How to Make Money on OnlyFans
OnlyFans has become one of the fastest-growing platforms in the creator economy, offering people the chance to monetise their content directly with fans.
But how exactly can you make money on OnlyFans?
Making money on OnlyFans means creating content that people pay to access through subscriptions, tips, pay-per-view messages or custom requests.
Success comes from choosing a niche, producing high-quality content, and actively promoting your profile.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from income streams and content ideas to legal responsibilities and common pitfalls.
Whether you’re new to the platform or already established, you’ll discover how to maximise your earnings potential while staying compliant and professional.
Chapters
- What is OnlyFans?
- Types of OnlyFans Income
- What Content Generates Income on OnlyFans?
- Fashion and Beauty
- Health and Fitness
- Music and Entertainment
- Food and Drink
- Adult and Fetish Content
- Props and Cosplay
- Lifestyle
- Average OnlyFans Earnings
- How to Succeed on OnlyFans
- Find Your Niche
- Create Unique, Amazing Content
- Create a Persona
- Share on Social Media
- Share on Reddit
- Strategic Pricing
- Maximise Revenue Streams
- Tax Implications
- Legal Implications
- Common OnlyFans Mistakes to Avoid
- Key Takeaways
What is OnlyFans?
OnlyFans is a subscription-based content platform that allows creators to share photos, videos, live streams, and other exclusive material with paying fans.
While it’s most often associated with adult content, it has grown to host creators across a wide range of industries including fitness trainers, chefs, musicians, artists, and lifestyle influencers.
What makes OnlyFans unique is that it puts control directly in the hands of creators.
Instead of relying on advertising revenue or brand partnerships, you decide how much to charge, what content to sell, and how to interact with your community.
For many, this flexibility has turned it into a genuine career.
Types of OnlyFans Income
Live Streams
Live streaming allows you to interact with fans in real time, creating a sense of intimacy and exclusivity.
Fans pay to join your stream or tip during the session.
Successful live streamers often schedule regular sessions to create anticipation and loyalty.
For example, a fitness coach might run weekly live workout sessions, while a performer could host interactive Q&A sessions.
Pay-Per-View (PPV) Messages
PPV content is delivered through direct messages where fans must pay to unlock the material.
This creates a sense of exclusivity and personalisation.
A musician, for example, might send behind-the-scenes clips of studio work, while a fashion influencer could share private styling tutorials.
Subscriptions
Subscriptions are the backbone of OnlyFans.
Fans pay a monthly fee to access your regular posts.
The challenge is setting the right price.
Set it too high and you might deter potential subscribers.
Set it too low and you might undervalue your work.
Many creators use a tiered pricing model, combining lower subscription rates with higher-priced exclusive extras.
Tips
Tips allow fans to reward you for content they particularly enjoy.
It’s similar to a digital “thank you” and can be a significant source of income, especially if you build a strong emotional connection with your audience.
Custom Content
Custom content is tailored material requested by individual fans.
Because it’s bespoke, creators can charge higher prices.
This can be anything from personalised workout plans to unique video shoutouts.
For many, custom content becomes their highest-earning channel because it combines exclusivity with higher perceived value.
What Content Generates Income on OnlyFans?
Although adult content remains the most common category, OnlyFans is much broader.
Here are the niches that can perform well:
Fashion and Beauty
Stylists, make-up artists, and beauty enthusiasts can share tutorials, reviews, and exclusive styling tips.
Fans pay for premium advice and early access to trends.
Health and Fitness
Personal trainers, yoga instructors, and nutritionists are thriving on OnlyFans.
Workout videos, diet plans, and live coaching sessions are in demand.
Music and Entertainment
Musicians use OnlyFans to sell exclusive tracks, behind-the-scenes footage, and private jam sessions.
Comedians and performers can share raw, unfiltered material not available elsewhere.
Food and Drink
Chefs and food bloggers can monetise recipes, cooking classes, or food photography.
Fans enjoy a more personal connection compared to mainstream platforms.
