OnlyFans, Patreon models turn to Web3 amid payment and censorship fears

Adult content creators are increasingly gravitating towards decentralized versions of platforms like OnlyFans and Patreon, driven by recent payment issues and the constant risk of being de-platformed. These creators are seeking more control over their earnings and the content they produce, and they believe Web3 provides the solution.

A power shift from intermediaries to creators

Leon Lee, founder and CEO of Only1 — a decentralized version of OnlyFans — emphasized the changing dynamics in the industry. Lee stated that the role of intermediaries is diminishing, while creators are gaining more power and earning potential thanks to the emergence of Web3 technology.

This power shift is in response to the challenges faced by creators on traditional platforms. In August, Patreon creators encountered difficulties in withdrawing their earnings as banks flagged the payments as fraudulent. And who could forget when OnlyFans attempted to ban sexually explicit content in 2021, prompting a swift reversal after backlash from creators and users.

Lee argues that creators will always be at risk of being de-platformed as long as they rely on centralized platforms and traditional payment rails. They are not realizing their full earning potential and need to explore alternative options.

Decentralized platforms and the rise of crypto-powered alternatives

In an effort to overcome these challenges, adult content creators have turned to decentralized platforms and crypto-powered alternatives. Only1, launched on the Solana blockchain in March 2023, is one such platform that aims to capture the essence of adult subscription platforms while leveraging the benefits of blockchain technology.

In 2022, Allie Rae, an OnlyFans model, created WetSpace, a crypto-powered adult content platform, as an alternative to OnlyFans. Rae identified banks as a driving force behind the decisions made by platforms like OnlyFans and sought to eliminate their influence through the use of cryptocurrency.

More recently, creators on OnlyFans have flocked to Friend.tech, a decentralized social media platform built on Coinbase's layer-2 network Base. This migration is driven by a desire to escape the censorship rules imposed by centralized intermediaries.

The promise of full autonomy and ownership rights

Leon Lee believes that a mass migration to decentralized platforms is imminent as more creators recognize the limitations of centralized intermediaries. He argues that creators are awakening to the fact that they no longer need to depend on intermediaries to monetize their content.

While TV producers, advertisers, and brands will still play a role in the creator economy, Lee sees blockchain and web3 technology as the next logical step for creators. By removing the reliance on traditional payment processors, a web3 platform can provide creators with full autonomy over the types of content allowed and ownership rights to their earnings.

Other adult entertainment platforms such as Proof of Peach, SEXN, and Keyhole are also operating in the web3 space, offering creators decentralized alternatives to the established platforms.

Ultimately, Lee envisions a future where there are no intermediaries between creators and their fans, a future where creators have complete control over their content and income. This potential is yet to be fully realized, but the growing adoption of blockchain technology suggests that it is an inevitable outcome.