Recently, we had the opportunity to interview successful models on OnlyFans and Fansly. They shared insights about the challenges they face in their work, their earnings, and also provided advice for newcomers. While many people associate OnlyFans, Chaturbate, and Fansly with female models, there is little discussion about the work of male models on these platforms. Typically, men in the adult industry manage messages on female accounts and assist their partners. However, there are male models who independently stream and operate their own OnlyFans accounts.
To address this information gap, we interviewed three male models who discussed their earnings, the challenges they encounter in their work, and their reasons for choosing the adult industry. Each of the three models has a different level of involvement and experience in this field. One of them earns through streaming, the second manages an account on adult sites in collaboration with his wife, and the third is an experienced adult film actor who also owns an agency.
“All men masturbate, and I also get paid for it. Well, isn’t that wonderful?” — Daniil, Fansly model and streamer on Chaturbate
You earn money as a model and I would like to know which platform you chose: OnlyFans or Fansly?
In 2021, I signed up for OnlyFans and then worked for Chaturbate. Initially, I wasn't very active, making only a few posts per week. This brought me around $300 to $500 per month. It suited me because my main source of income was Chaturbate, where I earned $1,000, compared to $500 from OnlyFans. In 2022, when OnlyFans stopped allowing registrations from Russians, I joined Fansly. However, I only started earning around $500 per month there towards the end of 2022.
How long have you been working in the adult industry? How did you get started?
I've been working in the adult industry for three years. I registered on Chaturbate in 2020, right after turning 18. It's a funny story. During the summer when I was 17, a friend invited me for a walk and introduced me to webcams. I thought you needed to stream with a girl, but it turned out that wasn't necessary. He explained that I could simply sit in front of the camera, do what I do every day, and get paid for it. I realized it was an ideal way to make money. So, I decided to wait until I turned 18 and started earning. Initially, I made around $50 to $100 per stream, which was good money back then. When I turned 18, I submitted my documents to Chaturbate and started my first stream.
Why did you choose to work in the adult industry?
Well, as an 18-year-old, I never imagined I could earn so much money. In my first month on Chaturbate, I made around 70 000 to 80 000 rubles. That's why I decided to stay in this field. Initially, I didn't plan on staying in webcam modeling for long. I just wanted to earn money and save it for a business. But when I realized the earning potential, I was blown away and decided to fully commit to it.
Who do you think is not suited for this type of income?
Honestly, I can't understand why any guy would refuse to make 100 000 to 150 000 rubles per month by masturbating on camera. Although it's not as easy as it sounds, it's mostly true. Compared to other prospects available to an 18-year-old, the adult industry offers good earning potential. If you're not an IT specialist, a designer, or lacking much work experience, there aren't many opportunities for high earnings. It may not be suitable for those with conservative views.
How was your work affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? I heard some adult workers experienced increased earnings during that time.
During the height of the pandemic, I had to stream for eight hours. The flow of people on Chaturbate was great back then. I would turn on an interview video in the background and sit watching. Whenever someone donated, I would get up and do something. In that format, I earned around $100 to $150 per session. Now, earning that much requires more effort, as the pandemic has passed and people are no longer at home all the time.
What are the disadvantages of your job?
The biggest downside is the risk of being exposed. Even if it doesn't happen right away, it's likely to occur soon. If you think you can make quick money and leave without anyone finding out, that's not the case. People will eventually discover your identity. Once you have at least 50 viewers on a stream and a decent camera, your face can be easily recognized. I experienced this on my fifth stream when someone in the public chat addressed me by my real name and threatened to expose me by sharing a link to my school group unless I paid them. It was a scary experience, but luckily I had supportive moderators who helped me handle the situation. They advised me not to give in to the demands and explained that sometimes these things happen and there's nothing I can do about it. In the end, things worked out, and I wasn't exposed at that time, but it did happen later. Another major downside is the amount of effort required to stand out and earn money. You need to put on a show, entertain viewers, engage in games and activities, and interact with them. All of this can be draining, and there are days when you have to work for eight hours just to earn a modest income of 4,000 rubles. Balancing this job with personal life, relationships, and friendships can be challenging.
What do you enjoy about your job and why?