Adult and Fetish Content
This remains the largest niche on OnlyFans.
Creators share explicit material tailored to their audience’s interests, which often attracts higher subscription rates and PPV purchases.
Props and Cosplay
Cosplayers and prop designers attract fans who love detailed craftsmanship and character role-play.
This sector has grown rapidly thanks to crossover audiences from gaming and anime.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle creators monetise travel diaries, personal advice, or exclusive glimpses into their daily life.
This category thrives on relatability and aspirational content.
Average OnlyFans Earnings
Earnings vary widely.
Some beginners make less than £100 a month, while top OnlyFans earners can make six or even seven figures annually. Realistic averages show:
- New creators: £100–£500 per month
- Mid-level creators with 500–1,000 fans: £2,000–£5,000 per month
- Top creators (1%): £20,000+ per month
Your income depends on subscription price, the loyalty of your fans, and how many additional streams (like PPV and custom content) you leverage.
How to Succeed on OnlyFans
Find Your Niche
General content rarely performs well.
Narrowing your focus builds a dedicated following.
Whether it’s fitness, beauty, or adult material, specificity helps attract the right audience.
Create Unique, Amazing Content
Consistency and originality separate successful creators from those who struggle.
Quality photography, good lighting, and thoughtful storytelling make content more appealing.
Create a Persona
Many creators develop an online persona that enhances their brand.
This doesn’t mean being fake, but rather presenting a polished version of yourself that fans want to connect with.
Share on Social Media
Promotion outside OnlyFans is essential.
X (formely-Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and even LinkedIn (for non-adult creators) help drive traffic.
Share on Reddit
Reddit is a particularly powerful platform due to its niche communities.
Posting in relevant subreddits can expose your page to highly targeted audiences.
Strategic Pricing
Start lower to attract subscribers, then increase prices gradually as you establish your reputation.
Bundled offers (such as three months for a discount) also encourage longer commitments.
Maximise Revenue Streams
Relying only on subscriptions limits growth.
Combining tips, PPV, live streams, and custom content ensures more stable income.
Tax Implications
All income from OnlyFans is taxable in the UK.
HMRC treats creators as self-employed, meaning you must file a Self Assessment tax return.
Income tax, National Insurance, and possibly VAT may apply depending on your earnings.
Failure to declare your income can lead to penalties, fines, or a compliance check.
Given HMRC’s growing use of digital tracking and international reporting, creators are under more scrutiny than ever.
Working with a professional accountant who understands digital creators can help you manage taxes effectively.
Legal Implications
Creators should also consider copyright, contracts, and age-verification laws.
Sharing content without consent or breaching OnlyFans’ terms of service can result in account closure or legal disputes.
If you create adult content, you must ensure compliance with UK laws on explicit material, data protection, and safeguarding.
Common OnlyFans Mistakes to Avoid
Irregular Posting
Fans pay for consistency.
Sporadic uploads often lead to high churn rates.
Ignoring Engagement
Responding to messages and engaging with fans increases loyalty and revenue.
Neglecting this damages long-term earnings.
No Marketing
Many creators rely solely on OnlyFans traffic, which is limited.
Without external promotion, growth is slow.
Underselling Content
Setting prices too low undervalues your work and can create unsustainable workloads.
Not Evolving Content
What worked at the start may not sustain interest.
Creators who fail to innovate risk losing relevance.
Key Takeaways
Making money on OnlyFans requires more than simply opening an account.
The platform rewards creators who are strategic, consistent, and willing to treat their work as a genuine business.
From subscriptions and tips to custom content and live streams, opportunities exist across many niches.
For long-term success, you must promote your work effectively, manage your tax obligations, and continuously evolve your content.
Whether you are a new creator or an experienced influencer looking to grow further, the path to success lies in building trust with your fans, delivering high-quality content, and approaching OnlyFans with professionalism.
Disclaimer: Any advice in this publication is not intended or written by One and Only Accounts to be used by a client or entity for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party matters herein.
