How does OnlyFans work?
OnlyFans needs no introduction — it is one of the most well-known and used content-sharing sites worldwide. The platform gives you a chance to monetize your talents, lifestyle, and interests by interacting with subscribers.
When you become an OnlyFans creator, you don't have to pay anything because the platform takes a 20% cut.
The site offers 2 account options: premium and free accounts. A premium OnlyFans allows you to set a subscription price, which fans will pay before accessing your content.
However, if you have a free account, fans will access your account without paying. In this case, you make all your money by hiding the most interesting content behind a pay-per-view (PPV) paywall.
This means that as a creator on OnlyFans, you can earn money in various ways, such as subscriptions, pay-per-view posts, tips from fans, and more.
How to set up an OnlyFans account to make money
To make good cash on OnlyFans, you must set up your account the right way. Here are quick steps to do so:
Plan and prepare
Making money on OnlyFans requires thorough planning. A half-assed strategy will not work, especially since you're new and your competitors have more experience and edge. So, aim to stand out. Here's how:
Pick your niche
OnlyFans is crowded. To separate yourself, pick a niche that not many creators are in but has a large fanbase. Also, consider what you're passionate about, such as your interests and skills. You may have a specific type of audience you want to reach. Include this when making a decision as well. Some trending OnlyFans niches you can select from are:
Physical features (big butt, hairy, chubby)
Race (White, Asian, Latina)
Lifestyle (lawyer, swinger, cosplay)
Age (milf, teen)
Hobbies (gaming, cooking, goth)
Fetishes (feet, BDSM, JOI)
You can combine multiple to make yourself unique. We have a full article on picking a perfect niche if you need more guidance.
Decide your pricing
Next, plan how much you want to sell or not sell your content. A smart way to make money with OnlyFans is to begin with free content. This way, visitors get a taste of what you offer without the initial subscription barrier. If they find your content enticing, they'll pay for your PPVs.
That said, feel free to opt for a paid subscription account if you want. Though it can be harder for new creators to take off with a paid account, it's often a good way to position yourself as a premium creator. And by doing this, you avoid freeloaders.
Choose a price range that matches creators with similar content to yours, or just get pricing ideas from this content pricing guide.
Buy equipment
A phone is fine to start, but as you grow, invest in better equipment. It'll make your job easier and help you create quality pictures and videos people are willing to pay for.
Create a schedule
Next, create a schedule that will help you consistently produce content. Be realistic about how much time you can commit.
Identify days and times you're most productive or have fewer distractions. Dedicate those specific days for content creation. For example, take photos or record videos on Tuesdays and edit them on Thursdays.
Plan buffer days for unexpected changes or extra prep work. This will keep your schedule flexible and reduce burnout. Also, put time aside to interact with your subscribers, respond to messages, and take custom requests. Engagement is just as important as posting.
It's better to post less but high-quality content than to overload your schedule and compromise on quality. Choose a pace you can maintain long-term.
Sign up
How set up an onlyfans account to make money? Sign up first.
To sign up for OnlyFans, go to the signup page and create an account. You will be asked to input your email, name, and a strong password. Then continue with the steps below:
Get verified
After signing up, you must verify your OnlyFans account. You will be asked to provide information like payment details and a photo of your ID with a clear selfie of yourself.
Choose a username and a display name
You may be tempted to use the default username and display name after signing up. Don't do that. These names are very important, so try to be strategic with them. Make them engaging and memorable so you get attention from people who see them. Find great suggestions here.
Create a profile photo and header
First impressions matter. That's why choosing a desirable, high-quality OnlyFans header and profile image is crucial. It's the first thing people see when they come across your profile. If you do it right, it can put you ahead of other creators.
Choose a header image that matches your vibe and teases your viewers. Your header should be in landscape format to show more content. You can't post completely nude pictures here, so be mindful of that.
Craft Your Bio
Your bio is a key thing to focus on for making money on OnlyFans.
When it comes to how to make money on OnlyFans, a well-written bio is critical. Use it to pitch yourself and further capture viewers' attention. It sets expectations for potential fans and shows them what they get when they subscribe.
Keep your bio concise, fun, and flirty. Long sentences can lose attention.
Be direct. Go straight to the point and say who you are, what fans can expect, and what makes you interesting.
Use keywords. Include words that draw attention to you, your niche, and your content style. "Spicy" and "role play" are good examples.
Stay mysterious. Learn to tease without giving too much. Always keep people wanting more with hints about special content and other offers.