One of the things I like about my job is the income it provides. Living in a city where the cost of living is not as high as in Moscow or St. Petersburg, earning 70 000 rubles allows me to afford many things I couldn't afford before. With earnings of 100 000-150 000 rubles, I become relatively well-off in my city. I can buy the things I want and also give gifts to my mother and sister, which I couldn't do previously. If it weren't for the money, I wouldn't be doing this job. Another aspect I enjoy is the nature of the work itself. As someone who is artistic, I appreciate the opportunity to perform and interact with the audience. Although there are times when I feel burnt out, it's a feeling that many people experience in their jobs. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that everyone masturbates, and I'm essentially getting paid for it. Isn't that wonderful?
Who are your customers on Onlyfans? What do you think they expect from this platform?
The customers of Onlyfans vary in their preferences and needs. They come to me for communication, entertainment, and pornographic content. In the past, I created a series of videos on Fansly where I shared stories from my sex life, such as interesting places where I had sex or funny and embarrassing situations I found myself in. People really enjoyed these videos, and I received a lot of positive feedback. I initially released the first episode for free, and the subsequent episodes were available to paid subscribers. I strive to create content that I find interesting and engaging.
How do you establish relationships with your customers? How do you present yourself to them?
Describing how I position myself in relation to my customers is a bit challenging. I'm not someone who plays the role of a submissive person addressing everyone as "daddy," but at the same time, I'm not an alpha male who dominates others. Recently, a member referred to me as his "masturbation bro," which may sound strange but accurately represents my attitude towards my customers. I'm simply myself and don't try to become someone else. When interacting with a member, I adjust my approach based on their age and preferences. If a member is older, I might be more passive, but still friendly. I don't clearly fit into predefined categories, and when members engage with me, they may not fully understand who I am.
How much did you earn in 2022? What is your average monthly income?
In 2022, I earned very little due to personal circumstances that affected my ability to work. Starting from February of that year, I faced a significant decline in my earnings and became disheartened. I even announced a temporary break from streaming on social media. During that month, I only made $7, and I didn't feel motivated to do anything. Fortunately, my audience didn't abandon me, and I resumed streaming in April. During this time, I had an agreement with a regular customer whom I had been talking to for two years. He agreed to provide me with $1 000 per month in exchange for 10 FaceTime calls. He was a pleasant man in his sixties, and our conversations felt like those between friends. This arrangement lasted for a year, and it accounted for a significant portion of my annual income. However, we eventually had a disagreement over something trivial and parted ways. Overall, in 2022, I didn't earn more than 600 000 rubles.
How do you monetize your Fansly account?
On Fansly, I primarily earn through sexting, pay-per-view content, and tips. Fansly is a unique platform that allows various monetization options. I don't make much money from sexting, but the majority of my income comes from subscriptions. Streaming is also lucrative on this platform, allowing me to earn around $100 per stream. One advantage of Fansly is that it only takes a 20% cut from donations, whereas Chaturbate, for example, takes 50%.
This difference is significant. Although Fansly may have fewer viewers, it's still a good platform. The only drawback is that it takes seven days to receive payouts, while on Chaturbate, you can request a daily payout.
Share an interesting story related to your work.
In 2021, during one of my regular streams where I was cooking in the kitchen, something extraordinary happened. There was a member who had occasionally donated small amounts to me, but on this particular occasion, he donated 1,000 tokens, then 2,000, and later another 3,000. In total, he donated 9,000 tokens, which was the largest donation I had ever received. At that time, I had no idea how much money it amounted to because I had never withdrawn such a significant amount. I remember eagerly finishing the stream to check the value of those tokens. When I converted them into dollars, I saw that it was $500. I was completely shocked. I had earned 30,000 rubles for just three hours of work. Without hesitation, I immediately used some of that money to buy sneakers worth 18,000 rubles, which I had wanted for a long time.
Another similar incident occurred while I was exercising on a stream. A viewer came in and donated 13 000 tokens, which amounted to $800. I couldn't hold back my tears of gratitude. These generous members who donate large sums never asked for anything in return. One of them mentioned that seeing my smile and making me happy brought him pleasure. They must be very wealthy individuals because if I received $800, they donated $1 600 in total. I saw that viewer only once, and I'm grateful to him. Thanks to his contributions, I was able to go on vacation to St. Petersburg and meet a friend.
What advice do you have for guys who want to become models?
