What the Potential Sale of OnlyFans Means for Sex Workers in 2025.

"What the Potential Sale of OnlyFans Means for Sex Workers in 2025." Written by Sophia Truee.

OnlyFans, a subscription-based content platform, has become a vital income source for many creators—particularly sex workers—since its launch in 2016. Known for giving creators control over their content and earnings, the platform’s potential sale in 2025 has reignited concerns within the adult industry.

The announcement has stirred anxieties stemming from past corporate decisions and sparked urgent discussions about platform stability, digital autonomy, and financial security. As OnlyFans allegedly explores new ownership, it's critical to assess what this shift could mean for sex workers and how they can prepare.

Understanding the OnlyFans Business Model

OnlyFans transformed the creator economy with its direct-to-consumer model. Users pay a monthly subscription to access exclusive content, with OnlyFans taking a 20% commission from the creator's earnings. This setup has provided sex workers with a rare level of autonomy, enabling them to set their prices, manage their schedules, and build direct relationships with their audience.

Unlike many social platforms, OnlyFans allowed sexually explicit content, creating a safer space for adult creators often excluded elsewhere. By mid-2021, the company boasted over 2 million creators and 130 million users, making it a major player in digital content (BBC News, 2021).

As the platform’s valuation increased, so did investor interest. OnlyFans reported over $2 billion in revenue in 2022, underlining its commercial appeal (Financial Times, 2023). Yet this same appeal raises concerns that new ownership could implement policy changes, particularly around adult content.

The 2021 OnlyFans Content Policy Controversy

In August 2021, OnlyFans abruptly announced a ban on “sexually explicit conduct,” citing pressure from financial institutions. The backlash was swift. Sex workers—who were instrumental in the platform’s success—expressed a deep sense of betrayal. Advocacy groups and media commentators also noted that the policy would disproportionately harm marginalised creators who depended on OnlyFans for income and safety.

The backlash led to a policy reversal within a week, showing the power of collective action. However, it also exposed the vulnerability of platforms reliant on external financial systems and susceptible to moral panic and censorship (The Guardian, 2021).

This episode was a wake-up call. It revealed that even platforms within the adult industry are not immune to corporate restructuring. As the potential 2025 sale news spreads, similar fears are resurfacing.

Details of the 2025 Sale Exploration

As of May 2025, reports indicate that Fenix International, OnlyFans’ parent company, is actively considering a sale. Sources from Bloomberg and Reuters suggest discussions are underway with private equity firms and tech conglomerates. Though no deal has been confirmed, analysts estimate the company could be valued at over $3 billion, and up to $8 billion though the sources Reuters cited remain unknown (Katanich, 2025).

OnlyFans has issued limited public statements, emphasizing support for creators during any transition. However, the lack of clarity about potential buyers has raised concerns, especially among adult creators wary of past instability. Analysts caution that a sale could prioritise mainstream appeal over adult content, threatening the livelihood of sex workers (CNBC, 2025).

What the Sale Could Mean for Sex Workers

The impact of the sale depends on the buyer’s intentions. A company seeking to appeal to advertisers might restrict adult content, leading to increased censorship, tighter moderation, and opaque payment policies. There is also concern that new management may lack understanding of the unique needs of sex workers, resulting in inadequate support or harmful algorithmic changes.

Alternatively, a buyer who values the adult content economy could improve platform features, security, and service. Yet such outcomes are rare unless creators and stakeholders actively push for them.

Comparing Other Platforms for Adult Content Creators

To safeguard their income, many sex workers are diversifying across alternative platforms:

• LoyalFans caters specifically to the adult industry, with robust support, better payouts, and custom business tools.

• Fansly gained traction during the 2021 OnlyFans crisis, offering comparable features and more transparent policies.

• ManyVids focuses on video sales and live cam content but has a more niche audience. The clip store takes a 40% commission but Club (their subscription model) takes 20%, in line with other clips stores and subscription platforms.

Each platform has strengths and limitations, so creators are advised to diversify their income and consider hosting their own websites for greater control (Sex Work CEO, 2024).

Legal and Financial Protections for Online Creators

Creators must understand and implement legal safeguards. Reviewing terms of service is essential, as each platform’s policies differ, especially regarding permitted content. Not all platforms support the same niches, so thorough research is crucial before signing up.

When a platform is up for sale, existing agreements—such as those governing payouts and content rights—can be amended or reinterpreted. This can disadvantage creators, particularly those in adult industries. Consulting digital rights attorneys ensures creators understand their obligations and protections, identify contractual risks, protect intellectual property, and exit platforms safely if needed.

Financial literacy is equally important. Many sex workers operate informally, complicating tax reporting. Setting up an LLC or business account can safeguard assets and simplify finances (Moore & Juno, 2023).

Content protection tools—like watermarking, legal disclaimers, and DMCA services—also play a vital role. Tools such as BranditScan can monitor and remove stolen content online.

