What is OnlyFans, and why is it so popular?
By now, it’s likely that you’ve heard of the social media phenomenon that is OnlyFans. The UK-based platform has exploded in popularity in recent years, now boasting over 130 million users. Its success has been fueled by a decidedly simple premise: content creators can share media (usually in the form of videos and photos) and chat with “fans” for a monthly subscription fee. There isn’t anything especially groundbreaking or innovative about the technology behind OnlyFans; certainly, there have been glitzier social media upstarts that have cratered. So, what is it about this app, created by British businessman Tim Stokely with the help of £10,000 loan from his brother, that has ignited the popular interest?
OnlyFans is not your typical social media site in the sense that it caters heavily to to adult content creators. But, thanks in part to the pandemic, OnlyFans is no longer a niche platform. At a time when a large portion of the world’s population was confined at home, OnlyFans’ remote-friendly interface became the perfect vehicle to deliver content of all types.
What other kinds of content can you find on OnlyFans?
In a word, everything. The genius of OnlyFans is in the simplicity and no-nonsense functionality of its user interface. Everything is geared toward making content easy to package and sell; in addition to a base monthly subscription fee, creators can upsell individual pieces of content, run discount deals, and use a variety of promotional tools. For the practical purpose of monetizing creative work, it is an ideal platform for any type of content.
In the sections below, we’ll provide some guidance that non-adult creators can use to get started on OnlyFans, as well as suggestions for OnlyFans content.
Step 1: Choose a topic of focus for your OnlyFans account
While the majority of the press surrounding OnlyFans focuses on its impact among adult performers, the site is also home to a thriving population of all types of creatives, including musicians, photographers, gamers, crafters and comedians. Chances are, if you’ve got an angle, there are others of the same mind who have already run with it.
As with any platform, you’ll want to put some thought into defining your genre and your target audience. Don’t worry if you don’t slot neatly into a conventional category – OnlyFans’ search feature doesn’t focus much on segmentation.
Step 2: Create an interesting OnlyFans profile
On OnlyFans, the most important part of your bio is your profile picture. It’s likely that this will be the first and/or main point of reference for prospective fans. Thus, when you’re brainstorming OnlyFans bio ideas you’ll want to make sure that you put something that is attention-grabbing and that also will clearly communicate the type of content you’re providing. If you’re a yoga instructor, a picture of your most challenging pose would be a good option. If you’re a guitar player, you’ll want to display your axe that rocks the hardest.
You’ll also want to put some thought into your username. For OnlyFans name ideas, you can use the top creators on the site as a reference for the type of naming convention that works well. In general, the best OnlyFans username ideas are the ones that are short, unique, and memorable.
Step 3: Create a tier structure that maximizes value for your supporters
In terms of functionality, you’ll find a lot to work with on the business back-end of OnlyFans. One of the most useful features is the ability to create tiered subscription plans. Conventional pricing strategy dictates that the more pricing levels you’re able to offer, the better you’ll be able to deliver value that meets each customer’s specific wants and preferences.
Step 4: Generating OnlyFans content ideas
Here is where you’ll want to let yourself shine, and to do so in a way that has immediate, easy-to-digest appeal. Pictures are good; videos are better. Listing your ideas to generate a topic can be a good brainstorming technique. You can get creative with the style and tone, depending on the audience – for example, short, teaser videos can help build awareness and attract new fans, while custom content curated for your top fans can help with retention.
Step 5: Organize the delivery of your OnlyFans content
OnlyFans lets you publish a calendar for content delivery. This is an important feature to utilize if you want to cultivate a loyal fanbase. Updating your calendar gets your fans excited for upcoming content and lets them know that they can expect consistent value for their subscription. If you are expecting any disruptions to your schedule, be up front in communicating them. In these cases, giving out some compensatory perks or freebies can help smooth over any dissatisfaction.
Tips for promoting your OnlyFans account
No social media account is an island these days. Ideally, your OnlyFans profile will be integrated into an aggregator like Linktree that shows all of your social media accounts in one place – that way, anyone who is connected to you on one platform will be able to easily view all of your other channels.
Note that promoting an OnlyFans link on Instagram can run you afoul of censors – to avoid getting labeled as adult content, be sure to avoid any explicit language in your promotional text.
Build a brand that is different from others
OnlyFans is a crowded space, so if your goal is to accumulate followers, you’ll want to focus on OnlyFans content ideas that will make someone stop scrolling and click through to your profile. Once you’ve got their attention, it’s a matter of delivering something that they can’t find elsewhere.
Here are three OnlyFans creators who have found success by delivering unique content:
- Bandman Kevo is a musician by trade but has leveraged OnlyFans as a platform to communicate financial and life advice to fans. With 20,000 fans subscribing for $50 a month, it’s a strategy that has worked to spectacular success.
- Chas Lyn is a photographer who uses OnlyFans as not only a showcase for her photography work but as a medium to connect with fans on a broad variety of topics in the digital entertainment space.
- Yalga is a crafter/cosplayer who connects with fans through the dual lens of her twin passions. While her content is visually provocative, she makes it clear in her profile that it is suitable for ages 16+.
Tell us about your OnlyFans experience
Whether you’ve only just started considering putting your brand on OnlyFans or if you’ve already begun to explore the space, we hope you’ve gotten something useful out of this guide. If you have any tips you want to share from your own experience, please comment below!
–Sean
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