What Are Creator Platforms?
A creator platform is a website where you sell content to fans. You set the price. Fans pay to subscribe or buy single posts.
The platform keeps a cut of each sale. This is called a platform fee or commission.
These sites grew fast after 2020. More people started working online. Fans wanted a closer link to the people they followed.
Today there are dozens of these platforms. Some focus on adult content. Others serve fitness coaches, musicians, podcasters, and artists.
Each site has its own fees, payout rules, and content rules. Picking the right one can change your monthly income a lot.
This guide compares six platforms people search for most. It looks at fees, discovery, payout speed, and content rules.
OnlyFans
OnlyFans is the biggest creator subscription site in the world. It launched in 2016. It is run by Fenix International Ltd, a UK company.
Fenix files yearly accounts with UK Companies House. Its most recent filing covers the year ending November 30, 2024.
That filing shows $7.22 billion in gross fan payments for the year. Creators kept $5.80 billion of that after fees.
OnlyFans had 4.63 million creator accounts as of that filing. It had 377.5 million fan accounts.
How It Works
You set a monthly subscription price. Fans pay that price to see your posts. You can also send locked pay-per-view messages, called PPV.
OnlyFans keeps 20% of every dollar you earn. You keep 80%. This split covers subscriptions, tips, and PPV messages.
Who Uses It
Most creators on OnlyFans post adult content. The platform also allows other content. Fitness coaches, chefs, and musicians all run active pages.
In August 2021, OnlyFans said it would ban adult content. It reversed that plan within days. Adult content is still allowed today.
Key Numbers
- Platform fee: 20% (you keep 80%)
- Minimum payout: $20 for bank transfer; some methods need more
- Hold period: usually 7 days on new earnings, up to 21 days for some accounts or countries
- Payout timing: you can choose weekly, monthly, or automatic payouts once your balance clears
- Fan payment methods: major credit and debit cards
Fansly
Fansly launched in 2020. It grew fast as creators looked for OnlyFans alternatives. It is run by Select Media LLC, based in Baltimore, Maryland.
Fansly is known for its tier system. One account can offer fans up to three price levels. Each tier unlocks different content.
How It Works
You earn through monthly subscriptions, PPV posts, and tips. Fansly takes 20% of all earnings, the same as OnlyFans.
One key difference is discovery. Fansly has a public browse page. Fans can find new creators without already following them.
Key Numbers
- Platform fee: 20% (you keep 80%)
- Minimum payout: varies by method, from about $20 to $100
- Hold period: about 7 days before earnings are ready to withdraw
- Content allowed: adult and non-adult
- Age verification: required for creators and for fans viewing explicit content
Who It Suits
Fansly suits creators who want built-in discovery. The browse page can bring new fans without paid ads.
The tier system also helps if you want more than one price point. A free preview tier lets fans see your page first.
LoyalFans
LoyalFans launched in 2018. It bills itself as a creator-first alternative to bigger sites. It allows both adult and non-adult content.
LoyalFans is smaller than OnlyFans and Fansly. But it has features the bigger sites lack, including built-in live streaming and long blog posts.
How It Works
Creators earn through subscriptions, PPV posts, and tips. LoyalFans also supports ticketed live shows. Fans pay a set fee to watch you go live.
The platform takes 20% of all income. You keep 80%, the same split most rivals use.
Key Numbers
- Platform fee: 20% (you keep 80%)
- Minimum payout: $50
- Payout schedule: twice a month
- Live streaming: yes, with ticketed shows available
- Blog posts: yes — long written posts are supported
Who It Suits
LoyalFans works well for creators who want live streaming without a third-party app. It also suits writers who want to sell long posts alongside photos and video.
Fanvue
Fanvue launched in 2020 in the United Kingdom. It allows adult and non-adult content. It has built AI tools right into the creator dashboard.
These tools help you manage fan messages, write captions, and schedule posts. This sets Fanvue apart from older platforms.
How It Works
You earn through subscriptions, PPV posts, tips, and live streaming. Fanvue has changed its fee structure more than once since launch.
New creators currently get a lower promotional fee for a limited time. The rate then rises to the standard fee. Sources differ on how long the promotional period lasts.
Key Numbers (always verify at fanvue.com)
- Platform fee: check fanvue.com/terms for the current rate and promotional period
- Minimum payout: check fanvue.com for the current minimum
- AI content tools: yes, built into the platform
- Live streaming: yes
Who It Suits
Fanvue suits creators who want AI tools built in. The message and caption tools can save time on daily admin work.
The lower fee for new creators is worth testing early on, but check the exact terms before you rely on it.
ManyVids
ManyVids launched in 2014. It was co-founded by Bella French and is based in Montreal, Canada. It is one of the oldest sites in this space.
ManyVids works like a marketplace, not just a subscription site. Fans browse a store and buy single video clips. Subscriptions are also available.
