There is no way to invest in OnlyFans as you would with Tesla, Microsoft or any other company, simply because it is not publicly traded. In other words, you will not find an OnlyFans stock ticker or see the daily price movements on your online broker.
OnlyFans is privately owned by Fenix International Limited, which is not listed on the stock market, so you can’t get indirect exposure to OnlyFans’ equity.
However, OnlyFans owner (Fenix International Ltd) is in advanced talks to sell the company to an investor group at a valuation of around $8 billion, according to Reuters.
In this article, we take a closer look at the OnlyFans concept, its expansion plans, whether there is a workaround to invest in the company, and even whether it is considering an IPO (something not completely ruled out yet).
What is all about OnlyFans?
OnlyFans has experienced explosive growth since Beyoncé mentioned it in the remix of “Savage” in April 2020. By early 2025, the platform boasts over 250 million registered users and more than 3 million content creators worldwide, nearly doubling its creator base in just two years.
The platform operates on a monthly subscription model, where fans pay to access content from their preferred creators. OnlyFans takes a 20% commission on all earnings, including subscriptions, tips, and pay-per-view content, while creators keep the remaining 80%. This simple structure has proven both stable and highly profitable, helping the company reach $6.6 billion in revenue in 2023.
Originally designed as a way for celebrities and influencers to engage more personally with their audiences, OnlyFans quickly drew in adult-content creators who saw its potential for direct, monetized fan interaction. Over time, adult entertainment became the platform’s dominant category, cementing its reputation as a pornography-driven business despite also hosting fitness, music, and lifestyle creators.
When will be the OnlyFans IPO?
As of now, there is no confirmed date for an OnlyFans IPO. The company has not publicly committed to going public, and any specific timeline remains uncertain.
What we know:
- No formal plans announced: Multiple reports clearly state that OnlyFans has not set a date for an IPO.
- Still privately held: The platform is owned by Fenix International Ltd and isn’t traded on public markets.
- Sale talks overshadowing IPO plans: Instead of heading toward public listing, OnlyFans is reportedly in discussions, since March 2025, to sell the company to an investor group led by Forest Road Company at a valuation of around $8 billion. These discussions are ongoing, with no public offering currently imminent.
If OnlyFans decides to pursue an IPO in the future, it would likely be preceded by official announcements, filings (like an S-1 in the U.S.), and significant media coverage. For now, the more immediate development involves potential acquisition.
Are there other ways to invest in OnlyFans?
Currently, there is no direct way to invest in OnlyFans, since its parent company Fenix International Ltd is privately held and not publicly traded.
Who are OnlyFans’ Competitors?
OnlyFans does have competitors today. Direct rivals like Fansly and JustForFans mirror its adult subscription model, while platforms like Patreon, Twitch, and TikTok compete indirectly by offering creators alternative ways to monetize and engage audiences.
Still, OnlyFans retains a unique edge by openly embracing adult content, where most mainstream platforms impose strict limits.
Are there any concerns about OnlyFans?
While OnlyFans remains highly profitable and continues to grow, there are valid concerns surrounding its long-term outlook.
1. Competition is emerging
Although the platform once dominated its niche, rivals like Fansly and JustForFans now provide similar subscription-based adult content models. Indirect competitors such as Patreon, Twitch, and TikTok also compete for creators’ time and audiences, making the landscape more competitive than before.
2. Regulatory and reputational risks
Being strongly associated with adult content limits opportunities. Major tech firms like Meta, Apple, or Microsoft avoid involvement in porn-related ventures due to reputational, regulatory, and payment-processing risks. This means OnlyFans must rely on its own ecosystem, while always facing potential crackdowns from governments or stricter financial regulations.
3. Growth sustainability
User growth has been impressive, OnlyFans counts over 250 million registered users and more than 3 million creators. However, daily sign-ups are slowing compared to the pandemic boom, raising questions about whether the platform can maintain the same explosive trajectory.
4. Financial health
OnlyFans is still extremely profitable. In 2023, it generated around $6.6 billion in revenue, thanks to its 20% cut on subscriptions, tips, and pay-per-view. However, as a privately held company, its detailed financials remain opaque, making it harder for outsiders to fully assess long-term stability.
What’s next for OnlyFans?
The future of OnlyFans remains both promising and uncertain. On the one hand, the platform has proven its ability to scale, with over 250 million users and 3 million creators worldwide, generating billions of dollars in revenue annually. Its simple subscription model and strong brand recognition give it a dominant position in the adult creator economy.
However, several factors will shape its next chapter:
- Potential Sale: Ongoing talks with an investor group led by Forest Road Company could result in an $8 billion acquisition. If successful, this may bring new funding, resources, and a clearer strategy for expansion.
- IPO Still Possible: While an initial public offering has been pushed aside for now, it remains a long-term option, especially if the sale does not go through or if investors push for liquidity later.
- Diversification Efforts: OnlyFans has hinted at expanding into non-adult categories such as fitness, lifestyle, and music. If successful, this could broaden its user base and reduce reputational risks.
- Regulatory Environment: Stricter rules on adult content and payment processing remain ongoing challenges. Future regulations could either stabilize the platform with clearer compliance or create new barriers to growth.
- Competition: Direct rivals like Fansly and JustForFans are growing, while indirect competitors such as Patreon and TikTok keep innovating. Maintaining dominance will require OnlyFans to keep creators engaged and satisfied.
In short, OnlyFans stands at a crossroads: it could remain a niche but highly profitable adult-content powerhouse, evolve into a broader creator economy platform, or transition under new ownership with fresh direction. For now, the outcome of the sale negotiations will be the biggest determinant of its path forward.
Bottom line
OnlyFans is thriving, with strong revenues, millions of creators, and global brand recognition. However, since the company remains privately held and is currently exploring a potential $8 billion sale rather than an IPO, there’s no clear path for retail investors to buy in just yet.
Waiting for a public listing carries the risk of missing out on gains elsewhere. In the meantime, if you want exposure to the broader creator economy, social platforms, or online relationship businesses, you can consider Match Group (Tinder), Bumble, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), or even Snap, all publicly traded and accessible through most brokers.
While none of these fully replicate OnlyFans’ unique adult-focused model, they allow investors to tap into similar trends in digital monetization, subscription platforms, and online communities until a direct opportunity with OnlyFans emerges.
