The world of creator platforms is constantly on the move. For a long time, OnlyFans was considered the undisputed top dog, but Fansly has been shaking up the market with fresh ideas and clever features since 2020. You're faced with the big question: which platform is right for you and your career as a creator? Don't worry, we've taken a close look at both giants. In this guide, you'll find out everything you need to know to make the perfect choice for your success.
The decision between OnlyFans and Fansly is more than just a gut decision. It's about the details that ultimately determine your account balance and your reach. OnlyFans attracts with a huge name and millions of users. Fansly, on the other hand, offers you as a newcomer the chance to swim in a less crowded pond and be seen more quickly. Let's find out together which strategy works best for you.
While OnlyFans boasts over 200 million users, Fansly gives you the chance to grow organically and build a truly loyal community without getting lost in the crowd.
To make the right decision, we need to look at the facts. OnlyFans, founded in London in 2016, experienced a meteoric rise during the pandemic and became synonymous with paid content. With over three million creators and a huge user base, the platform is a real heavyweight. The OnlyFans brand is now so strong that even people who have never used the platform recognize the name. This recognition is a double-edged sword: it brings traffic, but also massive competition.
Fansly was launched in 2020 as a clever response to the uncertainties at OnlyFans. The founders positioned the platform as a safe haven for creators, which proved to be spot on. Fansly quickly established itself as the number two. The smaller user base is not a disadvantage, but your opportunity: less competition means more visibility for you. While thousands of new creators start on OnlyFans every day, the influx on Fansly is more manageable, which gives you a better chance of standing out.
Both platforms work in a similar way: fans pay a monthly subscription for your exclusive content. You can also increase your revenue via pay-per-view (PPV), paid messages and tips. But as is so often the case, the devil is in the detail. The way these features are implemented makes the difference between an average and an exceptional income.
Does the fun end with money? Not quite, but you should take a closer look here. At first glance, there is a tie: Both OnlyFans and Fansly take 20% commission. So you keep a fair 80% of your earnings. This is used to finance infrastructure, support and payment processing. Compared to other platforms such as Patreon, which sometimes charge higher fees, this is a fair deal.
The crux of the matter is cash flow. With OnlyFans, you wait for your money once a month. This can be quite tough at the start, especially if you want to invest in equipment or marketing. Imagine you have a successful launch in the first week of the month, but have to wait until the end of the month to get your money. Fansly is much more agile and pays you weekly. This 7-day rhythm gives you the financial breathing space you need to drive your business forward and reinvest faster.
Fansly is also ahead when it comes to tips. The limits are higher, which is quickly noticeable with generous fans. While OnlyFans sets upper limits for individual transactions, which can sometimes be frustratingly low, Fansly gives you more leeway. It's these small but subtle differences that can make a big difference to your account at the end of the month. A top fan who wants to tip you generously won't be slowed down by artificial limits on Fansly.
Commission: Draw - both take 20%, you keep 80%.
Payout OnlyFans: Monthly - can slow down the start.
Payout Fansly: Weekly - perfect for your cash flow.
Tips: Advantage Fansly through higher limits.
Payment methods: Fansly offers more flexibility for international fans.
This is where the biggest difference becomes apparent. OnlyFans is simple: one price for all. That's simple, but also inflexible. You can't cater to fans with different budgets. A student with a small budget and a high-earning businessman pay the same price and get the same access. That leaves potential on the table.
Fansly gives you a powerful tool here: the multi-tier system. You can offer different subscription levels. A low-cost basic package for beginners, a premium level with more exclusive content and a VIP package for your most loyal fans with personal contact. This way, you pick up every fan where they are and maximize your income. This tiering is psychologically extremely clever: fans who initially only book the basic level often develop the desire to see more and upgrade later. You create a natural upsell dynamic.
You can also allow free followers with Fansly. This is the perfect freemium strategy! Offer small bites for free to build a huge community and then convert them into paying fans with exclusive offers. OnlyFans lacks this strategic depth - a clear point in Fansly's favor. Many successful creators report that they have multiplied their reach through the free follower option. The free followers become ambassadors who share your content and bring in new paying fans.
