It can feel like you're entering uncharted territory when you start your journey with OnlyFans.
You've heard stories of creators making thousands of dollars, but you're not sure if that's possible for someone just starting out. Yes, but you can't just post a few pictures and hope for the best.
There's a lot of talk about OnlyFans as a way for content creators to make money from their work. If you want to make money with it on the side or full-time, good planning is the key to success or failure.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about making money at OnlyFans if you're just starting out. We'll talk about the real strategies that work, from setting up your account to creating content that sells.
How does OnlyFans work?
OnlyFans is a social media website that works on a subscription basis. Creators earn when users subscribe to their content. It works like Netflix, but for individual creators and not for big studios.
The platform works on a simple principle: fans pay a monthly or annual fee to see your exclusive content. Some creators allow their fans to follow them for free, but they put their best content behind a paywall that requires you to pay for.
Everything you earn on OnlyFans is subject to a 20% fee. If you earn £100, you get to keep £80. Whilst this may seem like a lot, it's worth thinking about as the platform takes care of all the payments, hosting and technical details.
You can choose between the two main types of accounts. Premium account subscribers have to pay before they can see your content. With a free account, anyone can follow you, but you earn money through paid messages and tips instead of subscriptions.
The best OnlyFans earners use a mix of both strategies. They may let all their subscribers see some of their content, but hold back their best content behind additional payments.
How to set up an OnlyFans account to make money
Setting up an OnlyFans account is not as easy as setting up a Facebook account. You should think of it like starting a small business, because that's what you're doing here.
Plan and prepare
Take some time to plan how you're going to proceed even before you set up your account. Posting without a plan almost never leads to long-term income. Think about what will set you apart from the thousands of other creators on the site.
The best OnlyFans creators run their accounts like businesses. They know who they want to reach, what they want to achieve and why they are creating content. This phase of preparation is very important for long-term success.
Pick a niche
It's important to find your own niche on OnlyFans because the site is very competitive. Don't try to please everyone, but focus on attracting a certain type of subscriber who can really relate to your content.
Your niche could be about lifestyle, hobbies or interests. Some popular niches are
- Body types: curvy, petite, tall and athletic
- Lifestyles: students, professionals and people who live in different ways
- Hobbies and interests: Cooking, gaming, sports and art
- Personality traits: shy and sweet, bossy, playful and funny
The most important thing is that you choose something that you really care about. Your content shows that you're genuine, and your subscribers can tell when you're genuine and when you're just trying to make a buck.
When you mix different niches, you can create something new. A fitness fan who also loves games appeals to both groups and is different from authors who only focus on one area.
Decide on your prices
Your success on OnlyFans depends on how you set your prices. Many beginners make the mistake of either charging too much and losing potential subscribers or charging too little and not valuing their work enough.
Find out how much other providers in your niche are charging for subscriptions. To get a good idea of what you should charge, look at authors who have a similar number of followers and a similar style of content.
If you start with a lower subscription price, you can get more people to sign up. Once you have regular subscribers and know what type of content is well-received, you can slowly increase your prices.
Free accounts are good for beginners because they make it easier for people to follow you. Instead of monthly subscriptions, earn money with tips, paid content and customised requests.
Get the equipment you need
You don't need expensive equipment to get started, but buying good basic equipment will set you apart from other creatives who only use phone cameras with poor lighting.
These are the basics you need to get started:
- Good lighting: natural light from a window or cheap ring lights work well.
- A good camera: Modern phone cameras are fine, but as you get older, you might want to get a better one.
- Editing apps: You can use free apps like VSCO or paid apps like Lightroom to edit photos.
- Props and outfits: Get a bunch of lingerie, costumes and other things to wear.
Remember that your subscribers pay for good content. No matter how good you look, poor lighting or blurry photos will hurt your chances of making money.
Create a schedule
The success of OnlyFans depends on your consistency. Subscribers want new content all the time, and if you don't post anything for weeks on end, you'll quickly lose followers and money.
