OnlyFans, the online subscription platform that became a pandemic sensation, is proving its staying power with a financial year for the record books. Launched in 2016, the site saw a meteoric rise as people sought new forms of entertainment during lockdowns. Unlike some pandemic trends that have fizzled, OnlyFans continues to thrive, setting new benchmarks in 2023.
The allure of OnlyFans is undeniable, with user accounts skyrocketing by 28% in a year, bringing the fan base to an astonishing 305 million. This surge in popularity is paralleled by a 29% increase in creators, now totaling 4.1 million. The platform has become a lucrative avenue for many, with top creators turning side gigs into million-dollar enterprises.
“People don’t understand the scale of the opportunity. I mean, really: You can make your own world,” Bryce Adams, an OnlyFans creator, told the Washington Post in 2023. “This is our business. This is our life.”
OnlyFans has seen its gross site volume leap by $1 billion to a record $6.6 billion, marking a 19% increase over the previous year. With a 20% share of creators' earnings, the platform's revenue soared to $1.3 billion. The financial success is also reflected in its cash assets, which stand at $678,000.
Leonid Radvinsky, who acquired OnlyFans in 2018, has reaped substantial rewards, earning over $1 billion in three years, including $472 million in dividends in 2023. Despite these highs, OnlyFans acknowledges potential hurdles, such as media scrutiny and cybersecurity concerns, which remain top priorities as the company aims to refine its public image and strategy.
Originally featured on Fortune.com, OnlyFans' journey is a testament to how the digital age continues to reshape entertainment and entrepreneurship.