OnlyFans has caused uncertainty in the past when a ban on adult content was on the table. Even though this is now off the table, there is a noticeable urge to become more mainstream. The platform is trying to position itself more broadly and also attract fitness trainers, chefs and other non-adult creators. This could lead to stricter rules in the long term, even if OnlyFans currently asserts that it will continue to support adult content.
Fansly, on the other hand, was founded as a safe haven for adult content and stands by it. Here you enjoy more creative freedom and don't have to worry so much about sudden rule changes. This gives you the planning security you need for a professional business. Fansly has clearly positioned itself and openly communicates that adult content will remain its core business. This clarity is worth its weight in gold if you are planning and investing for the long term.
The huge user base of OnlyFans sounds tempting, but it has a downside: you are one of millions. Without a strong external fanbase, you are virtually invisible. OnlyFans has no built-in discovery function. This means you have to rely on external traffic sources such as TikTok, Instagram or Twitter to attract your fans to your profile. This is feasible, but requires a strong social media presence and continuous work on your visibility.
Fansly plays a different game here. The platform has a clever algorithm that actively recommends you to users who are interested in your type of content. This is your chance to grow organically, even if you're starting from scratch. For newcomers, this is a priceless advantage. The algorithm analyzes which creators a user has already subscribed to and suggests similar profiles. If you are active in a certain niche, you will automatically reach fans who are looking for exactly your style of content.
The result is an exciting paradox: although OnlyFans has more users, you can often grow faster on Fansly. The pro strategy? Use both platforms! Combine the brand awareness of OnlyFans with the organic reach of Fansly. Many successful creators report that they grew faster on Fansly in the first few months, while OnlyFans scores in the long term due to its sheer size. The combination of the two gives you the best of both worlds.
Let's take a closer look under the hood. Both platforms offer the basics: photo and video uploads, direct messages, pay-per-view content and live streaming. However, the differences in implementation and additional functions are considerable. OnlyFans presents itself as a solid but rather conservative workhorse. The user interface is functional, but has remained largely unchanged for years. You can schedule content, send bulk messages and track your earnings via a simple dashboard. It works, but it doesn't exude an air of innovation.
Fansly, on the other hand, feels like the more modern, agile version. The user interface is more intuitive and the design looks fresher. But the real strengths lie in the unique features. The aforementioned Lovense integration is a game-changer for creators in the interactive space. It allows you to build a deeper, more playful connection with your fans while simultaneously tapping into a highly profitable revenue stream. Fans can interact with you in real time and pay for that interaction - a win-win for both sides.
Another powerful tool is "gift links", which fans can use to give subscriptions to friends - an ingenious form of viral marketing that brings you new subscribers without you having to take any action yourself. Imagine a satisfied fan giving their friend a subscription to your profile. The friend discovers you, is enthusiastic and becomes a paying fan himself. This kind of organic growth is priceless. The ability to create your own emojis for your chat also strengthens community loyalty and gives your presence a personal touch that makes you stand out from the crowd.
Fansly's analysis tools are a blessing, especially for strategically-minded creators. You can segment your target group according to countless criteria: Who are your top spenders? Which fans are the most active? Who hasn't bought anything for a long time? These insights allow you to run highly personalized marketing campaigns. For example, you could offer your most loyal fans an exclusive discount or reactivate inactive users with a special offer. This data-driven approach is only possible to a very limited extent with OnlyFans and gives you a decisive competitive advantage on Fansly.
Top creators rely on diversification: OnlyFans for the brand and massive reach, Fansly for organic growth and flexible monetization. This allows you to maximize your revenue and minimize the risks of platform dependency.
Starting out on a new platform can be overwhelming. Many creators make the same mistakes in the beginning that cost them valuable time and revenue. One of the biggest mistakes is to start without a plan. Don't just start posting, but think about a clear content strategy. Who is your target audience? What added value do you offer? What makes you unique? Create a content calendar for the first four weeks in order to post consistently and reliably. Nothing puts off new fans more than an inactive profile or irregular updates.
Another common mistake is incorrect pricing. Many creators set their prices too low for fear of not finding anyone. This devalues your work and attracts the wrong kind of fans - those who are only looking for bargains and are not willing to pay for quality. Analyze comparable creators in your niche and set a fair but confident price. On Fansly you can experiment with the different tiers to find the perfect price. It's better to start a little higher and offer discounts than to start too cheap and have to raise prices later. Price increases often lead to loss of subscribers, while a high starting price with occasional discounts is perceived as generous.
