OnlyFans is a money-making machine. Yet, just a week ago, its owner announced plans to sell the platform at a reported valuation of $8 billion. As someone who runs a content monetization platform (currently generating $300 MRR), I’ve long looked up to OnlyFans, not just for its scale, but for how it successfully monetizes NSFW content despite regulatory and payment hurdles.
This article explores why OnlyFans might be selling now, what changes are shaking up the space, and what new entrepreneurs should know before entering this market.
Content Policy Is Shifting
Two major shifts are beginning to reshape the future of OnlyFans and similar platforms. One is the rapid development of AI-generated content. The other is the tightening of obscenity laws across multiple countries.
Will AI Replace Human Creators?
There is growing concern that advances in AI-generated videos could make human creators obsolete. However, this outcome seems unlikely in the short term.
Although some users pay for images or videos, most of the platform’s revenue comes from fans who value interaction and personality. People are not just buying content; they are paying for a relationship, however virtual it may be. In this sense, AI is more likely to support creators than replace them. For example, AI chatbots can simulate conversations and reduce the need for human chat assistants, improving creator efficiency and profit margins.
Interactive experiences, such as users controlling physical devices remotely, still rely on human presence and performance. These kinds of engagement features are difficult for AI to replicate meaningfully. While AI might not replace OnlyFans, it is likely to disrupt other areas like virtual streaming and Vtubing. AI-generated avatars are becoming more expressive and easier to deploy, which reduces the need for artists and motion designers. As a result, platforms like X are already seeing a surge in accounts built around AI-generated NSFW brands.
Regulation Is Tightening Worldwide
Restrictions on adult content are becoming more severe. For example, in 2019, the major NSFW website E-Hentai moved its servers to Moldova after Dutch authorities signaled they would no longer permit its operations in the country.
In the United States, which remains the largest market for adult content, new proposals may soon redefine what is considered obscene. Under the Project 2025 initiative, some lawmakers aim to expand the definition of obscenity so broadly that even suggestive images, memes, or GIFs could be subject to removal or bans.
This tightening of policy presents challenges for platforms and payment processors. The United States still has a relatively diverse range of processors that support NSFW transactions, while countries like Canada have very limited options. As the legal environment becomes more restrictive, platforms in this space will need to prepare for tougher oversight and potential operational risks.
Tips for Reducing Risk on Content Platforms
Policy changes are inevitable and often lead to short-term revenue loss, sometimes lasting several months. However, failing to adapt can result in your platform being permanently shut down. Based on personal experience, the most effective strategy is diversification. Below are several key practices to help mitigate risk:
- Separate payments from content access
Avoid tightly coupling monetary transactions with direct content delivery. The closer these are linked, the more likely your platform will be flagged by payment processors or regulators. - Use multiple storage locations
Store content across different regions or services to reduce dependency on a single provider and minimize exposure to local restrictions. - Work with multiple payment processors
Relying on a single payment partner increases risk. Diversifying ensures your platform remains operational even if one processor cuts ties. - Implement access and payment barriers
Features like registration walls, age verification, and tiered content access help reduce risk by keeping your platform compliant and selective. - Invest in content moderation
Cutting costs in compliance and oversight is short-sighted. An efficient review system helps you avoid takedowns and regulatory penalties. - Maintain a responsive support team
A strong customer success team builds trust with creators and users, helps address issues before they escalate, and protects your platform’s reputation in public forums.
Growing a Content Monetization Platform
Content monetization is a highly competitive space. Building a loyal user base takes time, especially for platforms that are just starting. Traditional advertising is not an effective growth channel for this industry, so success depends on more focused and strategic efforts.
A proven method is to create a content funnel aimed at niche communities. Use progressive onboarding to selectively invite and refer content creators who fit your platform’s direction. Early growth should prioritize alignment and creator quality rather than scale alone.
Monetizing content in a business-to-consumer model is deeply personal. Creators invest significant time and emotion into building their presence. If their accounts are suspended or banned, the emotional impact is often severe. This frustration can quickly spread on social media and damage your brand’s reputation, especially within close-knit communities. I have personally experienced this and strongly recommend approaching creator management with caution and empathy.
A responsive customer success team is essential. Maintaining an active presence on social media, around the clock if possible, is equally important. Many problems can be resolved early with quick communication. Platforms that engage in open community discussions, especially through tools like Discord, not only build trust but also gain insights into new features directly from users.
The Importance of Barriers in Platform Safety
Adding barriers such as age verification, registration requirements, and content paywalls can reduce the smoothness of the user experience. These measures may impact search engine visibility and limit organic traffic. However, they are critical for protecting your platform from legal and financial risks.
Platforms like OnlyFans already use such protective features. With the company now preparing for a sale, it raises questions about whether their existing restrictions are still sufficient. Smaller platforms may not face the same level of scrutiny yet, but preparing early helps avoid sudden disruptions later.
Diversify, Diversify, Diversify
If your platform allows user-generated content, especially in large volumes, you need a structured and scalable system to manage it. Creators, particularly those using AI tools, often upload hundreds of files. Without proper systems, it becomes costly and complex to store and review this content.
You can place limits on file size or the number of uploads, but the core behavior among AI creators is to produce content in bulk. Most platforms today are not well-equipped to store and sell these materials efficiently.
Looking ahead, a hybrid model is likely to emerge. AI content creators may host their media independently while using a shared marketplace to gain visibility and handle transactions. In this model, the marketplace helps drive traffic, improves the browsing experience for consumers, and processes payments, while creators maintain control over their content storage and management.
This approach can ease operational burdens and give both creators and platforms more flexibility.
