Technology has changed the way we do a lot of things, with sex work being one of the industries that’s seen some of the biggest shifts.
Where in the past people would have to contact producers, directors, and agents before getting started – with them taking profits and calling the shots as a result – it’s not possible to make sex work for you.
One of the platforms that’s exploded in recent years is OnlyFans, a London-based firm that’s similar to Patreon, allowing content creators to charge a monthly fee that allows customers to see pictures and videos.
With OnlyFans comes the added benefit of freedom, with creators choosing what they post and when, giving the platform 20% of profits and keeping the rest. But, it’s often touted as something of a get-rich-quick scheme.
With claims from the company that they’ve paid out $725 million to its 450,000 content creators, and celebrities including Megan Barton-Hanson, Blac Chyna, and Tana Mongeau registered to the subscription service – not to mention Bella Thorne, who claims to have made $2m from it in less than a week – it’s easy to see why it’s an attractive option.
Like any form of work, though, you get what you put in, as evidenced by those who use OnlyFans to sell photos.
How much can you make on OnlyFans?
Subscriptions to an OnlyFans account start from $5 and move their way up to $25 a month. Although there’s no cap on what you make, it does vary a lot between smaller and larger creators, so it’s important to be realistic.
Kieron Raves started his account with an ex-partner over a year ago. Initially, it was a way for the couple to keep themselves entertained, but he’s now gone solo.
He tells Metro.co.uk: ‘We didn’t make much in the early days, a couple of hundred a month, and I’ve found that since I’ve gone solo more people have been interested, interestingly enough…
‘I’ve taken a backseat to promoting as it’s been nice to keep it niche and really engage with a smaller number of followers in a more intimate setting, so only a few hundred a month, depending on tips and requests etc.’
Erin, who started her account in October last year, made around $900 (£707) in her first month, but says: ‘Each month is different though, it isn’t a set income and you get out what you put in.
‘I’ve had days where I’ve earned nothing and other days where I’ve earned $500 (£393).’
She continues: ‘Now I make more than double of what I did in the beginning and I’m not even one of the big accounts!’
On the other side of things is Jenny Mosienko, a Pink Kiss Model who started her account two months ago. She makes £30,000 a month from her subscribers – but also started off on a basis of 1.3 million followers on Instagram.
What kind of content do you post to OnlyFans?
OnlyFans is primarily for adult content, but there are a number of creators who use it for different reasons.
Some food and fitness influencers share premium recipes and workouts to their paying subscribers.
You have absolute choice over what you post but, as mentioned, you’ll likely get requests from subscribers for specific things. Although you might make extra money from these requests, only ever do what you feel comfortable with.
The creators we spoke to all post pornographic content, and this does make up the vast majority of the content of the platform. You do have to consider that, if that’s what you want to do, it is sex work, and comes with many of the same issues that you’d find throughout the adult industry.
Jenny, for example, says: ‘People will always ask for more, but will never be satisfied. I’m not a porn star and don’t post full nudes – there will always be comments asking for them but I make sure to only post what I’m comfortable with.’
Before you get into things, perhaps write a list of absolute ‘no’ content, and this can act as your benchmark for what you’re happy to do. From there, it’s just about your own creativity and imagination.
How do you create a following on OnlyFans?
For established adult performers, the fans you have already can be translated onto OnlyFans.
However, all of the creators we spoke to said that the main way they found their loyal subscriber base was through interaction and finding a niche.
Kieron says: ‘My vibe is the Ultimate Boy Next Door, so I have an athletic/rave-inspired appeal; think lots of gym-wear, a cocky nature, chiselers body, that kind of thing.’
As he mentioned, he keeps it specific to a small number of followers, as he says that for him it’s more about expressing his sexuality and finding ‘[his] own little community, now so more than ever’.
Honey Gold, an award-winning pornstar who posts content on OnlyFans said: ‘It takes no time at all to find out exactly what your fans want, making it easy to provide them with the best content and keep them on-board as subscribers…
‘It’s really important to interact with your fans too – a lot of your subscribers will be paying for this reason alone. By doing this you can find out exactly what content to put out and build a really dedicated fanbase as you go.’
