OnlyFans vs Subs Based Platforms: Is a New Creator Era Beginning?

While OnlyFans is a glitzy empire for many creators who are making millions through the adult creator platform, there are trade-offs as well. Creators report of growing content restrictions and hefty platform fees. This has pushed many creators to look for new creator tools.

Subs is one such creator platform from OnlyFans’s founder, Tim Stokely himself. It is built with a creator-centric approach, addressing challenges like building an audience, better revenue streams, and an all-inclusive platform for every creator.

In an age where the creators desire better control, income, and fewer restrictions, Subs is a game-changer platform. So, is Subs even better than OnlyFans?” Read on to find out how Subs stacks up against OnlyFans and how to start the next evolution in the creator era. 

TL;DR

  • Subs is a subscription platform launched by Tim Stokely on 8th May 2025 for creators from different niches.
  • Explore, long-form shows, 1-on-1 calls, referral program, and collaboration define the platform’s new feature-set.
  • While OnlyFans is widely known for adult content, Subs is an all-inclusive platform built for musicians, fitness trainers, adult creators, podcasters, athletes, etc.
  • Subs offers better discoverability with long shows, collab, and the built-in explore discovery feed.
  • Beyond subscriptions, Subs provides long-form shows, PPVs, livestreams, 1:1 calls, private messaging, and referrals.
  • Like OnlyFans, Subs follows an 80%-20% revenue-sharing model with faster payouts.

What is Subs?

Subs is a subscription platform launched by Tim Stokely (the founder of OnlyFans) in May 2025. The main purpose of the platform is to build a creator-first platform for all kinds of creators from different niches. While the mobile-first platform is not a mere repackaging of its predecessor, but offers more ways to monetize and scale creator business.​

Subs.com creator subscription platform, a competitor to OnlyFans

The all-in-one creator platform offers an enhanced feature set with:

  • Explore – Built-in discovery feed where fans discover new creators; a great escape from buzzy social media algorithms.
  • Long-Form Shows – Creators can host long-form shows, podcasts and series to spice their content.
  • 1-on-1 Video and Audio Calls – Start genuine interactions with subscribers through private audio and video calls.
  • Collaborate – Engage with collaborative content without worrying about revenue split.
  • Referral Program – A 2-tier referral program where you keep earning from your referrals again.
  • Advanced Moderation Systems – AI-powered moderation tools to build a safe platform for creators.

OnlyFans vs Subs: In-Depth Comparison

Comparison Points

OnlyFans

Subs

Niches & Content Focus

Primarily adult entertainment  Fitness, podcasting, sports, adult entertainment, musicians, and more

Features & Monetization

Subscriptions, PPVs, custom content, livestreams, merch store, referral program  Subscriptions, PPVs, private messaging, livestreams, 1:1 video and audio calls, referral programs, long-form shows, collabs

Discoverability

Limited  Better discoverability with explore, long-form shows, and collaboration features.

Revenue Split

80%-20%; creators get 80% of earnings 80%-20%; creators get 80% of earnings and referral incentives

Payouts

3-5 business days; plus initial hold period of 7 days Up to 7 business days via third-party processors

Customization & Branding 

Limited profile personalization & branding Better control over branding and customization

Security & Privacy

Robust Security features Enhanced features like AI-powered content moderation

Mobile app

No official mobile app; limited support on playstore due adult content Mobile-first approach and Subs is a web-app

1. Niches & Content Focus

OnlyFans

The popular creator platform primarily focuses on adult content, although it is open to safe-for-work content. Specific fetishes and adult micro-niches like feet, cosplay, gamer girl, MILF, and roleplay are quite popular. Beyond adult content, fitness, gaming, cooking, sports fandom, and comedy are dominant niches.

Creators sell exclusive subscriptions offering their photos, videos, audio content, bundles, polls, etc. They monetize from premium, community-driven and casual relatable content. Depending on solo content, collabs or specific niches, creators can experiment with different content ideas that convert.

Subs

Subs is a platform built for all from musicians to fitness trainers and podcasters, adult creators, even athletes, and more. The brainchild of Tim Stokely is a great attempt to step beyond the stereotyped adult realm.

