What is OnlyFans and How Does it Work for Creators?

Many people looking to start a side hustle or a career in content creation stumble across OnlyFans. As a platform that puts more focus on creators and less focus on advertising and algorithms, it’s the perfect option for many people looking to start a career in content creation. 

So, if you’re wondering ‘what is OnlyFans and how does it work?’, then stick around. We’ll go through what OnlyFans is and how it works, from both a creator and a subscriber perspective, so you can get started. 

What is OnlyFans?

OnlyFans is a subscription-based platform for adult content creators. It’s similar to social platforms like Instagram or X but unlike these, OnlyFans has no middleman. Creators can share material with their fans and monetize it directly. Because of this, it’s not just popular among adult creators. In fact, creators from all kinds of industries use the platform to take control of their creative work. 

You get to decide what to post, when to post, how much to charge, and how to engage with your followers. You don’t rely on algorithms and the amount you earn is entirely dependent on your fan engagement. This level of control is what makes OnlyFans so popular among content creators. 

How Does OnlyFans Work? (For Creators) 

OnlyFans works in the same way many social media platforms work, such as Instagram or X. Creators can post content like plain text, images, or videos, to their feed, and their followers can view and engage with that content. Creators can also message fans directly. 

For creators, you need to: 

1. Create an Account 

Creating an OnlyFans account is simple, all you need to do is head to their website (OnlyFans doesn’t have an app), click sign up, add information such as your email address, and create a username and password. 

You will then need to verify your account by uploading a government-issued ID along with a selfie. You can create an account without verification, but you cannot make any money without first verifying your account. 

2. Build Out Your Profile and Set Your Pricing 

Once you’re signed up, you need to add a strong OnlyFans bio, upload a profile picture, and add a banner. Your profile should reflect your content style to give users a quick idea of who you are and what kind of content you will be offering. 

You can set your account up so anyone can see your feed for free, however most people choose to set a subscription price. This means people have to pay to view your feed, which is how most people make money on the platform. 

3. Grow a Following and Make Money!

Once you’re set up, you’ll want to work on promoting your OnlyFans account so you can get more subscribers. The more subscribers you have, the more money you can make! 

You can monetize your account in numerous ways:

• Monthly subscriptions - set a monthly fee for subscribers to access your private feed. You can change the amount any time, and offer discounts or limited-time deals. This is the main source of income for most creators
• Tips - fans can tip you directly on your posts, through private messages, or during live streams. It’s a great way to earn a little extra and receive appreciation for specific content
• Pay-per-view (PPV) content - you can send fans exclusive content via direct message, which is locked behind a paywall
• Custom content - fans can request custom photos, videos, or voice notes for a fee determined by you 

Why Do Creators Use OnlyFans Over Other Platforms? 

OnlyFans has a direct monetization model, which is much more attractive to many creators. With no algorithm and no ad revenue, success on OnlyFans depends entirely on the community you build and the quality of content you put out. It’s a space where you can be yourself - which gives fans the authenticity they crave - and truly get creative with your content.

Here’s a comparison table of OnlyFans vs other platforms: 

How Does OnlyFans Work? (For Subscribers) 

From a subscriber perspective, OnlyFans offers an opportunity for people to connect with the creators they admire the most. And thanks to OnlyFans’ dedication to privacy, you can explore your deepest desires without worry. 

Here’s how it works for subscribers:

1. Create an Account 

To view feeds, follow, or subscribe, you need to create an account, but this is free. You can sign up using your email address, X, or Google. You will also need to add a payment method if you plan on subscribing to a creator. 

2. Find Creators

OnlyFans’ search functionality is fairly limited compared to other social platforms, mostly for privacy reasons. So finding creators is usually done through social media or by searching for creators directly using their name or a profile link. 

3. Subscribe to a Creator 

Some creators don’t keep their feed behind a paywall, so you can follow and see their content for free but they often keep their feed fairly tame and offer more exclusive content in exchange for tips or through pay-per-view (PPV) content. However, most creators do charge a monthly subscription fee. Subscriptions are usually between $4.99 (the minimum price of a subscription) and $20, though some are much higher. 

When you subscribe, you will get access to their content feed, their stories, and you will be able to message them directly if they have DMs enabled. Subscriptions will also auto-renew unless you turn this feature off in your settings. You can’t get a refund on subscriptions but you will keep access to a creator’s content until the current billing period ends. 

OnlyFans is More than a Platform 

OnlyFans isn’t just a platform - it’s a powerful tool creators use to take control of their careers. And with the right promotion, you can embrace your potential and turn your creativity into a profitable business.  

If you need expert help getting into the top 0.1% of creators, we can help! Here at AROA, we have years of experience in OnlyFans marketing - contact us today to see what we can do for you.