What is OnlyFans? How does it work? A Complete Guide
By Olivia Brooks - Published on March 20, 2025
- What is OnlyFans?⮕
- The History of OnlyFans⮕
- Top Countries Using OnlyFans⮕
- What is OnlyFans used for?⮕
- How Does OnlyFans Work?⮕
- What Type of Content is Available on OnlyFans?⮕
- How can I find the best OnlyFans accounts? ⮕
- Who Uses OnlyFans?⮕
- Is free content available on OnlyFans? How are free accounts different from paid subscriptions?⮕
- How High Are Subscription Prices on OnlyFans?⮕
- Are there discounts and promotions on OnlyFans?⮕
- How Much Money Do OnlyFans Creators Make?⮕
- Is OnlyFans Safe to Use?⮕
- How to Subscribe to an OnlyFans Account?⮕
- What are the accepted payment options on OnlyFans?⮕
- How to Cancel an OnlyFans Subscription?⮕
- Can OnlyFans be used anonymously?⮕
- What are the pros and cons of OnlyFans?⮕
- Are there alternatives to OnlyFans?⮕
- Conclusion⮕
- FAQ⮕
Lately, OnlyFans has been blowing as one of the most talked-about platforms online. It started as a subscription-based service and then grew into the most popular content-sharing website in the world where creators can make money directly from their fans. While it's mainly known for exclusive adult content, OnlyFans is also home to a ton of influencers from all kinds of fields like fitness, music, cooking, and more. This guide will walk you through what OnlyFans is, how it works, and all the main features.
What is OnlyFans?
The graphic shows a screenshot of the website OnlyFans.com
OnlyFans is a site where creators can post exclusive photos and videos for subscribers who are willing to pay for a more intimate experience that is unlike anything else on the web. According to the OnlyFans Help Center, it’s designed to “monetize your content and build direct relationships with your audience. It's used for everything from adult content (nude, cosplay, fetish) and fitness to music and education. Instead of relying on ads like traditional social media, it lets creators earn directly from their fans without intermediaries. It's easily one of the best ways for influencers to make money from their content.
You must be 18 or older to join OnlyFans. Some creators charge a subscription, while others let you follow for free but sell extra content through pay-per-view or tips.
The History of OnlyFans
There's no doubt that OnlyFans has revolutionized online content monetization. Here's a timeline of its biggest moments and milestones.
2016 - The Start
- OnlyFans was founded by Tim Stokely in 2016 as a way for creators to make money directly from their content through subscriptions. It opened up a new opportunity for influencers and professionals to earn without worrying about receiving money from ads or deals with brands.
2018 - New Ownership and Growth
- Leonid Radvinsky, a business man with a background in adult content, grabbed the majority of OnlyFans. Under his leadership, the platform quickly grew and became a big player in adult entertainment.
2020 - The Pandemic Boom
- The COVID-19 pandemic skyrocketed OnlyFans' popularity, with millions turning to the platform to earn from home.
- During the tough times of the pandemic, many adult content creators turned to the platform to earn a living.
- People became more involved as they sought personalized content and direct interaction with influencers.
2021 - Mainstream Attention and Controversy
- OnlyFans suddenly went mainstream and received a ton of media attention, including from celebrities and public figures.
- The company wanted to ban adult content but canceled the decision after
facing major backlash from creators and clients.
You can read more about this controversy on the OnlyFans Wikipedia page, which outlines the timeline and reactions in detail.
2023 - Record Growth and Industry Impact
- OnlyFans announced it had acquired over 2.1 million creators and 190 million registered users across the globe.
- The platform raked in billions in revenue, with performers receiving over $10 billion in payouts.
- Over time, the site kept growing into non-adult content, attracting actors, DJs, celebrities and other performers.
2024 - Expansion and Future Prospects
- The platform keeps improving its monetization tools and providing better features for creators in all industries.
- OnlyFans adds new payment options and better security features to keep users safe and their info confidential.
- Competition from sites like Fansly and Patreon is pushing OnlyFans to innovate and introduce AI-powered suggestions and fresh ways for creators to connect with fans.
- OnlyFans has some cool plans on the horizon that you will definitely want to keep your eye on. These include things like VR content and enhanced live streaming. Creators can also expect AI tools to help them make more money.
OnlyFans isn't stopping anytime soon. It's constantly changing and shaking up how content creators make money online.
Top Countries Using OnlyFans
The OF website is one of the most popular on the internet. Certain countries stand out for their high creator and user activity. The top three are:
- USA By far the biggest market for OnlyFans. It accounts for 66% of total revenue and has the most performers and subscribers. Top OnlyFans from the USA.
- UK A key market that makes up for 7% of the website's traffic, including lots of popular influencers and successful content creators. Top OnlyFans from the UK.
