The creator platform OnlyFans has become a lightning rod for controversy, primarily due to its association with adult content and the broader societal discomfort with open discussions around sexuality. Yet, beyond the stigma lies a complex digital ecosystem where creators, including a growing number from Nigeria, harness the platform to achieve financial independence, reclaim narrative control, and challenge restrictive societal norms.
We spoke to five Nigerians using the platform to make a living. From the ones who blur their faces to the ones who proudly embrace their work, here’s what life on OnlyFans looks like for them.
My friends judged me, but they couldn’t ignore the money — Chioma, 27, Lagos
Joined OnlyFans: January 2021
Content: Boudoir, lingerie photos, and feet pics
Average earnings: $1,200/month
I used to work at a PR agency. When COVID hit, I got laid off and spent months applying for jobs with no luck. One night, I was scrolling on TikTok and saw a video about ‘feet pics’ selling like crazy. I didn’t even know that was a thing. I did my research, created a discreet OnlyFans account, and started posting carefully curated boudoir-style photos. Nothing raunchy at first, just sultry, artsy vibes.
It was slow at first, but when I added feet content, the money doubled. Some men are obsessed. I even got a request for a video of me stepping on cake. ₦100k just to do that. I took it.
I’ve kept it classy, no nudity. My ex-boyfriend found out and said I was ‘selling myself.’ We broke up. Months later, he asked me to help his new girl set up her account. Life is wild.
I stand out because I’m a man — Tayo, 25, Abuja
Joined OnlyFans: September 2022
Content: Gym content, shirtless photos, oil/massage videos
Average earnings: $800/month
As a personal trainer, I’ve always been conscious of my body. People are always sliding into my DMs, asking for ‘special content.’ At first, I laughed it off, but someone once said, ‘You’re leaving money on the table.’ That stuck.
I post mostly gym routines where I’m shirtless, or sometimes I oil my body and pose in slow-mo. It’s very visual and sensual, not explicit. Surprisingly, I get a lot of attention from middle-aged women in the UK and Canada. They tip heavily, some even send Amazon gift cards, or pay for supplements.
It’s given me the financial room to launch an online fitness class and build my brand. In Nigeria, people assume OnlyFans is for ‘ashawo’ stuff. I tell them, it’s just content, and I happen to be the content.
My parents must never find out — Adaeze, 22, Enugu
Joined OnlyFans: April 2023
Content: Full nudity, roleplay, kink-friendly content
Average earnings: $2,000/month
I’m in my final year at uni, and I need money for rent and bills. My family isn’t poor, but things have been tight since my dad lost his job. I started with anonymous pictures, no face, no voice. But people kept asking for more. Eventually, I started doing face reveals, themed costumes, and even some kink content.
I have strict boundaries, no meetups, no live requests. But I take my time to build connections with my subscribers. I call them ‘clients’ because I treat them like work. I post 4–5 times a week, schedule my content, reply to messages, and even have a subscription tier system.
The scariest part is being exposed. Nigeria isn’t safe for this kind of hustle. But until I have a stable source of income or move abroad, OnlyFans is keeping me alive. I plan to use the money to start a skincare line and eventually exit the platform.
I’m a sex worker, and I’m not hiding it — Kemi, 29, Port Harcourt
Joined OnlyFans: August 2020
Content: Explicit solo content, storytelling, sex-positive education
Average earnings: $3,500/month
I’ve always been sex-positive, but Nigeria doesn’t leave room for people like me. I used to do cam work on foreign sites until I found OnlyFans. I now create erotic videos, mostly solo, and I take pride in the work. I script my content, use lighting, music, and even props. I put effort into it, and that’s why I earn more than most Nigerian remote workers.
People think it’s just ‘open leg, get paid,’ but it’s not. I study what works, track my analytics, and manage my fans like a community. I’ve even done webinars on content strategy for other African creators (though in secret)
My family doesn’t understand, but they don’t complain about the new fridge or rent payments I help with. I want Nigerians to stop demonizing sex work. It’s work. Full stop.
I just like anime characters — Femi, 24, Ibadan
Joined OnlyFans: June 2022
Content: ASMR, cosplay, feet content, non-explicit roleplay
Average earnings: $1,000/month
I’m a non-binary creator who grew up in a very traditional Yoruba household. I’ve always loved cosplay and soft-spoken content, so I started combining the two. I’d dress like characters from anime and whisper affirmations or do ‘girlfriend experience’ audio in a calming tone. People loved it.
I started with Patreon but switched to OnlyFans because it allows tipping and more interaction. I never show anything inappropriate; in fact, my most-watched video is just me dressed as a cat girl reading bedtime stories.
Nigerians mock what they don’t understand. But my bills are paid, I bought my first camera with OnlyFans money, and I’m growing a real brand from it. Plus, I sleep better knowing I’m not stuck in a cubicle job I hate.