How It Works
Creators list video clips for sale in a public store. Fans can buy what they want without subscribing first. This can bring in passive income from older content.
Fees on ManyVids run higher than most rivals. The site takes between 20% and 40%, depending on the type of sale. Store sales tend to carry higher fees.
Key Numbers
- Platform fee: 20%–40%, depending on transaction type — verify current split at manyvids.com
- Minimum payout: $20
- Payout schedule: twice per month
- Marketplace model: yes — fans can buy single clips without subscribing
- Content: adult and general content both allowed
Who It Suits
ManyVids works well for video-first creators. The marketplace means older content can keep earning without extra promotion.
The higher fees are the trade-off for the built-in traffic the ManyVids store brings.
Patreon
Patreon was founded in 2013 by musician Jack Conte and developer Sam Yam. It is based in San Francisco, California.
Patreon is the most mainstream option on this list. Podcasters, artists, writers, musicians, and video creators all use it. Explicit sexual content is not allowed.
How It Works
Fans become "patrons" and pay a monthly amount to support you. You set tiers with different perks at each level.
Patreon changed its pricing on August 4, 2025. Creators who publish a new page now pay a flat 10% platform fee.
Creators who published their page before that date can stay on the older plans: 5%, 8%, or 12%, depending on the plan they picked. They keep that rate only as long as their page stays live.
Payment processing adds roughly 2.9% plus $0.30 per payment for most US transactions. Small payments of $3 or less cost more in percentage terms.
Key Numbers
- Platform fee: 10% flat for new pages; 5%–12% for pages published before August 4, 2025 (plus payment processing)
- Minimum payout: $10 for most methods
- Payout schedule: monthly, with funds arriving a few business days later
- Adult content: not allowed
- Categories: podcasts, music, art, writing, video, comedy, gaming, education
Who It Suits
Patreon is the best choice for creators making content safe for all audiences. It has the largest base of mainstream fans.
The flat 10% fee is simple to understand. Remember to add payment processing costs before comparing it with the flat 20% other platforms charge.
LokdX
LokdX is a fan subscription Pay Per View platform where creators sell content directly to subscribers. It supports both adult and non-adult content.
How It Works
You earn through subscriptions, PPV messages, live streaming, and video sales. LokdX keeps 20% of earnings. You keep 80%.
Check lokdx.com for the current terms, including the fee split, before you rely on any number here.
Key Numbers
- Platform fee: 20% (you keep 80%)
- Minimum payout: $75
- Content allowed: adult and non-adult
- Live streaming: yes
- Video sales: yes
- PPV messages: yes
Platform Fees at a Glance
This table shows what each platform keeps from your earnings. A lower fee means more money in your pocket per dollar earned.
| Platform | Fee You Pay | You Keep | Min. Payout | Referral Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OnlyFans | 20% | 80% | $20 | Yes — 5% for 12 months, capped at $50,000 |
| Fansly | 20% | 80% | $20–$100 by method | Yes — verify at fansly.com/help |
| LoyalFans | 20% | 80% | $50 | Yes — verify at loyalfans.com |
| Fanvue | Varies (promo rate, then standard rate) | Varies | Verify at fanvue.com | Yes — verify at fanvue.com |
| ManyVids | 20%–40% | 60%–80% | $20 | Limited — verify at manyvids.com |
| Patreon | 10% flat (new pages) or 5%–12% (legacy pages) + processing fees | ~85%–90% | $10 | None as a standard creator program |
| LokdX* | 20% | 80% | $75 | Verify at lokdx.com |
These figures come from official pages and recent press reports as of July 2026. Fees can change. Always check each platform's own site before you sign up.
*LokdX is the platform behind this site.
Content Rules by Platform
Not every platform allows the same content. This matters when you choose where to post. Always read the terms before uploading anything.
| Platform | Adult Content | Non-Adult | Live Streaming | Video Sales | PPV Messages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OnlyFans | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Fansly | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| LoyalFans | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Fanvue | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| ManyVids | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ● Limited | ✓ Yes | ● Limited |
| Patreon | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ● Limited |
| LokdX* | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
*LokdX is the platform behind this site — see the disclosure in the LokdX section above.
Every platform bans illegal content without exception. Content involving minors leads to instant account removal and can be reported to police.
Age checks are getting stricter in the US, UK, and EU. Each platform runs its own check. You will need to submit a valid government ID before you can post.
Discovery: How New Fans Find You
Discovery means new fans can find your page without a direct link from you. Platforms handle this very differently. It matters most for creators just starting out.
OnlyFans
OnlyFans has no public browse page for finding new creators. Fans need your username or a link from social media. You handle your own promotion.
Fansly
Fansly has a public discovery section. Fans can browse content by category. New creators have a real shot at being found without paid ads.
LoyalFans
LoyalFans has a creator directory. Fans can search and filter by content type. This gives new creators a starting point.