Write a welcome message
The first message viewers should see when they subscribe to your account is your welcome message. Writing one is important because it sets the stage for further conversations and interactions between you and your subscribers. You can use your welcome message to ask flirty questions, know your subscriber's needs, and increase your likes.
Choose your promotion platform
One of the easiest ways to make money on OnlyFans is to sell to an audience outside of the platform. This is where promoting your OnlyFans on social media comes in.
Unlike Instagram or TikTok, there's no built-in way for new fans to just stumble upon your page on OnlyFans. No "explore" or search features where people can browse profiles. This means you're pretty much invisible on OnlyFans unless you take steps to get noticed outside the site.
Select the platforms you want to market your profile in and push your OnlyFans there. Usually, it is better to pick platforms where you already have a decent following. You can promote OnlyFans on Instagram, TikTok, and even Twitter. Other popular places to promote are Snapchat and Reddit.
Use Social Rise to schedule your Reddit posts. It'll help you post automatically, so you get new customers willing to pay for your content.
What to post on OnlyFans to make money
Here are some proven OnlyFans content ideas for how beginners make money on OnlyFans:
Teasers
Can you make money on OnlyFans? Yes, if you use catchy teasers.
Share short clips or images that hint at a big release or very special content. Teasers give fans a taste of what they're missing, making them eager to subscribe or pay for your PPV.
Daily pictures or updates
Keep fans coming back by posting daily. Aim for posts that are easy and quick to create. These can be casual selfies or one of those spicy photos you batched ahead of time. Posting every day builds consistency, which keeps fans engaged and invested, boosting loyalty and, ultimately, your income.
Behind-the-scenes content
This type of content can include snippets of your daily routine, preparing for a photo shoot, setting up your recording space, or candid moments that show your personality.
People love feeling connected to the creator behind the content, and showing the "real you" creates a stronger bond with your audience. This exclusive access helps fans feel special and encourages them to stay subscribed.
Themed photoshoots
Keep your profile fresh with themed shoots. Try "Sexy Santa" for the holidays, "Beach Babe" in the summer, or other ideas like lingerie nights or cosplays. These themes add variety, attracting new viewers and keeping current subscribers excited for each post.
Jerk off instructions (JOI)
If you love giving directions in a playful, seductive, and sometimes commanding way, you should try JOI. With JOI, you help horny guys cum and get paid for it. It taps into various fantasies and has a huge fanbase.
Get ready with me (GRWM) sessions
Record spicy GRWMs and share them. Here, you take viewers through your process of getting prepped for a shoot or going out. These videos can include outfit changes, lingerie picks, or makeup applications with a sexy twist. Content like this provides a mix of anticipation, allure, and personal touch.
"Firsts" series
Document "first-time" experiences or new things you try. For example, wearing a new type of lingerie, using a new set of props, or trying out a specific look. Labeling something as a "first" can spark excitement, as fans will be curious to see how it turns out.
Interactive games or challenges
Host hot games or challenges like "Truth or Dare" or "Spin the Wheel" for your subscribers. When playing the game, make sure each option leads to a fun or spicy outcome. You can make these games available via live sessions or pre-record them with fan-submitted suggestions.
Creative ways to make money on OnlyFans
Is it easy to make money on OnlyFans? Not always. It takes strategy and creativity. So, here are some of the most creative hacks that can help you make more. They also happen to be some of the fastest ways to make money on OnlyFans.
Exclusive subscription tiers
Instead of just one subscription option, create multiple subscription tiers with different levels of access and perks. For instance, offer a basic tier for standard content at a small price. Then, offer higher tiers that provide exclusive content and juicier content. This encourages fans to subscribe at higher levels for more intimate and personalized experiences.
Pay-per-view (PPV) messages
PPV messages take normal PPV content up a notch. It lets you send locked content directly to a fan's DM, so they pay to unlock it. The value of this over typical PPV content is that you bring the content directly to your fans. This way, there's almost no chance of them missing it. Plus, the personal gesture will create a sense of VIP access and make them want to access the content more.
Content bundles or packages
Offer content bundles that fans can purchase for a one-time fee. These could include themed photo sets or video compilations. Bundle sales give fans a sense of value while helping you generate additional income. A win-win!
Customs
Custom content is a major moneymaker on OnlyFans. Fans want to feel closer to you, and requesting customs is one way they go about it. When creating custom content, try to speak directly to the recipient so they feel seen and acknowledged. But keep boundaries clear - offer options you're comfortable with and charge extra for more personalized touches.