- Canada Canada is a growing market that makes up to 5% of total traffic and keeps growing! You'll find lots of top creators in cosplay, modeling, and other niche content.Top OnlyFans from Canada.
Here is a pie chart showing the market share of OnlyFans usage by country. The USA dominates with 66%, followed by the UK (7%) and Canada (5%), while the rest of the world accounts for 22%.
Global Overview
- Total Performers Over 4.11 million creators around the world.
- Largest Traffic Sources The U.S. leads with 39.18% of global traffic, followed by the UK at 3.97% and Canada at 5%.
- Expanding Reach Other important markets include Germany, Australia, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, helping grow OnlyFans' global user base.
What is OnlyFans used for?
OnlyFans gives creators a direct way to connect with their fans without depending on things like ads or sponsorships from brands. Models use the site for:
- Share Exclusive Content Fans can access special content they won't find anywhere else on the web.
- Create a Loyal Community OnlyFans lets influencers interact more personally with paying fans compared to traditional social media.
- Make Consistent Money Content creators can count on steady earnings through subscriptions.
- Boost Income Performers have many ways to make money, such as selling merch, PPV and fan tips.
- Take Charge Performers have the freedom to share whatever content they choose, without having to stick to restrictive rules or guidelines.
HotRanked.com exists to help you discover the hottest and most talented influencers. We rank them based on popularity, content quality, and fan interaction. Explore our hand-picked list of top OnlyFans models today!
How Does OnlyFans Work?
OnlyFans lets creators worldwide make lots of money by sharing exclusive content with subscribers who pay for access to all their material.
Here's how it works:
For Creators:
- Sign Up and Verify Age You must be 18+ and confirm your identity.
- Set Subscription Price Choose from paid plans, free accounts or PPV content.
- Make Money Earnings come from subscriptions, PPV, tips and custom requests.
- Interact with Fans Chat through private messages and offer custom content.
- Get Payments OnlyFans takes a 20% cut of what you make.
For Users:
- Create an Account Sign up and then confirm your email.
- Find Creators Search by name, category or country.
- Pick a Subscription Plan You'll discover models who offer free subscriptions or trials.
- Make Payments Use your credit or debit card for safe transactions.
- Enjoy Exclusive Content Check out photos, videos and live webcam streams.
Tip: If you want to learn more, check out our guides: How does OnlyFans work for Users and How does OnlyFans work for Creators.
What Type of Content is Available on OnlyFans?
OnlyFans offers tons of content for every type of preference imaginable. Users can enjoy everything from exclusive HD videos to intimate photos and live interactions. The platform presents several ways to connect with your favorite creators.
- Exclusive Pics and Videos Private content, behind-the-scenes clips, and exclusive media.
- Live Streams Interact with influencers on webcam in real-time.
- Webcam Shows Cam Girls show themselves live in front of the private webcam and offer numerous shows and dance performances
- Pay-Per-View (PPV) Content Access special content for an extra fee.
- One-on-One Messaging Private chats, fan interactions and custom requests.
- Subscriptions and Tipping Get access to premium content with paid memberships or show support directly.
Learn More: What Type of Content is Available on OnlyFans?
How can I find the best OnlyFans accounts?
HotRanked.com helps you find top models by ranking them based on things like popularity and how often they update their profiles. Forget about scrolling through search results for hours on end - we took care of the legwork for you and picked the best creators from all over so you can easily find the profiles that stand out.
Read also: If you're looking for a step-by-step guide, make sure to check out this article: How to Find the Best OnlyFans Profiles
Who Uses OnlyFans?
The OnlyFans platform boasts a massive selection of creators from a handful of industries. Although adult models are the most prevalent, you'll also find all types of educators and entertainers who earn money from their exclusive content. The most popular types of performers include:
- Models Includes both professional models with international fame and amateurs just getting started.
- Fashion Icons Upload exclusive shoots, modeling advice, and top-quality fashion content.
- Celebrities Sign up to the exclusive profiles of your favorite celebrities who share lots of behind-the-scenes moments.
- Adult Content Creators Connect with top-level porn stars and erotic models from all walks of life.
- Fetish Specialists Discover adult performers who are skilled in the arts of roleplaying, submission, latex and more.
- Cosplayers and Digital Artists Watch creative models costume play as your favorite characters from television, movies and cartoons! Top OnlyFans cosplayers
- Fitness Coaches and Trainers Work out with experienced trainers who specialize in various types of training for beginner and experienced athletes.Fitness OnlyFans influencers
- Chefs and Foodies Get cool insights and recipes from some of the most skilled and creative food lovers on the web.
- Musicians and DJs Check out the hottest new tracks, video clips and live shows of established and up-and-coming music stars.
