What is OnlyFans? How the Site Works and Why It's So Popular 2025

Title: What is OnlyFans? How the Site Works and Why It’s So Popular
Last Updated: March 15, 2025

What is OnlyFans?

OnlyFans operates as a subscription-based platform that enables creators to distribute exclusive content to their subscribers. Unlike other social media platforms, fans or followers are required to pay a monthly fee to access the content you generate.

If you were to pose the question, “What is an OF?” to the general public, many would respond that it is an adult content site where individuals pay various creators to share their provocative media. While this assertion is accurate, one can also be a creator without having to provide nude content.

For instance, the platform accommodates numerous industries including fitness, music, and art. Regardless of whether you share adult content, users can still pay to view your posts, videos, live streams, or private messages.

Your earnings can stem from subscriptions, tips, and pay-per-view content. You maintain control over your posts as well as the pricing of your OnlyFans offerings.

However, let’s be frank: the platform is notably most popular for sexual content, and as a result, most definitions of OnlyFans will focus primarily on this aspect.

How long has OnlyFans been around?

The inception of OnlyFans took place in 2016. The platform was established by British founder Tim Stokely with the goal of allowing creators to earn money directly from their audience. His intention was to provide creators greater control over their income and foster a closer connection with their fans, which is the origin of the name “OnlyFans.”

This idea later attracted the interest of Leonid Radvinsky, an internet entrepreneur based in Chicago who had experience in the adult entertainment industry. In 2018, he purchased a 75% stake in the company, recognizing its potential for growth beyond the initial concept.

Nevertheless, the platform did not truly “blow up” until the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which saw many people remain at home and searching for new online income opportunities.

During this period, numerous big-name celebrities flocked to the OnlyFans site. High-profile figures such as Tyga, Jordyn Woods, Blac Chyna, Cardi B, and Bella Thorne joined, significantly elevating the platform’s profile.

Their involvement not only enhanced the platform’s visibility but also illustrated that it was not merely for everyday individuals. It evolved into a venue where celebrities could engage directly with their fans. This transformed OnlyFans into a highly popular space, particularly within the adult content community.

Such advancements were made possible by the platform’s adaptable approach to content and monetization. The unique offering of OnlyFans garnered international attention, and by the close of 2020, it had amassed over 90 million users.

Below are some essential facts about OnlyFans that outline key milestones in its growth:

2016: The creation of OnlyFans by Tim Stokely aimed at providing a monetization avenue for creators via exclusive content.
2018: Leonid Radvinsky acquired ownership of Fenix International, the parent company, paving the way for further platform expansion.
2020: The pandemic era ignited a surge in OnlyFans’ popularity as individuals sought online earnings. During this time, people began to inquire, “What is an OnlyFans page?” By year-end, the platform boasted over 90 million registered users and 1 million content creators.
2021: The platform reached a significant milestone with increased celebrity involvement, amplifying its mainstream visibility. Over 2 million creators joined worldwide. However, due to controversies surrounding adult content, a brief decision to ban explicit content was made, which was swiftly reversed in response to public backlash.
2022: OnlyFans’

Increased net revenue climbed from $375 million in 2020 to an estimated $2.5 billion by 2022.

2024: The platform has reached an all-time high in earnings and continues to introduce more features for its users. Since its inception, OnlyFans has disbursed over $5 billion to creators, establishing itself as a significant entity in the creator economy.

OnlyFans explained: What is OnlyFans used for?

Initially, the purpose of OnlyFans was to bridge the gap between various creators and those interested in purchasing their work, eliminating the involvement of agencies that often take advantage of creators. This platform empowered creators with more control over their content, allowing fans to support them directly through subscriptions.

However, the “content” offered could be almost anything, which attracted a considerable number of adult creators, evolving the platform into its current form.

What activities do people engage in on OnlyFans? Primarily, they:

Sell nude content

Exclusive media such as pics, videos, and behind-the-scenes glimpses are available for fans to purchase. Creators also provide personalized content tailored to fans’ specific requests. Apart from OnlyFans, numerous other platforms exist where individuals sell nude content.

