. CRTs associated with that offering expire, and you retain 100% of your YouTube revenue going forward.
No. A CRT offering is not a loan. Creators do not make fixed repayments to Investors. Instead, Investors receive Monthly distributions based on the Creator's actual YouTube revenue. If revenue declines, distributions decrease accordingly—there is no fixed repayment obligation.
Creators must be members of the YouTube Partner Program with an established track record of monetized content. GigaStar evaluates channel performance, revenue history, content consistency, and audience engagement. Apply at apply.gigastarmarket.io to begin the evaluation process.
No. Creators retain 100% ownership and creative control of their YouTube channel. A CRT offering only creates a contractual agreement to share a specified percentage of YouTube revenue with Investors for a set term. Your content decisions remain entirely your own.
No. Investors have no say in your creative direction, upload schedule, or content strategy. CRTs give Investors the right to receive distributions from your YouTube revenue—not any form of creative control or channel management authority. You remain fully independent as a Creator.
Creators apply at apply.gigastarmarket.io to offer Channel Revenue Tokens (CRTs) through GigaStar Market, an SEC-registered funding portal. Once approved, a Creator's offering is listed for Investors to purchase CRTs, providing the Creator with upfront capital in exchange for sharing a percentage of their YouTube revenue.
Through a CRT offering on GigaStar Market, you can raise capital to invest in your channel—hiring editors, upgrading equipment, expanding content formats, or building your team. The capital comes from Investors who receive a share of your YouTube revenue, aligning their interests with your channel's growth.
The timeline varies depending on channel size, documentation readiness, and SEC filing requirements. Creators can start by applying at apply.gigastarmarket.io. GigaStar's team works with each Creator through due diligence, offering structuring, and regulatory filings. Contact info@gigastar.io for specific questions.
The specific percentage of YouTube revenue you share is negotiated during the offering process and disclosed in the Form C filing. It typically covers YouTube ad revenue, with the exact terms varying by offering. The revenue share applies for the contractual term (e.g., 3-year, 5-year, or lifetime).
For Investors
No. CRTs are traditional securities registered with the SEC under Regulation Crowdfunding. They represent contractual rights to a share of a Creator's YouTube revenue, not a digital currency or blockchain token. Unlike cryptocurrency, CRTs have regulatory oversight from the SEC and FINRA, required disclosure documents (Form C), and Investor protections built into the offering structure.
If a Creator significantly reduces or stops content production, their YouTube revenue would likely decline, which directly reduces or eliminates your distributions. This is one of the key risk factors of CRT investing—your distributions depend on ongoing Creator activity and YouTube revenue generation. While existing videos may continue to earn some revenue, new content is typically the primary driver of channel performance.
CRTs do not correlate directly with stock or bond markets. They represent a new asset class tied to Creator YouTube revenue in the Creator Economy. Like all alternative investments, CRTs are speculative, less liquid than traditional securities, and should represent only a portion of a diversified investment approach. Their performance is driven by individual Creator channel activity rather than broader market conditions.
Most U.S. residents aged 18 and older can invest in CRTs through GigaStar Market. Under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF), non-accredited Investors have annual investment limits based on their income and net worth. All Investors must complete identity verification (KYC) as part of the account creation process before making any investment.
No prior investment experience is required to invest in CRTs. GigaStar's platform and educational resources are designed to help new Investors understand how CRT investing works. However, you should carefully review all risk factors and offering documents before investing, as CRTs are speculative securities with the possibility of total loss.
Your distribution is based on the revenue-share percentage specified in the offering's Form C, multiplied by the Creator's actual YouTube revenue for that Monthly period, then divided proportionally among all CRT holders for that offering. The exact revenue-share percentage varies by offering and is disclosed in the offering documents before you invest.
Under Regulation CF, you can cancel your investment commitment up to 48 hours before the offering closes. After the offering closes and funds are disbursed, you cannot cancel your investment. CRTs are subject to a 12-month holding period before they become eligible for resale on the GigaStar Secondary Market, so consider your investment timeline carefully before committing.
No. CRTs represent contractual rights to a share of a Creator's YouTube revenue—not ownership of their channel, content, or intellectual property. Creators maintain full control of their channel, creative decisions, and all other business activities. Your CRT entitles you to receive Monthly distributions based on the revenue-share percentage specified in the offering documents.
The Creator Economy has grown into a multi-billion dollar ecosystem with millions of Creators worldwide monetizing content across platforms like YouTube. GigaStar focuses specifically on YouTube Creators who are members of the YouTube Partner Program, enabling Investors to participate in this growing sector through Channel Revenue Tokens (CRTs). This represents a new way to engage with the Creator Economy as an Investor.