The Role of Advocacy and Community Support

Advocacy groups are vital in supporting sex workers’ digital rights. Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Hacking//Hustling, and SWOP-USA provide resources on security, legal rights, and platform accountability.

These groups have mobilised during platform crises—like the 2021 content ban—to defend creators and influence public discourse. Online communities, forums, and social spaces like Discord and X help creators share updates, advice, and emergency strategies.

The 2021 reversal of OnlyFans’ policy shows the strength of collective action. Advocacy remains a cornerstone of digital resilience (Hacking//Hustling, 2022).

Platform Independence and Direct-to-Consumer Models

To reduce dependency on third-party sites, many sex workers are building their own platforms. Tools like Ghost, WordPress, or Memberful allow creators to maintain full control over content, payments, and audience data.

Some also explore decentralised payment systems like cryptocurrency to bypass traditional banking restrictions. However, crypto is volatile and better viewed as an investment than a primary payment method.

Although self-hosting involves higher startup costs and technical skills, the long-term benefits—freedom from sudden platform changes, reduced fees, and improved data security—make it a worthwhile investment for established creators (EFF, 2024).

Preparing for the Future: Tips for Resilience

With ongoing digital changes, sex workers must plan proactively. Resilience involves developing varied income streams and business strategies that aren’t reliant on a single platform.

Financial Planning and Diversified Revenue

Relying solely on one site is risky. Creators should explore multiple channels, from content sales and newsletters to consulting and merchandise. Budgeting, saving for taxes, and building an emergency fund are essential. Hiring a knowledgeable accountant or using freelancer tools can provide key support.

Building a Sustainable Personal Brand

A strong personal brand builds audience loyalty and reduces platform dependence. This includes consistent visuals, a recognisable name, and a solid online presence.

A professional website can serve as a content hub, and email or SMS subscriptions maintain fan contact even during bans or outages. A trustworthy brand helps creators weather digital changes.

Conclusion

The potential sale of OnlyFans in 2025 has revived serious concerns among creators who helped grow the platform. While new ownership could bring positive changes, it also threatens to alter the landscape for adult content.

Reflecting on the 2021 crisis, this moment underscores the need for digital security, community, and long-term planning. Sex workers must continue to protect their rights, diversify platforms, and invest in their futures.

Change is inevitable—but with vigilance, solidarity, and preparation, creators can maintain control over their work and income.

FAQs

1. What does the sale of OnlyFans mean for adult content creators?

   • It could lead to major changes in content policy or monetisation. Sex workers may face restrictions or deplatforming depending on the new owner’s stance.

2. Can sex workers continue to use OnlyFans safely during this transition?

   • For now, yes—but it’s wise to back up content, stay updated, and prepare alternative platforms in case of sudden changes.

3. What are the best alternative platforms to OnlyFans for sex workers?

   • LoyalFans and Fansly are are strong options for subscription platforms. Each offers different tools and payout structures.

4. How can sex workers protect their content and income online?

   • Legal advice, DMCA registration, watermarking, and platform diversification are key. Financial planning also helps build stability.

5. Why is personal branding important for online sex workers?

   • A strong brand allows creators to retain their audience across platforms and ensures long-term sustainability.

     
     

References

BBC News. (2021). OnlyFans: Why the site is changing its content policy. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-58285219 [Accessed 23 May 2025].

Financial Times. (2023). OnlyFans surges past $2bn in revenue as creator economy booms. [online] Available at: https://www.ft.com/content/onlyfans-financial-performance [Accessed 23 May 2025].

The Guardian. (2021). OnlyFans reverses ban on sexually explicit content after backlash. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/aug/25/onlyfans-reverses-sexually-explicit-content-ban [Accessed 23 May 2025].

Doloresz Katanich (2025). Porn-driven OnlyFans could sell for billions despite ‘filth factor’. [online] euronews. Available at: https://www.euronews.com/business/2025/05/23/porn-driven-onlyfans-could-sell-for-billions-despite-filth-factor [Accessed 23 May 2025].

CNBC. (2025). OnlyFans owner explores sale of platform amid rapid growth. [online] Available at: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/23/onlyfans-sale-exploration [Accessed 23 May 2025].

Sex Work CEO. (2024). Diversifying your content platforms: How sex workers can take control of their digital business. [online] Available at: https://www.sexworkceo.com/articles/diversification-guide [Accessed 23 May 2025].

EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation). (2024). Digital security for sex workers: Tools and tactics. [online] Available at: https://www.eff.org/pages/sex-worker-digital-security [Accessed 23 May 2025].

Hacking//Hustling. (2022). Organizing for digital justice: Lessons from the OnlyFans reversal. [online] Available at: https://www.hackinghustling.org/onlyfans-advocacy [Accessed 23 May 2025].

Moore, L. and Juno, R. (2023). Legal basics for online creators: Business structure, taxes, and content rights. 2nd ed. New York: Sex Work Legal Cooperative.