Create a posting schedule that you can stick to for a long time. It's better to post three times a week than to post every day for a month and then get tired of it.
Remember to create your content in batches. Take lots of pictures and videos in one day, and then schedule when you want to post them throughout the week. This method works better and helps keep things consistent, even when life gets hectic.
Don't forget to make time to talk to your subscribers. It's just as important to respond to messages and comments as it is to post new content if you want to build a loyal following that shares tips and buys customised content.
Sign up
It's easy to set up your OnlyFans account, but there are some important details to consider from the start.
Go to the OnlyFans website and click on the "Sign up" button. You will need to enter an email address, set a secure password and agree to the terms of use.
Choose an email address that you check frequently, as OnlyFans will send you important notifications about payments, news and changes to your account.
Be verified
You will need to verify your account by providing your government-issued ID and bank details. Be patient; this process can take 24 to 48 hours.
You will need to upload a clear photo of your ID and a selfie of you with the same ID. Make sure that both your face and the ID are well lit and clearly recognisable.
In order to be paid, you must provide OnlyFans with your account details so that the money can be transferred there. Payouts are made weekly, usually on Tuesdays, but new accounts may have to wait longer for their first payout.
Choose a username and a display name
Your OnlyFans web address is your username. So choose something that is both professional and easy to remember. Don't use numbers or special characters that are difficult to remember or type.
If you're comfortable with it, you can also use your real name or come up with a pen name that fits your brand. To make advertising easier, make sure all your social media accounts look the same.
Your profile will display your display name, which can be different from your username. This allows you to be more creative and detailed with your offer.
Create a profile photo and header
Your profile picture is the first thing people see when they want to subscribe to you, so do it well. Choose a clear picture of your face that shows off your brand well.
Don't use full nudes as your profile picture, as these can cause your account to be suspended. It works much better to attract subscribers if you are sexy but tasteful.
You can show off your personality and writing style better in your header image. Here you can give subscribers a taste of what they can expect without giving too much away.
Create your bio
Your bio is a great place to convert visitors into paying subscribers. Tell potential fans exactly what they'll get when they sign up and what makes you stand out in this area.
Make sure your sentences are short and easy to read. People quickly lose interest in long paragraphs, especially when they are on their mobile phones or tablets.
Provide accurate information about when you post, what type of content you post and what other services you offer. Indicate whether you reply to messages yourself or provide them with customised content.
Use keywords that are relevant to your niche to make it easier for people to find you when they search for specific content. Words like "British"," student"," gamer" or "fitness" can help you attract the attention of the people you want to reach.
Write a welcome message
Your welcome message sets the tone for new subscribers and can have a big impact on how they interact with your content in the future.
Thank them for signing up and give them a taste of what to expect in this message. To get people talking and find out what kind of content they like best, ask them questions.
To make new subscribers feel special and get them to interact right away, consider giving them a small welcome bonus, such as exclusive photos or a discount on custom content.
Pick the platform for your promotion
Here's the truth: OnlyFans doesn't have in-built discovery tools like Instagram or TikTok. If you don't promote your account somewhere else, no one will find it.
This means that promoting your OnlyFans is just as important as creating content. Many successful creators spend half the time promoting and half the time creating content.
Social Media Platforms:
Reddit is a great place to promote OnlyFans because adult content is allowed there, and there are groups for every type of niche. Look for subreddits related to your niche and start genuinely talking to people.
Instagram is a good place to build a personal brand, but you should be careful with the rules regarding adult content. Focus on lifestyle content and use the link in your bio to send people to your OnlyFans.
You can get a lot of traffic from TikTok if you create content that goes viral. However, you need to follow the community guidelines and keep things tasteful, just like on Instagram.
Twitter is more open to adult content, and there is a large community of OnlyFans creators where you can network with other creators and promote your work.
Promotion Strategy:
Don't just send out a bunch of links to your OnlyFans page on social media. Share interesting content, talk to people and show your personality to make real connections with your audience.