- Influencers and YouTubers Watch exciting vlogs or educational videos about all your favorite topics from all the top creators.
- Instagram Models and TikTokers Subscribe to social media superstars from every industry from adult to fitness and traveling.
- ASMR and Voice Artists Enjoy relaxing sounds and personalized audio experiences made just for you by some of the top voice actors online.
- Gamer Girls and Live Streamers Get access to exclusive gaming content, fan interactions and live gameplay streams.
Learn more: Read this guid - Who Uses OnlyFans?
Is free content available on OnlyFans? How are free accounts different from paid subscriptions?
Yes, there's a lot of free content to explore on OnlyFans. A lot of creators offer free accounts where you can check out some of their content for free. But keep in mind that they might charge for things like PPV posts or custom requests. Besides, many models offer free trials so you can preview their premium content before deciding to subscribe.
Free vs. Paid Accounts - Important Differences:
- Paid OnlyFans Accounts Monthly subscription gives you full access to exclusive content.
- Free OnlyFans Accounts No subscription cost, but you may only get previews or need to pay for certain content. If you are looking for free profiles, find the best free OnlyFans accounts on HotRanked.
- Free Trials Temporary access to premium content so you can try it before subscribing.
Read this guide: Free vs. Paid OnlyFans Accounts
How High Are Subscription Prices on OnlyFans?
What's awesome about OnlyFans is that creators can set their own subscription prices, which usually fall between $4.99 and $49.99 a month. You can get some discounts if you go for longer periods like three, six, or twelve months. There are also free accounts where you can check out some content, but for special posts, you might need to pay through PPV.
Want to learn more about pricing, free trials, and discounts? Check out our guide: OnlyFans Subscription Prices and Discounts.
Are there discounts and promotions on OnlyFans?
A lot of OnlyFans models will often use discounts and promotions to bring in and keep subscribers. Some common methods are:
- Limited-Time Discounts Creators offer special pricing for a limited time to gain new subscribers.
- Bundle Deals Discounts for longer subscriptions, like 3, 6, or 12 months.
- Free Trials Some influencers allow users to try premium content for a limited period before committing to a paid subscription.
- Exclusive Promotions Exclusive deals for loyal fans or VIP subscribers.
Tip: Each top list includes a note next to creators to show if they're offering any current discounts!
How Much Money Do OnlyFans Creators Make?
There's no limit to how much performers can earn on OnlyFans. That said, several key factors influence a creator's income:
- Subscriber Count More fans usually mean more earnings. Big performers can rack up thousands and even millions of subscribers.
- Pricing – Performers have total control over their subscription fees. These can range from $4.99 to $49.99.
- Pay-Per-View (PPV) Certain creators charge extra and earn a lot more money by selling their special photos and unique HD videos that are unavailable on other platforms or social media.
- Tips and Donations Fans can show support by sending tips directly to models.
- Custom Content Creators will take requests for custom shoots and sell them at a higher price. That includes stuff like private messages, videos, photos and unique fetishes and fantasies.
The average content creator earns between $150 and $200 a month but some top earners make over $1 million.
Want tips on earning more as a creator? Check out our guide: How Much Can You Earn on OnlyFans?
Is OnlyFans Safe to Use?
OnlyFans goes out of its way to protect your privacy by offering features that help keep creators and subscribers as safe as possible at all times.
- ID Verification Performers are obligated to confirm their identities to avoid fraud.
- Content Protection Watermarking and anti-piracy policies are the best ways to stop illegal sharing of content.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Provides an added layer of protection for accounts and reduces the risk of hacking.
- Messaging Controls Users can block, mute, or report inappropriate actions from others.
- Secure Transactions Verified creators receive payments through encrypted channels for added safety.
- Privacy Settings Performers can limit who sees their content and even block specific users or regions.
Even with these protections, it's still a good idea for users to keep their privacy safe by using different emails, turning on security features and not sharing personal info.
How to Subscribe to an OnlyFans Account?
Signing up to an OnlyFans profile is very simple:
- Sign Up Sign up with your email, Twitter or Google account and verify your email.
- Find Creators Search by name, niche or category or check out HotRanked.com for top picks from every country and category.
- Select Subscription Prices range from free to $49.99/month. There are also discounts available for longer plans.
- Choose a Payment Method The platform takes credit and debit cards (PayPal is not supported).
- Access Exclusive Content Once subscribed, you can view exclusive posts, watch HD videos and check out live streams.
- Interact with Models Leave comments, send DMs or request custom content from your favorite performers.
- Manage Your Subscription Plans renew automatically, but you can cancel anytime in your settings.
Some creators have free accounts, but most of the premium content requires a subscription. That's where HotRanked.com comes in. We make it easy to find the top OnlyFans profiles, whether free or paid, ranked by quality and popularity.
