What Is OnlyFans Actually Used For? A Complete Guide

When you hear "OnlyFans," you probably think of adult content—and you’re not wrong. But there’s more to it than NSFW material.

This subscription-based platform lets creators earn money by offering exclusive content. While adult performers dominate, OnlyFans also hosts fitness trainers, musicians, chefs, and educators sharing paid content.

So, is OnlyFans just for spicy content, or is there more to it? This guide breaks down what the platform is really used for, who benefits, and what to know before joining.

Let’s get into it.

Key Takeaways

• OnlyFans isn’t just for adult content—creators from fitness, music, and education also use it.

• Creators control their earnings, setting their own prices and selling exclusive content.

• Security exists, but risks remain, like content leaks and sudden policy changes.

Understanding OnlyFans: How It Started and Why It Blew Up

OnlyFans isn’t just another social media platform—it’s a subscription-based site where creators make money by offering exclusive content directly to their fans. Unlike TikTok or Instagram, where ads and sponsorships dominate, OnlyFans lets creators charge a monthly fee for access to their content.

What Is OnlyFans?

Launched in 2016, OnlyFans was built to help creators monetize their content on their own terms. While it had steady growth in the early years, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that things really took off. With people stuck at home, looking for new ways to make money (or spend it), OnlyFans exploded in popularity—adding over 200,000 new users per day in 2020.

Growth and Popularity

As of November 2023, OnlyFans is home to over 4.1 million creators and 305 million fans worldwide. While it welcomes all types of content, the platform became best known for adult entertainment, which fueled its revenue growth. Many adult creators found financial independence here, making more money than they ever could on traditional platforms.

But it’s not just explicit videos—fitness trainers, musicians, and even chefs are cashing in too. Whether it’s exclusive workout plans, behind-the-scenes music content, or private Q&A sessions, creators from all fields are finding ways to turn their passions into profit.

How OnlyFans Works: Making Money and Who’s Using It

OnlyFans is built around a simple but powerful business model—creators post exclusive content, and fans pay to access it. Unlike traditional social media, where income comes from ads or sponsorships, OnlyFans creators make money directly from their audience.

How Creators Earn Money

The main way creators make money is through monthly subscriptions, which can range anywhere from $4.99 to $49.99 (or even more with promotions). But subscriptions aren’t the only income stream—OnlyFans also allows creators to earn through:

• Tips – Fans can send extra money to support their favorite creators.

• Pay-Per-View (PPV) Content – Exclusive posts, messages, or videos that fans must pay to unlock.

• Custom Requests & Paid Private Messages – Some creators offer personalized videos, shoutouts, or one-on-one interactions for an extra fee.

OnlyFans takes a 20% commission from all creator earnings, meaning 80% goes directly to the creator. While that might sound steep, it’s still more generous than many other platforms.

Who Uses OnlyFans?

While OnlyFans is best known for adult content, it’s also home to a variety of creators. Some of the biggest names on the platform include:

• Adult content creators – The most well-known group, using OnlyFans to sell NSFW content.

• Fitness trainers – Offering exclusive workout programs and diet plans.

• Musicians & artists – Sharing behind-the-scenes footage, early releases, and VIP content.

Some creators mix both explicit and non-explicit content, proving that OnlyFans is more than just the adult entertainment industry.

Adult Content and Sex Work on OnlyFans: The Backbone of the Platform

OnlyFans might host all kinds of creators, but let’s be real—adult content is what put it on the map. While fitness trainers and musicians are making money here, the majority of OnlyFans' revenue still comes from NSFW content. The platform has given adult creators more control over their earnings, allowing them to work independently without relying on third-party companies or traditional studios.

For many in the adult industry, OnlyFans changed everything. Instead of dealing with revenue-sharing platforms or agencies taking huge cuts, sex workers and performers could now sell their content directly to subscribers. This direct-to-consumer model meant more financial independence, better safety, and total control over pricing, audience interaction, and content creation.

The 2021 Content Ban Controversy

Despite benefiting from adult content, OnlyFans tried to ban sexually explicit material in August 2021. The reason? Pressure from banks and payment processors worried about regulatory issues. The announcement caused an uproar, with creators calling it a betrayal of the very people who made the platform successful.

Within a week, OnlyFans reversed its decision, claiming it had secured agreements to continue supporting sexually explicit content. The incident highlighted a major risk for adult creators—relying on a platform that could change its rules overnight.

Challenges for New Adult Creators

With so many people joining OnlyFans, standing out is harder than ever. The platform is oversaturated, making it difficult for new creators to gain visibility. Unlike the early days, simply signing up isn’t enough—success requires marketing, branding, and social media promotion. Those who treat it like a business, rather than a quick cash grab, have a much better shot at making real money.