The platform very well capitalizes on creator subscriptions and PPVs. Subs’ shows feature with long-form YouTube-style content has certainly hit the mark. Creators can easily turn their followers into paid subscribers (subs) when they unlock exclusive content, message, or schedule a video call.

“Subs is an ultimate creator hub, blending discovery,content creation, messaging and monetization in one seamless platform. It’s everything a creator needs to turn content into a business and their audience into income.”

– Tim Stokely, Founder of Subs.com

2. Features & Monetization Tools

OnlyFans

The OG subscription platform offers creators different ways to monetize their content, from exclusive subscriptions to pay-per-views and tips. On the other hand, mass DMs, polling, analytics & insights, group lists, campaigns, and post scheduling are its core features.

Popular monetization streams include:

  • Subscriptions
  • PPVs
  • Paid messages & Tips
  • Live streaming
  • E-commerce store (merchandise)
  • Sponsorships

Subs

Subs is more like a sequel of OnlyFans, and includes features not available on OnlyFans. From exploring long-form videos, private calls, to smart AI recommendations, Subs has attracted its audience right off the bat.

Creators can monetize from:

  • Subscriptions
  • PPVs
  • Livestreams
  • Private messaging
  • 1:1 video and audio  calls
  • Long-form videos, series, and podcasts
  • Collaborations

Unique Monetization & Growth Tools:

  • Subs Boost – Reward subscribers for bringing in new subscribers.
  • Explore – Discovery feed where fans can find new creators.
  • Collab Revenue Sharing – Collaborate on a post, and the platform automatically splits the revenue for you.
  • 2-Tier Referrals – Earn from your referrals again when they refer new creators.

3. Discoverability

OnlyFans

While OnlyFans is a thriving community of creators, the chances of fans discovering creators they are looking for are modest. Moreover, OnlyFans’ native search is limited to real usernames, keywords, bios, and hashtags. Unlike other subscription platforms, OnlyFans doesn’t have a “for you page” or a built-in discovery feed.

Subs

Subs has strong discoverability features, as compared to OnlyFans. Better discoverability wins more fans and higher earnings. For example, using the “shows” feature, creators can host long videos, podcasts, and series, turning viewers into subscribers.  

Next, the explore feature is its built-in discovery feed, where fans can find new creators. They can browse through creator profiles of different categories, such as trending profiles, new creators, featured profiles, or popular categories.

Collab is an amazing growth tool by which creators can collaborate on any post and easily split their earnings. When creators promote content on their respective profiles, it further broadens content reach.

Subs Collab Tool

4. Earnings, Revenue Split & Payouts

OnlyFans

OnlyFans operates on a commission model, where creators keep 80% of earnings, and the platform takes 20% commission. It applies to all platform transactions, including subscriptions, PPV, and tips. Subscriptions are a key revenue source and typically range from $4.99 to $49.99 per month.  

The average creator earnings are approximately $150 per month. You can earn hundreds or thousands of dollars with high-quality content, promotions, and niche down.

OnlyFans’ built-in creator analytics helps to track earnings, subscribers, and content performance. Payouts are typically processed within 3 to 10 business days with a minimal withdrawal amount of $20. Manual, automated payouts, direct bank transfers, and e-wallets are different payout methods.

Subs

Like OnlyFans, creators on Subs earn 80% of their creator earnings and also referral fees. Further, the platform covers all the revenue streams offered by OnlyFans, along with additional streams like 1:1 audio and video calls and collaborations.

Subs has an earnings calculator that predicts your earnings based on your subscription and social media followers. For example, if your monthly subscription price is $5 and social media followers are around 5,500, you earn $2,406 per month.

Creators need to provide a valid bank account in their name. And the payouts typically takes upto 7 business days via payout processors. Bank transfers and e-wallets are popular payment methods accepted by Subs.

5. Customization & Branding

OnlyFans

OnlyFans offers limited profile personalization with almost generic creator profile pages. The banner, profile image, and bio are where creators can show their unique branding. Creators heavily rely on cross-promoting on social media like X and Reddit.

Creators need to build a landing page with all essential links, such as social media, website, online store, etc. Digital watermarking is another way of promoting your brand and protecting your copyright.