Tip: Need help subscribing and managing your account? Check out our full guide: How to Subscribe to an OnlyFans Profile
What are the accepted payment options on OnlyFans?
OnlyFans accepts:
- Credit and Debit Cards Visa, MasterCard, Discover and Maestro.
- Prepaid Cards Some are accepted, but it depends on the issuer.
For Creators
Payouts are sent via direct bank transfer. OnlyFans takes a 20% commission and creators keep 80% of their earnings.
For Subscribers
Make sure your payment details are up to date and confirm your banking info to get paid.
Read also: For a detailed guide, visit OnlyFans Payment Methods.
How to Cancel an OnlyFans Subscription?
Cancelling your subscription is a quick and straightforward process, but it's important to follow the right steps to avoid any unwanted charges:
- Go to Subscriptions Log in and open your profile settings.
- Find the Creator Search for the model whose subscription you want to cancel.
- Click "Unsubscribe" Approve the cancellation when requested.
- Check Expiry Date You'll still have access until the end of your billing period.
- Turn Off Auto-Renew Make sure auto-renew is turned off.
- Manage Other Subscriptions Repeat the process on other subscriptions you wish to cancel.
Important Notes:
- No refunds Payments cannot be refunded, even if you cancel right after paying.
- Access remains until the current billing period ends.
- For help contact OnlyFans support.
Learn more: For a full guide, visit How to Cancel an OnlyFans Subscription?
Can OnlyFans be used anonymously?
There are privacy protections on OnlyFans, but full anonymity isn't guaranteed. Staying careful with what you share is always a smart idea.
For Subscribers:
- Pick a username that's different from your real name.
- Your bank statement will just show "OF" for payments.
- Consider making a separate email just for OnlyFans.
For Creators:
- Go with a fake name and skip showing your face if you want to stay private.
- Use geo-restrictions to control who sees your content.
- Keep your personal and OnlyFans accounts separate.
For Payments and Security:
- Try using virtual or prepaid credit cards.
- Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.
- Steer clear of shady links and unfamiliar users.
Read also: For more details, visit How to Stay Anonymous and Safe on OnlyFans
What are the pros and cons of OnlyFans?
Pros
- Access to Exclusive Content Discover unique photos and videos that were made exclusively to share on the OnlyFans platform and nowhere else.
- Massive Variety The platform offers something for everyone and every taste. Users can find just about everything from fitness to cooking, music and personalized adult content.
- Interactive Live Webcam Shows Watch live webcam streams broadcasted exclusively on OnlyFans for loyal fans and subscribers.
- Personalized Content Request tailor-made photosets and videos made specifically according to your own detailed instructions.
- Support Independent Creators Artists, influencers and models can earn from their work and charge pretty much whatever they want.
- Safe Payment System Your payments are secure on OnlyFans thanks to encryption and other safety measures.
- Creators Keep More With 80% of their earnings going straight to them, performers can cash in through subscriptions, tips, custom requests and more.
Cons
- Subscription Costs Can Add Up Those monthly fees can stack up fast if you're following a lot of creators.
- Content Leaks Are a Reality No system is ever 100% foolproof. Influencers should regularly check for leaks and report unauthorized sharing of their content..
- Limited Payment Options PayPal isn't supported and some regions may face issues with available payment methods.
- Stigma Around the Platform Because of its adult content connection, some users might feel uncomfortable using OnlyFans or admitting to it, even if they create non-adult material.
Many creators earn well on OF and enjoy varying success. As always, thinking through all the pros and cons is the right thing to do before you get started.
Are there alternatives to OnlyFans?
There are plenty of alternatives to OnlyFans for content creators looking to earn money. Consider these options:
- Fansly A rising competitor offering flexible subscription options.
- Patreon A favorite among artists, podcasters and educators.
- Unlockd A platform centered around influencer subscriptions.
- JustForFans Mainly designed for adult content creators.
Although these platforms offer similar ways for creators to make money, OnlyFans is widely considered the most popular and efficient, thanks to its massive user base and straightforward approach to earning money.
Conclusion
OnlyFans has completely transformed how content creators make money by allowing them to earn directly from their fans and cutting out the middleman. If you're a beginner looking to start on OnlyFans or an experienced influencer, the platform offers flexible options to grow and profit from a loyal fanbase.
Subscribers to OnlyFans get a unique opportunity to access exclusive content, connect with world-famous influencers and support independent artists. That said, it's important to consider the costs and privacy concerns before signing up.
OnlyFans is growing fast, with new features being introduced all the time, and its fanbase is expanding as well. If you're a creator aiming to earn serious money or a fan looking to subscribe to the best accounts, understanding how the platform works is key to maximizing its full potential.
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