About OnlyFans
OnlyFans is a London-based social media subscription service founded in 2016. It revolutionized the creator economy by allowing content creators to monetize their influence through monthly subscriptions, “pay-per-view” (PPV) messaging, and tips. While it is most famous for adult content, the platform hosts creators from various niches, including fitness, cooking, music, and DIY.
OnlyFans Affiliate Program Overview
OnlyFans does not have a public affiliate program for “products.” Instead, it has a Creator Referral Program. This program allows existing users to refer new creators to the platform and earn a percentage of that creator’s earnings.
| Feature | Description |
| Industry | Content Creation / Social Media / Adult Entertainment |
| Product Type | Digital Service / Subscription Platform |
| Affiliate Program Type | Referral Program (Creator-to-Creator) |
OnlyFans Affiliate Program Offers
The program is built to incentivize the recruitment of new talent to the platform. Unlike retail brands, the “offer” is the lifetime (or time-capped) value of a referred creator.
| Feature | Details |
| Promotional Materials | Unique Referral Link, Dashboard tracking |
| Affiliate Cookie Duration | Typically 30 days (from click to sign-up) |
| Accepted Traffic Source | Social Media, Blogs, Direct Messaging, Personal Websites |
| Accepted Countries | Global (excluding sanctioned regions) |
| Explicit Content | Permitted (Core business model) |
| Religious or Political Content | Allowed, provided it doesn’t violate TOS (Hate speech is banned) |
OnlyFans Affiliate Commissions & Payments
The OnlyFans referral structure is famous for its “5% rule,” though the platform has capped and modified these terms in recent years to manage long-term payouts.
| Feature | Details |
| MLM (Multi-Level) | No (Single-tier referral only) |
| Commission Rate | 5% of the referred creator’s earnings |
| Commission Structure | Percentage-based (Capped at $1 million in total earnings per referral) |
| Payout Frequency | Monthly (after a 7-day pending period for funds) |
| Payout Methods | Bank Transfer (ACH/SEPA), Paxum, Cosmo Payment |
| Minimum Payout | $20 |
Suitable Affiliates for OnlyFans
Because OnlyFans is a creator-centric platform, the program is best suited for those who already have a presence in the digital media space:
- Bloggers: Those writing about the “gig economy,” side hustles, or adult industry news.
- TikTokers: Creators who can drive “top-of-funnel” traffic to sign-up pages.
- KOC (Key Opinion Consumers): Real users who share their success stories on the platform.
- KOL (Key Opinion Leaders): Industry experts who mentor new creators.
- Influencers: High-reach individuals who can pivot followers into creators.
- YouTubers: Specifically those in the “How-to” or “Business” niche.
- Video Editors: Professionals who work with creators and can refer their clients to the platform.
- Livestreamers: Creators on Twitch or Kick who interact with potential new OnlyFans talent.
OnlyFans Affiliate Software
OnlyFans uses In-house affiliate management software. The referral system is integrated directly into the creator’s dashboard, allowing them to generate links and track referred creators’ earnings in real-time without using third-party networks like Impact or ShareASale.
3 Alternatives for OnlyFans Affiliate Program
Since OnlyFans has occasionally limited its referral program, many affiliates look toward “Fan Platform” alternatives that offer more aggressive commission structures.
| Comparison Factor | Fansly | LoyalFans | FriendsOnly |
| Description | The biggest direct competitor to OnlyFans. | A creator-friendly site with advanced tech tools. | A TikTok-style subscription platform (Vertical video). |
| Average Bill | $10 – $20 | $15 – $25 | $5 – $50 |
| Entry Fees | Free | Free | Free |
| Withdrawal Threshold | $20 | $50 | $50 |
| Payment Frequency | Weekly / Daily | Weekly | Daily / Weekly |
| Commission | 1% to 5% (Tiered) | 5% Lifetime | 5% to 10% |
| Conversion | Very High (Fast growing) | High (Niche fans) | Medium (Newer platform) |
| Marketing Materials | Referral links, Banners | Deep linking, Banners | Promo videos, Links |