Non-Adult Content on OnlyFans: Fitness, Music, and More

While OnlyFans is best known for adult content, it’s not the only thing happening on the platform. Many creators outside the NSFW space have found success, using OnlyFans to sell exclusive content, connect with their audience, and make money on their own terms. From fitness trainers to musicians and educators, OnlyFans is proving that it’s not just for explicit material.

Fitness Trainers and Coaches

Some of the biggest non-adult creators on OnlyFans are fitness trainers. They use the platform to sell workout plans, offer one-on-one coaching, and provide customized meal guides. Unlike Instagram or YouTube, where fitness influencers give away content for free and rely on sponsorships, OnlyFans lets them earn directly from subscribers.

For fans, it’s a more personal experience—they get exclusive access to trainers, private Q&As, and even live workout sessions. It’s like having a personal trainer, but online and on-demand.

Musicians and Artists

OnlyFans has also become a home for musicians and artists looking to connect with their most dedicated fans, with some using the platform as a streaming site for exclusive live performances. Instead of just sharing content on free platforms, artists can use OnlyFans to:

• Drop exclusive songs before release

• Share behind-the-scenes footage

• Host private live streams and performances

By offering exclusive content, musicians build a deeper connection with fans, leading to stronger engagement and financial support.

Chefs, Educators, and Niche Experts

Some OnlyFans creators have taken the platform in unexpected directions. Chefs post cooking tutorials, financial experts share investment tips, and educators teach specialized skills. Because of the direct-to-subscriber model, these creators don’t have to rely on ads or sponsorships—just loyal fans willing to pay for valuable content.

So, while adult content dominates the platform, OnlyFans is quietly growing into something much bigger.

Risks and Controversies: Security, Legal Issues, and More

OnlyFans offers creators the chance to make serious money, but it’s not without risks. From content leaks to legal battles, the platform has faced its fair share of controversy. While OnlyFans has security measures in place, problems like data breaches, underage users, and shady business practices still raise concerns for creators and subscribers alike.

Data Security and Content Leaks

One of the biggest fears for OnlyFans creators is having their content leaked. In February 2020, reports indicated that approximately 1.6 terabytes of content from OnlyFans creators were leaked online. However, OnlyFans denied any security breach, suggesting the content was obtained from multiple sources.

Once content is out there, it’s nearly impossible to take back. Many creators have had their photos and videos stolen, reposted on other sites, or used without their consent. While OnlyFans allows creators to report stolen content, takedown efforts aren’t always successful—especially when material spreads across multiple websites.

Underage Users and Fake IDs

OnlyFans requires photo ID verification to create an account, but that hasn’t stopped some underage users from slipping through the cracks. By using fake IDs or stolen personal information, minors have managed to set up accounts and even sell sexual content before getting caught.

When these cases are reported, OnlyFans removes the accounts, but the issue raises concerns about how well the platform enforces age restrictions. Some critics argue that more stringent verification measures are needed to prevent minors from accessing explicit content.

Legal Challenges

OnlyFans has also faced lawsuits over its business practices. Some creators have accused the platform of fraudulent activities, while others claim that moderators pose as creators to encourage spending. The platform has also come under scrutiny for failing to remove child sexual abuse material quickly enough, despite its reporting measures.

While the platform continues to evolve, these risks remain important factors for anyone considering using OnlyFans—whether as a creator or subscriber.

How Safe Is OnlyFans? Security Measures & Moderation

With the amount of sensitive content on OnlyFans, security and moderation are a huge concern. While the platform has put measures in place to protect both creators and subscribers, it’s far from perfect. Issues like fake accounts, underage users, and content leaks still exist, making safety an ongoing challenge.

Account Verification Process

OnlyFans requires all users—both creators and subscribers—to verify their identity before using the platform. To create an account, users must submit:

• A government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.).

• A live selfie to match the ID and confirm they are real.

This process is designed to prevent fake accounts and underage users, but some have still found ways around it using stolen IDs or manipulated documents. To address this, OnlyFans conducts ongoing verification checks, ensuring that creators remain compliant over time.

Content Moderation & Reporting

OnlyFans uses a mix of AI-powered monitoring and human moderation to keep content in check. The system is meant to detect illegal material, non-consensual content, and guideline violations before they spread.

Users can also flag inappropriate content by reporting posts, accounts, or messages. Once a report is filed, OnlyFans reviews the content and takes action if necessary—whether that means removing posts, banning accounts, or restricting content visibility.

While these security measures help, problems still exist, proving that online safety is an ongoing battle—even for a platform as big as OnlyFans.

Financial Aspects of OnlyFans: How Much Can You Make?

OnlyFans has huge earning potential, but not everyone is making bank. While some creators pull in six figures a month, most see modest earnings, with income largely depending on content type, audience size, and marketing efforts.