The most important thing is to do what you truly want to do and never compromise your values. Otherwise, it can harm your mental well-being and more. Keep in mind that everyone's path is unique. In the past, I used to help guys with their Fansly accounts and gave them suggestions, but I eventually grew tired of it because I would put in the effort, but they wouldn't make any changes or even abandon their accounts. It ended up being a waste of my time. If you need assistance, you can message me, and I can provide guidance for a fee on what steps to take.
You started streaming when you were 18 and lived with your parents. How did you manage to do it? How did you eventually move out?
I lived in a four-room apartment with my parents and streamed during the night. I didn't have a fancy camera or a high-quality microphone. Instead, I used my phone as a webcam and used inexpensive headphones with a microphone. On my first streams, I earned 70,000 rubles. To ensure only the audience could hear me, I positioned the microphone close to my mouth. I would start streaming at midnight and finish at 8 in the morning when my mother woke up for work. It was far from ideal, but I didn't let that stop me. I focused on my goal and ignored the obstacles. Many people say it's impossible to live with parents while pursuing this career, but I disagree.
You can start from scratch without any fancy equipment. All you need is a computer, even a cheap one, internet access, and a phone. After four months, I moved out of my parent's place and used my first earnings to buy a good webcam, microphone, and later, an expensive phone. If I hadn't started working back then, my life and my parents' lives wouldn't have improved as they have now. It's not necessary to work in a studio that takes a big cut from your earnings on top of the platform fees.
Did you tell your mom how you make money? How did she react?
In 2021, I finally told my mom about what I was doing. I debated for a long time whether to share or not, but eventually, I decided to do so. She was shocked at first but eventually accepted it. Nowadays, she asks how my work is going. I consider myself fortunate that my mom is young and open-minded, so she was able to accept it. I thought she would be angry with me, but everything worked out. Of course, it's usually more challenging for girls in this industry. Guys and male striptease tend to face less judgment.
"On average, the monthly earnings range from $5,000 to $7,000," said an anonymous person who shares a joint Fansly account with his wife.
Which platform did you choose for your joint account and why? How many followers do you have?
Initially, we started with OnlyFans, and we registered on Fansly as a backup in case of new sanctions. Currently, we have over 200 subscribers on OnlyFans and about 100 on Fansly. However, the earnings are similar because there are different subscription levels. Fansly is a good alternative for models with a Russian passport. The only problem is that many users are skeptical about this site. They are hesitant to register on a new platform and link their payment cards, so they prefer sticking with OnlyFans.
How long have you been working in the adult industry? Can you tell me about your journey?
We have been in the adult industry for nearly 5 years now. Initially, I started as a solo model, and after a couple of months, my wife and I began streaming together. Last year, we completely transitioned to OnlyFans and Fansly.
Why did you choose the adult industry, and who do you think it wouldn't be suitable for?
Initially, financial difficulties led us to choose this path. However, as we learned more about the industry, we found motivation to develop ourselves. The adult industry is definitely not suitable for those who are concerned about their personal reputation and hesitate to share their work with loved ones. It's important to consider that in the long run, this line of work may not be suitable for people from CIS countries due to legal restrictions. Ideally, one should consider relocating and legalizing their work in a country where this isn't an issue.
What are the challenges or downsides of your job?
Like everyone else, we find it frustrating when people expect content and attention for free. Some fans fail to understand why they should pay for the content and the models' time.
What do you enjoy about your job?
We appreciate the independence it offers, as we are not tied to a specific location. Additionally, we enjoy the opportunity to explore new things within the industry.
Can you describe your customers on OnlyFans? What do visitors generally expect on this platform?
Our fans come from diverse backgrounds. Some subscribers simply enjoy watching new content silently, while others seek interaction and communication. There are also those who are willing to purchase any content at any price.
How do you establish relationships with your customers? How do you present yourselves to them?
We don't perceive our fans as mere buyers, nor do we adopt any particular roles. In fact, we even use our real names. Regarding interaction, we don't provide free trial links and don't engage with free followers at all. As we work independently, without sexters or managers, we don't have the time to sell subscriptions to every new follower. Instead, we focus on building a presence on social media platforms to attract traffic. Whoever is interested can then choose to subscribe and make purchases.
On average, how much do you earn per month?
Our average monthly earnings range from $5 000 to $7 000.
How do you monetize your account specifically?
