OnlyFans in 2025: From Niche Platform to $8 Billion Powerhouse

The Thread Begins: A Bold Vision in 2016

In 2016, Tim Stokely launched OnlyFans with a straightforward idea: empower creators to monetize their content directly through subscriptions. Initially catering to fitness trainers, chefs, and artists, the platform soon found its niche in adult content, a segment underserved by mainstream social media.

By 2018, recognizing the platform's potential, Ukrainian-American entrepreneur Leonid Radvinsky acquired a 75% stake. Under his leadership, OnlyFans embraced its adult content identity, leading to exponential growth.

Meteoric Rise: Users and Revenue

Fast forward to 2023, OnlyFans boasts:

• 305 million registered users (a 27.7% YoY increase)

• 4.1 million content creators (up from 3.2 million in 2022)

• $6.6 billion in gross revenue, with $1.3 billion in net revenue and $658 million in pre-tax profits.

This growth is attributed to the platform's 20% commission model, allowing creators to retain 80% of their earnings.

The Creator Economy: Opportunities and Challenges

While top creators like Blac Chyna and Bella Thorne reportedly earn millions monthly, the average creator earns around $180 per month before taxes.

Income distribution is notably skewed:

• Top 1% of creators earn 33% of total income.

• Top 10% account for 73% of total income.

Despite this disparity, OnlyFans remains a lucrative platform for many, offering direct monetization avenues without intermediaries.

Demographics and Global Reach

OnlyFans' user base is predominantly male (approximately 79%), while 84% of creators are female.

Age distribution among users:

• 18–24: 29.6%

• 25–34: 31.3%

• 35–44: 17.3%

  

Geographically, the platform's largest markets are:

• United States: 43.15%

• United Kingdom: 5.95%

• Canada: 4.99%

  

Business Model and Ownership

OnlyFans operates on a subscription-based model, taking a 20% commission from creators' earnings. Subscription prices range from $4.99 to $49.99 per month.

Leonid Radvinsky, the majority owner, has reportedly received over $1 billion in dividends since acquiring the platform.

Navigating Controversies and Regulatory Challenges

Despite its financial success, OnlyFans faces challenges:

• Regulatory scrutiny: In March 2025, Ofcom fined the company £1 million for inadequate age-verification measures.

• Reputation management: The platform's association with adult content has made it difficult to attract traditional investors and partners.

In response, OnlyFans has launched OFTV, a safe-for-work streaming service, and is exploring content diversification into areas like fitness and cooking.

The Road Ahead: Potential Sale and Future Prospects

As of May 2025, OnlyFans is in discussions for a potential $8 billion sale to a consortium led by U.S. investment firm Forest Road Company. While the platform's profitability is undeniable, its adult content association presents challenges in securing buyers.

Regardless of the outcome, OnlyFans' journey from a niche platform to a global powerhouse underscores the evolving dynamics of the creator economy.