How to Develop an App Like OnlyFans?

In the last few years, creator economy apps have changed the way people monetize digital content. There is one platform that stands out above the rest similar platforms is OnlyFans. It was launched in 2016 and it quickly became a everyday name by giving creators direct control over their content monetization.

This blog will walk you through everything you need to know – how OnlyFans works, its revenue model, features to include, step-by-step development, cost breakdown and why building a subscription based content platform is a golden opportunity in 2025.

OnlyFans: Market Leader, An Overview

OnlyFans is a subscription based content platform where creators earn by providing exclusive access to their videos, photos and posts. Although it’s widely known for adult content, its business model ranges to fitness trainers, chefs, artists, influencers, musicians and educators.

Key Statistics (2025)

• Founded in 2016 by Tim Stokely (UK).
• Acquired by Fenix International Ltd.
• Over 210 million registered users.
• More than 2 million content creators.
• Creators collectively earned over $10 billion+ since launch.
• Subscription + tipping model drives recurring revenue.

What makes it powerful? It eliminates middlemen (agencies, labels, publishers) and allows direct monetization of content.

How Does OnlyFans Work?

OnlyFans works as a subscription based content sharing platform where creators can upload exclusive photos, videos, live streams and other content which other users can acces by paying a certain amount. Fans (or subscribers) pay a recurring monthly fee to access this exclusive content. Unlike traditional social media platforms where monetization depends on ads or sponsorships, OnlyFans is a place where the earning is directly in the hands of creators.

The platform is designed to be flexible for creators of all roles rather it be fitness instructors, chefs, musicians, influencers or adult entertainers. Creators can set their own subscription prices and can also earn through additional features like pay-per-view (PPV) content, tipping and live interactions.

Fans subscribe to the creators they like and enjoy their content that is personal, unfiltered, and interactive than what is available on free social platforms.

The platform also integrates direct messaging and interaction tools allowing creators to engage one on one with fans, making the experience more personalized. Payments are handled securely via the platform and the creators receive their earnings excluding the the platform’s service fee.

• Creators set subscription fees for their fans (monthly or annual).

• Fans pay to access exclusive content.

• Additional revenue comes from pay-per-view (PPV) content, live streams, and tipping.

• Payments processed securely where creators get paid after OnlyFans’ commission .

The business model is simple:

• Creators earn directly.

• Fans get personalized content.

• Platform earns via revenue sharing.

How To Make Money With OnlyFans Like App Solutions?

In the App like OnlyFans the earning model has multiple streams, which is what makes it interesting for both creators and entrepreneurs. If you are planning to build a similar platform, you would want to integrate multiple revenue streams that keep the ecosystem successful.

• Subscription Fee: For creators, the primary earning method is through monthly subscriptions. Fans pay a recurring fee which is set by the creator to access the exclusive content.

• Pay Per View (PPV) Content:  Creators can offer premium, pay-per-view content that may include one-time video or photo series. This allows them to provide superfans with something extra who are willing to spend more.

• Tipping System: Another great revenue stream is tipping. Fans frequently tip creators for special requests, custom content or simply as a appreciation. This adds extra income without requiring additional subscription commitments. Live streaming with paid entry or in-stream tipping is also a profitable option.

• Ad Revenue: For platform owners, revenue comes from commissions. Similar to OnlyFans model, you can also charge creators a certain percentage (usually between 15%–20%) of their total earnings or transaction on the platform. This confirms profitability without burdening users. You can also implement transaction fees, creator promotion packages or ad placement for additional earnings.

• Live Streaming Access: Ticketed or premium live sessions. Another growing trend is offering NFT integration and blockchain payments which allows creators to tokenize their content for digital ownership.

• Merchandise : Selling branded products.

• Affiliate Marketing: Promotions with other platforms. The subscription bundles, referral rewards and fan club memberships also increase the earnings.

So, an OnlyFans like app creates a marketplace where creators, fans, and platform owners all are benefit financially. By offering multiple paths of earning, you make the platform sticky, scalable and highly profitable.

Why Is OnlyFans Popular From The Rest Of Its Competitors?

OnlyFans become the market leader by capitalizing on several strategic advantages that set it apart from competitors.

Creator freedom is the first central to its appeal which is unlike many platforms that impose strict restrictions on content type and monetization methods, OnlyFans allows creators to control their pricing, content format and engagement style. This flexibility attracted many creators from all the industries, especially those who were not able to present on mainstream platforms.

