OnlyFans Explained: Platform Guide (2024)

Learn everything about OnlyFans with our ultimate guide. Explore how this platform works and how to succeed as a content creator.
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Key Takeaways

OnlyFans has established itself as a key player in monetized social networks: a type of social network that allows creators to make money, similar to the creator funds on TikTok or tips on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

The year 2023 marked a turning point for OnlyFans, with impressive statistics: over 210 million registered users and a remarkable turnover of 3 billion dollars.

Onlyfans growth statistics from 2020 to 2023

These statistics are a testament not only to the growing popularity of the platform, but also to its significant impact on the content creator economy.

In this article, we'll dive into the heart of this phenomenon, exploring how it works, its business model, ways to make money, and the reasons behind its incredible success.

Let's get started.

What is OnlyFans?

OnlyFans is a subscription-based content platform launched in 2016 in the United Kingdom by the British Tim Stokely.

This company allows creators to monetize their audience by offering paid access to exclusive content.

The OnlyFans model is based on:

  • Monthly subscriptions range from $5 and $50
  • Attractive revenue sharing: 80% for creators, 20% for the platform
  • Varied content: photos, videos, publications reserved for customers

Although OnlyFans welcomes creators from various backgrounds (fitness, cooking, music), the platform is primarily known for its adult content.

This association has shaped its reputation, despite its efforts at diversification and reinforced moderation, such as its recent comedy shows live on its OFTV channel.

twitter post promoting a LMAOF show

The success of OnlyFans raises questions about how relationships between creators and fans are evolving today. It highlights a growing trend of directly monetizing influence and personal content.

Despite the controversies, the OnlyFans business model has proven to be effective, attracting many people and inspiring the emergence of competing platforms. This increase in growth reflects a booming market for personalized and exclusive content.

OnlyFans in figures:

  • Over 210 million registered users
  • Over 2.1 million content creators
  • Turnover of 3 billion dollars in 2023

In summary, OnlyFans represents a significant evolution in the media and social media landscape, offering new revenue opportunities for creators, while raising debates about the ethical and social implications of this model.

Content available on OnlyFans

OnlyFans is a service where people can share exclusive content (photos, direct messages, lives, etc.) with their paid subscribers.

The contents available are:

  • Paid subscriptions: Creators set their own monthly subscription rates, usually between $4.99 and $49.99 per month. Fans must subscribe to access content.
  • Exclusive content: Creators share content for their fans only, such as adult photos and videos, educational content, live sessions, and more.
  • Direct interaction: Fans can interact directly with their favorite creator via private messages and send them “tips” that often start from $5.
  • Accessories and products: Some also sell merchandise such as clothing, accessories or other personalized items.

Although originally focused on adult content, the platform now attracts diverse backgrounds such as artists, athletes, and influencers, who monetize their audience through subscriptions.

Evolution of the Platform: Arrival of Celebrities

At first, OnlyFans started out as an online service used by sex workers to make money from home.

It quickly evolved into a space where celebrities, actors, and influencers can interact in a more personal way with their fans from anywhere.

1. The Rise of Celebrities

the presence of a number of celebrities such as artists DJ Khaled and Fat Joe on their Onlyfans page

OnlyFans has seen a wave of celebrities join its platform, expanding its audience and content promotion offering.

Here are some of the notable names who have opened accounts: Cardi B, DJ Khaled, DJ Khaled, Chris Brown, The-Dream, Fat Joe, Blac Chyna, Blac Chyna, Chad Johnson,...

2. The Arrival of Bella Thorne: A Turning Point for OnlyFans

Bella Thorne is one of the most followed accounts

The arrival of actress Bella Thorne on OnlyFans was a real turning point for the platform: more than 1 million dollars generated in 24 hours - and doubled that amount in its first week.

Since then, the perception of OnlyFans has changed by positioning it as a powerful and profitable lever for the celebrity business.

3. Highest Profitable Stars

Ranking of the best paid people online on Onlyfans

According to a recent report, the richest people on OnlyFans this year are:

  • Carmen Electra and Donna D'Errico, former stars of “Baywatch”
  • Bella Thorne, already mentioned for her meteoric rise
  • Other notable additions include Tommy Lee, Katie Price, Key Alves, and Paige VanZant.

OnlyFans is no longer just a platform for sex workers, it has become a space where anyone can share exclusive content with their fans.

How to create and succeed with your OnlyFans account

OnlyFans services are growing wildly with 200,000 new users every day, including 6,000 to 8,000 new creators.

On the one hand, this platform offers a unique chance to monetize your business thanks to an audience that is ready to pay for exclusivities.

1. Creating and optimizing your account

Creating an OnlyFans account in no time is easy and free for everyone.

Onlyfans account sign-up page

Go to the Onlyfans.com website, open an account by clicking on”Sign Up“and follow the registration steps.

