How does OnlyFans work?

You’ve been thinking about starting your own OnlyFans, but now you want to know: how does OnlyFans actually work? 

Maybe you already have an account and just want to brush up on the basics. Whatever your reason, we’re here to help. 

In this guide, we’ll go over the basics of how OnlyFans works for Creators and answer some of the most commonly asked questions. We give you the basics on who OnlyFans is for, how you make your follower count grow, and what risks to keep in mind. 

Let’s get you up to speed on everything you need to know. 

What is OnlyFans?

Through offering subscriptions as well as other paid services, Creators can make money from their fans on OnlyFans by selling spicy or safe-for-work content. 

Creators set their own page subscription prices and offer a mix of publicly available and exclusive content. 

The platform supports a wide range of content types, including photos, videos, direct messages, and live streams. Creators often provide free content to entice users and may offer more personalized or explicit content through a pay-per-view (PPV) system. 

Creators can also host private live shows, where fans pay for access, and can sell merchandise or other personal items directly through the platform.

How does OnlyFans work for beginners?

Starting on OnlyFans is like learning to ride a bike—it's easier than it looks. But once you put n the work, you'll never look back. 

First, you’ll have to set up your account. 

You'll first need to verify your age (because it's strictly 18+) and decide on your subscription price. If you want more detailed info about how to go about this and how OnlyFans works for beginners, check out our beginner’s guide for OnlyFans Creators.

We also suggest you check out Reddit user and OnlyFans Creator u/motherspicymoney’s amazing post ✨ A full checklist: How to get started on Only Fans ✨.

How does OnlyFans messaging work?

Connecting with your fans is a breeze on OnlyFans. 

The platform's messaging system lets you chat directly with your subscribers. You can share updates, create polls, and even send pay-per-view messages for specific content. 

Think of it as your backstage pass to building a community that loves what you do.

How does OnlyFans payment work?

When it's payday, you'll pocket 80% of your earnings, with OnlyFans taking a 20% cut for maintenance and platform fees. 

OnlyFans offers a few different payout options. You can choose to either get paid on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. You can get the funds directly to your bank account or, if you're outside the US, to an e-wallet. In both cases, OnlyFans uses a secure payment system.

Just remember, there's a minimum payout amount, so you'll need to earn enough to clear that threshold before you can cash out.

How does OnlyFans subscription work?

Creators set their own subscription fees, which can range from free to $49.99 a month. In order for fans to see the content, first, they’ll have to pay the subscription fee. 

You can offer discounts for longer-term subscriptions, which is a great way to keep your fans around and ensure a steady income stream. 

Choosing a subscription fee can be challenging for some Creators. 

Before you set your prices,  do some research and see what other Creators are charging. But most importantly—don’t sell yourself short! 

Check out r u/motherspicymoney’s, useful monetization guide before you get started.

If you’d like to know more about how subscription prices work on OnlyFans, check out our article on how to master OnlyFans subscription pricing.

How are OnlyFans creators taxed?

One thing all aspiring OnlyFans Creators need to know is that your OnlyFans income is taxable. 

In the eyes of most governments, your work as spicy Creator will be considered freelance/self-employed work.

As a freelancer/self-employed, you're responsible for reporting your earnings to your local tax agency. For example, if you are a US-based Creator, once you hit $600, OnlyFans will send you a 1099 form.
This is used to report income from self-employment earnings. 

You should keep track of all of your income and expenses throughout the year. Everything you earn but also what you buy for your work should be written down. 

Expenses include things like costumes, lights, photo equipment, and even part of your internet bill. 

And don't forget to set aside a portion of your earnings for taxes! A good rule of thumb is to earmark around 20 to 30% of your earnings for this.

If you are unsure about any of this, consider consulting a tax advisor. It’s literally their job to help maximize your deductions and keep your finances in good shape.

If you would like to learn more about OnlyFans and taxes, check out our guide to declaring your OnlyFans income.

What type of Creators use OnlyFans?

Even though OnlyFans is famous for its spicy content, there are actually a lot of different types of Creators on the platform. 

From chefs, make-up artists, and fitness trainers to musicians, photographers, and writers—basically anyone with a skill can make an account.

What they all have in common is the aim to make some money from their work while also connecting with their fans—making it a win-win for both Creators and fans.

Mixing your other interests and hobbies with your spicy content is a fun way to make you stand out while you also get to do more of what you love. 

So don’t be afraid to show more sides of yourself!

How to promote your OnlyFans?

Using social media to share your content is the key to being successful on OnlyFans. But what platform you choose is completely up to you. 

Basically, you can make use of any platform out there, from X (formerly known as Twitter) and Reddit to TikTok and Instagram. But smaller platforms like Snapchat, DeviantArt, and niche forums can also be great options.

Once you’re comfortable on a platform, you’ll learn the best times to post, how to connect with other Creators, and figure out what kind of posts get the best results. 

Keep it fun and engaging, and you’ll see your interactions grow.

What are the risks of using OnlyFans?

Like with everything else, before you start your OnlyFans, you should be aware of the risks that come with it. Even though it's a space with a lot of fun stuff, there are still things you should watch out for. 

First up: privacy. You need to make sure that all of your personal info remains private. 

Don’t ever, ever share any personal details, and watch out for what is in the background of your content—you’d be surprised what people can find out out from a tiny detail in a picture. 

Then there's the digital footprint. As you probably know, everything you post online will stay on the internet forever. This can affect your future job hunts as well as your personal relationships, so make sure you are ready to deal with this. 

And even if you do everything to protect your content and yourself, there’s still a risk that your content will get shared without your permission. This doesn’t mean you should live in constant fear but it’s better to be prepared if the worst comes to worst.

Lastly, there are the emotional and mental health risks. Unfortunately, many Creators have to deal with negative comments, online trolls, and burnouts. 

So build a strong support network, listen to yourself, make use of professional help and take breaks when needed!

How to stay safe on OnlyFans

The following tips should ensure your physical, digital, and emotional safety on OnlyFans.

• Don’t reveal your personal information.  Use a stage name and keep your real name and location under wraps. Double-check what's in the background of your photos and videos. A piece of mail with your address on it could pose a security risk.

• Avoid getting hacked. Choose a password that’s unique and tough to crack. Throw in some numbers, symbols, and a mix of upper and lower case letters to be extra safe.

• Make sure your devices are secure. That means regular updates and investing in antivirus software. 

• Report anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable. Manage who can message you, and don't be shy about using that block button.

Remember, your mental health should always be your priority. If things get overwhelming, take a step back. It's okay to take a breather and recharge.

Stick to these tips, and you'll be all set for a safer OnlyFans experience. Keep your guard up and create away!

Ready to start your OnlyFans?

OnlyFans is a great platform that will let you, as a Creator connect with your fans while also earning some money from it.

Through a wide range of services and methods, you can boost your income with some nice OnlyFans cash. 

You will, however, also have to learn how promotion works in order to boost your follower count. And learning some basic accounting skills is also to recommend, as it will help you during tax season.

It’s not the easiest job, but with a strategic and mindful approach, it can be a fun and even lucrative venture.