As social media platforms grow, it’s no surprise that celebrities would want in on the fun. But is fun equal for everyone ?
Why It’s Popular
OnlyFans was established in 2016 but gained traction within the last two years. The platform became popular once more people realized how much they could profit. More importantly, users can do anything to make money. Similar to Patreon, OnlyFans creators make money from “fans” who subscribe to their content.
OnlyFans appeals to younger generations, like Gen Z and Millennials. These age groups have particularly felt the results of the coronavirus. For example, many college students didn’t qualify for nationwide stimulus checks. So, OnlyFans was able to offset some of their expenses.
So why are celebrities taking over the platform? Simply, they want a piece of the pie. Their likeness can amass numerous “fans”. But many have been under fire for how they utilize the platform. OnlyFans appeals to adult models and sex workers for income. So, these celebrities promote their accounts similarly.
Celebrities Joining—In Their Own Way
Recently, singer Austin Mahone posed shirtless with a woman only in her underwear, insinuating that similar content would be online. But when people paid for his subscription, he only promoted a music video. Actor Tyler Posey claims to upload “super creative episodes”, but has promoted them with only a glass pitcher covering himself. Both celebrities are utilizing clickbait to generate revenue—which many viewed as deceptive.
But actress Bella Thorne was under fire for similar actions. According to Vulture, Thorne charged $20 and broke records for single-day sales—amounting to $1 million. In contrast, other content creators charge as low as $3/month to their “fans”. Many questioned why those with greater access to income would infiltrate a platform dominated by lower-income participants.
As if that weren’t enough, Thorne is believed to be responsible for the new restrictions on tips and Pay-Per-View prices. Thorne had reportedly misled “fans” into believing her subscription was for adult content. So, many demanded refunds from the site. A spokesperson for OnlyFans reportedly told The Verge, “We can confirm that any changes to transaction limits are not based on any one user.” But according to The Verge, “new rules include a $100 cap on paid private messages…and a $50 cap on pay-per-view posts for creators who don’t charge a subscription, compared to $200 previously.”
A Resolution?
So what’s to come from the platform? Well, expect more celebrities to join the site. OnlyFans appeals to those who don’t want to promote products/companies on Instagram. Instead, people can promote themselves. But content creators should also expect to find it increasingly difficult to make money. Many already predict harsher restrictions on adult models. Only time will tell how much OnlyFans will grow, with both non-famous and celebrities.
cover photo courtesy Out Magazine
