OnlyFans - What parents need to know?

OnlyFans is a social media platform that requires a subscription. It differentiates out from the crowd because of its emphasis on money: users pay a subscription to follow content providers, and the creators receive a big portion of the price.

It’s used by a wide range of people, from celebrities and influencers to singers, chefs, and fitness trainers, but it’s also popular among sex workers and adult performers.

Since its inception in 2016, the firm has grown to over 30 million registered users and 450,000 content developers.

And it’s been especially popular during lockdown, with sign-ups increasing by 75% month over month since March.

What makes it so popular?

Exclusive content for exclusive members is included in the OnlyFans package for subscribers, and many individuals are prepared to pay for it.

Obviously, the ability to make money is a significant pull for creators. Following the Australian bushfires earlier this year, a model named Kaylen Ward collected more than $1 million in charity donations by charging fans $10 to see graphic images.

According to a 2019 “New York Times article, the site "forever transformed sex employment," and some adult entertainers have been reported to earn six-figure sums each year.

Aside from the sexual and pornographic content, many YouTubers consider it as a way to supplement their income.

For example, musicians can link their Spotify accounts, while corporations and content producers can make money on other social media sites, advertising and product placement are the most common sources of revenue. The money comes from the users themselves in this situation, with OnlyFans getting a 20% cut of any earnings.

OnlyFans also has a 'recommendation program,' which allows people with larger followings to receive a 5% commission from those who join using their own referral link for a period of 12 months.

Subscription-based sites have been mushrooming around the globe in recent years, with thousands of new creators getting in the media creation game. You could say that it all started when OnlyFans popularity skyrocketed and prompted the emergence of other similar content services such as Fansly, FanCentro, AVN Stars, and a long etc.

The more site growth, the more difficult it is to become a high-earning creator there. That’s what happens to OnlyFans creators who weren’t in the first wave to start using the platform. We are not saying you shouldn’t give it a try, but it totally makes sense not to keep all your eggs in one ONLY basket and try different platforms.

What are the dangers that parents should be aware of?

Despite not being stated in the site’s strapline, sex work and pornography are a very popular source of money on the platform.

Despite the fact that OnlyFans has Acceptable Use and User Content restrictions, the content submitted is monetised by the authors themselves, which means they may post pretty much anything as long as it’s legal.

Despite the fact that anyone over the age of 18 can sell and transmit graphic images, a recent BBC program called #Nudes4Sale discovered that minors are increasingly selling pictures of themselves on the platform.

Users must be 18 years old and offer a selfie, as well as photo ID and a registered address, in order to share their own content.

How to Talk About OnlyFans with Your Child?

The advertised independence that comes with an OnlyFans account may tempt your child, but the minimum age group is there for a reason. Teach your child to think critically like you would usually and to respect the website’s boundaries.

Regardless of what artists use their accounts for – or what subscribers pay for – a slight breach of OnlyFans' age verification process exposes them to the sale and dissemination of sexual content.

Reassure your youngster that they aren’t to blame if they stumble across something disturbing online. Let them know they are welcome to come and speak with you, and educate yourself.