What Is OnlyFans All About

OnlyFans has exploded in popularity over the last few years as a platform for creators to monetize exclusive content. With over 5,000 new signups daily and over 2 million creators, it’s clear OnlyFans is more than just a passing trend.

But like any endeavor, there are right and wrong ways to approach it. This comprehensive guide shares everything you need to know before starting your own OnlyFans account. We’ll cover the basics of the platform, what to expect, tips for beginners, must-have equipment, and more.

Table of Contents

What is OnlyFans?

OnlyFans is a subscription-based social media platform where creators can earn money from users who subscribe to their content. Fans pay a monthly fee to access exclusive photos and videos from their favorite creators. This gives OnlyFans creators complete control over the content they produce and how much they charge.

The site is most known for adult content and has attracted sex workers and porn stars. However, OnlyFans also supports more mainstream creators, including fitness instructors, musicians, chefs, models, and more. Essentially, anyone can create an OnlyFans profile and monetize their skills, hobbies, or interests.

OnlyFans handles all payment processing and takes a 20% commission on creator earnings. Creators receive the remaining 80% of their subscription revenue through direct deposit every month. This hands-off monetization through subscriptions is a big selling point for OnlyFans creators.

What to know before making an onlyfans

Deciding whether OnlyFans aligns with your goals requires careful consideration. Here are some key facts to weigh before starting an account:

Once your content is out there, it's out there

This is rule number one to understand about OnlyFans. Any content you share, even in private messages, can potentially be leaked by subscribers. So, only join OnlyFans if you are fully comfortable with the idea of your content being permanently out there online.

Also, keep in mind that people in your real life—such as family, friends, or coworkers—could find your account. While OnlyFans allows you to block certain regions from accessing your page, total anonymity is difficult.

Success doesn't happen overnight

Viral OnlyFans creators who earn tens of thousands per month are the exception, not the norm. The average OnlyFans creator makes between $150-$180 per month. Your earnings potential is capped based on your following and marketing abilities.

Be realistic that it takes consistent effort to build a large subscriber base and referral network. Patience and persistence pay off when using OnlyFans as a revenue stream.

OnlyFans Take 20%

Yes, OnlyFans is not providing this from the kindness of their heart, so 20% of all your revenue goes to them.

You need to pay taxes on earnings

Money generated through OnlyFans is taxable income. You are responsible for paying estimated taxes quarterly and reporting your OnlyFans income on your annual tax return.

For US residents: OnlyFans will issue you a 1099 tax form detailing your annual earnings. You must claim this additional income to stay compliant with IRS and state tax regulations.

You need to pay taxes on earnings

Money generated through OnlyFans is taxable income. You are responsible for paying estimated taxes quarterly and reporting your OnlyFans income on your annual tax return.

For US residents: OnlyFans will issue you a 1099 tax form detailing your annual earnings. You must claim this additional income to stay compliant with IRS and state tax regulations.

Decide your comfort level with content

While OnlyFans allows adult content, you control what you post. Consider if you want to stick with suggestive but not explicit (lingerie, bikinis, etc.) or more mature adult content.

Also, decide whether you will show full nudity or not—and your comfort level with requests from subscribers. Setting boundaries upfront ensures a positive experience.

It requires consistent time investment

Effective OnlyFans creators post new content several times per week. You may need to dedicate 15-20 hours per week minimum, especially when launching your account. Set time for creating content, engaging with your audience, and promoting your page.

Understand the workload required and how that fits into your current schedule before joining OnlyFans.

What do you need to create an OnlyFans account?

The basics needed to start an OnlyFans account are simple:

• A valid email address
• Photo ID to confirm your age and identity
• Bank account information for payouts

However, creating high-quality content requires some additional tools and equipment.

Account setup tools

Having the right software makes managing your OnlyFans account much easier:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Edit photos and videos with Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and more
• Canva: Easy thumbnail and graphics creation
• Facetune: For creating perfect selfies and pictures
• Supercreator: AI guidance to boost OnlyFans growth and sales

Equipment Needed for Creating OnlyFans Content

Having the right equipment dramatically improves your ability to produce high-quality content for OnlyFans on a consistent basis. Investing in basic gear gives you an advantage as a creator.

Here are the essentials every OnlyFans creator needs:

Cameras

A proper camera offers major upgrades over smartphone image quality. Consider these beginner-friendly options:

• Canon EOS Rebel T7i: Excellent 24MP image quality with intuitive interface
• Nikon D3500: Lightweight and compact 24MP DSLR perfect for travel

Ring Lights

Ring lights provide flattering, shadowless lighting for your shoots:

• Neewer 18” Ring Light: Large 18” size creates ultra-soft lighting
• Divinity 10” Bi-Color Ring Light: More portable 10” option with phone mount

Tripods

A tripod keeps your camera steady for clear, fixed framing:

• Magnus VT-300: Sturdy 57” tripod with smooth pan head movements
• Manfrotto Element MII: Lightweight carbon fiber tripod for portability