Second, OnlyFans focused on direct fan to creator relationships. By removing middlemen, it gave fans a sense of familiarity and creators full control over their income. Competitors often failed because they either copied traditional advertising driven models or didn’t empower creators financially.

Third, with very less entry barriers to join in and global accessibility made it easy for anyone with a smartphone and internet to start monetizing content. Along with seamless payment integrations and multiple earning streams (subscriptions, PPV, tips, live streams), and you have a method for viral acceptance.

Brand association and cultural call powered its popularity. High profile celebrities and influencers joining the platform attracted many users, driving massive traffic.

In core, OnlyFans is popular because it offers monetization freedom, direct fan engagement, low barriers and cultural relevance, while its competitors lacked one or more of these success factors.

Features to Include When You Create an App Like OnlyFans

Your app should provide value for both creators and subscribers.

Advanced Features:

• AI-powered content recommendations.
• Built-in AR/VR experiences.
• NFT-based content sales (Web3 monetization).
• Multi-language & localization support.

Developing an App Like OnlyFans:  Steps to Success

Why OnlyFans App Is Gaining Popularity Today

The global creator economy market size was estimated at USD 205.25 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,345.54 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 23.3% from 2025 to 2033. More people are turning to subscription-based models because:

• Rise of the creator economy : Many people are now looking for ways to monetize their skills, hobbies or lifestyles directly, without trusting on advertisers or employers. OnlyFans gave creators the tools to earn on their terms.

• Audience behaviour has shifted (direct creator-fan interactions) : Many people are now looking for ways to monetize their skills, hobbies or lifestyles directly, without trusting on advertisers or employers. OnlyFans gave creators the tools to earn on their terms

• Mainstream visibility – Fans desire personalized, authentic content rather than polished, generic material. OnlyFans capitalized on this by offering intimate, direct creator-fan interactions.

• High Earning Potential: With people spending more time online and seeking alternative incomes, OnlyFans became a lifeline for both creators and subscribers.

• Ease of use, secure payment processing and multi feature monetization : From a technology perspective, the platform keeps both creators and fans satisfied. Competitors may offer these features partially, but OnlyFans integrates them impeccably.

Finally, OnlyFans’ rising popularity is not just about adult content, it’s about control, authenticity and financial empowerment in a digital first world. It represents a broader shift toward platforms that prioritize direct monetization and creator independence.

How Much Does It Cost to Create an App Like OnlyFans?

Obviously the cost depends on complexity, features and developer region.

Timeline: 3 – 12 months depending on scope.

Pro Tip: Outsourcing to regions like India cut costs by 30 – 40%.

Partner With SoftCurators & Create An App Like OnlyFans

At SoftCurators, we specialize in subscription-based content platforms development.

We provide:

• End to end development (research, design, coding, testing, launch).
• Secure payment integration with Stripe, PayPal, Wallets.
• Custom features tailored for creators and fans.
• Scalable architecture for millions of users.
• Post-launch support & updates.

Whether you want to build a general creator platform or an OnlyFans-inspired app with a twist, we’ll help you stand out in the $250B+ creator economy market.

Conclusion

OnlyFans has proven the power of direct creator to fan monetization. With the rising demand for exclusive, subscription based content, building an app like OnlyFans in 2025 is a profitable endeavour for entrepreneurs and the startups.

However the success of the platform depends on the technology, security, compliance and user centric designs. By following the right development steps and partnering with experts like SoftCurators, you can create a scalable, secure and revenue rich OnlyFans alternative that succeeds in the successful creator economy.

FAQs

• What is OnlyFans?
  OnlyFans is a subscription-based platform that allows creators to monetize exclusive content directly from their fans.

• How do OnlyFans-like apps make money?
  Through subscriptions, PPV content, tipping, and platform commissions.

• How long does it take to build an OnlyFans-like app?
  Between 3 to 12 months, depending on complexity.

• What tech stack is best for developing such apps?
  React Native/Flutter, Node.js/Django, MongoDB/PostgreSQL, Stripe/PayPal.

• Is it expensive to build an app like OnlyFans?
  No, costs range from $15,000 to $100,000+ depending on features.

• Can I build a non-adult content app with this model?
  Absolutely. Fitness trainers, chefs, musicians, educators all succeed on subscription apps.

• How does OnlyFans ensure payment security?
  Through PCI DSS compliance, encryption, and secure gateways.

• Why partner with SoftCurators for development?
  We bring expertise, fintech-grade security, and scalable solutions to build world-class content platforms.