OnlyFans is a subscription-based social media platform that allows creators to monetize their content. It was launched in 2016 and has since grown rapidly, with over 130 million registered users and 2 million content creators as of August 2021.
The platform is popular for adult content, which makes up 98% of all content on the site. OnlyFans has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with the number of registered users increasing from 13.5 million in 2019 to 82.3 million in 2020, an increase of over 510%.
The platform has become a major source of income for many people, with OnlyFans creators making $12.5 billion in gross merchandise volume in 2021. The top 1% of creators earned $4.125 billion in gross merchandise value in 2021.
OnlyFans is most popular in the United States, with 40% of its traffic coming from the country.
Creating an account
To sign up for an OnlyFans account, you can follow these general steps;
Step 1: Visit the OnlyFans website: Go to www.onlyfans.com and click on the “Sign Up” or “Create an Account” button on the homepage.
Step 2: Provide necessary information: You will need to provide details such as your username, email address and bank account information for payment.
Step 3: Verification process: After signing up, you will need to go through a verification process, which may include uploading your identification for review. This process typically takes 24 to 48 hours.
Step 4: Add payment information: Once your identity is verified, you can add your bank account details to start earning money on the platform.
The verification process may also require you to upload a release form if you have a partner and both of you are joining OnlyFans. After completing these steps, your account will be up and running, and you can start creating and sharing content on the platform.
Setting up your profile
To customize your OnlyFans profile, you can set your subscription prices and choose from various payment methods. OnlyFans accepts payment methods such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover and Maestro/Debit cards.
Some prepaid cards are also accepted, but not all of them. PayPal, gift cards, and some prepaid cards are not accepted. Creators can set their preferred payout method, which includes bank transfer (direct deposit) and wire transfer.
When setting up your account, you can choose your subscription prices and the frequency of payments. Additionally, you can customize your profile by adding a profile photo, header image, and a bio to provide information about the content you will be sharing.
It’s important to provide correct and accurate payment information to subscribe to content creators. OnlyFans offers a range of payment options for both creators and subscribers, making it convenient to manage earnings and subscriptions.
Content creation
OnlyFans allows a variety of content, with adult content being the most popular, making up 98% of the content on the platform. Other types of content include cooking, art, gaming and fitness.
For engaging content, creators can consider sharing erotic stories, adult NSFW content, exclusive or PPV content, personal interaction, cooking and recipes, art and design, gaming live streams and health and fitness content.
To create engaging content, it’s important to offer a variety of content types such as photos, videos, and sneak peeks, and to provide quality content with good production value. Creators can also consider offering personalized and exclusive content to their subscribers, as well as engaging with their fans through special access, appreciation and freebies.
OnlyFans monetization
Creators on OnlyFans earn money from subscribers who pay a monthly fee to access their content. Creators can set their own subscription prices, with some models setting it high while others prefer to keep it low.
To increase subscriber count, creators can run limited-time sales, offer exclusive content, and engage with their fans through personalized messages and special access. Creators can also optimize their OnlyFans page by writing a thorough description, making their page exciting, and asking for subscribers.
It’s important to market your OnlyFans page on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to expand your reach and attract more subscribers. Consistently creating quality content and engaging with your fans can help increase subscriber retention and boost revenue.
Tips and best practices
To engage with subscribers on OnlyFans, creators can offer exclusivity by providing exclusive content that can only be accessed by their OnlyFans subscribers. They should post high-quality, engaging content consistently, such as photos and videos, and use storytelling techniques to make their content more relatable and engaging.Â
Creators should engage with their followers by responding to comments and messages to build relationships and interact with their audience. They can also promote their OnlyFans account on social media by writing a thorough description, making their page exciting, and asking for subscribers.
Posting consistently, going live, and engaging with their audience not just on OnlyFans, but on other platforms as well, can help increase visibility and attract new subscribers. Utilizing paid promotions and incorporating relevant hashtags into their content consistently can also help attract new subscribers.
By following these tips, creators can effectively engage with their subscribers and promote their OnlyFans account to attract and retain a larger audience.
Privacy and security
To protect personal information on OnlyFans, users should use a separate, secure email account for their OnlyFans login, avoid sharing personal information like their location, real name, or workplace, and install a comprehensive internet security suite. Additionally, they should use a secure password manager, enable two-factor authentication, and consider using a VPN to add an extra layer of protection.