Never underestimate the power of direct communication. Many creators only see the platform as a place to upload content. But the real top earners are masters of community management. Reply to messages promptly, be personal and show your fans that you value them. Chatting with fans is not a chore, but one of the most important sources of revenue. Fans who feel personally appreciated stay longer, spend more and recommend you to others. If you don't have the time or want to focus on content creation, a professional OF agency like Evole Studio can take over this task for you and maximize your revenue through professional chat management.
Your security is the be-all and end-all. OnlyFans has built up a massive security infrastructure over the years. Features such as geo-blocking, which allows you to exclude certain countries or even regions, help you to protect your privacy. For example, if you don't want people from your hometown to find you, you can block that region. In addition, OnlyFans offers DMCA takedown services to have stolen content removed from other websites.
Fansly is by no means in a worse position here. Here, too, there is geo-blocking and state-of-the-art security standards. Both platforms fight against content theft, but unfortunately there is never 100% security. Always be aware of the residual risk. Once something is on the internet, it can theoretically be copied and distributed. The platforms do their best to prevent this, but there is no such thing as absolute security. Think carefully about what content you share and what limits you want to set.
For creators in Germany, the issue of taxes is also crucial. Your income must be taxed and a business registration is often required. From an annual turnover of 22,000 euros (as of 2024), VAT also becomes relevant. Make sure you speak to a tax advisor to get everything right from the start and avoid costly mistakes. A tax advisor who is familiar with digital business models can also help you to take advantage of legal tax optimizations and minimize your taxes.
Can I be active on both platforms at the same time?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, this is the recommended strategy for maximum success. You can post the same content on both platforms or offer slightly different content to motivate fans to follow you on both channels. Just make sure you can handle the administrative burden or get help from an agency. Many top creators report that using both platforms has increased their overall revenue by 30-50%.
Which platform is better for beginners?
Fansly is often the better choice for absolute beginners without a large external reach. The discovery algorithm helps you to grow organically and the flexible subscription models allow you to test different pricing strategies. The weekly payouts also give you faster access to your first earnings, which is particularly motivating at the beginning and allows you to reinvest more quickly.
Is Fansly just as secure as OnlyFans?
Yes, Fansly has invested heavily in its security infrastructure in recent years and is in no way inferior to OnlyFans when it comes to basic security features such as geoblocking and DMCA takedowns. Both platforms take the protection of their creators very seriously and are constantly working on improvements. No system is perfect, but both platforms offer a high level of security.
Do I have to pay tax on my earnings?
Yes, definitely. Income from OnlyFans or Fansly is subject to income tax in Germany. Above a certain turnover threshold, you must also register a business and pay VAT. Advice from a tax consultant who is familiar with digital business models is essential. Don't ignore this issue - the tax office is no joke when it comes to tax evasion.
How long does it take until I start earning money on OnlyFans or Fansly?
This depends heavily on your strategy and your existing reach. Creators with a large social media presence can generate significant income within the first week. Beginners without external reach should realistically expect 2-3 months to build up a stable income. Patience and consistency are the keys to success.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best platform depends on you. Do you already have a large community on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube? Then OnlyFans may be the faster way to make money. Brand awareness helps you convert your existing fans quickly. Are you starting from scratch and don't have a large external reach yet? Then Fansly gives you the better tools for organic growth. The discovery algorithm and flexible monetization options are perfect for beginners.
The smartest solution is often not to put all your eggs in one basket. Use both platforms to combine the best of both worlds. The effort is manageable, but the potential profit is enormous. You minimize the risk of changes on one platform jeopardizing your entire income and maximize your reach. Many successful creators swear by this diversification strategy and report significantly higher overall income.
No matter what you choose: The road to success can be rocky. A professional OF agency like Evole Studio can help you avoid the typical rookie mistakes and take your career to the next level. We take care of strategy, marketing and time-consuming fan management so you can focus on what you love: creating great content. With professional support, you'll reach your goals faster and more efficiently - and save yourself a lot of frustration and learning curve.
