Getting Started

What Is OnlyFans? A Complete Guide for New Creators

Everything you need to know about OnlyFans: how it works, how creators make money, and whether it's right for you.

10 min read

What Is OnlyFans?

OnlyFans is a subscription-based content platform where creators share exclusive content with paying subscribers. Launched in 2016, it has become one of the most popular platforms for content creators, particularly in the adult entertainment industry—though it hosts creators of all types.

Unlike social media platforms where content is free, OnlyFans allows you to charge a monthly subscription fee. Subscribers pay to access your content, and you keep the majority of that revenue.

How Does OnlyFans Work?

The Basic Model

  • 1. You create a profile and set a monthly subscription price (or make it free)
  • 2. You post content that only paying subscribers can see
  • 3. Subscribers pay monthly to access your content
  • 4. You earn money from subscriptions, tips, pay-per-view messages, and custom content
  • The Revenue Split

      OnlyFans takes a 20% platform fee. You keep 80% of everything you earn. This applies to:
    • Subscription revenue
    • Tips
    • Pay-per-view (PPV) content
    • Custom content sales
    • Live streaming tips

    What Kind of Content Can You Post?

      OnlyFans allows adult content, which is its primary use case. However, creators post everything from:
    • Photos and videos
    • Behind-the-scenes content
    • Direct messages with fans
    • Live streams
    • Voice notes and audio content

    How Do OnlyFans Creators Make Money?

    There are multiple revenue streams available:

    1. Monthly Subscriptions

    Your primary income source. Subscribers pay a recurring monthly fee (you set the price, typically £3-50/month) to access your content feed.

    Strategy tip: Lower prices attract more subscribers. Higher prices mean fewer subscribers but more revenue per person. Finding your sweet spot takes experimentation.

    2. Pay-Per-View (PPV) Messages

    Send locked content directly to subscribers (or potential subscribers) that requires an additional payment to unlock. This is where many top creators make the majority of their income.

    Example: A subscriber pays £10/month for your feed, but you can send exclusive PPV content for £20, £50, or more.

    3. Tips

    Subscribers can tip you at any time—on posts, in messages, or during live streams. Building relationships with fans encourages tipping.

    4. Custom Content

      Create personalised content for individual subscribers at premium prices. This could be:
    • Personalised videos or photos
    • Specific requests
    • Name mentions or shoutouts

    5. Live Streaming

    Go live and receive tips in real-time. Live streams create urgency and deepen subscriber relationships.

    How Much Do OnlyFans Creators Earn?

    Income varies enormously:

    Starting Out (First 3 months)

  • Range: £0-£500/month
  • Building your initial subscriber base takes time
  • Part-Time Creator (3-12 months in)

  • Range: £500-£3,000/month
  • Consistent posting and promotion starts paying off
  • Full-Time Creator (12+ months, dedicated effort)

  • Range: £3,000-£15,000/month
  • Established audience, multiple revenue streams
  • Top Creators

  • Range: £20,000-£100,000+/month
  • Large audiences, strong brand, optimised strategy
  • The top 1% of creators earn the majority of platform revenue. But the top 10% still earn very well—and that's achievable with the right approach.

    Is OnlyFans Right for You?

    It Might Be a Good Fit If:

  • You're comfortable creating adult content
  • You enjoy connecting with an audience
  • You're self-motivated and consistent
  • You can handle online interactions professionally
  • You want location-independent income
  • Consider Carefully If:

  • You need immediate income (building takes time)
  • You're uncomfortable with adult content boundaries
  • You struggle with self-discipline and scheduling
  • Privacy concerns cannot be adequately addressed
  • Getting Started: The Basics

    1. Create Your Account

      Sign up at OnlyFans.com. You'll need:
    • Valid ID for verification
    • Bank account for payments
    • Profile photo and cover image

    2. Set Your Subscription Price

    Start with a competitive price. Many successful creators begin at £5-15/month to build their subscriber base, then increase prices as demand grows.

    3. Create Initial Content

    Have 10-20 posts ready before promoting. Subscribers expect value immediately after subscribing.

    4. Promote Your Page

      OnlyFans has no built-in discovery. You need to drive traffic from:
    • Social media (Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit)
    • Other platforms (cam sites like Stripchat)
    • Collaboration with other creators

    The Role of an Agency

    Many successful OnlyFans creators work with management agencies like B&Co. Here's why:

    What an Agency Provides:

  • Content strategy and planning
  • Professional chatting and fan engagement
  • Marketing and promotion
  • Administrative support
  • Industry expertise
  • Why It Works:

    Building on OnlyFans requires skills in content creation, marketing, customer service, and business management. An agency handles the business side so you can focus on content.

    At B&Co, we specialise in helping creators maximise their OnlyFans earnings while building sustainable, long-term careers.

    Next Steps

    If you're considering OnlyFans:

  • 1. Read more of our Academy articles on specific topics
  • 2. Research privacy and anonymity options
  • 3. Consider whether agency support would help you
  • 4. Apply to B&Co if you'd like professional guidance
  • There's no pressure—we're happy to answer questions and help you make an informed decision.

    Everything You've Read Is Exactly What We Help With

    Platform selection, profile optimization, content strategy, audience growth, and maximising earnings across Stripchat and OnlyFans—this is what B&Co specialises in. We handle the technical side so you can focus on creating great content and building your audience.

    Ready to Get Started?

    If you're serious about building a sustainable career in adult content, we'd love to hear from you.