Channel Revenue Tokens (CRTs) are SEC-registered securities that give Investors the right to receive a share of a YouTube Creator's revenue as Monthly distributions. CRTs are not cryptocurrency—they are regulated under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) with full SEC oversight and required disclosures. Each CRT offering is tied to a specific Creator's YouTube channel revenue, and distributions are paid on a Monthly basis based on actual revenue performance.
GigaStar's Secondary Market is launching in March 2026, which will allow CRT holders to potentially buy and sell their positions after completing a mandatory 12-month holding period. Until then, CRTs are illiquid and cannot be easily sold. Even after the Secondary Market launches, there is no guarantee of liquidity or that you will find a buyer at your desired price. The only current exceptions are transfers due to death, divorce, or to accredited family members.
CRTs differ significantly from stocks. With CRTs, you do not own equity in a company—you receive a share of a Creator's YouTube revenue through Monthly distributions. CRTs are less liquid than publicly traded stocks and are not traded on major exchanges, though the GigaStar Secondary Market is expected to launch in March 2026. CRTs carry different risk profiles and represent an alternative investment tied to the Creator Economy.
Yes, GigaStar is fully legitimate and regulated. GigaStar Market is an SEC-registered funding portal and FINRA member. GigaStar Securities LLC is an SEC-registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. All Channel Revenue Token (CRT) offerings are conducted under SEC Regulation Crowdfunding with required disclosures, investor protections, and ongoing regulatory oversight. You can verify GigaStar's registrations on the SEC's EDGAR database and FINRA BrokerCheck.
Each CRT offering sets its own minimum investment amount, which is disclosed in the offering details on GigaStar Market. Minimums are designed to be accessible, allowing broad participation under Regulation Crowdfunding. Visit invest.gigastarmarket.io to view current offerings and their specific minimum investment requirements.
CRTs are speculative investments that carry significant risk. Key risk factors include: a Creator's channel declining in viewership or engagement, demonetization by YouTube, changes to the YouTube platform or its monetization policies, illiquidity during the required holding period, and the possibility of total loss of your investment. You should only invest money you can afford to lose entirely and carefully review all risk factors in the offering's Form C before investing.
GigaStar processes distributions on a Monthly basis. The specific timing depends on when YouTube pays Creator revenue and GigaStar's distribution processing schedule. Distribution amounts vary each period based on the Creator's actual YouTube revenue performance, so they are not fixed or predictable. You can track your distributions through your GigaStar Market account.
Visit invest.gigastarmarket.io to create your Investor account. You will need to provide personal information, complete identity verification (KYC), and agree to the platform terms. The process typically takes just a few minutes, and once verified, you can browse Creator offerings and make investments through GigaStar Market.
CRT distributions are generally treated as taxable income. The specific tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances, filing status, and jurisdiction. GigaStar provides relevant tax documentation to Investors to assist with filing. You should consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your personal financial situation.
Under SEC Regulation CF, if both your annual income and net worth are below $124,000, you can invest the greater of $2,500 or 5% of the lesser of your income or net worth. If either your annual income or net worth exceeds $124,000, you can invest up to 10% of the lesser, with a maximum of $124,000 annually. These limits apply across all Reg CF offerings, not just GigaStar.
Secondary Market
The GigaStar secondary market platform is scheduled to launch on March 16, 2026. Access will be rolled out in phases to ensure regulatory compliance and platform stability.
Yes. The secondary market is expected to evolve, with enhancements introduced as the platform scales and regulations permit.
GigaStar expects to provide applicable tax reporting documents where required by law.
Yes, subject to platform rules, disclosures, and regulatory requirements.
For trading purposes, CRTs are standardized into base revenue-share units to simplify transactions and improve liquidity: Platinum Tier CRTs convert into 4 base units, Diamond Tier CRTs convert into 16 base units. This conversion is for trading mechanics only and does not change the underlying revenue economics.
Yes. Trading may be paused or restricted due to regulatory requirements, market conditions, or platform safeguards.
Yes. Buying and selling CRTs may result in capital gains or losses. Investors should consult their own tax advisors.
Unlike public stock exchanges, where investors trade company equity, the GigaStar secondary market facilitates trading in private, revenue-sharing securities tied to Creator performance—not ownership in a company.
Fee structures may vary by transaction type and may apply to buyers, sellers, or both.
Fees are subject to change. Any updates will be communicated in advance.
Investors can contact GigaStar Markets Support for assistance via the Help Center (https://support.gigastarmarkets.io) or by emailing directly at support@gigastarmarkets.io.
Yes. Trading may be halted if required for compliance, investor protection, or operational reasons.
Yes. Investors may sell partial holdings, subject to minimum trade sizes and platform rules.
Only access to the Creator's private Discord community transfers with ownership. All other perks from the primary offering are non-transferable.
Yes. Proceeds may be reinvested into other eligible offerings on the platform.
Secondary market transactions may be taxable events. Tax treatment varies by individual circumstances.
