OnlyFans aims to become more mainstream with celebs and athletes
OnlyFans wants to diversify its content and users by going more mainstream and being more than merely a platform for sex workers.
Subscription-based platform OnlyFans which is known as the hub for NSFW content is not abandoning its porn creators and content.
This despite reports from Bloomberg which hinted at OnlyFans hoping to change their association with pornography by becoming a space for celebrities and athletes to connect with their fanbases.
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RUMOURS OF ONLY FANS REMOVING PORN
Bloomberg mentioned that OnlyFans is seeking new funding of more than $1billion (R14.7 billion). The platform is seeking a wider range of investors as they aim to be more of a mainstream media site.
OnlyFans will always be an inclusive home for all creators – including adult, said OnlyFans founder and CEO Tim Stokely to Australian publication Gizmodo.
The article also stated that OnlyFans is determined to remain a safe and inclusive platform for all. The start-up wants to diversify its creator base and remind people that it’s not exclusively for porn.
It’s understandable for sex workers to be wary of OnlyFans becoming more mainstream. Bella Thorne joined the platform last year and made millions, which resulted in reducing the tip limit to $100. Sex Workers criticised Thorne for changing the startups pay structure.
THE GROWTH OF ONLYFANS SINCE THE PANDEMIC
Celebrities like Cardi B, Bella Thorne, Tyga, Amber Rose and Blac Chyna have all joined the platform to build a stronger connection with fans. OnlyFans can be considered a pandemic success story as membership and subscription rates grew significantly.
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I.D reported on the massive growth of OnlyFans by breaking down the number of people that joined the platform during the pandemic
The number of OnlyFans creators increased by around 40%, while the number of paying users went from 7.5 million to 85 million.
The company has said its main audience is in the US and that growth is particularly strong in Latin America and mainland Europe. In the year to November, revenues grew more than sevenfold to £283.5m, while pre-tax profits rose from £6m to £53m, reported the Financial Times on OnlyFans’ financial growth as a start-up company.
The Financial Times also reported that OnlyFans went from 20 million users pre-Covid to over 120 million.