In August 2021, OnlyFans shocked its creator community by announcing an abrupt ban on adult content. While the platform, known for allowing creators to share paid content and interact with fans in various ways, hosts a wide variety of material, it is well known that the majority of it is adult content.
This sudden policy change left countless creators fearing for their livelihoods. It only took a couple of days for the platform, founded in 2016 in London by Tim Stokely, to reverse its decision after seeing the backlash it caused, but the damage was already done. How could creators rely on a platform that could upend their work overnight?

It was during this turbulent time that Fanvue began to gain traction, promising to be “for all creators, now and forever” and declaring its commitment to never ban adult content. Despite this pledge, OnlyFans remains much more popular than its competitor, boasting over 4 million creators and 300 million registered users. In comparison, Fanvue is used by “hundreds of thousands of creators” and has approximately 5 million monthly visits according to its data, though the platform does not disclose exact figures.
So, is Fanvue merely an OnlyFans clone that capitalized on its rival’s misstep? The two platforms share similarities: both allow creators to earn money through monthly subscriptions, tips, and one-time payments. On top of that, Fanvue has recently abandoned its program that allowed creators to earn 85% of what their fans paid, aligning with the standard 80%.
Yet, there are notable differences: OnlyFans has often faced criticism for its clunky interface and unintuitive search features; while Fanvue, created by two former OnlyFans creators, prioritizes a better service and a user-friendly experience for both fans and creators.

For instance, on Fanvue, it is easier to promote your own profile: creators can upload on the platform a profile video visible to all users, giving them a way advertise their channel and to showcase a preview of their content. This reduces their reliance on external social media platforms, like Instagram, for promotion and allows them to fully work directly and exclusively within the platform.
However, the most significant distinction lies in Fanvue’s integration of artificial intelligence, particularly the rapidly growing trend of virtual influencers and AI-generated creators powered by AI systems.

One famous virtual influencer/model created with the AI is Aitana Lopez, who boasts about 350,000 Instagram followers. Developed by Barcelona-based communications agency The Clueless, Lopez hasn’t landed deals with major brands yet. So, how can this Spanish virtual influencer, yet indistinguishable from a real one, earn money? Or rather, how does the agency behind her creation make money?
The answer is Fanvue, where Aitana Lopez is followed by 25,000 people, some of whom – though the exact number is unknown – pay $15 per month to access AI-generated adult content featuring an artificial model. Although her bio clearly states she’s a “digital muse” and “powered by AI,” the stunning realism of her images may leave some followers unaware of her artificial nature.

On the other hand, virtual influencers are becoming an increasingly significant part of the market, now estimated to make up about 10% of an industry collectively worth around $200 billion. Recognizing the immense growth, low risk, and high success, Fanvue has decided to focus heavily on this niche, catering to fans of AI-generated influencers specializing in adult content.
As one creator explained to Business Insider, “The way Fanvue supports those of us working with artificial intelligence is incredibly positive. Just the fact that they’re allowing AI-based personas to have their own community and tools to earn money is groundbreaking.”
And if you’re still struggling to understand how anyone could become invested in the lives – or so let’s say – of an artificial intelligence that is entirely realistic – unlike a cartoon – the only honest answer is: welcome to 2025.