OnlyFans is the household name, but Fansly is gaining ground fast. After the 2021 OnlyFans scare (when they almost banned explicit content), many creators diversified to Fansly—and some discovered they prefer it.
This guide compares both platforms based on real creator data, not marketing speak. We manage accounts on both platforms and share what actually matters for your bottom line.
Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | OnlyFans | Fansly |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Fee | 20% | 20% (but often less via promos) |
| Brand Recognition | Extremely high | Growing |
| Built-in Traffic | None | Has explore/discovery |
| Content Tiers | Limited | Multiple subscription tiers |
| Payout Speed | 21 days (new), 7 days (established) | Same day available |
| Content Stability | History of policy changes | Creator-friendly commitment |
| Creator Tools | Basic | More advanced |
Platform Fees: The Real Cost
Both platforms officially take 20% of all earnings. But there are nuances:
OnlyFans Fees
- Flat 20% on all revenue (subscriptions, tips, PPV, customs)
- No promotional fee reductions
- Chargebacks deducted from your earnings
- VAT/tax handling varies by region
Fansly Fees
- Standard 20% platform fee
- Promotional periods with reduced fees (sometimes 15%)
- Referral program can reduce effective fees
- Similar chargeback policies
Traffic & Discoverability
This is where the platforms differ significantly:
OnlyFans: Zero Discovery
OnlyFans has NO internal discovery mechanism. There's no search, no explore page, no way for users to find you on the platform. 100% of your traffic must come from external marketing (social media, Reddit, etc.).
Fansly: Built-in Discovery
Fansly has an explore page where users can discover creators. While it won't be your primary traffic source, it provides some organic discovery that OnlyFans can't match.
💡 Reality Check
Don't rely on Fansly's discovery for growth—it's a bonus, not a strategy. You still need social media marketing on both platforms. But Fansly's explore page can bring 5-15% additional traffic for established creators.
Subscription Tiers & Pricing Flexibility
OnlyFans Options
- One subscription tier per page
- Price range: $4.99 - $49.99/month
- Can run discounts and promotions
- Limited bundling options
Fansly Advantages
- Multiple subscription tiers on one page (e.g., Basic $5, Premium $15, VIP $30)
- Different content access per tier
- More creative pricing strategies
- Better upsell opportunities
🏆 Winner: Fansly
Multiple tiers = higher average revenue per subscriber. Fans can choose their experience level, and you can upsell between tiers.
Payouts: Getting Your Money
OnlyFans Payout Timeline
- New creators: 21-day holding period
- Established creators: Can request payouts after 7 days
- Minimum payout: $20
- Methods: Bank transfer, wire transfer
Fansly Payout Timeline
- Same-day payouts available (with some fees)
- Standard: Weekly payouts
- Minimum payout: $100
- Methods: Bank, Paxum, ACH, wire
⚠️ Note on Minimum
Fansly's $100 minimum payout can be frustrating for new creators. OnlyFans' $20 minimum is more accessible when starting out.
Creator Tools & Features
OnlyFans Features
- Mass messaging
- Scheduled posts
- PPV messages
- Polls and quizzes
- Live streaming
- Co-streaming with other creators
Fansly Features
- All OnlyFans features PLUS:
- Multiple subscription tiers
- Story-style content
- Better media organization
- Follower-tier separation
- More detailed analytics
- Auto-posting from other accounts
Platform Stability & Future
This matters more than most creators realize:
OnlyFans Risk
In August 2021, OnlyFans announced it would ban explicit content. They reversed the decision after creator backlash, but the scare revealed their vulnerability to payment processor pressure.
Fansly's Commitment
Fansly was built specifically FOR adult creators. They've been consistent in their creator-friendly approach and don't have the same "mainstream aspirations" that created OnlyFans' policy flip-flopping.
💡 Diversification Strategy
Smart creators use BOTH platforms. Same content, two revenue streams. If one platform has issues, you're not starting from zero. Cross-promote between them.
Brand Recognition: The OnlyFans Advantage
Let's be honest: everyone knows OnlyFans. It's become a verb ("she has an OnlyFans"). This recognition matters:
- "Subscribe to my OnlyFans" is universally understood
- "Subscribe to my Fansly" requires explanation
- OnlyFans links get more clicks initially
- Brand trust is higher with OnlyFans
This advantage is shrinking as Fansly grows, but OnlyFans' brand power is still significant in 2025.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
✅ Choose OnlyFans If:
- You're just starting out (brand recognition helps)
- Your audience already knows OnlyFans
- You want simplest setup with one tier
- You need lowest payout minimum ($20)
✅ Choose Fansly If:
- You want multiple subscription tiers
- You value platform stability for adult content
- You want faster payout options
- You're already established and want to diversify
🏆 Our Recommendation: Use Both
The optimal strategy is mirroring content on both platforms. Same effort, two revenue streams, and protection if one platform has issues. Start with OnlyFans for name recognition, add Fansly once established.
How to Run Both Platforms
- Primary platform: Use OnlyFans as your primary due to brand recognition
- Mirror content: Post the same content to Fansly
- Cross-promote: Mention both in your linktree
- Use tier advantage: Create unique Fansly tiers to attract premium subscribers there
- Split traffic: Test which platform converts better for your audience
Need Help Managing Multiple Platforms?
Take Profit manages accounts on both OnlyFans and Fansly. We optimize for maximum revenue across platforms.
Get Multi-Platform Management →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same content on both platforms?
Yes. Neither platform has exclusivity requirements. Most creators post identical content on both.
Do I need separate marketing for each platform?
Not necessarily. Use a linktree with both options. Let fans choose their preferred platform.
Will Fansly overtake OnlyFans?
Unlikely soon. OnlyFans' brand power is enormous. But Fansly is a solid alternative that's growing. Both will likely coexist.
Which platform pays better?
With the same 20% fee, the difference comes from conversion. OnlyFans' brand recognition often leads to higher conversion rates, but Fansly's tiers can increase average revenue per subscriber.
Take Profit Team | Platform Analysis | Last Updated: December 2025