OnlyFans Integrates Shopping So Creators Can Sell Merchandise With Ease

The general view about content on OnlyFans is that the less someone is dressed, the more dollars roll in. Now, the tables have turned—fans can pay extra to put clothes on themselves.

The subscription-based social network has integrated an e-commerce platform into its interface as part of a partnership with Spring—formerly known as TeeSpring—allowing creators to sell fan merchandise directly from the site, as well as have the printing process and fulfillment handled by another party.

OnlyFans’ content creators include YouTubers, models, fitness trainers, and celebrities, who charge followers monthly fees of US$5 to US$50 for exclusive material. However, the platform is most known for hosting adult photos and videos. Even on its blog post announcing the Spring store feature, OnlyFans outlines how the retail front works using photos of shirts printed with images of scantily-clad models.

The viewing audience can begin shopping by heading to their favorite creator’s page, where they’ll get a preview of available merchandise before clicking a link to visit the Spring store.

While OnlyFans takes a 20% cut from the typical uploads, it won’t be gaining commission from the e-commerce side of things. TechCrunch points out, though, that the shopping feature will incentivize creators to more seriously consider OnlyFans as a source of income.

As per the Financial Times, OnlyFans has 220 million users, with over three million of them sharing photos and videos in 2022.

Since the feature uses Spring technology, creators will pay the same rates as Spring-powered businesses outside of OnlyFans. They’ll design the artwork themselves, and the custom merchandise service prints them on T-shirts, hoodies, and more. Creators keep 100% of the profit—if a tee costs US$16.50 to produce, and they price it at US$35, they’ll take home the other US$18.50.

Creators can apply their designs onto 120 product types, ranging from apparel to stickers, mugs, and puzzles, simply by uploading their designs online.

“Not only is selling custom merch a great way to earn money as a creator, but it’s perfect for spreading awareness of your brand. Plus, your fans will appreciate the ability to represent you publicly,” OnlyFans asserts.

[via Financial Times and TechCrunch, cover photo 227929162 © Cristian Storto | Dreamstime.com]