In terms of handling inappropriate content and users, OnlyFans has measures in place to report and block users who engage in inappropriate behavior. Creators can set their own boundaries and house rules for their subscribers, and they have the ability to block or restrict users who do not adhere to these rules.Â
OnlyFans also has a dedicated support team to handle reports of inappropriate behavior and content.
By following these guidelines and utilizing the safety features provided by OnlyFans, users can help protect their personal information and create a safer and more secure experience on the platform.
Payment processing
Creators on OnlyFans can withdraw their earnings by setting up a payout method and initiating a withdrawal request. The minimum withdrawal amount is $20, and creators can choose between manual and automatic payouts.
For automatic payouts, the money is sent immediately into the creator’s connected account, free of any further fees or charges. The processing time for automatic payouts is typically one business day, and there is no daily withdrawal cap, allowing for larger withdrawals.
Creators can also opt for manual payouts, where they can decide when and how much money to withdraw. The processing time for manual payouts depends on the payout method and the creator’s location.
OnlyFans offers various payout options, including direct transfer, ACH transfers, and SWIFT for international transfers. It’s important to note that some banks may charge a transfer fee, so creators should check with their bank beforehand.
OnlyFans does not charge any additional costs for automated transfers. Additionally, creators should ensure that their account is properly validated and that they have reached the minimum available balance of $20 before initiating a withdrawal request.
The accepted payment methods for OnlyFans include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and Maestro/Debit cards. However, prepaid cards, gift cards, and PayPal are not accepted as payment methods on the platform.
Legal and compliance
OnlyFans has a set of terms of service that creators must comply with to avoid account suspension or termination. Creators should ensure that their content does not violate any of the platform’s policies, including copyright infringement, harassment or illegal activities.
OnlyFans also has measures in place to report and block users who engage in inappropriate behavior. Creators should also be aware of the tax implications of earning money on the platform.
They should keep track of their earnings and expenses and consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance with tax laws. Depending on the country, creators may be required to pay income tax, value-added tax (VAT), or other taxes on their earnings.
OnlyFans offers various payout options, including direct transfer, ACH transfers, and SWIFT for international transfers. It’s important to note that some banks may charge a transfer fee, so creators should check with their bank beforehand.Â
OnlyFans does not charge any additional costs for automated transfers.
Community guidelines and policies
OnlyFans has a set of community guidelines that creators must follow to avoid account suspension or termination. These guidelines include avoiding content that violates copyright laws, promotes third-party commercial activities, or involves non-consensual activity.
OnlyFans also prohibits stalking, bullying, abuse, harassment, and misleading or deceptive conduct. Violating these guidelines can result in account suspension or termination.
Creators should also be aware of the tax implications of earning money on the platform. They should keep track of their earnings and expenses and consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance with tax laws.Â
Depending on the country, creators may be required to pay income tax, value-added tax (VAT), or other taxes on their earnings.
OnlyFans offers various payout options, including direct transfer, ACH transfers, and SWIFT for international transfers. The minimum withdrawal amount is $20, and creators can choose between manual and automatic payouts.
For automatic payouts, the money is sent immediately into the creator’s connected account, free of any further fees or charges. Creators can also opt for manual payouts, where they can decide when and how much money to withdraw.
The processing time for manual payouts depends on the payout method and the creator’s location. It’s important to note that some banks may charge a transfer fee, so creators should check with their bank beforehand.
Future outlook
OnlyFans has experienced significant growth, with over 120 million registered users and 1.4 million creators as of 2020. The platform has become a major source of income for many people, particularly during the global crisis, demonstrating its potential as a viable business model.Â
OnlyFans has disrupted the creator economy and continues to attract new users, with a 75% increase in sign-ups from March 2020 to April 2020. The platform offers various features to creators, such as paid messaging, live streaming, and polls, to engage with their subscribers and track their success.
Additionally, OnlyFans has been influential in shaping pop culture trends and has become a favorite platform for offering customized content. As the platform continues to evolve, it is likely to remain a significant player in the creator economy and a driving force behind emerging trends in content creation and consumption.