You want people to be interested in you as a person, not just your OnlyFans content. People are much more likely to subscribe and stay loyal to you for a long time if they feel connected to you.
What to post on OnlyFans to make money
It's clear that content is the most important part of your OnlyFans success. It's not enough to just post sexy pictures. You also need to be creative, have a plan and post different types of pictures.
Teasers
Teasers are short previews that show subscribers a little of what's to come without giving everything away. They're great for getting people excited and persuading them to buy pay-per-view.
Make short videos or partial photos that hint at longer content. You could show how you undress, but not the end result, or you could show a preview of a longer video with just the best bits.
To keep your subscribers interested between your main posts, post teasers often. They're easy to create and great for piquing your subscribers' interest.
Daily pictures or updates
When it comes to posting something every day, consistency is better than perfection. Subscribers want to know that their monthly payment is worth it, and they do that with regular posts.
To keep things interesting, vary the type of content you post each day. A mirror selfie on Monday, a lingerie photo on Tuesday and a casual look behind the scenes on Wednesday - anything goes.
You don't need to come up with something new every day. If you regularly post simple, well-lit pictures with good angles, your subscribers will be happy.
Behind-the-scenes content
People subscribe to writers on OnlyFans because they want to feel like they know you. Behind-the-scenes content builds that connection better than any other type of content.
Show yourself getting ready for photo shoots, setting up your camera, picking out clothes, or just relaxing at home. People who subscribe to this content feel like they're getting a behind-the-scenes look at your real life.
Behind-the-scenes videos are usually better received than posed photos because they feel more real and personal.
Themed photoshoots
Themed content makes your page look fresh and gives your subscribers something to look forward to. Plan themes based on holidays, seasons or things that are popular right now.
Some common themes are:
- Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Halloween costumes are all holiday specials.
- Seasonal content: Summer bikini shoots and cosy winter outfits
- Roles to play: Nurse, teacher, student, secretary
- Colours: all black, all white or neon colours
Plan your themed content in advance so you can build excitement and promote it. Let your subscribers know what's coming next to keep them interested.
Jerk off instructions (JOI)
If JOI content fits with your brand and your wellbeing, it can be very profitable as it has a loyal following. With this type of content, you're telling people what to do with their words.
JOI videos don't always have to show full nudity, so creators who want to keep some things private can still do so. The focus is on your voice, your personality and your ability to come up with stories.
If you can handle this type of content, it can become a regular series that subscribers look forward to and are willing to pay a lot for.
Get ready with me (GRWM) sessions
Get ready with me (GRWM) Sessions
GRWM content is very popular because it is both likable and sexy. Take photos of yourself getting ready for dates, photo shoots or just everyday things.
These videos can show you trying on different clothes, putting on make-up or choosing lingerie. The appeal lies in the anticipation and the personal, intimate feeling of seeing another person's routine.
It's also pretty easy to create GRWM content because you're simply documenting something you would do anyway.
"First Times" series
People love to share special moments, and "firsts" make that possible. Capture how you try on new trousers, visit new places or try out new content.
The psychology behind "Firsts" is powerful because subscribers feel like they're experiencing something unique and special that won't happen again.
You can fake "firsts" by trying out new poses, clothes or places that you have not yet shown on your OnlyFans.
Interactive games or challenges
Interactive content engages people and can lead to tips and special requests. Make simple games where your subscribers can change your content by sending tips or messages.
Some examples are:
- Spin the wheel: Different amounts of tips lead to different prices.
- Truth or dare: People who have taken out a subscription can give tips to ask or dare questions.
- Let your subscribers decide what you wear in your next post by voting on an outfit.
- When you use interactive content, your subscribers feel like they are involved in the creation of your content. This creates stronger connections and loyalty.
Creative ways to make money on OnlyFans
There are many ways to make more money on OnlyFans than just by using simple subscriptions. The people who make a lot of money don't just rely on monthly subscriptions; they have multiple ways to make money.
