How to Start an OnlyFans: Complete Beginner’s Guide (2025)

Wondering how to start an OnlyFans account but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. Every day, thousands of creators are exploring this booming platform to earn income from exclusive content. Whether you're interested in adult content, fitness, feet pics, or something niche — OnlyFans provides a powerful way to turn your content into cash.

This beginner’s guide will show you how to get started on OnlyFans, even if you don’t have a big social media following. From setting up your account to growing your audience and getting paid, we’ll cover it all. Let’s dive in.

What Is OnlyFans and How Does It Work?

OnlyFans is a subscription-based platform where creators can share exclusive content with paying fans. It’s known for adult content, but many users also share lifestyle, fitness, cooking, and artistic content.

Here's how it works:

Fans subscribe to your page for a monthly fee.
You can also earn through tips, pay-per-view content, and custom requests.
You keep 80% of your earnings; OnlyFans takes a 20% platform fee.

If you're asking, “OnlyFans, how to start and actually make money?”, this guide is for you.

Who Can Start an OnlyFans Account?

Starting an OnlyFans isn’t limited to influencers or celebrities. Here’s what you need:

Be at least 18 years old
Provide government-issued ID for verification
Own a bank account for payouts

No huge following? No problem. Many successful creators started with zero followers. The best way to start OnlyFans is by being consistent, authentic, and strategic.

How to Set Up Your OnlyFans Account – Step-by-Step

Here’s a simplified process on how to create an OnlyFans account and launch your page the right way.

Step 1: Sign Up and Verify Your Identity

Go to OnlyFans.com and create an account.
Upload your government-issued ID for age and identity verification.
Your identity is private — followers won’t see your real name.

Step 2: Set Up Your Banking and Payout Details

Add your bank account or payment processor.
You’ll be paid weekly (minimum payout varies by region).
Consider using a business account for easy tracking.

Step 3: Customize Your Profile

Choose a unique display name or alias (don’t use your real name).
Add a profile photo and header that fits your brand.
Write a bio that teases your content offering.

Step 4: Set Subscription Price or Go Free

Most creators start with $5–$15/month.
You can offer free subscriptions and charge for exclusive content via messages or locked posts.

Planning Your Content Strategy

Knowing how to start an OnlyFans and make money begins with a strong content strategy.

Choose Your Niche

Figure out what kind of content you’re comfortable creating and what your audience might enjoy. Some popular niches include:

Adult content (solo, couples, fetishes, etc.)
Fitness or workout routines
Feet pics or fetish content
Behind-the-scenes of your daily life
Cosplay or roleplay content

Pick a niche that feels authentic to you. Don’t try to be everything to everyone.

Develop a Posting Schedule

Aim to post at least 3–4 times per week.
Use drafts or scheduling tools to stay ahead.
Consistency builds loyal fans.

Prepare Starter Content

Before launching, prep 5–10 quality posts.
Include a mix of images, videos, and text.
Give early subscribers a reason to stick around.

Promoting Your OnlyFans Page

No matter how great your content is, people won’t find it unless you promote it.

Use Social Media (Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, etc.)

Promote your OnlyFans on social media platforms where your target audience spends time. Be careful to follow each platform’s rules about adult content promotion. Use teaser clips, storytelling, and lifestyle content to attract attention without giving away everything.

Create a Linktree or Landing Page

Linktree or similar tools let you organize your OnlyFans and other social links in one place. Use these tools to direct traffic from your socials without getting flagged for violating guidelines.

Collaborate With Other Creators

Team up with other OnlyFans creators for shoutouts, guest content, or cross-promotions. It’s one of the fastest ways to grow your fan base by tapping into an already engaged audience.

How to Make Money on OnlyFans

Here are the main ways creators earn money on OnlyFans — and how to make the most of them.

‍Subscription Revenue: This is your base income. Fans pay a monthly fee for access to your content. You can also offer 3-month, 6-month, or annual bundles at discounted rates to secure long-term subscribers.‍
Pay-Per-View (PPV) Messages: You can lock premium content (such as nude photos, videos, or special requests) behind a paywall in direct messages. PPV content is a great way to boost your earnings significantly.‍
Tips and Custom Content: Subscribers often tip for great content or personal attention. Offering custom content — like personalized videos or name mentions — is a high-value service that fans are willing to pay extra for.‍
Referral Program: If you refer another creator to OnlyFans, you’ll earn 5% of their revenue (up to $50,000). It’s a great passive income option for those with networks.

Privacy, Safety, and Boundaries

If you’re worried about privacy, you're not alone. Here are essential ways to protect yourself:

Use a Stage Name or Pseudonym

Don’t use your real name publicly.
Create a new identity just for your content.

Avoid Sharing Personal Details

Use backdrops or blurred backgrounds.
Never reveal locations, license plates, or personal identifiers.

Block Certain Countries or Regions

OnlyFans allows geo-blocking.
Restrict visibility in countries where you don’t want to be seen.

Tools and Services That Can Help

Don’t go at it alone - use tools and services that make your life easier.

Chatting Services or Agencies: Managing fan messages can be time-consuming. Agencies like ANIK Studios offer full-service OnlyFans account management, including 24/7 chatting, marketing, and revenue optimization.‍
Content Editing and Scheduling Tools: Apps like Canva, CapCut, and Adobe Express help you edit photos and videos professionally. Use scheduling tools like OnlyFans’ draft feature or third-party planners to stay consistent.‍
Anonymous Domains and Redirect Links: Use a custom domain to redirect traffic to your OnlyFans while keeping your link discreet and branded. This adds a layer of privacy and professionalism.

Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Out

Learning from others’ mistakes can save you time, stress, and money.

Posting Without Strategy: Don’t post randomly. Plan what you’ll post, when, and why. Use a calendar or spreadsheet to keep track.
Ignoring Promotion: Promotion is just as important as content creation. Without it, no one will find your page.
Underpricing Yourself: Avoid pricing too low just to attract subscribers. Value your work and offer pricing that reflects the quality of your content.
Not Setting Boundaries: Be clear about what you are — and aren’t — willing to do. Burnout and regret often stem from unclear boundaries.

FAQ

You can start and succeed on OnlyFans without a solid social media presence. Still, you have to invest more in promotion and develop your social media profiles for better connection with your audience.

Your start on OnlyFans may be smooth if you choose your niche correctly, optimize your profile, and maintain consistency in posting new content.

ID verification is mandatory on OnlyFans if you want to be a content creator. You have to submit a picture of your ID and take a selfie. After that, the platform will verify your identity.

All OnlyFans creators sign tax forms before they start working. For US citizens, it's a W9-Tax form, and for non-US residents, it's a W8-BEN form.