There are a handful of content-sharing platforms that allow creators to earn money online. OnlyFans is by far the most controversial.
Why you can trust Pocket-lint (Pocket-lint) – There are a handful of content-sharing platforms that allow creators to earn money online. Patreon and OnlyFans are popular options, but OnlyFans is by far the most controversial because for several years it has let creators upload any kind of content, including porn, and lock it behind a paywall. OnlyFans has been around since 2016 and is best known for being used by sex workers, though celebrities like Cardi B and Bella Thorne have also used it at one point to earn an income. Some TikTok creators also point their followers to OnlyFans, where they promise exclusive content in exchange for money. The thing is, OnlyFans, which has amassed a base of more than 130 million, recently announced it will ban sexually explicit content in October 2021. But it backtracked days later. Here’s the reason why, plus what you need to know about OnlyFans. OnlyFans What is OnlyFans? OnlyFans is a content-sharing platform, based in London. Founded by Timothy Stokely, it is a website only with no official apps. Creators can use it to offer videos, photos, and even chances to chat one-on-one for a price. It is popular in the adult entertainment industry. The New York Times even ran a story in early 2019 that claimed OnlyFans had changed sex work forever, dubbing OnlyFans “the paywall of porn”. But it won’t be known for that for long. Why did OnlyFans try to ban porn? The UK-based company announced on 19 August 2021 it planned to ban the posting of any content containing sexually explicit conduct, citing a need to comply “banking partners and payout providers”, according to a statement provided to the media. The statement elaborated: “In order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the platform, and to continue to host an inclusive community of creators and fans, we must evolve our content guidelines”. Let’s not forget that, because OnlyFans has hosted X-rated content, the service is available only on the web, not on mobile app platforms including iOS and Android. Axios claimed OnlyFans has struggled to find outside investors because it allows creators to post explicit content. Perhaps app stores and potential investors were all unable to get past the porn issue? If so, it’s no surprise then that OnlyFans thought it needed to “clean up” to secure funding. Keep in mind OnlyFans has already tested banning porn. It recently launched OFTV, a free streaming service that doesn’t allow sexually explicit material. Instead, it features original content from more than 100 creators. OFTV currently streams over 800 videos – from fitness to cooking – on its platform. Thank you to everyone for making your voices heard. We have secured assurances necessary to support our diverse creator community and have suspended the planned October 1 policy change. OnlyFans stands for inclusion and we will continue to provide a home for all creators. — OnlyFans (@OnlyFans) August 25, 2021 All that said, on 25 August 2021, OnlyFans abruptly announced on Twitter it will no longer try to ban sexually explicit content this autumn.