Jenny echoes this, saying: ‘I make sure to answer any message I get from a fan and to always communicate in a friendly manner. Around 40% of my income comes from private message tips, so it’s definitely important to show your appreciation!
Your main aim should be to build relationships with your fans that will last a long time. This way they will continue to subscribe and you will be rewarded with a loyal fanbase.’
How often do you need to post on OnlyFans?
There are no specific guidelines about how often you need to post, but those who we spoke to suggested that regular and varied posts keep subscribers paying for your channel.
‘I’ve got all kinds of solo videos and a hefty amount of full length (15min+) videos of myself with other people through consensual filming; shower scenes, locker room stuff, the whole portfolio,’ said Kieron.
He also keeps things updated with photos, fitness tips, and even mental health tips for his fans.
The work you put into OnlyFans won’t just be taking photos, either, so take that into account.
Erin says: ‘The best advice I can give to those wanting to create an OnlyFans is to be active. I post every day on my page and I spend the rest of my time creating new content, replying to subscribers, promoting on Twitter/Instagram.
‘It isn’t as easy as people think and it is important to keep your expectations low, especially if you don’t already have a following on social media. It takes a lot of promotion and work to make people want to subscribe to you when there are so many accounts out there.’
‘You are free to post exactly what you like, when you like – it feels great to take advantage of this and really work for yourself,’ says Honey. But remember, like being self employed in any industry, if you don’t put the time in you won’t make the big money.
We have to stress that even if you see people on social media raking in cash from OnlyFans, different markets have different levels of interest, and it should still be treated like you would a business that you have to work at to be rewarded.
What about privacy and leaks on OnlyFans?
After an OnlyFans leak came to the attention of journalists last year, the spotlight has been on the platform to prioritise the privacy of their members.
If you try to take a screenshot with an iOS or Android device it will show a black screen rather than allowing you to save the picture, and you can be banned from OnlyFans if you’re caught trying to take recordings or screenshots.
A statement on the website reads: ‘OnlyFans takes content piracy very seriously and has a designated DMCA team that issue formal takedown notices against all reported copyright violations,” the site states.
‘Our DMCA team issue notice on all illicit target websites, hosting services and domain registrars, whilst also notifying all major search engines of these infringements.’
That doesn’t mean there won’t ever be leaks, though. If this happened it is not remotely your fault, but it’s good to have an awareness that any form of sex work unfortunately comes with the risk of detection.
Erin says: ‘Be aware of what you’re getting into, this is a form of sex work and you will face judgment due to the stigma surrounding that – your content will be out there forever and people will find out about it.’
If that’s not something you can cope with, it’s best to steer clear.
OnlyFans creator top tips
Erin
‘This isn’t for everyone and isn’t a get rich quick scheme but if you do decide to do it work hard, network and deliver the best content possible.’
Honey
‘Unlike the porn industry, and quite a few cam sites, on OnlyFans the performer holds all the power. As a platform, it allows you to be truly flexible and reap the benefits of your income.
One thing I will say about interacting with fans though – don’t let them pressure you into posting anything you don’t want to post. OnlyFans should be a platform on which to feel liberated; not controlled.’
Jenny
‘Always be yourself! People like you for who YOU are and the content YOU want to post – otherwise they wouldn’t be subscribed. Don’t try to change yourself for the sake of the fans, just do what makes you happy.’
Kieron
‘Be prepared to put in work; it’s rarely an overnight success, and if you want to keep any part of it reserved or exclusive, don’t expect massive cheques in the morning.
‘I know a lot of people see it as a career move and I think that’s fantastic; all these girls out here making bank is phenomenal. I think the market for gay lads is harder, and it’s rubbish to see these straight boys posting 15-second videos and cashing in on queerbaiting.
‘But, at the end of it, I think it’s better to do it because you love it. The content will be more authentic, and that translates through to your fans. That’s why they keep coming back.’
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