What Is OnlyFans, Why Is It Considered Porn? All You Need To Know About ‘Not-Suitable For-Work’ Site

By the end of 2024, OnlyFans had 377.5 million users. (Photo Credits: X)

OnlyFans is a platform that has gained global attention for its adult content. Users pay to access content behind a subscription wall and creators can receive tips or offer personalised material for additional fees. Over time, OnlyFans has become one of the most talked-about platforms for monetising online content.

The platform allows creators to earn income by directly connecting them with their fans. Artists and other creators use it to share exclusive posts, videos and updates. But its main recognition comes from NSFW (not safe for work) content which makes up a significant portion of what drives its popularity and media coverage.

Let’s take a closer look at what OnlyFans is and how the platform’s earnings work.

What Is OnlyFans?

An online subscription service, OnlyFans is a platform for the creators to post content that people pay for to access. Users, referred to as “fans,” can subscribe to their favourite creators’ pages for a monthly fee.

Creators also have the option to earn additional money through tips and pay-per-view posts. All users must be 18 or older.

Founded in 2016 by British entrepreneur Tim Stokely, the platform’s goal is to let creators “monetise their content while developing authentic relationships with their fanbase,” as per its website. Fans can also pay for direct messaging or custom content that provides creators multiple ways to earn.

What Type Of Content Do You Find On OnlyFans?

Creators on OnlyFans can post virtually anything they think fans will pay for. This includes fitness tips, art, lifestyle, music or behind-the-scenes posts. But the platform is especially popular for adult content. Many sex workers rely on OnlyFans for income. Celebrities also use the platform to offer exclusive (sometimes NSFW) content.

India’s And World’s Most Prominent OnlyFans Creators

In India, OnlyFans has several popular creators. Among those famous is Poonam Pandey who has made a name with her bold content. Another creator, Shilpa Sethi, is known for promoting body positivity while Jasminx brings a unique cultural flair.

Latika Jha uses the platform to share lifestyle and behind-the-scenes posts and Priyanka Ares is a Maxim India-featured influencer. Other notable names on the platform include Tanvi Khaleel, Anjali Kara, Rakhi Gill, Viva Athena, Amber Johal, Preeti & Priya Young, Scarlett Rose and Resmi R Nair. Each one offers a variety of exclusive and interactive content.

Globally, celebrities who joined OnlyFans include Cardi B, who reportedly earned $112 million in her first year, and Bella Thorne who made $1 million in one day after joining in 2020.

Amanda Bynes joined in 2025 to engage with fans without posting adult content. Jessie Cave, Kate Nash, Larsa Pippen and Austin Mahone also use the platform for sharing personalised content.

How Many Subscribers And Creators Are On It?

By the end of 2024, OnlyFans had 377.5 million users. This was a 24 per cent increase compared to 2023, according to financial filings from its parent company, Fenix International.

These users are actively spending on the platform. Payments grew 9 per cent over the year, reaching a total of $7.2 billion in the 12 months ending November 30, 2024.

At the same time, the number of creators on OnlyFans also rose. It grew 13 per cent during the year that brought the total to 4.6 million. The surge shows that more people are joining the platform to share content and earn income from their followers.

OnlyFans’ Revenue Model

OnlyFans makes money by taking a percentage of the earnings generated by creators. Fans subscribe to a creator’s page by paying a monthly fee and creators can set their own subscription prices.

In addition to subscriptions, creators can offer extra content for a fee. This includes personalised messages, videos or pay-per-view posts that allow them to earn beyond the basic subscription.

For every transaction, creators keep the majority of the revenue, around 80 per cent, while OnlyFans takes a 20 per cent cut for providing the platform and handling payments. This system allows creators to earn directly from their fans while OnlyFans benefits from the volume of subscriptions and extra payments.

In 2024, the company’s net revenue reached $1.4 billion which is up from $1.3 billion the previous year.