Why Cardi B opened an account on OnlyFans, where sex workers charge for explicit content

Rapper Cardi B has announced she’s making an OnlyFans account. For US$4.99 a month, her fans can see behind-the-scenes content from her recent Wap music video with Megan Thee Stallion.

In recent years, OnlyFans has become the pre-eminent platform for people looking to make money off content – particularly risqué content. The platform’s rise in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic has helped it enter the mainstream and provide an additional source of income for strippers and sex workers. OnlyFans reported 3.5 million new sign-ups in March, a 75 per cent increase from previous months.

Now, with personalities like Cardi B and Blac Chyna on the platform, it’s another venue for celebrities to monetise their massive followings and promote their latest work. YouTubers, influencers, and reality TV stars have also found success marketing uncensored content on OnlyFans.

Because of the site’s lack of content restrictions, creators can upload photos and videos containing nudity. Users then place this content behind a paywall and charge subscriptions for access, keeping 80 per cent of the revenue. As a result, the site has been hailed as a key resource for sex influencers looking to capitalise directly on their fan base.

However, OnlyFans entrepreneurs face several challenges promoting their work because the content policies of most websites and social media platforms restrict the sharing of content that is not safe for work (NSFW). The architecture of the OnlyFans website also presents challenges because it lacks a “Discover” feature or recommendation system, meaning users can have trouble finding new creators to follow.