After the pandemic turbocharged digital intimacy, the creator economy has become a fragmented galaxy of subscription platforms, erotica hubs, AI companions and DIY membership sites. Within this ecosystem, OnlyFans remains the giant; Fansly has emerged as its most talked‑about alternative; and a constellation of smaller platforms is quietly reshaping how creators earn money and how fans consume adult entertainment. The stakes are high. In August 2025 the Guardian reported that OnlyFans’ owner took home $701 million in dividends even as the platform’s annual revenue climbed to $1.4 billion[1]. The same filing revealed that OnlyFans’ creator accounts grew 13 % to 4.6 million, while fan accounts jumped 24 % to 377.5 million[2]. Those numbers underscore why the platform matters—but also why alternatives are booming. This article unpacks the data, business models and cultural dynamics behind OnlyFans, Fansly and the “new wave” of subscription platforms, and helps creators and fans decide where to invest their time and money.
1 — The state of the creator economy in 2025
The creator economy is no longer a cottage industry. DemandSage estimates there are more than 207 million content creators globally, with 46.7 % working full‑time[3]. The sector’s value has ballooned to $191.55 billion and could exceed $528 billion by 2030[4]. Yet earnings are distributed unequally: the median OnlyFans creator makes roughly $150–180 per month, while the top 0.1 % collect three‑quarters of all revenue[5]. In effect, a handful of whales fund much of the adult‑content economy. Pandemic lockdowns accelerated diversification as creators sought direct payments and more autonomy, but policy volatility—OnlyFans’ brief 2021 ban being a prime example—remains a risk. Alternatives like Fansly, LoyalFans, ManyVids and AI girlfriend apps have emerged with promises of better discovery, lower fees and niche support. This article weighs those claims.
2 — OnlyFans: the adult‑content empire
Scale and money
OnlyFans remains the dominant player. In the fiscal year that ended in November 2024, the platform processed $7.2 billion in subscriber spending (up from $6.6 billion in 2023)[6]. Gross revenue (the company’s cut after paying creators) reached $1.4 billion, and pre‑tax profit was $683.6 million[7]. According to Variety’s analysis of the same filings, OnlyFans paid $5.8 billion to creators, keeping 20 % as its commission[8]. The company emphasises that 80 % of fan payments go directly to creators[9].
By mid‑2025, there were 4.6 million creator accounts on OnlyFans (a 13 % increase) and 377.5 million fan accounts (up 24 %)[2]. External analyses estimate around 305 million registered users and 4.1 million creators as of early 2025[10], illustrating how numbers vary depending on definitions (approved accounts vs total sign‑ups). Even at the lower end, OnlyFans dwarfs its competitors.
Strengths
Massive audience and brand recognition. OnlyFans’ scale means established creators can monetise quickly. Celebrity partnerships and mainstream visibility deliver organic traffic.
Infrastructure and global reach. With offices in London and across the US, OnlyFans maintains relationships with payment processors and invests in mainstream verticals like fitness and cooking.
Weaknesses
Oversaturation. With millions of creators and minimal internal discovery, standing out is difficult; success often depends on off‑platform marketing. Half of creators earn under $100 per month[5].
Platform risk. OnlyFans’ 2021 ban scare illustrated how payment‑processor pressure can threaten creators. Account suspensions and policy changes are an ever‑present risk.
Lack of discoverability. There’s no algorithmic feed to surface new talent. Marketing on TikTok or Instagram is essential.
Who does OnlyFans suit?
Established creators with large followings who can drive traffic.
Whale‑hunters—big spenders concentrate here, enabling six‑figure monthly incomes.
Mainstream or celebrity‑driven brands looking for maximum exposure.
Who should be cautious?
Newcomers without a following. Discovery is weak.
Niche or alt‑culture creators seeking smaller communities.
Anyone nervous about abrupt policy changes.
3 — Fansly: the underground alternative
Fansly launched in 2020 under Select Media LLC and became the default refuge when OnlyFans threatened to ban explicit content. By 2025 it has matured into a significant platform with innovations that appeal to niche creators and fans.
Scale and growth
Exact figures are hard to verify because Fansly is privately held, but credible reports offer hints. Sacra’s 2025 analysis notes that Fansly has around 130 million registered users, far less than OnlyFans’ 210 million, yet significant[13]. The same report states the platform offers a 15 % lower commission rate than OnlyFans’ 20 %, implying around 15–20 % fees depending on transaction type[13]. Other industry analyses cite over 130 million active users and 2 million creators[14][15].
Features and strengths
Tiered pricing. Fansly supports free previews and premium subscriptions up to $499.99 per month[16], plus $1–$500 tips. This flexibility helps creators segment audiences.
Algorithmic discovery. A “For You” feed and hashtags surface new creators[17]. This internal discovery reduces reliance on external marketing.
Rich interaction tools. Live streaming, PPV posts, custom emojis and geo‑blocking are built in. Creators can also send paid DMs and mass messages.
