Tim Stokely, the innovative mind behind OnlyFans, is stepping into the spotlight once again with the launch of his new subscription platform, Subs. This fresh venture promises to revolutionize the creator economy by housing both safe-for-work and adult content in a single, streamlined environment. Subs aims to bridge a gap that has long existed in platforms catering to content creators by blending diversity with ease of audience engagement. While OnlyFans primarily gained notoriety for its adult content, Stokely is setting his sights on a broader spectrum—an inclusive playground for everyone from podcasters and musicians to lingerie experts and fitness enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of Subs is its novel approach to building and sustaining audiences. Unlike OnlyFans, where creators often struggled to grow their fanbase without external help from social media giants like X (formerly Twitter) or Reddit, Subs offers tools designed to make audience expansion more intuitive. The platform boasts an Instagram-inspired "explore" feed, encouraging users to discover new content effortlessly, and a YouTube-style "shows" feature that delivers ad-free entertainment directly. These tools aren’t just for free browsing—they funnel viewers toward paid options, such as subscriptions, private messaging, and one-on-one calls, creating a well-rounded suite of monetization avenues. In an age where creators constantly seek new ways to deepen fan engagement, these additions could be considered true game changers.
Moreover, Subs introduces a “one-on-one calls” feature, which Stokely sees as a lucrative new revenue stream for creators. This function stands out because, while platforms like Cameo offer personalized video interactions, OnlyFans had not yet ventured into this territory. This new channel not only diversifies creators’ income but also fosters deeper, more personalized relationships between fans and their favorite stars. Stokely’s insight into the creator economy suggests that the future of content monetization depends on blending direct interactions with scalable content. Interestingly, the inclusion of such personal features highlights the evolving nature of online fandom—one that values intimacy, quick communication, and exclusive access.
The story of Tim Stokely and OnlyFans is an extraordinary one. Founded in 2016, OnlyFans rocketed to fame during the global pandemic, emerging as a powerful platform for creators to capitalize on their audiences. Stokely sold the company to entrepreneur Leo Radvinsky in 2018 and stepped down as CEO in 2021. Under Radvinsky’s leadership, OnlyFans became a billion-dollar enterprise, spawning a myriad of competitors eager to claim a piece of the lucrative subscription content pie. Despite his official departure, Stokely never truly severed ties with the industry. “I never really left the space,” he reflected, noting how daily interactions with creators kept him tethered to the world of content creation. Even during his hiatus, he pursued other ventures like Zoop, a creator app startup that once attempted to buy the social media titan TikTok in partnership with a cryptocurrency foundation—a bold, modern entrepreneurial play.
Launching a hybrid platform like Subs, which includes adult content, presents unique challenges, particularly with app store policies. Major digital marketplaces like Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store outright prohibit pornography on their platforms, so Subs is primarily accessible as a web app. This workaround helps creators avoid the hefty in-app fees that often consume a significant chunk of their earnings. Subs maintains an 80% revenue share for creators, mirroring OnlyFans, and also offers referral fees, incentivizing users to grow the platform organically. However, cross-platform competition remains fierce, especially with contenders like Patreon and Substack dominating non-explicit niches by cleverly navigating app store restrictions. Stokely’s strategy to combine paid and free content into a seamless ecosystem aims to differentiate Subs by giving creators “everything they need in one place,” further empowering them in the ever-evolving digital creator economy.
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