๐ก Why UK creators are making OnlyFans (and why you might too)
Sign up fatigue, dodgy ad revenue and tiny livestream tips โ creators in the UK are increasingly looking for platforms where they control pricing, messaging and what they put out. OnlyFans is one of those places: last year users spent a record $7.2bn on the platform, creators keep the majority of that revenue while OnlyFans takes a 20% cut, and the company is actively pushing into non-NSFW verticals like sports and cooking to broaden appeal.
If you’re asking “How do I make an OnlyFans account in the UK and actually get paid?” this guide walks you through the legal basics, sign-up steps, safety checks, promotion moves and tax heads-up you need โ plus quick wins to get noticed. Iโll use real UK-flavour examples and recent press signals to show what works and what can go wrong, so you can start sensibly and stay protected.
This isnโt hype. Iโll show: the exact setup flow, verification and payout tips, how to price and promote in a UK context, plus practical safety measures after recent creator incidents. Youโll finish with a checklist to launch confidently, and links to recent reporting for context.
๐ Quick platform snapshot โ UK-focused comparison
๐งโ๐ค Platform | ๐ฐ Fee | ๐ 2024 Users' Spend | ๐ก๏ธ SFW Tools / Notes |
---|---|---|---|
OnlyFans | 20% | $7,200,000,000 | OFTV (safe-for-work), subscription & DM paywalls |
Patreon | Varies (tiers) | Not publicly comparable | Membership tiers, community features |
Fansly | Varies | Not publicly disclosed | NSFW-first, live shows, similar creator tools |
This table shows why OnlyFans is the heavy hitter for creators right now: big user spend, a clear fee structure (20%), and moves into “safe-for-work” streaming via OFTV that help diversify audiences. Patreon and Fansly offer alternatives but either target different creator types or don’t publish comparable topline figures. For UK creators this matters: platform choice affects discoverability, fees and audience expectations.
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๐ข Step-by-step: How to make an OnlyFans account in the UK (practical)
- Prep your details
- Have a valid passport or UK driving licence, a selfie camera, bank or payout details, and a business email ready. OnlyFans requires age and ID checks.
- Create your account
- Use a creator-focused email (not your main personal one). Pick a username thatโs short, searchable and matches your branding. Add a clear profile photo and compelling bio.
- Complete verification & payout setup
- Upload your ID and a live selfie when prompted. Add payout info (bank or supported pay service). UK creators should opt for prompt payouts where available.
- Decide pricing & content types
- Subscription: set a realistic monthly price then test. Message or PPV (pay-per-view) content can top up income. Remember OnlyFans takes 20% and you keep the rest.
- Safety settings & boundaries
- Use two-factor auth. Watermark exclusive content. Set geo-blocks if necessary and consider a secondary business phone number for DMs.
- Promotion โ start before launch
- Tease on socials, build an email list, add a Linktree. Collaborate with other creators; many UK successes have mixed mainstream media and social promo.
- Keep records for taxes and copyright
- Track income and expenses in a simple spreadsheet. Creators must report self-employed income to HMRC; OnlyFans reported paying ยฃ167,000,000 in UK corporation tax last year, showing how seriously the UK treats platform revenue.
๐ก What the press is showing right now (reality checks)
OnlyFans is no longer just “that” adult site โ news coverage shows both mainstream creators making serious money and real-life risks creators face. For instance, Bake Off winner John Whaite talked publicly about the money he made on OnlyFans, showing mainstream crossover and income potential [Thepinknews, 2025-09-19].
At the same time, mainstream outlets still treat OnlyFans as an NSFW platform in many explainers [News18, 2025-09-20], which affects public perception and booking opportunities โ some creators have reported losing certain mainstream gigs after starting accounts.
There are safety incidents too: high-profile incidents like the attack on creator Bonnie Blue at a UK event highlight the need for security planning when you appear in public [Mundo Deportivo, 2025-09-20]. Real talk: prepare for doxxing, intrusive messages and the occasional offline confrontation if you promote heavily.
๐ก Practical safety & legal checklist (UK-focused)
- Use a business email and number. Consider a VOIP number for fans.
- Two-factor auth and a unique password manager.
- Watermark paid content and limit raw file distribution.
- Draft simple boundaries: no meeting alone, set DM rules, make clear what content is allowed.
- Get basic accounting: record payouts, fees, tips and expenses. Talk to an accountant if you earn consistently. HMRC rules apply โ keep receipts and register if youโre self-employed.
๐ Frequently Asked Questions
โ How soon can I start earning on OnlyFans?
๐ฌ It depends โ some people see income quickly if they have an existing audience; most build steady revenue over weeks or months. Pricing, niche and promotion matter.
๐ ๏ธ Do I need special ID or proof to set up as a UK creator?
๐ฌ Yes โ OnlyFans requires age verification with a government ID and a selfie for biometric checks. Have bank details ready for payouts.
๐ง Will doing OnlyFans hurt my mainstream opportunities?
๐ฌ Possibly โ some brands and events treat OnlyFans content as a risk. Think about your long-term brand, and if you want mainstream crossover, curate the SFW content and public messaging accordingly.
๐งฉ Final Thoughts…
OnlyFans remains a powerful monetisation route for UK creators: large user spend, creator-first revenue splits, and growing SFW options. But itโs not a frictionless path โ verification, tax obligations, safety planning and PR management are essential. Start methodically: proof your account, price smart, promote to your crowd and keep records. The platformโs size offers real upside, but only if you treat it like a business.
๐ Further Reading
Here are 3 recent articles that give more context to this topic โ all selected from verified sources. Feel free to explore ๐
๐ธ Teacher-turned-OnlyFans star did something wild โ to save dogs
๐๏ธ Source: New York Post โ ๐
2025-09-20
๐ Read Article
๐ธ ‘Teen Mom’ Alum Farrah Abraham Talks Making “Millions” On OnlyFans
๐๏ธ Source: Decider โ ๐
2025-09-19
๐ Read Article
๐ธ This State Wants to Ban Adult Content and the VPNs You Use to Watch It
๐๏ธ Source: PCMag โ ๐
2025-09-19
๐ Read Article
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๐ Disclaimer
This post blends public reporting, platform data and a bit of AI polish. Itโs for guidance and discussion โ not legal or tax advice. Double-check specifics (especially tax or legal matters) with a pro. If anything looks off, ping me and Iโll update it.