The Digital Creator Economy
OnlyFans is an Internet content paid subscription service based in London, England. It functions as a video hosting service and social media network within the creator economy, allowing users to upload videos and garner subscribers. The platform is used by a variety of content creators, including musicians, athletes, comedians, chefs, fitness trainers, and pornographers. While the service is widely known for its popularity with pornographers, it also hosts other types of content. In 2021, the company launched OFTV, a free safe-for-work streaming platform.
The service operates through monthly subscriptions, one-time tips, and pay-per-view. Creators are paid 80% of these fees, while the company takes 20%. As of 2024, the site had more than four million registered creators and 370 million registered users.
Operational History and Evolution
The platform was founded by Tim Stokely, who sought to allow performers to directly monetize their content and interactions. In 2017, the platform lifted a ban on pornography. The company has seen significant growth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the company's revenue was approximately US$900 million. By March 2021, the user base topped 120 million people, and creators collectively earned $3 billion in revenue.
The company has undergone various leadership changes and ownership shifts. Keily Blair serves as the current chief executive officer. The parent company, Fenix International Limited, was majority owned by Leonid Radvinsky until his death in March 2026. In May 2026, the parent company announced it had sold a 16% stake of the business to Architect Capital for $535 million.