We operate on two platforms: OnlyFans, where my wife manages the account individually due to model release issues, and Fansly, which includes solo content from my wife and couple-content from both of us. Our earnings primarily come from subscriptions. However, on Fansly, we have adopted a strategy for premium subscriptions. Each new fan gains access to a selection of videos from the current month, usually 4-5 videos. If they haven't subscribed before, they need to pay for previous content. This approach stimulates sales and encourages renewals of the premium subscription. Occasionally, we also create custom content upon request, as long as it is simple and aligns with our interests.
Can you share an interesting story related to your work?
To be honest, since we focus on producing straightforward content without any specific fetishes, we attract a more reasonable and respectful fan base. As a result, we don't have any particularly memorable stories. Occasionally, we encounter inappropriate individuals, but we choose not to dwell on them.
What advice would you give to aspiring male models? What should they expect?
While I won't offer specific advice for male models, I can provide guidance to any aspiring model: avoid getting involved with studios. If you find yourself in that situation, it's better to accumulate money as quickly as possible and start working independently. Studios are typically not interested in developing the model as a brand, and even if they are, the brand will belong to the studio. For studios, the main focus is quick profit, and there will always be replacements. A good studio might offer a few months of work and then let you go with all the accounts, but it's challenging to find such studios. The key is to prioritize independence, develop your personal brand, and engage with social networks from the very beginning.
How do you and your wife manage your accounts on adult sites?
We operate the OnlyFans and Fansly accounts under my wife's name, but we include content featuring both of us as a couple. We make it clear that I am her husband, and we have never faced any negativity because of it. Our fans don't mind watching both solo and a couple content. Initially, we promoted ourselves by offering both solo and couple-content, which helped us build our audience. If we had initially positioned the account as featuring only a "virgin girl," the fan base would have been completely different. They would have been against having a male partner on-screen or involved behind the scenes.
Which sources of traffic do you use, and which ones have proven to be the most effective?
Currently, we mainly use Reddit and Twitter. Instagram* has been banned several times, so we closed our page there, and it doesn't bring much traffic anyway. We plan to incorporate TikTok in the future. At present, Reddit is the easiest and most effective source of traffic for us. We have been gaining karma quickly, around 2,000-5,000 per day. Our Reddit account currently has 200,000 karma. On Twitter, we have gained 40,000 subscribers in six months.
Is it more difficult to convert followers from Reddit to Fansly compared to OnlyFans?
Definitely. With a subscription price of around $15, we could attract 10-30 subscribers per day from Reddit to OnlyFans. On Fansly, achieving similar numbers is more challenging, and it's highly unlikely. It's mainly due to Reddit's influence.
Why don't studios give the account to the model after they leave? Is it unusable then? How does it work?
On Chaturbate, according to the site's rules, the account registered under the studio belongs to the studio. While it's possible to "disassociate" the account from the studio, I have rarely seen such cases. Studios usually try to make it difficult for the departing model.
"Going to shake things on camera felt wierd," - Stephan Cardo, a porn actor and owner of an OnlyFans agency.
Hello! How long have you been working in the adult industry, and can you tell me about your journey?
I've been in the adult industry for 8 years, but it all started by accident. A friend of mine mentioned that she was a webcam model and suggested opening a studio. She briefly explained what webcam modeling was about, but I couldn't understand why anyone would pay for porn when it's available for free online. I took some time to think it over and discussed the idea with the system administrator at the swinger club where I worked. It turned out that he was interested in the topic as well. So, together, we decided to give it a try. We asked the girl for advice, but she didn't know much. We had to figure it out on our own.
Nowadays, there are many resources and guides on how to open a webcam studio, but back then, there was no information available. Due to our limited budget, we ended up with a questionable project. I realized that our business processes were flawed, but I didn't know how to change them. I needed to learn from experienced colleagues, so I decided that my wife and I should go to St. Petersburg and work at the most reputable studio at that time. I couldn't trust this task to anyone else. At that time, I was pursuing a second higher education and a master's degree in economics, and I had already started working on my Ph.D. thesis.
My wife was in a similar situation. It was a strange situation for us, as we were considered respectable individuals, and the idea of performing on camera was unfamiliar. I had to mentally prepare my wife for such an offer, but in the end, we decided to go for it. We worked there for three weeks, came back, and changed our approach to running the studio. Later on, we became involved in reality shows, filling our apartment with cameras and streaming 24/7. We also helped other people get started and eventually entered the professional porn industry. We began shooting content at home while simultaneously launching our OnlyFans agency.