Subs

On the other hand, Subs offers more control over branding and customization. From custom domains, better themes, and profile customization, compared to OnlyFans.

6. Security & Privacy

OnlyFans

OnlyFans is known for empowering its creator tribe with more control over content and monetization. But it also has strict content policies to flag inappropriate content and create a safe community.

Below are the top OnlyFans security measures:

  • 2-Factor Authentication
  • Age & identity verification
  • Watermarking
  • Data encryption
  • PCI-compliant payment processors
  • Private profiles, geo-blocking, limited messaging, and blocked comments
  • DMCA & Copyright protection

Apart from this, creators cannot see real names, emails or payment details of their fans, ensuring privacy.

​Subs

Subs is a subscription platform that supports creators across different niches educational, fitness, lifestyle vloggers, and adult creators, promoting a safe and inclusive environment. Like OnlyFans, Subs is built on a secure infrastructure necessary for the long-term success of creators.

Security features of Subs platform include:

  • AI-powered moderation for real-time monitoring
  • Identity & age verification
  • Data security to protect personal data
  • Secure payment processors

Thus, Subs uses robust security features and cutting-edge technology to build a safe and inclusive environment for creators.

7. Mobile Responsiveness

OnlyFans

OnlyFans doesn’t have an official mobile app on the Play Store or App Store due to strict policies for adult content. Users can still access OnlyFans on their phones through mobile web browsers. OnlyFans is basically a web-based site, and hence, users might face loading issues. Common problems include browser cache and VPN.

Subs

Subs is a web-app built with a mobile-first approach, offering a seamless experience on smartphones. On top of that, Subs is an inclusive platform, supporting all kinds of creators, bypassing the Play Store’s “inappropriate content policies.”

Where Does Fanso Fit in?

OnlyFans revolutionized the creator economy with a creator-centric business model and better content ownership and flexibility. It has attracted a large audience of enthusiastic creators since its inception. However, stigma of the adult niche, lack of internal visibility, and limited monetization were a few of its shortcomings.

Enter Subs, promised to be a hub for “all creators, and Tim Stokely conveniently scaled these gaps. The result? A creator-centric, mobile-first, and scalable platform with a better platform experience. Explore Feed. 1:1 audio or video calls. Collab. Sub boost. A space where creators could earn more, get better discoverability, and attract more subscribers.

Inspired by these amazing creator-first platforms and curious to join the bandwagon? Fanso.io is packed with all essential features, subscriptions, PPV, live-streaming, social community, and built-in integrations to build a platform like OnlyFans or Subs.

If you plan to scale your creator platform, Fanso’s premium range of add-ons helps you gain the business edge.

Book a demo to build the next OnlyFans or Subs in the creator economy!

The Final Verdict: Is Subs Even Better Than OnlyFans?

OnlyFans and Subs both adopt a creator-centric approach and offer content ownership and monetization tools. OnlyFans is ideal for adult creators and great if you don’t need your customization and branding.

Subs is perfect for creators from different niches and offers better discoverability, monetization, collaboration and unique branding. So, the answer to the question – “Is Subs Even Better Than OnlyFans”, depends on your needs.

Choose OnlyFans If: You’re an adult creator with a massive social media following and are fine with the platform restrictions. 

Choose Subs If: You’re a non-adult creator and need a more inclusive platform, better monetization, and content control. 

FAQ-Related to OnlyFans vs Subs

1. Which is the better platform in the OnlyFans vs Subs comparison?

OnlyFans is primarily for adult content and robust security, but limited discoverability & branding features. Subs is an all-inclusive platform with better discoverability, branding and monetization features like collab and 1:1 audio or video calls.

2. What are the key features & monetization tools offered by Subs?

Subscriptions, PPVs, livestreams, private messaging, 1:1 video and audio calls, long-form content, and collabs are core monetization features.

3. Which platform offers better branding and customization?

Subs provide more control over branding with custom domains and better insights into audience data. Also, Subs was built on a broader creator-economy centric image, which paves the way for more brand partnerships, unlike OnlyFans.

4. Which platform is easier for new creators to get noticed?

Subs has a built-in discovery feed called “explore” that offers new creators more visibility.

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