The Truth About OnlyFans

(and how they make $30M per employee)

Author

Jordan Belfort
October 11, 2024

It’s Friday. Ever wondered how a startup could outperform tech giants with just a handful of employees?

Meet OnlyFans, the content platform that's making $30 million per employee—30 times the industry average.

In this edition:

  • OnlyFans' blueprint for hyper-efficient scaling

  • How 42 employees manage 210+ million users

  • Key steps to make bold moves at work

Read time: 4 minutes | 931 words

STORY 

💰 The Untold Story of OnlyFans

What is OnlyFans? A content platform founded in 2016, now boasting 210+ million users, 2.1 million creators, and $6 billion in value—all with just 42 employees.

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Seven years ago, OnlyFans launched as a small British startup, unknowingly setting the stage for a revolution in content creation and platform economics, vut there are a few roadblocks in their path:

  • They're entering a market dominated by social media giants

  • Their business model is untested and viewed with skepticism

  • Most content creators are used to getting peanuts for their work

Does OnlyFans throw in the towel and join the graveyard of failed startups? Not a chance! The founders realize that waiting for the perfect moment is like waiting for Facebook to respect your privacy — it's not happening. Instead, they decide to create their own revolution.

OnlyFans launches as a platform where creators can directly monetize their content and build intimate connections with their audience. By owning this unique space, OnlyFans has the power to reshape the creator economy.

They develop a model that's like a golden ticket for content creators. It has everything they need to succeed: direct monetization, fan engagement, and content control. From influencers to artists to adult performers, OnlyFans opens doors for all.

But OnlyFans doesn't just talk about empowering creators — they make it happen. They use their platform to help content creators avoid the same pitfalls that plague traditional media. They're like the Robin Hood of the digital age, taking power from the middlemen and giving it to the creators.

OnlyFans becomes the go-to platform for creators looking to take control of their content and earnings. Their model is like catnip for anyone tired of algorithm-driven, ad-supported platforms.

As OnlyFans grows, so does its reputation as a content creation maverick. They're not just another social media platform. They're a disruptor, unafraid to challenge the status quo.

Here are a few things OnlyFans taught the world about content creation:

  • Direct fan connections are more valuable than viral reach

  • Creators deserve to be paid fairly for their work

  • Adult content can be a legitimate and lucrative business

  • A small team can run a massive platform efficiently

  • Content moderation can be effectively managed by creators themselves

  • Empowering users leads to explosive growth

OnlyFans isn't content to rest on its laurels. They continue to expand their empire, refining their platform and attracting more diverse creators. They're like a snowball rolling downhill, gathering momentum and transforming the landscape.

Today, OnlyFans is a juggernaut, boasting over 210 million users and 2.1 million creators. And the company? They're the wizards behind the curtain, running this behemoth with just 42 employees.

Key takeaway: OnlyFans' story exemplifies the power of challenging norms, empowering users, and maintaining lean operations.

INSIGHT

📊 Inside the Economics of OnlyFans

Let's break down OnlyFans' journey from niche platform to content creation powerhouse:

  1. 2016 - Platform launch: Tim Stokely founded OnlyFans with initial investment from his father.

  2. 2019 - Early growth: OnlyFans reached 7 million users and 60,000 content creators.

  3. 2024 - Current scale: Over 210 million users and 2.1 million creators, generating $1.3 billion in annual revenue.

Let's examine OnlyFans' current revenue streams:

  • a) Transaction Fees: $1.04 billion annually (80% of revenue)

  • b) Subscription Fees: $195 million annually (15% of revenue)

  • c) Tips and Pay-per-view Content: $65 million annually (5% of revenue)

Total estimated annual revenue: $1.3 billion 🤯🤯🤯

In this rough estimation, OnlyFans' annual revenue has increased by about 1,300 times since its launch, and by 4.3 times since 2019.

Key factors in this growth:

  1. User-Generated Content: Leveraged creators for content, reducing production costs.

  2. Simple Revenue Model: 20% flat fee on all transactions.

  3. Diverse Content: Expanded beyond adult content to various niches.

  4. Creator Empowerment: Gave creators tools for direct monetization.

  5. Minimal Overhead: Maintained a lean team of just 42 employees.

  6. Technology Leverage: Used cloud computing for scalability.

  7. Organic Growth: Relied on creator promotion instead of traditional marketing.

From a startup to $1.3 billion in annual revenue in just 8 years, OnlyFans' growth offers valuable lessons for any tech company looking to disrupt traditional content monetization models.

ACTION

💪 The Shock Factor = Business Growth

Challenge/Warning: Come up with one "adult content" level idea for your sales strategy this week. Even if you don't pursue it, the exercise will push your boundaries.

Step 1 - Identify Your "Shock" Moment

  • What's your industry's taboo?

  • What would your competitors never dare to do?

Step 2 - Calculate the Shock Factor

On a scale of 1-10, how much will this move surprise:

  • Your customers?

  • Your boss?

  • Your industry?

Step 3 - Prepare for Backlash

  • List top 3 potential criticisms

  • Identify 2 influential allies who might support you

Step 4 - Set Your "Make or Break" Metrics 

  • Define clear success indicators (30% revenue increase in 6 months)

  • Establish a "pull the plug" threshold (if complaints exceed 15%)

Step 5 - Launch with Conviction 

  • Announce your move loudly - no half measures

  • Document everything - this could be a case study

OnlyFans grew 1,300x by embracing what others shunned. Your bold move probably won't be as controversial, but it should make you equally nervous and excited.

SPEED REED

MEMES

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