When OnlyFans launched in 2016, few could have predicted how massively it would reshape the adult content industry and the lives of thousands of creators. What started as a flexible platform offering creators control, anonymity, and unlimited earning potential exploded in popularity during the 2020 pandemic. As the world shut down, OnlyFans became a digital sanctuary for sexual expression and entrepreneurial opportunities.
But even among millions of creators, a few names stand out. These are the legends – the trendsetters, the early adopters, the celebrities, and the business-savvy minds who not only found success on OnlyFans but redefined what success on the platform could look like. From viral breakthroughs to strategic brand-building, these icons didn’t just ride the wave – they made it.
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The Rise of OnlyFans
OnlyFans was founded by a British entrepreneur in 2016. The platform appealed to content creators for several reasons, but most notably:
- Unlimited earning potential
- No content restrictions
- Creators maintained full control and ownership of their content
- Anonymous participation
- Fetish exploration
OnlyFans really became popular in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. With layoffs and quarantines sweeping the globe, everyone turned to digital communities and support. OnlyFans was a safe place to seek sexual pleasure without the risk of catching COVID. Engagement soared, and the popularity of the platform never tapered off. To this day, OnlyFans still remains the most trafficked adult fan site!
Meet the Legends of OnlyFans
Legends are more than just top-earners or viral creators. We looked at several categories to determine which OnlyFans models truly changed the industry and opened up opportunities for other creators. From early platform adopters to branding wizards, we highlight the icons who set the standard and helped make OnlyFans popular and successful.
The OG Icons: Legends of OnlyFans Who Were the First to Make It Big
It’s hard to say who was first to embrace the OnlyFans platform, but Dani Hardwood was one of the original creators to find true success. Her income made headlines when she brought in an impressive $1.5 million from her adult content. Most known for challenges like ‘Dare Dani Thursdays,’ she embraced engagement and creative experimentation to build a loyal audience. For many, Dani Hardwood set the standard for fostering fan relationships and letting her authentic personality shine through her work.
The Celebrity Icons: Legends of OnlyFans Who Started in Music & TV
Bella Thorne first made a name for herself as a child Disney star. As an adult, she continued acting and started producing. She joined OnlyFans in 2020 under the guise of research for an upcoming movie about the sex industry. However, she ended up having a true knack for content creation and is known as the first person to ever make $1 million in one day on the platform. Bella quit OnlyFans not too long after her rise to legendary status, but continues to pursue acting roles on TV and in movies.
Blac Chyna started in reality TV but made headlines when she brought in $20 million per month on OnlyFans. She combined her preference for a provocative personality with the leading adult content platform. While Blac Chyna is not nearly as popular on OnlyFans today, she is the legend who showed creators how truly limitless their OF earning potential can be.
Cardi B was the first of many musicians to pivot into the adult content industry. For years, Cardi B held the spot as a top earner on the platform. Other rappers and R&B artists like Iggy Azalea followed in her footsteps, leveraging sexy lyrics and dance moves as a starting point for OnlyFans fandom.
Denise Richards shocked fans when she launched her OnlyFans. Despite her iconic roles starring as sex icons in movies and TV shows (particularly her status as a Bond Girl), many people didn’t expect Denise to sell adult content. While her page isn’t explicit, it is one of the most popular on the platform.
The Branding Icons: Legends of OnlyFans Who Turned Their OnlyFans Into a Thriving Business
Tana Mongeau ran one of the most successful free OnlyFans pages. By embracing engagement and fan interaction, Tana was able to build a loyal and diverse audience. Once becoming a known name, she used her OF celebrity to launch her personal brands, which have grown to a viral YouTube page, social media influencer, and top-rated podcast.
Amber Rose started as a stripper and transitioned to OnlyFans to earn more money. Her page took off, and her content caught the eyes of several celebrity suitors, including Kanye West and Wiz Khalifa. Amber eventually stepped away from the adult content industry to pursue other creative outlets, including a fashion line and lifestyle brand.
The Social Media Icons: Legends of OnlyFans Who Leveraged Social Media Stardom to Become Leading OnlyFans Creators
Belle Delphine was first known for her provocative content on Instagram. A popular cosplay creator and gamer, Belle decided to move beyond the restrictions of social media and bare all for OnlyFans. She leveraged her popularity to maximize earnings by selling her iconic gamer girl bath water. Belle was one of the first to successfully commoditize her content into tangible items. This move proved to be a smart one, as she holds the record as being one of the most followed and top-earning pages on the platform. Many give her credit for establishing the gamer girl niche as well.
Bhad Bhabie became a household name after her appearance on the Dr. Phil show, earning her notoriety as the “cash me outside” girl. As soon as she turned 18, Bhad Bhabie launched her OnlyFans and became one of the top earners, bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars a year. She has since stepped back from OF and focused on social media influencing.
The Legacy of Legends and the Future of OnlyFans
The creators featured here didn’t just earn big – they changed the culture of OnlyFans and opened the door for countless others. They proved that with a strong voice, smart strategy, and bold authenticity, anyone could turn content into a career. Whether through massive earnings, brand expansion, or sheer cultural impact, these legends left their mark.
As the platform continues to evolve, new creators are rising with fresh ideas and fearless ambition. But no matter who comes next, the trailblazers of OnlyFans will always be remembered as the ones who set the standard and showed the world what’s possible when creators take control.