Creating an OnlyFans Account: Here’s How!

With over 350 million users worldwide and more than 4 million active creators, OnlyFans has become one of the most important platforms for content creators. What makes it special is that it gives you the unique opportunity to monetise your content directly, as followers here pay immediately for access to your content.

Thinking about creating an OnlyFans account yourself? Then you’re in the right place! Getting started is easier than you might think, but there are a few important things to keep in mind that can make or break your future success.

In this guide, you’ll learn step by step how to create an OnlyFans account—from preparation to the most important initial settings after signing up.

What You Should Definitely Do Before Creating an OnlyFans Account

Before diving headfirst into registration, you should think through some essential points and make the necessary preparations. Good preparation is the key to success and can save you a lot of time and hassle later. Here are the points you should consider before creating your account:

First, make a clear decision about whether you want to take advantage of the opportunities and accept the risks that come with OnlyFans. Be fully aware of the possible consequences. While an agency can help you stay anonymous or remove leaked content, no one can realistically guarantee this 100%.

It’s also wise to clearly define your goals and expectations. Decide whether you want to work full-time as a creator or simply generate some side income. This choice will influence your entire strategy – from content creation to marketing. At the same time, make sure you understand the legal basics: you must be at least 18 years old, declare your income for tax purposes, and may need to register as a business (Regulations differ from state to state – make sure to check the website of your Secretary of State/Department of Revenue).

For registration, you’ll need a valid ID card or passport in perfect condition, a bank account for payouts, and an active Instagram account with followers. Keep these documents ready, as the verification process will otherwise be unnecessarily delayed.

You should also think about your content strategy: What type of content will you share? Do you want to run your OnlyFans anonymously or build a personal brand? In general, you should choose a niche that suits you. Base it on your hobbies and interests – this makes you relatable and authentic.

Another important aspect is privacy. Decide whether you want to work under your real name or a pseudonym. Consider whether you want to create your content in such a way that your location cannot be identified. Remember that once published, content can remain online practically forever. Think as well about whether you want to discuss your activities with family and friends and how this could affect your personal life.

Alongside taxes, business registration, and anonymity, your target audience is another strategic consideration that shouldn’t be overlooked. Essentially, there are two main markets: English-speaking (USA) and German-speaking (DACH region). The US market is easy for US-speaking creators to manage, as the technical setup is relatively simple. Expanding overseas to capture the German-speaking market is possible even without external marketing. Find out how in a free consultation - no strings attached.

Before you can start on OnlyFans, it’s also a good idea to check your technical equipment. Ask yourself: Can I record high-quality content with my phone? If not, it’s worth investing your first earnings into an iPhone that’s no more than three years old. Other phone brands are not recommended. However, you can generally improve image quality by getting a ring light.

CHECKLIST: What to Consider Before Creating Your OnlyFans Account

Have your documents ready:

• ID card/passport (in perfect condition)

• Bank account

• Instagram account with followers

Make key decisions:

• Full-time or side income?

• Anonymous or using your real name?

• Target market: Germany or USA?

• Define your content niche

Clarify legal matters:

• Minimum age 18 years

• Be aware of tax obligations

• Check if business registration is required

Check your equipment:

• Is your smartphone camera sufficient?

• Get a ring light if necessary

Important: 100% anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Content remains online permanently.

Step by Step to Your OnlyFans Account

Now we come to the practical part. Here we guide you through each individual step of the sign-up so that nothing is overlooked and everything runs smoothly. The entire process usually takes only a few minutes, although verification can take a few days. If you’re rejected, it usually works on the second attempt.

Step 1: Register on the Website

Go to the official OnlyFans website and click “Sign up for OnlyFans.” You can choose to register with your email address or via your existing social media accounts (Google, X). The email option is often the safer choice, as it gives you more control over your account.

Choose a username that fits your planned brand. It should be memorable, professional, and ideally available in the same form on other platforms. Make sure it’s easy to type so fans can find you more easily.

Use this moment to choose a strong password as well.

Step 2: Email Confirmation and Initial Settings

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Click the link to activate the account. Check your spam folder if the email doesn’t arrive right away.

Step 3: Identity Verification – the Most Important Step

This is where it gets serious: confirm your identity with a valid ID document. Upload a clear, well-lit photo of your ID card or passport. All information must be clearly legible. You must also take a selfie with your ID, ensuring that both your face and the document are clearly visible. A public Instagram or X profile is also required, and it must not appear to exist solely for verification purposes.

Step 4: Add Your Bank Account and Set Up Payments

For payouts, your bank details must be entered carefully. Go to your account settings and add your bank account – a different account holder can lead to your account being suspended. OnlyFans supports various payout methods, including SEPA transfers for European users. When choosing your bank account, also pay attention to low foreign currency fees, since OnlyFans pays out in US dollars. Make sure all details are correct, as errors can cause delays in payment.

