How Creators Make Money on OnlyFans: Understanding Income Streams
If you're thinking about joining OnlyFans or have already started but aren't sure how to maximize your earnings, it's important to understand that subscriptions are just one part of the equation. The most successful creators often make money from multiple income streams.
Here’s a breakdown of the main ways you can earn on OnlyFans and how each stream works:
Subscriptions
This is the most common and consistent source of income for creators. You set a monthly subscription price, and fans pay to access your content. As long as they stay subscribed, you continue to earn monthly from each person. The key to growing subscription income is consistently posting new content and engaging with your audience.
Tips for success:
Offer a free trial to attract new subscribers
Create bundle deals (e.g., 3 months at a discount)
Reward long-term subs with bonus content or discounts
Locked Posts on Free Accounts
If your OnlyFans account is free to subscribe to, you have the option to post content on your feed that is locked behind a paywall. That means fans will have to pay to unlock specific posts. This is a great way to monetize your feed while still offering free access to your page.
Example: Post a teaser photo with a caption like “Unlock to see the full set 🍒” and set a price.
Note: On accounts with paid subscriptions there is no option for locked content on your page, only in messages.
Going Live
Live shows offer a fun, interactive way to engage with fans in real time while boosting income. You can charge an entrance fee for fans to join the stream, set tip goals during the show, and even offer rewards for the top tipper by the end of the live show.
Tips for success:
Announce your live sessions in advance
Use countdowns and promo posts to build hype
Offer a personalized reward (like a custom video or shoutout) to the biggest tipper
Tips
Fans can tip you on posts, in your DMs, or as part of a request. A tip menu is a great way to offer small services or content items (e.g., $10 for a booty pic, $25 for a custom voice note, $50 for a short video clip).
Tips can come from:
Standard posts ("Tip if you liked this 👀")
Requests based on your tip menu
Just because a fan wants to show appreciation
PPV Mass Messages
These are locked messages you send to all your subscribers at once. It's one of the most powerful ways to earn. Many creators say PPVs in DMs make up a huge portion of their income. On free accounts this is typically the largest income stream.
Tips for success:
Send regular PPVs with enticing captions
Use preview images or text to build curiosity
Create series or bundles to encourage higher spending
Custom Content
Some fans want content made just for them. Custom videos or photo sets are often priced higher because they’re tailored and exclusive. This might include saying the fan’s name, fulfilling a specific fantasy, or following detailed instructions.
Make it clear:
What you will and won’t do
Pricing and turnaround time
How to request and where to pay
Sexting (Texting + Locked Content)
Some creators offer sexting through DMs or as a paid experience. You can charge per message session, offer it as a service on your tip menu, or include locked pics or videos during the conversation that fans can pay to unlock.
Important: Set boundaries and pricing beforehand. Sexting can be emotionally or mentally draining, so know your limits.
Non-Custom Requested Content
Sometimes fans ask for something that isn’t made just for them but still fits their request, like “Do you have any feet pics in heels?” If you already have something like that, you can sell it again. This is a great way to monetize your existing library without extra effort.
Amazon Wishlists
While not a direct source of income, Amazon Wishlists are a great way to receive gifts from fans who want to support you or show appreciation outside of tipping. You can create a wishlist with things you’d love to receive, whether it's lingerie, gear for your content, self-care items, or just fun personal treats.