Exclusive subscription tiers
Instead of having just one price for a subscription, offer multiple tiers with different benefits. This way, subscribers can decide for themselves how much they want to spend, and you have the chance to earn more money from your biggest fans.
Basic level: The normal price for a subscription with regular content
VIP level: More expensive, with exclusive content, faster message replies and other special benefits.
Ultimate level: High prices with personalised content, video calls and full access
The tiers work because they give subscribers the choice of what they want and make your biggest fans feel special and important.
Pay-per-view (PPV) news
PPV messages allow you to send blocked content directly to your subscribers' inboxes. Subscribers have to pay to unlock and view the content, which brings in money on top of subscriptions.
PPV is a great way to promote your best content. Instead of posting your best photos and videos on your main timeline, save them for PPV messages.
Subscribers are more likely to buy something if they find it in their inbox, especially if you add a personalised message explaining why the content is special.
Content bundles or packages
When you bundle content together at a small discount, you encourage your subscribers to buy more while giving them added value. Create themed packages based on holidays, fetishes or specific content.
Here are some examples of successful packages:
- Seven different lingerie sets, each with multiple photos, for a week of outfits
- Behind-the-scenes package: All your settings and snapshots from recent shoots
- Customised request package: Get a discount for multiple customised photos or videos.
Bundles work because they look like a good deal, but in reality, they increase the average amount of sales you make.
Customs
Customised content costs a lot because it's created just for a subscriber based on what they want. People are willing to pay a lot more for this type of content because it feels personalised.
Start with simple photo requests that you can do quickly and easily. Then move on to videos, which require more time and work. To avoid confusion, always talk about what you need before you start working.
Make it clear what you will and won't do for customised content. A list with a selection of customised content with fixed prices makes things easier for everyone involved.
Collaborations
Collaborating with other writers can help you reach new people and create content that neither of you could do alone. Find writers who have a similar audience and style to you.
Collaborations work best when both authors actively promote the content to their own audiences. If you do it right, cross-promotion can double your audience.
Before planning more complicated video shoots, start with simple photo collaborations. Building contacts with other creatives is also a great way to network.
Live sessions
Live streaming allows people to interact with each other in real time, which is not possible with pre-recorded content. In live sessions, many subscribers give great tips for attention and special requests.
You don't have to stream for long. Even 30-minute streams can earn you a lot of money if you interact with your viewers and ask them for tips.
Give your live sessions some structure, but also leave room for things to come up on their own. Games, Q&As and other entertaining things will keep viewers interested in the stream.
Advice
Tips are like gifts from subscribers who want to show how much they appreciate your content or your personality. To get people to give tips, you need to stay engaged with them and make them feel like they matter.
FAQ about how to make money on OnlyFans fast
Is it really possible to earn a lot of money with OnlyFans?
Yes, but it requires a lot of work and planning. Some creators earn a lot of money, but most earn very little. The amount that new OnlyFans members earn varies greatly, but most earn between £100 and £500 in the first few months.
What's the best way to make money with OnlyFans when you're just starting out?
To grow your audience, keep promoting yourself on social media like Reddit, Instagram and TikTok. To get your first subscribers, start with low prices. Then, as you gain more followers, slowly increase your prices. Talk to each subscriber personally, reply to messages quickly and create content regularly.
How can you earn money on OnlyFans if you have no followers?
Start by choosing platforms where you can grow your audience naturally. Reddit is great because it has communities for every niche and allows adult content. Participate in relevant subreddits by posting content that is non-promotional and shows who you are. Before you start promoting your OnlyFans, get to know people.
How long does it usually take to make good money with OnlyFans?
Most successful creators say it takes 3 to 6 months to make enough money to live on, but some see results faster with a lot of advertising. As you build up your subscriber base, you may only make £50 to £200 in your first month. Growth is usually slow at first, but it picks up as you learn what content works and build a loyal following.