OnlyFans, a content subscription service, was founded in 2016 by British tech entrepreneur Timothy Stokely in London. The platform allows creators to offer exclusive content behind a paywall, with fans accessing it either through a monthly fee or one-off tips. As of now, OnlyFans boasts over 50 million registered users and more than 1 million content creators. While the platform does not impose many content restrictions, it became renowned for adult material, although it was not its original intent. The site ensures that creators' content is protected from being shared externally. If users attempt to screenshot content, it appears blacked out, and violators risk being banned.
The financial dynamics of OnlyFans are notable. Creators retain 80% of their earnings, with the platform taking a 20% cut. Despite the platform's vast user base, most creators earn less than $200 monthly. The top 1% of accounts generate 33% of all revenue, while the top 10% account for 73%. In 2022, the company reported pre-tax profits of $525m. The owner, Leonid Radvinsky, paid himself dividends totaling $338m that year. The platform's revenue reached $1.1bn, up from $932m in 2021.
The Guardian reported that OnlyFans has 3.2 million registered "creators," an increase from 2.1 million the previous year. The number of "fans" or subscribers surged to 239 million, up from 188 million in 2021. The platform's transactions in 2022 amounted to $5.6bn, a rise from $4.8bn in 2021.
OnlyFans emphasizes its commitment to empowering creators and ensuring their safety. The platform's mission is to allow content creators to realize their full potential, ensuring they benefit financially from the content they produce.