Step 5: Set Up and Optimise Your Profile

Now for the important part! Upload an appealing, high-quality profile picture and write a compelling bio. This is where you can showcase your unique selling points and clearly explain what subscribers can expect from you. Be sure to leave room for open questions: fans should get to know you better, but there should still be enough curiosity left to prompt them to send you a message. How does pricing work on OnlyFans? You can set your subscription prices between $4.99 and $49.99 per month (US dollars). Why the price shouldn’t be too high is explained in this article that outlines how to make money with OnlyFans.

What You Should Do First After Creating Your OnlyFans Account

Congratulations – your account is set up! But now the real work begins. The first steps you take after signing up are crucial for your long-term success on the platform. Here’s what actions you should take right away.

Fill Your Feed

Why would someone follow you or pay for an OnlyFans subscription if they don’t get something in return immediately? That’s why you should start filling your OnlyFans feed with content as soon as you launch. Aim for around 45 photos and short video clips within the first two weeks. Use the scheduling function so you don’t have to post manually every day.

Set Up a Welcome Message

Greet new fans with a message that’s automatically sent when someone subscribes. This message should spark curiosity, create excitement, and ideally earn you your first dollars right away. Well-thought-out questions are perfect for starting a conversation through the welcome message. Experience shows that these messages work best when they feel personal – not like something sent to the masses.

Develop a Smart Pricing Structure

Especially in the beginning, and if you don’t already have an audience, you might want to make your profile free. This allows fans to like and comment, which in turn attracts more followers. You can also use free trials or discount campaigns.

The main cost of OnlyFans is the platform fee: OnlyFans keeps 20% of your earnings, and you get 80%. You can strategically combine different revenue streams:

• Monthly subscriptions as a stable base

• Pay-per-view messages for exclusive content

• Tips from satisfied fans

• Livestreams for direct interaction

Set Privacy and Security Preferences

For many creators starting an OnlyFans account, privacy is a top priority. If you want to prevent fans, family, or acquaintances from the USA from seeing your content, you can block certain countries or IP addresses in the security settings (geoblocking). Optionally, you can enable DRM video protection to help prevent leaks.

Build Professional Social Media Marketing

Successful OnlyFans models are almost always active on other platforms as well. Instagram and TikTok are excellent for teasers. You can easily recycle TikToks for Instagram – just make sure to remove the watermark and metadata first, or your reach will be limited.

Always pay attention to each platform’s specific guidelines. Explicit content belongs only on OnlyFans; on other platforms, focus on hints, personality, and storytelling.

If you already have an existing social media community, a well-thought-out go-to-market strategy is essential to maximise your earnings when launching your OnlyFans account. Sign up here for a free initial consultation – we’ll be happy to advise you.

Build and Maintain a Real Community

Every social media platform carries the risk that your account – and therefore your reach – could disappear overnight. That’s why it makes sense to centralise your community. Create a Telegram channel and link it in your Instagram bio. Telegram allows adult content, and you can regularly post deeper insights into your daily life there, occasionally rewarding fans with higher-quality photos.

Engage regularly and authentically with your first subscribers. Reply promptly to messages, thank people personally for tips, and show that there’s a real person behind the account. This personal connection is what sets OnlyFans apart from anonymous alternatives.

As your audience grows, develop a system for managing chats – because it becomes increasingly difficult to answer every message personally.

Creating an OnlyFans Account Is Just the Beginning of Your Journey

Technically speaking, creating an OnlyFans account is a relatively simple process that can be completed successfully in just a few steps. The real challenge, however, lies in turning it into a sustainable and successful business. Success on OnlyFans definitely doesn’t happen overnight – it requires patience, consistency, and above all, authenticity.

Many aspiring creators underestimate the significant effort involved in effective marketing, professional community management, and consistent content creation. The platform rewards those who are willing to think long-term and remain active over time. At the same time, you should have realistic expectations: while some creators working with agencies earn impressive sums, building a stable income on your own can often take months.

Another important factor is the continuous development of your OnlyFans marketing strategies. Over the past few years, new platforms have regularly emerged that can drive valuable traffic – provided you’re among the first to use them. A balanced mix between established social media platforms and up-and-coming newcomers is key to success.

If you’re unsure or want professional support with creating your OnlyFans account, SheX Agency can help you with expertise. They offer comprehensive services ranging from account creation to marketing strategies and full account management. One of their standout features is their “Double or Nothing” approach, which guarantees to double your revenue within a maximum of 3 months – or they’ll work completely free for that period.

With careful preparation, realistic expectations, and possibly professional support, nothing stands in the way of your success. Best of luck on your OnlyFans journey!