OnlyFans Launches SFW App, Seeks $1B+ Valuation

OnlyFans Expands with Safe-For-Work App, OFTV

OnlyFans, the platform known for enabling adult content creators to directly monetize their fanbase, is actively promoting its family-friendly application, OFTV. This app is currently available for download on both iOS and Google Play.

OFTV: A Content Diversification Strategy

Launched in January, OFTV already hosts over 800 videos contributed by OnlyFans creators. These videos encompass a diverse range of topics, including cooking demonstrations, yoga instruction, and insightful interviews. This week marks the first instance of OnlyFans actively marketing OFTV to individuals who are not currently OnlyFans subscribers.

According to OnlyFans CEO Tim Stokely, speaking with Bloomberg, OFTV intentionally excludes adult content. This deliberate choice allows the app to comply with app store regulations, as the absence of monetization and direct impact on creator income facilitates approval.

App Store Restrictions and Content Policies

Both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store maintain policies prohibiting explicit pornography. However, applications featuring user-generated content, such as Reddit, can accommodate NSFW material provided it is appropriately labeled and hidden by default. The standard OnlyFans web platform has yet to receive approval for listing on either the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Seeking Funding and Mainstream Appeal

Despite being a profitable venture, OnlyFans is currently seeking funding with a valuation exceeding $1 billion. The company aims to broaden its appeal to a more mainstream audience, thereby attracting advertisers who might be hesitant due to the platform’s association with adult content.

Notably, prominent figures, including celebrities like Cardi B and athlete Floyd Mayweather Jr., have established a presence on OnlyFans. Furthermore, in March 2020, OnlyFans initiated a Creative Fund, awarding grants of £20,000 to four musical artists.

Highlighting Diverse Creator Talent

The platform consistently showcases “rising stars” on its blog, encompassing professionals such as songwriters, photographers, stylists, personal trainers, and chefs. This focused effort to spotlight safe-for-work creators is evident, and the promotion of OFTV directly supports this strategy.

Financial Performance and Revenue Sharing

Since its inception in 2016, OnlyFans has distributed over $3 billion in earnings to its creators. Revenue experienced a substantial increase of over 553% in 2020, coinciding with a period where many individuals sought income opportunities due to pandemic-related financial challenges.

OnlyFans retains 20% of creators’ earnings. In comparison, Patreon charges a commission ranging from 5-12%, while Cameo takes 25%. Even app store acceptance of the core OnlyFans platform, including NSFW content, could prove detrimental to creators, potentially resulting in an additional 30% deduction in fees on top of OnlyFans’ existing 20% cut.

OFTV operates differently; it does not facilitate content sales or permit unsolicited video uploads. Its primary function appears to be generating increased interest in non-pornographic content available through OnlyFans.

The Path to Broader Acceptance

To attract safe-for-work creators, OnlyFans may need to reshape its public image, particularly for those concerned about its current perception. More crucially, the platform must demonstrate its capacity to provide a genuinely profitable environment for creators. While its sales figures are impressive, this success may be attributable to the overall growth of the creator economy and the specific nature of its hosted content, rather than the platform itself.