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 that it will ban sexually explicit content starting 1 October 2021. Here’s the reason why, plus what you need to know about 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 is OnlyFans banning porn? The UK-based company revealed on 19 August 2021 that it is banning 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 several media outlets. 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 » All that said, OnlyFans noted creators will continue to be allowed to post content containing nudity if it is consistent with its Acceptable Use Policy. The company plans to share more details soon. Keep in mind it recently launched OFTV, a free streaming service, that also doesn’t allow sexually explicit material, but rather original content from more than 100 OnlyFans creators. OFTV now offers over 800 videos- ranging from fitness to cooking – on the platform. Let’s also not forget that, because OnlyFans has X-rated content, it’s available only on the web, not on mobile app platforms including iOS and Android. Axios claimed OnlyFans has struggling to find outside investors, as well, because it allows explicit content. Perhaps Apple and its app store, plus potential investors, are unable to get past the porn issue? It’s no surprise that, despite its large userbase, OnlyFans might think it needs to « clean up » to secure funding. Who uses OnlyFans? OnlyFans it’s used by all sorts of creators, not just sex workers.