Inclusive culture. Fansly attracts cosplay, fetish and LGBTQ+ communities who may feel marginalised elsewhere.
Weaknesses
Still needs promotion. Discovery helps, but creators must still drive traffic from TikTok or Instagram.
Less mainstream cachet. Fansly’s alt‑culture positioning can make sponsorships and brand deals harder.
Best for
Niche creators (cosplay, fetish, LGBTQ+).
Those seeking algorithmic discovery.
Fans wanting variety and tiered pricing.
Who should be cautious?
Celebrities and whale‑hunters aiming for eight‑figure earnings.
Creators serving mainstream audiences who might not migrate.
Anyone who needs predictable cash flow.
4 — The new wave: LoyalFans, ManyVids, Fanvue and AI companions
The creator economy’s long tail is thriving. Here are four platforms worth watching in 2025.
LoyalFans
Launched in 2018, LoyalFans positions itself as a professional, creator‑first ecosystem. In August 2025 the site recorded 10.17 million visits with average session times over nine minutes, growing 18.68 % month‑over‑month[19]. LoyalFans follows the same 80/20 revenue split as OnlyFans but differentiates itself with:
Advanced monetisation tools—subscriptions, PPV content, live streaming, voice calls and merchandise integration[20].
Lifetime referral program—creators earn ongoing commission for every user they refer[21].
Professional vibe and better discovery—explore pages, filters and trending lists help new creators gain visibility[22].
Higher minimum payout threshold ($50) and bi‑monthly pay schedules[23], which may deter those needing quick cash but appeal to entrepreneurs building long‑term income streams.
ManyVids
Founded in 2014, ManyVids focuses on clip sales and cam shows. It attracts about 25 million monthly visitors[24]. Payouts are generous for newcomers—90 % in the first year—then drop to 80 % for on‑demand videos and 60 % for memberships[25]. Creators sell PPV clips, live streams and custom videos. Because revenue shares decline after year one, ManyVids suits those who can quickly build and then sustain a fan base.
Fanvue
Fanvue positions itself around AI innovation. A 2025 profile says that since 2021 the platform’s creator adoption has grown 110 % month‑on‑month[26]. Fanvue offers AI‑powered messaging and voice notes to maintain fan engagement and claims revenue shares up to 85 % for early adopters. Its hybrid SFW/NSFW positioning appeals to fitness influencers and sex workers alike.
AI companion platforms
The rise of AI girlfriend apps shows where the industry might be heading. Candy.ai allows users to create digital companions and charges a subscription (around $12.99) plus token packs ranging from $9.99 to $299.99 for images and voice calls[27]. Reviewers note the lack of clear pricing and potential privacy issues[28]. Startups like Oh (with roughly 140 k users) offer digital twins of real creators who receive up to 80 % of revenue. These AI platforms are experimental but hint at a future where intimacy is synthetic.
5 — Head‑to‑head comparison
The following table summarises key features across four major platforms (OnlyFans, Fansly, LoyalFans and ManyVids). Note: user counts and revenue splits reflect the most credible estimates available as of late 2025. Where ranges exist, the lower bound is used.
Feature | OnlyFans | Fansly | LoyalFans | ManyVids |
Estimated user base | ~130 million registered users[13] | N/A (traffic ≈ 10.17 million monthly visits)[19] | ~25 million monthly visitors[24] | |
Estimated creators | 4.1–4.6 million creators[2] | ~2 million creators[14] | Thousands (creator‑first platform) | Tens of thousands |
Revenue split | 80 % creators / 20 % platform[9] | 80 % creators / 20 % platform (with lower tiers around 15 %)[13] | 80 % creators / 20 % platform[20] | 90 % first year, then 80 % (videos) or 60 % (membership)[25] |
Subscription range | $4.99–$49.99 per month[11] | Free tiers to $499.99 per month[16] | Typically $5–$100 per month[29] | Creators set custom prices per video or membership |
Discovery | Minimal; relies on external marketing[17] | Algorithmic For You feed, hashtags[17] | Explore pages, filters and trending lists[22] | High internal search; trending tags |
Whale density | High (top creators earn tens of millions)[18] | Moderate (top earners around $1 million)[18] | Unknown | Moderate |
Fees & payout frequency | 20 % commission; weekly payouts, $20 minimum[12] | 15–20 % commission; weekly payouts | 20 % commission; bi‑monthly payouts with $50 threshold[21][23] | 10 %–40 % commission depending on product; payouts vary |
Special features | Celebrity partnerships, merchandising, TV app | Tiered subscriptions, For You feed, live streams, alt‑friendly culture | Lifetime referral program, live calls, voice messages, merchandise integration[21][20] | PPV clips, live cam shows, custom videos, early high payout |
6 — How to choose the right platform
Your ideal platform depends on your goals, audience and risk tolerance. Use the following guide to narrow your options.