Microphones

External mics greatly improve sound quality over built-in camera mics:

• Rode VideoMicro: Compact shotgun mic that neatly mounts on your camera
• Blue Yeti Nano: Simple plug-and-play USB condenser mic

Backdrops

Use backdrops to customize your set and change up backgrounds:

• Savage Seamless Background Paper: Wrinkle-resistant rolls in various colors
• Neewer 5x7ft Backdrop Kit: Comes with crossbar stand and multi-colored backdrops

Other Recommended Additions:

• Reflector: Redirect natural lighting on your subject
• Lenses: Black Pro mist filters create an artistic look

The right equipment allows you to consistently produce exciting content your fans crave. Don’t cut corners on production quality—invest in yourself to realize your full earning potential on OnlyFans. Read more on our OnlyFans equipment recommendations here

Props and costumes

Props, costumes, and accessories add creativity and variety to your content:

• Outfits and lingerie: Cosplay outfits, roleplay costumes, and sexy lingerie
• Makeup and masks: Character makeup or masquerade masks to disguise identity
• Set decor: Props like fruit, candles, pillows, whips, or handcuffs

Build up a selection of outfits and props tailored to your niche to keep your content fresh and exciting. Change up environments by using different backdrops and locations.

Dos and don'ts for starting an OnlyFans account

Succeeding on OnlyFans means adopting the right strategies from the start. Here are some best practices to follow:

Dos

• Get creative: Experiment with different content formats to see what your audience responds to best – ASMR, Cosplay, workout videos.
• Choose a niche: Pick a content style that excites you personally. You can adjust over time: BDSM, The Girl Next Door, sexy dancing. Having a focus makes you stand out.
• Learn platform features: use built-in OnlyFans tools like pay-per-view messaging, post-scheduling, and bundles to maximize earnings. Features like polls and shoutouts also help engagement.
• Be consistent: Post new content at least a few times per week to keep fans engaged and subscribing. Schedule shoots on designated production days so you always have a backlog of content.
• Promote across social media: Share OnlyFans teasers and promotions on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms. Promote heavily when starting out to build initial momentum.
• Stay anonymous if desired: Use masquerade masks, avoid showing tattoos, and change your voice to disguise your identity. Shoot in non-distinct indoor locations if you want to remain unknown.

Don’ts

• Expect quick growth: Building a subscriber base and referral network takes very consistent effort over weeks and months. Avoid getting discouraged by slow initial traction.
• Ignore subscribers: Respond thoughtfully to comments, messages, and feedback requests from fans. Engagement and great customer service helps retain subscribers.
• Overshare personal details: Never give out your full name, address, phone number, or other real-world identifying details. This protects your privacy and safety.
• Spam or over-promote: Avoid flooding social media with repetitive OnlyFans promotions. Mix in other content and don’t promote more than 1-2x per day maximum.
• Set a high subscription price: Price competitively based on your current following size and niche. Slowly increase your base subscription price over time as you gain more supporters.

Tips for OnlyFans beginners

Just starting out on OnlyFans? Use these expanded tips to set yourself up for success:

• Start with a paid account: Require an upfront subscription payment instead of offering content for free. This ensures followers are invested. Price at $5-$10 per month initially.
• Use bundles and promotions: Offer discounted 3- or 6-month subscription bundles. Run occasional sales like “50% off for the first month!” to incentivize longer commitments.
• Craft an engaging bio: Share a bit about your personality, interests, and what you offer fans. Use fun language and emojis. Include relevant niche keywords for discoverability. Read here for an extended guide.
• Welcome message: Write a message thanking new subscribers for joining. Give them a brief intro to you and an overview of your page.
• Post consistently 1-2 days per week: To prevent burnout, pick 1 or 2 days per week to batch shoot content. Create enough of a backlog to sustain regular posting for weeks.
• Leverage platform tools like scheduling: Use OnlyFans’ built-in scheduler to line up posts in advance. This makes staying consistent much easier.
• Promote heavily when starting out: Share OnlyFans teasers and promotions on social media 1-2 times per day. Engage with followers and optimize your social profiles. See this article for promoting OnlyFans on different platforms.
• Remain faceless if desired: Wear masks, show only lips/lower half of face, and use creative framing or props to hide identity. Obscure or exclude tattoos.
• Provide value and stay engaged: Post new content frequently, go live consistently, respond to fans, offer promotions, and send occasional PPVs. Active accounts thrive.

Final thoughts for OnlyFans success

Starting an OnlyFans account provides incredible opportunities to take control of your career and monetize your passions. But treat it as a serious business venture, not a get-rich-quick scheme.

Success requires commitment, hard work, and, most importantly—the willingness to create content you feel proud of on your own terms. By laying the proper groundwork using the advice in this guide, your OnlyFans account is set up for long-term, sustainable growth.

Tools like Supercreator give you access to artificial intelligence and data insights to constantly improve. Feel empowered to explore your creativity, connect with fans, and maximize your earnings potential on OnlyFans.