Yes. Transaction fees may apply and will be clearly disclosed before any trade is executed.
The GigaStar secondary market operates Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Holiday schedules will be announced in advance.
Updates will be shared via email, platform notifications, and official announcements.
Yes. Once available, proceeds may be withdrawn in U.S. dollars, subject to processing times and platform rules.
Declining performance may reduce distributions and negatively affect secondary market pricing.
Before trading, investors must: complete identity verification, accept updated disclosures and platform agreements, and link a supported account or wallet (if applicable). The onboarding process is designed to be simple and typically takes only a few minutes.
Yes. Eligible investors may buy CRTs on the secondary market even if they have never invested in a primary offering.
Yes. Revenue rights transfer with ownership. The holder of record at the time a distribution is declared receives the associated revenue share.
Eligible Channel Revenue Tokens (CRTs) that: were issued in primary offerings, have satisfied applicable holding requirements, and meet platform eligibility standards.
Yes, after a required 12-month holding period, as mandated by securities regulations. Once this holding period is satisfied, eligible CRTs may be traded on the secondary market.
Investors who meet eligibility requirements, complete secondary-market onboarding, and are located in supported jurisdictions may participate. Not all accounts may be eligible at launch.
No. Secondary trading does not change how Creators operate their channels.
Yes. CRT values may fluctuate, and investors may lose some or all of their investment.
Yes. CRTs are securities and are subject to applicable U.S. securities laws and platform rules.
Investors submit buy or sell orders through the platform. Trades occur when a buyer and seller agree on price and quantity. Orders may be partially filled, unfilled, or expire depending on market activity. There are no guarantees that an order will execute.
GigaStar Market (Primary Market) is where CRTs are first issued and sold directly to investors to fund a Creator. The GigaStar secondary market (ATS) is a separate, regulated trading venue where eligible investors may later buy and sell those same CRTs with one another. Primary offerings raise capital for Creators. Secondary trading allows existing investors to transfer ownership of CRTs, subject to market availability.
Yes. Secondary trading involves the same CRTs originally issued during primary offerings.
No. Prices are determined solely by market participants.
Once sold, future distributions associated with those CRTs go to the new owner.
No. The 12-month holding requirement applies only to CRTs purchased in the primary market. CRTs acquired on the secondary market may be resold during trading hours, subject to market conditions and platform rules.
Settlement timelines follow standard securities settlement processes. Exact timing will be displayed prior to order confirmation.
Yes. Investors receive distributions as long as they hold CRTs at the time a distribution is declared.
Prices are set by supply and demand between buyers and sellers. GigaStar does not set prices, guarantee valuations, or provide price support.
The GigaStar secondary market platform is a regulated Alternative Trading System (ATS) that allows eligible investors to buy and sell previously issued Channel Revenue Tokens (CRTs) with other investors after the initial offering period, subject to securities regulations and platform rules. This market enables peer-to-peer trading of existing CRTs; GigaStar does not issue new securities on the secondary market.
No. The secondary market does not guarantee liquidity, exit opportunities, or pricing outcomes.
The GigaStar secondary market operates as a regulated Alternative Trading System (ATS) under applicable U.S. securities laws and is subject to broker-dealer oversight and compliance requirements.
No. There is no guarantee of liquidity or exit. Secondary market activity depends on investor interest, market conditions, and asset availability. Investors may not be able to sell CRTs at their desired price, or at all.
Regulations
A funding portal is an SEC-registered, FINRA-member intermediary that facilitates securities offerings under Regulation Crowdfunding. GigaStar Market is a registered funding portal that hosts CRT offerings, ensuring regulatory compliance, required disclosures, and Investor protections as mandated by the SEC.
The SEC requires detailed disclosures through Form C filings, mandates annual investment limits for non-accredited Investors, provides a cancellation period before offering close, requires ongoing reporting from issuers, and oversees funding portals like GigaStar Market. These regulations are designed to provide transparency, though they do not eliminate investment risk.
Form C is the SEC filing required for every Regulation Crowdfunding offering. It contains detailed information about the offering including financial statements, risk factors, use of proceeds, Creator information, and the terms of the CRT offering. Investors should review the Form C carefully before investing.
SEC Regulation CF sets annual investment limits for non-accredited Investors based on income and net worth. If both are below $124,000, you can invest the greater of $2,500 or 5% of the lesser. If either exceeds $124,000, you can invest up to 10% of the lesser, up to $124,000 total across all Reg CF offerings in a 12-month period.
Regulation Crowdfunding is an SEC rule that allows companies to raise up to $5 million annually from both accredited and non-accredited Investors through registered intermediaries like GigaStar Market. It requires detailed disclosures through Form C filings and provides Investor protections including investment limits and cancellation rights.
General
GigaStarHub is the educational content hub for GigaStar. We provide free educational content for both Creators exploring funding options and Investors learning about Creator Economy assets.
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