OnlyFans

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OnlyFans is a content subscription service founded in 2016 by British entrepreneur Tim Stokely and his father, Guy Stokely. The platform allows creators to monetize their content by offering exclusive access to subscribers in exchange for a monthly fee or pay-per-view basis. The content ranges from fitness tutorials, cooking, and lifestyle advice to adult material, which has gained significant attention due to its popularity among sex workers. Creators keep 80% of their earnings, while OnlyFans retains a 20% commission on all transactions.

The platform gained widespread recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, as creators and subscribers increased rapidly. By 2021, OnlyFans reported over 170 million registered users and more than 1.5 million content creators. The platform is owned by Fenix International Ltd., based in London. In 2018, Leonid Radvinsky, a Ukrainian-American entrepreneur, acquired the majority of OnlyFans. Radvinsky has extensive experience in the adult entertainment industry and has overseen the platform's substantial growth.

In August 2021, OnlyFans announced a ban on sexually explicit content due to pressure from banking partners and payment processors. However, the company reversed this decision days later after securing the necessary assurances from financial institutions. This brief ban sparked a public outcry from creators who rely on the platform for their income. OnlyFans has since expanded its content offerings and launched OFTV, a free streaming service featuring non-adult material such as fitness and cooking content.

The platform's business model primarily revolves around subscription-based content, with subscribers paying to access exclusive videos, photos, and other media. In addition to subscription fees, creators can earn money through direct tips and pay-per-view content. According to financial reports from 2023, OnlyFans processed $6.6 billion in transactions, with its creator base continuing to grow. The majority of the platform’s revenue comes from the United States, although it has a global user base.

OnlyFans operates with a small number of full-time employees, numbering 42 in 2023. Despite controversies, it remains a major player in the creator economy.