Average OnlyFans income: what creators really earn in 2025

OnlyFans has become one of the most talked-about creator platforms in the world – and one of the most misunderstood. If you’re thinking about joining and wondering how much do creators actually earn on OnlyFans?, the truth is that income varies widely.

Some creators earn a few hundred dollars a month, while top performers generate thousands – or even six figures. Your income depends on your niche, your content, your consistency, and how well you engage with your fans.

In this guide, we break down the average OnlyFans income, what beginners can realistically expect, how earnings are calculated, and what separates top creators from the rest.

How OnlyFans income works

Before diving into numbers, it’s important to understand how creators actually earn on the platform. Income on OnlyFans comes from four main sources:

1. Subscriptions: Fans pay a monthly fee to access your exclusive content. This is the most stable income stream and the primary way most creators earn.

2. Tips: Fans can tip you directly on posts, messages, or live content. Many creators earn more from tips than subscriptions.

3. Pay-per-view (PPV) content: You can send locked posts or messages that fans pay to unlock individually. PPV posts are often the highest-earning content type.

4. Custom content: Some fans request personalised videos or photos and pay extra for exclusivity or special requests.

OnlyFans keeps 20% of your earnings and you receive 80%.

Average earnings by creator level

How much creators make on OnlyFans depends heavily on their follower count, pricing, and engagement. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Beginners (0–100 subscribers)

New creators or those with a small social following typically earn between:

$100 to $750 per month

This depends on:

• subscription price (usually $5–$12 for beginners)
• how consistently they post
• their ability to promote across social platforms

If you’re a beginner wondering how to get started on OnlyFans, growth usually starts slow – but encourages steady income as your audience develops.

Small to mid-level creators (100–1,000 subscribers)

Once a creator builds a small loyal base, earnings increase significantly:

$1,000 to $7,500+ per month

This group often sees growth because:

• fans engage more regularly
• creators learn their niche
• PPV and tips start generating solid income
  

Top creators (top 10%–1%)

Creators in the top 10% earn: $5,000 to $25,000+ per month

Top 1% creators can make: $50,000 to $300,000+ per month

These creators usually:

• post high-quality, frequent content
• have strong branding
• run multiple promotions
• offer PPV, bundles, and custom content
• have mastered fan engagement
  

Factors that affect OnlyFans income

How much a creator earns on OnlyFans isn’t random – it’s shaped by several important factors that influence both subscriber growth and overall monthly revenue. Even two creators with the same number of followers can earn very different amounts depending on how they price their content, how often they post, how engaged their fans are, and how well they promote themselves.

Your income depends on a combination of strategy, consistency, and the experience you create for your subscribers. Understanding these factors early helps you set realistic expectations, build a sustainable profile, and steadily increase your earnings over time. Below are the key elements that have the biggest impact on OnlyFans income.

1. Subscription price

A higher price doesn’t always mean more income. Beginners often earn more by starting lower ($5–$10) to attract subscribers and build a fanbase.

2. Number of active subscribers

Your monthly income depends on how many subscribers stay active. Consistent posting keeps your “churn rate” low (the rate at which subscribers cancel).

3. Posting frequency

Most successful creators post:

• 3–5 times per week, and
• check in daily via messages or stories

The more active you are, the more fans interact – which boosts tips and renewals.

4. Content niche

Some niches naturally earn more due to higher demand or exclusivity, such as:

• fitness
• modeling
• adult content
• cosplay
• lifestyle
• feet / fetish content

Niche clarity = faster growth. If you need inspiration, see our guide on OnlyFans content ideas. 

5. Promotion strategy

Creators who promote themselves consistently across:

• Instagram
• X/Twitter
• TikTok
• Reddit

grow significantly faster than those who only rely on OnlyFans traffic.

6. Engagement level

Responding to messages, sending DMs, and providing personalized interactions increases retention and tips.

Realistic expectations for new creators

If you’re wondering how to get started on OnlyFans and what you might earn in the first months, here is a realistic timeline:

Month 1–2:

$0 – $300

You’re learning the platform, setting up content, and figuring out promotion.

Month 3–6:

$300 – $1,500

You start gaining consistent subscribers, especially if you promote daily.

Month 6–12:

$1,000 – $5,000+

With consistent posting, strong fan relationships, and PPV content, earnings increase steadily.

Creators who treat OnlyFans like a business – with planning, consistency, and promotion – see the fastest results.

How top creators maximize their income

While every creator’s journey is different, the highest-earning OnlyFans creators follow a similar set of strategies that help them consistently increase their revenue. They treat their page like a business, focus on delivering value, and use the platform’s tools to their advantage. Understanding what top creators do differently can help you adopt the same habits and boost your own earnings more effectively.

Use bundles and discounts

Top creators offer long-term subscription deals:

• 3 months at 10% off
• 6 months at 20% off
• 12 months at 30% off

This gives them stable income and reduces cancellations.

Send regular PPV messages

PPV content is one of the highest-earning tools on the platform. Successful creators send PPV messages weekly or bi-weekly.

Engage in DMs

Fans value personal interaction. A few daily replies can dramatically increase tips and renewals.

Collaborate with other creators

Cross-promotions introduce you to new audiences and boost subscriber counts quickly.

Professional branding

Top creators invest in:

• better lighting
• high-quality photos
• consistent aesthetics
• clear posting schedules

Small improvements often double engagement.

Managing income and taxes

OnlyFans earnings are considered self-employment income in most countries. This means you must keep track of:

• monthly earnings
• expenses (equipment, props, wardrobe, software)
• transaction fees
• tax deductions

Tips for staying organized:

• Set aside 20–30% of monthly earnings for taxes
• Keep a separate bank account for creator income
• Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app
• Save all receipts – many creator expenses are tax-deductible

Common deductible expenses include:

• lighting
• camera equipment
• props/outfits
• editing software
• marketing costs
• phone bill percentage
• home studio setup

Managing taxes well ensures you keep more of what you earn.

Is OnlyFans worth it financially?

For many creators, yes – if they treat it like a business.

OnlyFans can be one of the best ways to start earning online, especially if:

• you’re consistent
• you’re willing to promote
• you create good-quality content
• you engage with fans

Creators who approach it casually often struggle, but creators who stay active and engaged see steady, long-term growth.

Conclusion

The average OnlyFans income varies widely, but most creators earn between $100 and $1,000 per month when starting – with the potential to scale into thousands.

If you’re serious about learning how to start an OnlyFans and make money, focus on:

• consistent posting
• smart pricing
• fan engagement
• strong promotion
• clear niche and branding

Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with effort and strategy, OnlyFans can become a powerful income stream and a long-term online career.