Chat privately

Reaching out to someone via DMs on social media often feels awkward or intrusive. However, subscribing to their OnlyFans presents a more organic method to communicate with them, even if it comes as a paid feature. The private chat feature facilitates a more acceptable way to engage directly with creators, increasing the likelihood of receiving a response.

Host live streams

Creators can interact with their subscribers in real-time. During OnlyFans live streams, models can share enticing content, respond to questions, and forge deeper connections with fans. This level of interaction enables subscribers to feel more involved, often resulting in increased tips and subscriptions.

Receive payments

Many payment platforms do not support sex work. Those that do provide limited protection for users wanting to transact with peace of mind. Consequently, creators often turn to OnlyFans for its secure payment system, safeguarding them against scams and chargebacks that could arise from outside transactions.

What does OnlyFans look like?

OnlyFans features a clean and straightforward layout, akin to many social media sites. While not visually impressive, it’s user-friendly. Upon logging in, users are greeted with a feed showcasing posts from followed creators, including images, videos, and updates.

A recommendation of creators you may want to explore appears on the right side of the home screen.

An example of an OnlyFans Page.

Each creator’s profile displays their bio, subscription options, and sections for posts, messages, and tips. The interface promotes easy browsing of content, creator interaction, and subscription management without any hassle.

How much do people make on OnlyFans?

The earnings of creators on OnlyFans vary significantly, influenced by factors such as the type of content provided and audience size. Monthly earnings can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. However, the average income on OnlyFans is typically around $150.

Nonetheless, OnlyFans reports that over 100 creators have achieved earnings exceeding the $1 million mark. Since its launch in 2016, the platform has distributed over $3 billion to creators. Therefore, with strategic promotion of your OnlyFans account, there’s potential to earn more than the average income.

Why is OnlyFans controversial?

Adult content drama

OnlyFans has gotten a A significant amount of heat primarily due to its association with adult content. The platform welcomes various types of creators, but its rise in popularity is largely credited to sex workers.

Next are the celebrities such as Bella Thorne, Blac Chyna, and Bhad Bhabie who joined the platform, which also triggered backlash.

Bella Thorne, a leading earner on OnlyFans, managed to make $1 million in just one day. This upset many sex workers who claimed she was “gentrifying” the platform and failing to acknowledge their role in establishing it.

Issues with Underage Content

There has also been serious discussion regarding underage users managing to bypass the platform’s age-verification processes. A BBC investigation in 2021 discovered that minors were evading the system to upload explicit content.

A documentary revealed that numerous Twitter users selling explicit images were under 18. This has intensified pressure on OnlyFans to enhance security measures and ensure that younger users cannot exploit the platform.

Concerns About Privacy, Revenge Porn, and Content Leaks

OnlyFans claims that your content remains private and can only be seen by subscribers, but that’s not always accurate. There have been numerous incidents where individuals have taken screenshots, recorded, or even hacked content.

Once your content becomes publicly accessible online, it spreads rapidly, and it’s nearly impossible to remove. This poses a significant issue, particularly concerning revenge porn. A 2024 investigation revealed that over 120 individuals filed police complaints after their explicit content was shared without their permission.

Ghostwriting and AI Usage

Some creators are so overwhelmed with work that they enlist assistants or agencies to respond to fans on their behalf. This can be problematic when subscribers find out they are not genuinely interacting with the creator.

Recently, some creators have started utilizing OnlyFans AI or chatbots to manage the influx of messages. Although this aids in logistics, it frequently undermines trust between creators and their followers.

Age Requirement for OnlyFans

Before anyone is able to begin earning on OnlyFans, verification of their account and bank details is necessary. OnlyFans stipulates an age limit of at least 18, and they do not allow exceptions.

This reflects the age requirement for OnlyFans.

To verify your identity, you must upload your ID and a selfie. OnlyFans will then check both, and once everything aligns, your account will be approved.