Collaborations
Collaborate with other content creators, especially those in your niche, for joint photoshoots or videos. Collaborations not only bring fresh content to your profile but also introduce your work to a broader audience through cross-promotion. These partnerships can take your profile to the next level and help you make more money.
Live sessions
Live streaming is one of the features that make OnlyFans profitable, so take advantage of it. Fans love live, unedited moments and will often tip generously during streams. Plus, these sessions can create lasting relationships that boost loyalty.
Tips
Requesting and receiving tips on OnlyFans is an art. If you know the right cards to play, you'll definitely be smiling to the bank after receiving your OnlyFans payout. So here's how to get tips:
Personalized requests
Let your fans tip for specific requests. If someone wants to see a certain pose or outfit during your daily posts, they can just drop a tip. It makes things super interactive and gives them something special in return, which is always a win.
Gamify tipping
You could make tipping more fun by introducing challenges or contests. For instance, you could say that if fans hit a specific tip amount, you will do something fun in a live session. It creates excitement and gets people rallying together to reach those goals.
Funding upgrades
If you're planning to invest in better equipment or props, let your fans know. Many of them might be willing to tip to help you reach that goal, especially if it means they'll get to enjoy even better content.
Interactive live challenges
During your live streams, you can have fans tip to influence what happens next—like changing outfits or picking songs. This keeps the audience engaged and motivates them to tip more to get the outcome they want.
Merch
OnlyFans actually allow creators to sell physical items as "Merch." So, feel free to combine your digital content with physical merchandise.
For example, offer a package where fans receive a signed print or physical item along with access to exclusive online content. This can entice fans to spend more while giving them a tangible item to enjoy alongside their digital experience.
Some creators take OnlyFans merch permission as an opportunity to sell used panties. Though OnlyFans does not officially support this, used physical items are a kink for many. And fans pay handsomely for them. You can try that, too,
Private messaging and chat services
Offer private, one-on-one chats or messaging sessions for a fee. This type of service makes subscribers feel directly connected to you, adding an element of intimacy.
You can use these chats to build rapport, offer exclusive photos or videos, or simply engage in friendly conversations that will deepen their loyalty toward you. The important thing is you get paid.
Upsell
Studies have shown that people are 76% more likely to buy from you when they've already bought something from you before. So once a fan requests a custom, pays for a PPV, buys merch, or drops a tip, with a little push from you, they will buy more.
That's why you should always deliver on your promise so your customers are assured they'll get value when they buy.
Subtly mention other things they can buy from you. You can even send DMs to your top buyers, informing them of upcoming good deals or special releases.
FAQ about how to make money on OnlyFans fast
Can you make money on OnlyFans?
Yes, you can. OnlyFans allows you to earn directly from subscribers who pay to access your exclusive content. The key to success is regular posting, engaging with fans, and finding unique ways to keep subscribers interested.
How do you get paid on OnlyFans?
OnlyFans pays creators on a weekly schedule directly to your linked bank account. However, if you are wondering how long does it take to start earning on OnlyFans, money starts coming as soon as you have subscribers buying your stuff. With consistent posting and promotion, some creators begin making money within a week.
How hard is it to make money on OnlyFans?
Making money on OnlyFans can be challenging initially. It requires dedication, creativity, and a solid strategy for promoting your page and keeping fans engaged. But once you gather enough followers, you can make money through subscriptions, PPVs, custom content, tips, and even live streams. So, can anyone make money on OnlyFans? Yes, if they're willing to put in the effort.
What makes the most money on OnlyFans?
Anything can make you money on OnlyFans. From selling used panties to offering one-of-a-kind requests that tap into niche interests, there are many OnlyFans ideas to make money. While the type of content that makes the most money varies, interactive and exclusive content like live sessions, custom videos, and PPVs tend to be top earners for most creators.
Conclusion: how to earn money on OnlyFans for beginners
Here's a quick summary of how to start making money on OnlyFans:
Is OnlyFans profitable? Yes, it is. However, earning a lot requires effort and dedication.
Before you start trying to make OnlyFans money, decide on your niche, create a consistent posting schedule, and invest in equipment.
Promote on social media. This is the best way to make money on OnlyFans. Reddit, Instagram, and Twitter can help you attract subscribers and build a following fast.
Post different content, such as behind-the-scenes, themed photos, JOI, and the like. Keep content fresh, and engage with your fans creatively.
To make money, use subscriptions, PPVs, tips, livestreams, merch, collaborations, and bundle sales.