Why did you choose the adult industry, and who is it not suitable for?
The reason is simple: the adult industry offers the opportunity to earn money quickly and substantially. Additionally, I saw numerous entrepreneurial possibilities within this industry. However, I cannot recommend the adult industry to everyone, as many people fail to fully comprehend the potential challenges that may arise when choosing this field.
What disadvantages can you highlight about your work, and what do you enjoy?
It's difficult to pinpoint general disadvantages since my perspective is based on multiple roles within the industry. As an actor, I dislike the long and physically demanding shooting days, the fact that male actors earn less than female actors, and the lack of sleep during extensive tours. On the other hand, I enjoy working with friendly film crews, traveling, and earning a good income for engaging in interesting work. As a leader, I dislike the absence of a normal job market and platforms like hh.ru, the prevalence of scams, and the negative attitude toward the adult industry.
I appreciate the opportunity to work in a new industry with few established solutions, the ability to be creative, and the higher motivation that comes with it.
You mentioned being a porn actor. How much do porn actors earn?
Similar to regular actors, there is a range of pay rates for porn actors, from top-level performers to average ones. Unfortunately, there is an unfair discrepancy in pay between male and female actors. On average, a male actor at the middle level receives a salary of €200 per scene, while female actors receive €500 for the same type of scene. However, there are several factors that influence the calculation of earnings on a shooting day.
You started with streaming. Can you describe the difficulties you faced? How much did you earn? What advice would you give to aspiring streamers?
We worked as a couple, and it was challenging because shifts lasted 5-6 hours, requiring constant activity. On average, we earned $250 per day, which was good at the time. The key rule for streaming couples is to establish clear agreements beforehand about what you are willing to do and what you are not. Distribute tasks and roles during the stream, and most importantly, leave personal issues outside the streaming session. It's disheartening to see couples arguing during a live stream.
What are your thoughts on studios? Is it better to work with them or be self-employed?
I have nothing against reputable studios. However, in many studios, working conditions are subpar, and the administration may be inadequate. Fortunately, the adult industry is now developing a reputation system. There are platforms where you can find reviews and make more informed choices. Whether to work at a studio or be self-employed is a difficult question.
To draw a clear example: should every nail technician open their own salon at home? It depends on the model's independence. If you can handle everything yourself and have control over your schedule, then it's better to work from home. However, if you lack the necessary skills or prefer a more structured environment, then joining a studio might be a better choice.
How much do you currently earn, and what are your current income sources?
I prefer not to disclose my exact income, but let's just say it's enough to support my lifestyle. Currently, I earn from my webcam studio, which I am in the process of closing down, as well as from my content on various platforms, including OnlyFans, Fansly, and acting gigs. I also have income from my agency, production work, and other smaller endeavors.
Between OnlyFans and Fansly, which is better?
Without a doubt, OnlyFans is significantly better for models. However, it's worth noting that if you have certain passport restrictions, accessing OnlyFans may be difficult or impossible. But that's a different story altogether.
You were also the owner of a porn studio. Can you tell me about that experience? How challenging is it to organize such work, and is it profitable?
We hired a camera operator and models to shoot high-quality amateur porn. With the help of connections in the industry, we signed contracts with websites and started producing adult content with rights for sale. We aimed to create beautiful and high-quality productions, so we put a lot of effort into it. For us, this project was about creativity rather than just making money.
How difficult is it to promote an account on PornHub? How much can you earn on that site?
Promoting an account on PornHub has become increasingly challenging over the past two years due to the proliferation of bots. Many accounts shamelessly inflate their view counts. In terms of profitability, OnlyFans surpasses PornHub. I wouldn't focus too much on earning income directly from PornHub. Instead, it can be used to drive traffic to platforms like OnlyFans. Nowadays, competition is fierce, and it's harder to reach the top since the overall quality of content has significantly improved for everyone.
Conclusion
As this interview shows, men can also earn money by streaming on platforms like OnlyFans and Fansly, although the earning potential is generally lower compared to female performers. Working in the adult industry has its drawbacks, and it's essential to be aware of the legal implications. Approaching the adult industry with a realistic mindset and being prepared for challenging situations is important. The individuals interviewed provided valuable information that we hope will assist you in making informed decisions. Best of luck!