If you have a large social following or celebrity status: Start with OnlyFans to monetize quickly. Its brand recognition and high whale concentration maximise revenue. Use cross‑promotion to redirect fans to smaller platforms later.
If you’re niche, alternative or new: Try Fansly. Its algorithmic discovery and tiered subscriptions allow you to grow without huge marketing budgets. It’s particularly friendly to cosplay, LGBTQ+ and fetish communities.
If you want professional tools and long‑term income: Consider LoyalFans. The lifetime referral program and diversified monetization (live calls, merchandise) suit entrepreneurs building a brand. The trade‑off is a higher payout threshold and slower payment schedule.
If you sell videos and live cam shows: ManyVids provides high revenue splits in the first year and robust clip stores. However, be prepared for revenue cuts after the promotional period.
7 — Tips for creators: turning fans into paying customers
Hook, story, offer
Hook → Story → Offer is a simple formula: tease, connect, then sell. For adult creators, a teaser clip on social media draws attention; a behind‑the‑scenes narrative builds connection; the offer converts curiosity into a subscription or PPV purchase.
Dream 100 and niches
Write down your “Dream 100” partners—fan archetypes, subreddits or forums where your ideal partners hang out. Engage genuinely and value before dropping your link. The long tail of the creator economy means there’s a niche for everyone; you just have to find it.
Ethical dopamine loops
Use scarcity and surprise wisely: limited‑time offers, exclusive live streams or interactive polls keep fans engaged. But avoid spamming; inconsistent schedules lead to churn.
Diversify and protect yourself
Mirror your content across platforms and consider licensing your likeness to AI companions. Multiple revenue streams shield you from bans, algorithm shifts and payment‑processor issues. Above all, prioritise mental health—set boundaries, schedule breaks and join support networks.
8 — Tips for fans: finding your perfect experience
Not all fans want the same thing. Here’s how to choose:
Budget hunters: OnlyFans and Fansly offer subscriptions below $10. Remember that tipping is expected.
Big spenders: Fansly’s $500 tier and Fanvue’s AI‑driven engagement cater to whales.
Niche seekers: Fansly and LoyalFans excel at fetishes, cosplay and LGBTQ+ content. ManyVids offers custom clips.
Privacy‑conscious fans: Use geoblocking and explore alt platforms like LoyalFans to avoid recognition.
9 — Regulation, risk and platform migration
The adult‑content marketplace does not operate in a vacuum; it sits at the intersection of finance, law and culture. Mainstream platforms like Patreon, Twitch and Instagram have gradually relaxed their content policies to accommodate explicit creators[31], but they remain constrained by advertiser concerns and banking partners[32]. This creates room for dedicated adult platforms that specialize in compliance and payment processing[33]. Global regulation is another force: more than 61 % of Fansly’s traffic comes from outside the United States across 190+ countries[34], yet upcoming European age‑verification requirements could disadvantage smaller competitors[35].
Platform risk also stems from financial services. Payment processors and banks routinely change their policies on adult content, causing payouts to be delayed or accounts to be suspended[36]. The market’s revenue is highly concentrated—the departure of a few top earners can significantly dent a platform’s volume[37]. A striking example occurred in late 2025 when OnlyFans banned a high‑profile creator and she moved to Fansly. The creator, known as Bonnie Blue, reportedly earned $2 million per month on OnlyFans before migrating[38]. Her move underscored the fragility of relying on a single platform and the agility of rivals to scoop up displaced stars. Such policy shocks remind creators to maintain alternative revenue streams and fans to follow their favourites across sites.
10 — Verdict: diversification is the new normal
The adult creator economy in 2025 is both lucrative and volatile. OnlyFans remains the giant, with hundreds of millions of users and billions in revenue[6], but its dominance masks a precarious dependence on whales and banking partners. Fansly is the rebellious underdog, offering tiered pricing and algorithmic discovery to niche creators. LoyalFans, ManyVids and Fanvue each carve out niches with lifetime referrals, clip stores or AI integration. AI companion platforms like Candy.ai hint at a future where intimacy is co‑created by algorithms.
For creators, the message is clear: diversify and own your audience. Use the giant platforms for reach, the challengers for community, and emerging technologies for experimentation. For fans, embrace the variety. Support creators across platforms, be mindful of privacy and spending, and explore new formats responsibly. The line between human and AI intimacy is blurring, and the next big platform may not look like anything we’ve seen before.
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[1] [2] [6] [7] OnlyFans owner paid $701m in dividends as platform readies for potential sale | Technology sector | The Guardian
[5] Creative OnlyFans Content Ideas to Attract More Fans
[14] Fansly: The Must-Have Platform for Content Creators in 2025
[15] Steps To Create A Website Like Fansly
[18] Fansly Statistics 2025 By Revenue Growth And Demographics
[26] How Fanvue is shaking up the AI creator economy — right here in London - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com