OnlyFans Content Ban, False Alarm? (A Creators Perspective)
Hello,
My name is Pyra Fae (u/ursecretgf on Reddit, @Pyrafae on Instagram and Twitter), and I am an adult content creator.
On August 21, OnlyFans announced that they would be changing their terms of service, and explicit content would no longer be allowed on their website. Some people found the new guidelines confusing, as some nudity would still be acceptable, but photos that were deemed explicit or offensive nudity would not be tolerated. Many were left speculating what qualifies as explicit or offensive nudity, but the terms of service made it clear that explicit videos of any kind would not be permitted.
This news disrupted the lives of millions of content creators. The new terms of service were supposed to become effective on October 1, and all previous content that had been posted that violated the new restrictions were expected to be removed by December 1.
Many adult content creators first heard about these changes through the news and felt betrayed by the platform that they helped build into what it is today. As someone who has spent the past year dedicated to building a following on OnlyFans, this news was life-altering. OnlyFans created a safe space for sex workers to work on their own terms, from the comfort of their own homes, and the ability to avoid toxic workplace situations.
Other websites that made it possible to monetize adult content existed before OnlyFans, such as Manyvids, Chaturbate, and Pornhub. However, OnlyFans secured its place in pop culture and became a household name during the pandemic as millions of people were eager to work from home. Popular songs referenced to OnlyFans and brought media coverage to online sex workers that otherwise may not have happened.
There are currently over 130 million users on OnlyFans and 2 million content creators, so this news affected millions of people. Adult content creators were in a state of panic trying to navigate the situation. Some people believe that the company’s decision may have something to do with credit card companies becoming more strict in their requirements for purchases that involve adult content. MasterCard updated their policies in April so that adult sites that use their services must be sure that all users are age verified and content is reviewed before posted.
Performers felt pressure to make decisions about the future of their careers and migrate to new platforms. Many creators found themselves in predicaments caused by this situation, such as being stuck in an expensive renting or mortgage situation they didn’t know if they would be able to afford anymore or not having enough money saved up for annual taxes.
There are many alternative sites that are eager to accommodate adult content creators. A similar platform, Manyvids, is allowing content creators to keep 100 percent of their earnings in September instead of the usual 80%. Tech teams for the competitor sites are working hard to make sure their website servers are able to handle the high traffic they have received since the news was announced.
One site, Fansly, reported they were receiving 4000 profile applications per hour in a recent tweet. There is a struggle between competitor sites fighting for the opportunity to become the next Onlyfans as thousands of content creators join new, similar platforms.
We have all hands on deck working on verifying creators as we’re receiving 4000 applications an hour now. Back log of applications is about a day currently and support tickets is even longer. Expanding our team to handle the volume is our #1 priority now. Please bare with us ????
— Fansly (@realFansly) August 21, 2021
The official OnlyFans Twitter account released a statement on August, addressing and apologizing to sex workers for the turn of events. The people affected by these events were quick to voice their concerns and outrage in the comment section of this tweet.
Dear Sex Workers,
The OnlyFans community would not be what it is today without you.
The policy change was necessary to secure banking and payment services to support you.
We are working around the clock to come up with solutions.#SexWorkIsWork
— OnlyFans (@OnlyFans) August 21, 2021
Only four days after the initial tweet, OnlyFans released another tweet stating that it is suspending the new terms of service, and it will continue to allow explicit content. This is relieving news for content creators and fans; however, some creators are still switching platforms regardless.
Thank you to everyone for making your voices heard.
We have secured assurances necessary to support our diverse creator community and have suspended the planned October 1 policy change.
OnlyFans stands for inclusion and we will continue to provide a home for all creators.
— OnlyFans (@OnlyFans) August 25, 2021
This series of events has reminded online sex workers the importance of having diverse income streams incase we face similar circumstances again in the future. This situation has made headlines and brought attention to online sex workers as they make their voices heard and fight for respect and equality.