This entire verification process typically takes between 24 to 48 hours. If your application is denied, simply address the issues they indicate and resubmit. Once verified, you can add your bank details to start receiving payments.

Today, OnlyFans is taking age regulations very seriously, especially amid the controversies surrounding minors accessing the platform. Any falsification will result in account termination. Sharing content featuring anyone under 18 is illegal and carries serious repercussions.

As a newcomer, subscribing to an OnlyFans account is quite simple. Initially, create an account by registering on the OnlyFans website using either your email, Twitter, or Google account.

Once logged in, you can either browse or search for a particular creator that piques your interest.

When you discover someone intriguing, visit their profile to explore their subscription options. Most creators provide various tiers or bundles tailored to your budget.

After selecting a plan, you’ll be required to input your payment information. Following the creator’s confirmation of your subscription, you will gain access to their content. Additionally, you can offer tips or pay for extra content, such as personalized messages for greater interaction. Prices set by creators can vary, ranging from a few dollars to more than $100.

How creators promote their OnlyFans account

Typically, creators utilize social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to promote their OnlyFans accounts. They share teasers, include links to their accounts in their bios, and utilize stories or tweets to increase traffic.

Creators also make use of Reddit to promote their OnlyFans accounts.

Some models collaborate with other creators or influencers for cross-promotion, allowing them to reach each other’s followers. Additionally, Reddit serves as an excellent platform for targeting specific audiences in search of content similar to what they offer.

By using Social Rise, they can schedule posts on Reddit and analyze data to rapidly grow their OnlyFans account and increase their earnings.

Get More OnlyFans Subs on Reddit in Less Time

Schedule posts at optimal times

Auto-reply to comments and direct messages

Manage and reuse content with ease

Employ AI to automate tedious tasks

Additionally, numerous creators incorporate giveaways, discounts, or paid advertising to attract more visitors and enhance their subscriber numbers.

FAQ about OnlyFans meaning

What is the OnlyFans app?

There is currently no OnlyFans app. Unlike traditional apps that represent mobile or desktop versions of websites, OnlyFans is accessible solely via the web for users seeking the latest updates and a consistent experience.

What does OnlyFans entail?

OnlyFans serves as a premier destination for spicy sexual content, directly offered by creators. Various individuals sign up as creators and share diverse adult content, placing it behind a paywall to ensure only those who pay or subscribe can access it.

When was OnlyFans established?

OnlyFans was established in 2016 by Tim Stokely, and its popularity surged during the pandemic as more individuals began to sell sexual content on the platform.

What content is available on OnlyFans?

OnlyFans features a wide array of content. While primarily known for nude material, it also includes fitness tips, cooking demonstrations, music, and art. Creators upload photos, videos, and even live streams for their subscribers.

What is the age requirement to join OnlyFans?

To create an account on OnlyFans, you must be at least 18 years old, applicable to both creators and subscribers.

Conclusion: what is onlyfans.com

Here’s a brief summary of our discussion:

What is OnlyFans? It is a platform for creators to sell exclusive content to their fans.
It was established in 2016 and saw significant popularity growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What constitutes an OnlyFans account? It is a platform where creators can share a variety of content, with adult material being the most prevalent.
The platform enables creators to earn through subscriptions, tips, and pay-per-view content.
OnlyFans’ controversy largely stems from its allowance of adult content, alongside issues regarding privacy, and the ease with which celebrities can navigate the site.
Strict age verification exists, mandating users to be at least 18 years old.
Primarily, creators promote their accounts via social media.

What is OnlyFans? How the Site Works and Why It’s So Popular

We appreciate you reading this article titled: What is OnlyFans? How the Site Works and Why It’s So Popular

Data for this content is sourced from 2023 and 2024, with forecast data extending into 2025 and 2026. Furthermore, projections have been expanded to include 2027 and 2028.

Post Title: What is OnlyFans? How the Site Works and Why It’s So Popular
Last Modified: March 15, 2025