OnlyFans perplexed many of its adult content creators and the general public when it announced that it’s removing porn content from its platform on October 1st. However, after its creators called them out and the creator community mocked them, OnlyFans has reversed its decision this week.
Why OnlyFans would ban porn
OnlyFans, though intended for a variety of content, is most prominently known for its porn content. While it seems like an uninformed business decision for the platform to remove the type of content that makes it popular, its CEO claims they had no choice. Founder and CEO of the platform, Tim Stokely, said three major banks refused to service the platform because it was too much of a risk to their reputations. OnlyFans decided it needed to remove all porn-related photos and videos, though it would still allow nudity on the platform.
However, according to OnlyFans, shortly after the ban’s announcement, their banking partners have changed their minds and will allow the platform to support all creators.
Though OnlyFans is walking back its ban on adult content, many of its creators are furious with the platform — feeling betrayed by a company they helped build up and now trust with their livelihoods. Many adult creators have deleted their content that would eventually violate policy and began shifting to other platforms.
A safe platform for adult content creators
Though adult content online continues to be a controversial topic, many praise the platform for being a safe place for adult content creators to use. Being a more creator-friendly alternative to standard platforms in the porn industry, adult content creators have more control over the content they post to the platform.
For now, it seems like OnlyFans will avoid the same fate that Tumblr faced when it banned porn on its platform. However, the platform has damaged its reputation with its community of adult content creators. For those creators who have already deleted their accounts, it’s up to them to either use another platform or give OnlyFans another chance.