Fanvue
Fanvue has a search and discovery system. The platform also promotes creators through its own marketing. It actively tries to bring new fans to the site.
ManyVids
ManyVids works like an online video store. Fans browse and search the marketplace. This is one of its biggest advantages for creators with no following yet.
Patreon
Patreon has improved its discovery tools over time. A browse page lets fans find creators by category. Public Patreon pages also get indexed by search engines, which brings extra visitors.
Payout Details
Here is what each platform offers in payment speed, methods, and minimum amounts.
OnlyFans
New earnings are usually held for 7 days, sometimes up to 21 days. The minimum payout is $20. You can request weekly or set up automatic payouts. Payments go by bank transfer, wire transfer, or e-wallet.
Fansly
Fansly processes payouts weekly after earnings clear a hold period of about 7 days. The minimum ranges from about $20 to $100, depending on the method you choose.
LoyalFans
LoyalFans pays out twice a month. The minimum is $50. Bank transfer, wire transfer, and some e-wallets are supported.
Fanvue
Fanvue offers frequent payouts for verified creators. For current minimums and payment methods, check fanvue.com directly.
ManyVids
ManyVids pays twice per month. The minimum is $20. You can withdraw by cheque, wire transfer, or e-wallet, depending on your country.
Patreon
Patreon pays monthly, with funds usually arriving within a few business days. The minimum payout is $10 for most methods. PayPal, Stripe, and direct deposit are supported.
Referral Programs
Most platforms pay you for bringing in other creators. This is called a referral or affiliate program. Amounts and time limits vary by platform.
- OnlyFans: 5% of a referred creator's earnings for their first 12 months, capped at $50,000 per referred creator
- Fansly: Has a referral system — verify current rates at fansly.com/help
- LoyalFans: Has a referral system — verify current rates at loyalfans.com
- Fanvue: Has a referral and affiliate program — verify current rates at fanvue.com
- ManyVids: Limited referral options — check manyvids.com for current status
- Patreon: No standard creator referral pay program as of mid-2026
Referral income can add up fast if you have a large following. Some creators earn more from referrals than from their own content early on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary: Which Platform Is Right for You?
There is no single best platform for every creator. The right choice depends on your content type, your current audience, and how fast you need to get paid.
OnlyFans
Best for creators with an existing social media following. Largest fan base overall. No built-in discovery page.
Fansly
Best for new creators who want discovery tools and price tiers. Weekly payouts for many creators.
LoyalFans
Best for creators who want live streaming and long blog posts built in.
Fanvue
Best for creators who want AI tools and a lower starting fee. Verify current terms at fanvue.com first.
ManyVids
Best for video-first creators who want marketplace discovery. Higher fees on store sales.
Patreon
Best for non-adult creators in podcasting, music, writing, and art. Lowest minimum payout, at $10.
Whatever platform you pick, spend time on your profile before you promote it. A complete profile with clear pricing converts better than a rushed one.
Try two platforms for 90 days. Track where your income actually comes from. Then put more effort into what is working.
Sources
Every fact in this guide is checked against official platform pages, UK government filings, or established press reports.
- Fenix International Limited — Annual Accounts, year ended 30 November 2023, UK Companies House. Companies House filing history
- Fenix International Limited — Annual Accounts, year ended 30 November 2024, UK Companies House. Reports $7.22 billion in gross fan payments and $5.80 billion paid to creators.
- OnlyFans — Help Centre: earnings, payouts, and referral program terms. onlyfans.com/help
- OnlyFans — Terms of Service. onlyfans.com/terms
- Variety — "OnlyFans 2024 Financials: Gross Revenue $7.2 Billion, up 9%." Variety, 2025.
- Variety — "OnlyFans 2023 Financials: Porn-Friendly Site Payments Hit $6.6 Billion." Variety, 2024.
- eMarketer — "OnlyFans reports record $6.63 billion for 2023." Citing Fenix International filings.
- The Independent — "OnlyFans owner paid $700 million in dividends ahead of sale of brand," 2025. Citing Fenix International filings.
- Fansly — Help Centre and Terms of Service. fansly.com/help
- Wikipedia — "Fansly." Company ownership and headquarters details.
- LoyalFans — Terms of Service and creator FAQ. loyalfans.com/faq
- Grokipedia — "LoyalFans." Founding date and company background, cross-checked against industry press.
- Fanvue — Terms and Conditions and creator support pages. fanvue.com/terms, support.fanvue.com
- Wikipedia — "Fanvue." Founding date and founder details.
- ManyVids — Help Centre: revenue splits and payouts. manyvids.com/help
- Wikipedia — "ManyVids." Founding date, headquarters, and ownership.
- Patreon — Creator fees overview, Patreon Help Center. support.patreon.com
- Patreon — Payout guide and community guidelines. patreon.com/policy/guidelines