Ari Kytsya, a trailblazing OnlyFans model and content creator, has gathered an impressive following of nearly 10 million fans across her social platforms. Known for her makeup tutorials, comedic skits, and candid life snippets, Kytsya has captured hearts with her charismatic transparency and wit. But this social media star's journey wasn't always a smooth ride.
In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE, Kytsya reflected on her early days when she felt pressured to conform to the "thirst-trappy" content that catered primarily to the male gaze. "I spent a lot of time before I post the way that I do now, kind of trying to fit in with everybody online," she confessed. "I wasn’t enjoying it, and I was like, ‘Wow – this is how I have to post? Is this what I need to do to actually be successful in the industry?’”
"It was a big surprise to me to see women supporting me as well," she says. "Especially finding a place where they feel comfortable sharing their experiences or relating to things I post about."
When Ari decided to pivot away from content tailored for algorithms and expectations, she embraced her true self through makeup videos, humorous skits, and genuine moments. This shift resonated with her audience, particularly women who found a safe space to connect and share experiences. "I feel it’s super important so that other women don’t feel like, ‘Am I weird for this’ or ‘Is there something wrong with me’?"
Kytsya's genuine approach has not only strengthened her fan base but also attracted attention from brands looking to engage more authentically with their audiences. She notes how companies are becoming more flexible and open to creators who don’t fit into traditional molds.
Ari's personal life, including her playful relationship with rapper Yung Gravy, occasionally spills into her content. She describes their dynamic as fun and supportive, sharing that they maintain balance by helping each other with their respective careers. "I think that we are able to have a really good balance with our work and our relationship, because we're able to just have fun doing stuff with each other," she shares.
This mutual understanding aids them in navigating the pressures of public life, where constant exposure can complicate relationships. "I think it does help that we’re both in industries that are somewhat similar," Kytsya explains, highlighting the importance of shared experiences in their relationship.
Recently appointed as the Chief Marketing Officer of Hidden, a new platform for adult performers, Ari Kytsya continues to lead with inclusivity and authenticity. Hidden aims to provide creators a space where they can express freely without the constraints of mainstream social media. "It's very inclusive – it's kink and fetish-friendly, so it's not like anyone has to feel shame about doing what they want to or even consuming the type of content that they want to."