đź‘‹ Hey Crew: The Real Talk on Fansly vs Pornhub for Creators in the US (2025 Edition)
Alright, let’s cut the fluff. If you’re in the creator game — especially in the US — you’ve definitely heard the never-ending debate: “Should I be on Fansly or Pornhub? Which one pays better? Which one’s gonna ghost me with a policy update next week?” And trust me, that convo’s not just happening in secret Discords, it’s all over X, Reddit, and even in the DMs of folks like me who’ve been in this digital hustle since before TikTok was even a thing.
Just this month, I’ve seen at least five threads on US creator forums about switching platforms, payout drama, and the “great migration” that’s supposedly happening post-pandemic. So, let’s break it all down, streetwise and simple — no corporate speak, just what’s working, what’s risky, and where the money’s really at.
💡 What’s the Vibe: Fansly vs Pornhub — Platform Basics
Let’s put it straight: Fansly and Pornhub are both monsters in the adult content creator world, but they ain’t the same animal.
Fansly
- Think of it as OnlyFans’ younger, rebellious cousin.
- Launched during the pandemic, blew up when creators needed a Plan B.
- Subscription-based, with a social twist — DMs, pay-per-view, custom stuff, and even some wild gamification (badges, tip menus, etc.).
- 80/20 revenue split — creators keep 80%, platform takes 20% (same as OnlyFans).
- Known for chill support and more flexibility with kinks, fandom content, and even SFW sidelines.
- No mobile app (thanks, Apple/Google store rules), but that means no in-app fees eating your cash.
Pornhub
- OG of the adult internet, been around since your high school years.
- Video streaming, massive traffic, global reach — if you want eyes, this is the place.
- Revenue mainly from ad traffic, model programs, fan tips, and premium content.
- Payouts? Usually monthly, but you gotta hit thresholds and jump through some KYC hoops.
- Major brand, but also had some PR bombs (content moderation, lawsuits, verification drama).
- US traffic is still huge, but “creator-first” is not their core DNA — you’re one of millions, not a VIP.
📢 Where’s the Money? Payouts, Splits, and Real-Life Earnings
Let’s get to the juicy bit — who’s putting actual dollars in your pocket?
- Fansly: Most creators I know say regulars drop more coin via subs and DM pay-per-views than randoms on free sites. The 80/20 split is industry standard. Referrals are a nice little bonus if you’re an influencer’s influencer.
- Pornhub: Big reach, but unless you’re viral or have insane production, payouts can be all over the place. Ad rev has been dropping (especially with more folks using ad blockers), and the CPMs aren’t what they used to be.
- Real talk: “Whales” (high spenders) are more likely to drop dollars on Fansly for direct access and custom stuff. On Pornhub, it’s about bulk — lots of views, maybe a few tips, but the personal touch is missing.
And just last week, a well-known US model on X (won’t drop names, but you know her) posted receipts showing she made triple on Fansly versus Pornhub, all because her fans wanted more than just video views. Community is king, and Fansly’s got that down.
đź“Š Platform Rules, Safety, and Algorithm Drama
- Fansly: Pretty creator-friendly, but still has to play by US law (no minors, no illegal content, etc.). Support is responsive, and they’re quick to tweak policy if creators start shouting. No app, but that’s a blessing in disguise — Apple/Google can’t randomly nuke your account.
- Pornhub: After the 2020 firestorm (remember the mass video purge?), they clamped down hard on verification and uploads. Much safer, but a lot more hoops to jump. They’re still under the microscope from US lawmakers — which means sometimes stuff changes overnight.
- Creator safety: Both have anti-harassment tools, but the Fansly community tends to be more tight-knit. Pornhub’s scale means you might get lost in the shuffle if something goes down.
🏆 Trends: Where Are US Creators Flocking in 2025?
Look, if there’s one thing the last two years have taught US creators, it’s never put your eggs in one basket. The OnlyFans “ban scare” in 2021 kicked off a rush to backup platforms. Fansly capitalized, onboarding waves of folks who didn’t wanna risk getting deplatformed without warning.
Now, in 2025, we’re seeing:
- Creators stacking income by running BOTH pages (Fansly for loyalists, Pornhub for mass reach).
- A push for “diversified income” — merch, live chats, even podcasting (shoutout to Saterra St. Jean and Alex Chisnall, who’re mixing it up).
- Agencies and managers looking for less drama, more predictable payout — so they’re favoring Fansly for new signings.
And yeah, there’s chatter about crypto payments, web3 stuff, and new platforms popping up every month. But if you’re just starting or scaling, Fansly and Pornhub are still the main roads — just know they lead to different destinations.
🔥 Real Stories from the US Scene
Don’t just take my word for it — here’s what’s going down in the trenches:
- “Fansly’s DM game is crazy, I get requests for stuff I didn’t even know people wanted. On Pornhub, I gotta hit the algorithm lottery to see a payday.”
- “I lost my Pornhub account in 2023 after they changed the rules — Fansly onboarded me in a day, no drama.”
- “Tried both, now I use Fansly for fans and Pornhub for traffic. Best of both worlds, but it’s extra work.”
Bottom line? Your mileage may vary, but the US creator crowd is getting savvier — more platforms, more backup plans, and a lot less trust in “one-size-fits-all” sites.
đź“‘ Legal, Compliance, and Staying Safe
Quick PSA: No matter which site you pick, always read the TOS (Terms of Service), double-check US laws, and don’t play fast and loose with identity verification. The feds are watching, payment processors are jumpy, and even a tiny slip can get you booted or worse.
Keep receipts, know your payout options (PayPal, crypto, wire), and stay in those creator group chats — news travels fast, but only if you’re plugged in.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What’s the biggest difference between Fansly and Pornhub for creators?
💬 Fansly is a sub-based social platform for direct fan interaction and recurring income, while Pornhub’s main game is video streaming with ad revenue and tips. Fansly feels more “community,” Pornhub is about reach and traffic. Depends on your vibe and content style!
âť“ Are there any legal or payment risks working with these platforms in the US?
đź’¬ Both platforms operate legally in the US, but payment processors and policies can shift fast. Keep tabs on TOS, double-check payout methods, and always have a backup plan. Never bet your rent on one site!
❓ I see a lot of creators jumping ship lately — is that just hype or a real trend?
💬 It’s real, especially after platform scandals and policy shifts. Creators want more control and better splits, so many are hedging bets across multiple platforms. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket — that’s the street smart move in 2025.
đź’¬ Final Thoughts
If you’re gunning to make a living as a creator in the US, you gotta be as agile as a cat on Red Bull. Both Fansly and Pornhub have their ups and downs, their fans and their haters. The smart money says diversify, stay in the loop, and never trust a platform with your whole bag. That’s how the real ones do it — and if you ever get stuck, DM me, I’ll spill what I know.
đź“š Further Reading
Here are 3 recent articles that give more context to this topic — all selected from verified sources. Feel free to explore 👇
🔸 Pornhub’s parent company MindGeek sold to private equity firm
🗞️ Source: Reuters – 📅 2023-03-16
đź”— Read Article
🔸 OnlyFans rival Fansly sees surge in creators after recent policy shakeups
🗞️ Source: Business Insider – 📅 2023-08-15
đź”— Read Article
🔸 How adult creators diversify income beyond mainstream platforms
🗞️ Source: Rolling Stone – 📅 2024-01-20
đź”— Read Article
Disclaimer
📌 This post mixes public info with a bit of AI help. It’s just for sharing and discussion — not everything here is confirmed. Take it with a grain of salt and always double-check.