OnlyFans vs. Facebook: Key differences explained for Creators

Are you intrigued by content creation but aren’t sure which platform is best for you? 

It’s not easy to grasp a platform’s potential, especially if your goal is to make money.

Social media giants like Facebook have billions of users, while newer platforms like OnlyFans are rising in popularity and gaining more users every month.

In this article, we’ll explain all the main differences between OnlyFans and Facebook. 

Core purpose

Facebook and OnlyFans have fundamental differences.

Facebook is all about connecting people and sharing updates with friends and family. OnlyFans offers Creators various options to sell their content and is especially popular with spicy Creators.

Facebook

Facebook is one of the OG social media platforms. You’ve probably heard of it and likely have an account. Launched in 2004 as a networking platform for university students, it’s now a social media giant where users share stories and stay connected. 

You can share everything from your latest adventures to what you had for breakfast. Outside of  personal updates, you’ll find a wide variety of content, from news to hilarious memes and heartwarming videos.

When it comes to privacy, you can control who sees what. So, while you can keep your embarrassing middle school photos hidden from your boss, your posts are still out there for your friends to see.

Unlike other platforms (like OnlyFans), Facebook has some strict ground rules. They’re serious about keeping explicit content off the platform, so you might want to look elsewhere if you’re thinking of sharing anything risqué.

OnlyFans

OnlyFans is a subscription-based platform that’s been making waves in the last few years.

Launched in 2016, it’s become a popular hub for exclusive NSFW content. Many celebrities also have an OnlyFans profile, including Cardi B and Denise Richards.

OnlyFans is popular because it features NSFW content you won’t find on your usual social media feeds.

What sets it apart is its direct Creator-to-fan cash flow, which means Creators can make a profit via their relationships with fans.

Unlike other platforms where anyone can stumble upon your posts, OnlyFans keeps content under wraps—it’s usually only accessible to paying subscribers. This creates an intimate vibe, where Creators can share content to people who are willing to pay for it.

Spicy content is a big draw on OnlyFans, but that’s not the whole story.

It's become a hub for Creators of all genres—there’s room for everyone to carve out their own niche and find success. 

So, why would someone use OnlyFans? For Creators itching to take charge of their content and cash in without any middlemen getting in the way, OnlyFans might just be their best bet.

Audience and reach

OnlyFans and Facebook’s target audiences differ significantly. 

Facebook

Facebook boasts a massive global user base. Everyone’s scrolling through their feeds, sharing memes and debating the day’s hot topics.

When it comes to reaching your audience, Facebook’s got all the bases covered. The platform has all the tools you need to do that and much more.

And what about connecting with other users? While you’ve got likes, comments, and shares, it's not quite as personal as sliding into someone's DMs on other platforms. 

Facebook groups are where it’s at. Here, you can have more focused discussions and build connections with like-minded folks. 

Take MetDaan, a vibrant community with 45 million followers that celebrates creativity. There are also more local pages where users can exchange tips or things in real life, like Free Your Stuff Berlin—a Berlin-based community where residents give away stuff for free.

With such a massive user base, the sky’s the limit. But monetizing that reach isn’t as easy as it seems. 

Sure, Facebook offers advertising options, but getting organic reach can be tough. It takes serious dedication to keep up with those ever-changing algorithms.

OnlyFans

OnlyFans operates on a more intimate scale than Facebook. OnlyFans cultivates a smaller, more niche audience, and it’s up to each Creator to build their own loyal community.

Unlike mainstream social media platforms, users on OnlyFans are willing to pay to get access to content from their favorite Creators. This creates a unique dynamic where subscribers become patrons, investing in the Creators they admire and supporting their work directly.

Audience interaction on OnlyFans takes on a more personalized approach. With features like direct messaging, Creators engage with their subscribers one-on-one, and can create content based on their desires. 

While OnlyFans' audience may be smaller than that of bigger social media platforms, the power of a Creator’s community can be huge. Many Creators have built sustainable careers on OnlyFans doing what they love.

Creator Makayla Samountry explains how she made $200,000 on OnlyFans.

Content restrictions

When it comes to content restrictions, Facebook and OnlyFans operate under different sets of guidelines, reflecting their core purposes and target audiences.

Facebook

Facebook has robust community guidelines in place to maintain an environment where users feel safe and welcome.

These guidelines cover various aspects of content, including nudity, violence, and hate speech.

Facebook employs moderators who review reported content and enforce guidelines to ensure the platform is suitable for users of all ages and backgrounds.

Nudity is a particularly sensitive topic on Facebook. While some forms of nudity may be allowed in certain contexts, explicit or sexually suggestive content is prohibited. 

Content depicting graphic violence or promoting violence is not allowed at all.. Hate speech—including discriminatory language or threats targeting individuals or groups based on characteristics like race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation—is also strictly prohibited.

OnlyFans

OnlyFans has way fewer content restrictions. Explicit content is not only allowed on OnlyFans but serves as the primary draw for both Creators and subscribers.

OnlyFans Creators can get creative with what they post, as long as they follow OnlyFans’ Acceptable Use Policy.

Just like Facebook, content that is hateful, discriminatory, or which encourages or promotes violence or any illegal activity is prohibited. 

Subscribers who join OnlyFans typically do so because they know they can access content they can’t find elsewhere.

Creators are responsible for setting boundaries and determining the type of content they want to share with their fanbase.

Monetization models

Let’s look at how you can make money on both platforms.

Facebook:

If you want to make money on Facebook, your best shot is advertising your services. If you have a Facebook page, you can display sponsored posts, banner ads, and video ads to steer folks to your website or online shop.

However, there are also indirect methods you can use to make money on Facebook.

Page owners can earn cash by promoting products or services through affiliate links, scoring a cut of each sale made if their followers purchase the product. 

But here’s the thing: Facebook doesn’t offer as many direct money-making options for Creators as other platforms do.

You won’t find features like ad revenue sharing or channel memberships here like you would on YouTube, Twitch or OnlyFans.

That said, Facebook is always working on ways to help Creators earn money and connect with their fans.

For example, Facebook Stars allows fans to buy virtual gifts during live streams. 

OnlyFans

OnlyFans has completely changed the game for content creators, giving them a platform where they can directly cash in on their content.

With monthly subscription fees and paying fans, Creators have direct control over their earnings. They get to decide how much their content is worth and how to sell to their fans.

OnlyFans doesn’t stop at subscriptions. Creators can also rake in extra cash through tips, custom requests, and pay-per-view (PPV) content. With tips, fans can show their love by tossing a few extra bucks their way, while PPV content includes exclusive experiences hidden behind a paywall.

One of the best parts of OnlyFans’ money-making setup is that there’s no limit on how much you can earn. Yes, OnlyFans takes a 20% fee from all earnings, but you name the price for your content. This means that Creators can attract fans who are willing to pay top dollar for exclusive access.

OnlyFans vs. Facebook: key differences

Facebook and OnlyFans cater to different needs.

Facebook is all about connecting people and sharing a wide range of content. However, it has limited direct monetization options for Creators. 

On the flip side, OnlyFans lets Creators directly earn cash from their content, mainly through subscriptions and other avenues like tips, custom requests, and PPV content. 

While Facebook boasts a massive global audience and diverse user base, OnlyFans offers a more personal and exclusive experience—especially with adult content.

Want to know more about how to make money on OnlyFans? Here are a few tips to help you get started!