There are two basic models on OnlyFans. In the subscription model the fan pays monthly and sees the feed. In the PPV model the profile is free, and every piece of content is sold individually. The question which one is better has a clear answer: it depends on where your fans come from.
The subscription model
The fan pays $5 to $20 a month, sees everything in the feed, and buys sets and customs on top in the chat. Advantage: predictable base revenue, and the fan has passed the paywall once, after that he buys more easily. Disadvantage: the hurdle at the start is higher. Whoever comes via reels and does not know you is reluctant to pay blind.
The PPV model
The profile is free. The feed holds teasers, everything else is sold individually, in the chat and as locked posts. Advantage: no hurdle, every visitor becomes a follower, the number of fans grows fast. Disadvantage: every purchase is a new decision, and without a strong chat the revenue per fan stays low.
What works for us
For creators with a lot of cold reach, meaning many visitors via reels who do not know you yet, the free profile runs better. Visitors become followers, the chat builds the relationship, and followers become buyers.
For creators with a small, loyal fan base the subscription runs better. The fans want the feed, happily pay monthly, and the chat sells on top.
The model in between
Many run both: a free profile for the masses and a second, paid profile for those who want more. The free profile is the funnel, the paid one the product. Maintaining two profiles is effort, but with a chat team behind you it works.
The number that decides
Whichever model: what matters is revenue per fan per month. For our creators it sits between $15 and $60, and the largest part comes from the chat, not from the subscription. If that number is right, the model is secondary.
Which model fits you is part of the first call. We look at your reach and your fans, not at a rule.