Once you've created your account, focus on these tips for optimizing your profile:

  • Choose a memorable username
  • Add an eye-catching profile photo
  • Write a bio that clearly outlines your offer
  • Set a subscription price

2. Content, the secret to your success

Example of an Onlyfans account post

Success on OnlyFans is based on the quality and consistency of the content. Diversify your formats by offering photos, images, selfies, videos, chats, and lives.

Planning is key: maintain a continuous flow of posts to keep your followers alert.

Remember that exclusivity is every contributor's business card - create things that most of your fans won't find anywhere else.

3. Promotion and audience

social network integrations on an Onlyfans account

To succeed on OnlyFans, it is essential to have a follower base on other social networks:

  • Use your existing networks to promote your OnlyFans account.
  • Interact regularly with your community
  • Imagine collaborating with other creators to expand your subscriber base.

4. Managing expectations and limits

It is essential to manage subscribers' expectations well while respecting your own limits:

  • Communicate clearly what subscribers can expect
  • Offer paid extras (PPV) to diversify your income
  • Stay in your comfort zone

Follow these tips and be yourself and you will build a community of loyal subscribers and make money from home.

How do I make money on OnlyFans?

monthly subscription for an Onlyfans business

OnlyFans offers multiple ways to monetize your content. Here are the main methods to optimize your earnings on the platform:

  • Monthly subscriptions : Main source of income, the prices set are between $4.99 and $49.99 per month
  • Content on demand (PPV) : Sale of exclusive content at a fixed price with the possibility of sending individual or group offers
  • Tips and direct interactions : Fans can donate money for special content or paid private messages for personalized engagement
  • Sale of derivative products : The possibility to sell personalized items (clothing, accessories, etc.)

Payments are made via credit cards and bank transfers, ensuring a secure transaction for creators.

Onlyfans account payment methods

Tips for increasing your online earnings:

  • Quality and consistency : Post high-quality content frequently.
  • Commitment : Interact with your fans on a regular basis.
  • Strategy : Adjust your prices based on the value of your content and your niche.
  • Performances : Use OnlyFans tools or more advanced analytical tools like Fanstats to optimize your strategy in no time
screenshot from the Fanstats website

By combining these strategies and remaining consistent in your approach, you can turn your presence on OnlyFans into a significant source of revenue, whether alongside your work or as a core business.

Alternatives to OnlyFans

OnlyFans is a platform to offer content in exchange for direct remuneration from your fans and subscribers.

1. MYM: Innovative and rapidly growing internationally

MYM

MYM has around 10 million users and is very popular in France and French-speaking countries. You can post exclusive photos and videos, private messages, video on demand (PPV) content, features like livestreams and stories, similar to Instagram

RECOMMENDED READING: MYM vs OnlyFans comparison

Income distribution

  • 75% for subscriptions
  • 80% for private media
  • 90% for tips

Critical review: MYM is well suited for the French-speaking market with support in French and a more engaging local community. But the subscription commission rate is slightly lower than OnlyFans and the international recognition is more limited.

2. Fansly: Perfect for diverse adult content creators

Fansly

Fansly has over 1.5 million users and is very popular in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Fansly makes it possible to publish photos, videos, live streams, and private messages with great flexibility in adult and non-adult content.

Income distribution

  • 80% for creators
  • 20% for the platform

Critical review: Fansly offers a good diversity of content and features similar to OnlyFans with a simple user interface. But Fansly has less notoriety than OnlyFans which can make it harder to grow at first.

3. Uncove: Ideal for creators with a favorable commission structure

Uncove

Uncove, with around 500,000 users, is a French company created in Bordeaux mainly used on this same market. This site allows for the publication of photos, videos, and content on demand (PPV), while focusing on smaller, engaged communities. It is particularly useful for those looking to differentiate themselves in specific and less saturated niches.

Income distribution

  • 85% for creators
  • 15% for the platform

Uncove offers a better pay rate and a smaller, more engaged community, making it easy to build stronger relationships with subscribers. However, Uncove has less visibility and advanced features compared to OnlyFans, with a smaller user base.

Security and confidentiality

OnlyFans has implemented numerous security measures, since May 2019, the platform has strengthened its processes such as:

  • Verifying the identity and age of each user
  • Data encryption
  • Manual control of publications by moderators
  • Protection against screenshots in order to avoid the illicit use of content
  • Measures to comply with the GDPR for European users

These combined actions create a secure environment that balances freedom of expression and privacy protection

Conclusion

OnlyFans is a key player for content creators looking to directly monetize their audience and exclusive content. Like the majority of these platforms, it pays 80% of the earnings paid to creators.

Despite its incredible growth, its development is not without challenges; its image is strongly linked to adult content, which may deter many advertisers or creators.

Its evolution should not take place without numerous innovations in an economy where many new players full of ambition are emerging.

In conclusion, OnlyFans is an interesting opportunity for content creators, especially in the case of certain niches, but like all social networks, this website requires investment and a real strategy to acquire paying customers.

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Stephen MESNILDREY
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