Earnings Breakdown

The reality? Most creators earn between $150 and $180 per month—not exactly life-changing. Meanwhile, the top 10% of creators rake in 73% of the platform’s total revenue, leaving the majority with smaller payouts.

While male creators represent a smaller portion of the platform, their average monthly earnings are generally similar to female creators, typically ranging from $150 to $180 per month. However, some high-profile male creators in specific niches have reported earnings in the range of $1,500 to $7,500, likely due to lower competition in those categories.

That said, high earnings aren’t impossible, but they require effort. Successful creators treat OnlyFans like a business—promoting themselves on social media, interacting with fans, and offering exclusive content that keeps subscribers coming back.

Payment Methods and Fees

OnlyFans makes cashing out simple, offering withdrawals via bank transfers and third-party payment processors. However, they take a 20% cut from all creator earnings, which can add up, especially for those just starting out.

Despite the fees, OnlyFans remains one of the most profitable platforms for direct-to-fan content, especially for creators who know how to market themselves effectively.

Alternatives to OnlyFans: Exploring Other Platforms

OnlyFans isn’t the only platform for creators looking to make money. Whether you want more earning potential, fewer content restrictions, or just a backup plan, several alternatives offer different features. Here’s how Patreon, Fansly, and Fanvue compare.

Patreon: Best for Artists and Educators

If you’re a musician, artist, podcaster, or educator, Patreon might be a better fit. Unlike OnlyFans, Patreon doesn’t focus on adult content—instead, it’s designed for creators who want long-term fan support through tiered memberships.

Creators can offer exclusive videos, early access to projects, and personalized content. The downside? Discoverability is low, meaning you’ll need a strong fanbase before you start earning.

Fansly: A More Flexible OnlyFans Alternative

Fansly is the closest thing to OnlyFans, but with more flexibility for adult creators. It allows NSFW content, but also lets creators offer non-explicit content for a wider audience.

A major plus? Fansly, like OnlyFans, takes a 20% commission from creator earnings. While it doesn't offer a lower rate, it has gained traction as an alternative platform. Fansly has been growing fast, especially since OnlyFans’ failed attempt to ban explicit content, attracting creators looking for stability in content policies.

Fanvue: High Payouts for Adult Creators

Fanvue is another subscription-based platform that welcomes both adult and mainstream creators. The key difference? Creators keep up to 80% of their earnings, making it one of the highest-paying alternatives.

The catch? Explicit content must be properly labeled, and Fanvue is still growing, meaning it doesn’t have as many users as OnlyFans—yet.

With more platforms popping up, creators now have plenty of options beyond OnlyFans. The best choice depends on what kind of content you create and how much control you want over your earnings.

Final Thoughts

OnlyFans offers huge financial opportunities, but it’s not for everyone. While some creators make life-changing money, many struggle with low earnings, high competition, and platform risks.

One of the biggest concerns is security—content leaks happen, and policy changes could impact earnings overnight. Plus, the platform is saturated, making it harder for new creators to stand out without strong marketing.

If OnlyFans doesn’t feel like the right fit, alternatives like Patreon, Fansly, and Fanvue offer different ways to make money. Whether you’re an artist, educator, or adult content creator, there are plenty of options to monetize your work.

At the end of the day, success on any platform requires strategy, consistency, and audience engagement. If you’re willing to put in the effort, OnlyFans—or one of its competitors—could be a lucrative opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OnlyFans primarily used for?

OnlyFans is best known for adult content, but it’s not just for NSFW material. Many fitness trainers, musicians, chefs, and educators use the platform to share exclusive content and connect with their audience. Whether you want to start an OnlyFans account for business or entertainment, the platform offers multiple ways to engage with subscribers.

How do creators earn money on OnlyFans?

Creators make money through monthly subscriptions, tips, and pay-per-view (PPV) content. Some also offer custom content and private messages for an additional fee. OnlyFans takes a 20% commission from all earnings, and subscribers are charged a monthly subscription fee to access exclusive content.

What are the risks of using OnlyFans?

OnlyFans has security risks, including data leaks, scams, and fake accounts. Policy changes can also impact earnings, making it risky for creators who rely on the platform for income. Additionally, accessing and managing an OnlyFans account on mobile devices requires caution, as privacy concerns and potential content leaks remain an issue.

Are there safer alternatives to OnlyFans?

Yes! Patreon, Fansly, and Fanvue offer different monetization models. Patreon is great for artists and educators, while Fansly and Fanvue cater to adult content creators. However, their platform fees are similar to OnlyFans, with each taking a 20% commission from creator earnings. Instead of lower fees, these platforms provide alternative policies and features that some creators may find preferable.

How does OnlyFans verify users?

OnlyFans requires users to submit a government-issued photo ID and a live selfie to confirm their identity. Additional age verification checks are conducted to prevent underage users from accessing the platform.