OnlyFans glossary: 90+ terms and slang explained

If you are new to OnlyFans, you run into a lot of jargon: PPV, SFS, rebill, vault, whale. Some of it is platform vocabulary, some comes from the agency scene. Plenty of glossaries exist, but many are written from the side of agencies that "rate" fans and run chats from scripts. Here we explain 95 terms from your side, as the creator.

Each term gets a short explanation and, where it fits, a link to a guide that goes deeper. Every entry has its own anchor, so you can link straight to it (for example #ppv or #gfe).

Note: The entries only explain what a term means. They are not tax or legal advice. Last checked: October 12, 2026.

Two things up front:

• A term from the scene is not a recommendation. We also explain terms like "account farm" or "simp" so you know what people mean. That does not mean we approve of the practice.
• Figures for fees, limits and deadlines change. Where a figure does not come from a primary source, we say so.

Contents

1. Monetization: how do you make money? (18 terms)
2. Fans and communication: who is talking to whom? (15 terms)
3. Metrics: how do you know it is working? (10 terms)
4. Traffic and promotion: how do fans find you? (11 terms)
5. Content and profile: what do you show, and how? (15 terms)
6. Platform and account: how does OnlyFans work technically? (9 terms)
7. Safety: how do you protect yourself? (9 terms)
8. Agency and industry: who does what? (8 terms)

Monetization: how do you make money on OnlyFans?

OnlyFans has several income streams side by side. According to the annual accounts of the company behind it, only 27% of platform revenue still comes from subscriptions, the rest from messages, pay-per-view and tips 1. The terms in this section describe those streams.

PPV (pay-per-view)

PPV (pay-per-view) is content fans have to pay for individually before they can see it. It can be a locked post in your feed or a paid message in the chat. PPV is now the biggest revenue area on OnlyFans. More in What is PPV on OnlyFans?.

Custom (custom content)

A custom is a photo, video or audio you produce to order for one fan, at a price you agree on beforehand. Always get paid for customs up front, and decide in advance what you will not do. How to price customs is covered in OnlyFans pricing. Common scams around customs are described in Chargebacks, scams and fake fans.

Tip

A tip is a voluntary payment from a fan with no fixed return, for example on a post or in the chat. On OnlyFans, tips count as non-subscription revenue 1. See also What is PPV on OnlyFans?.

Tip menu

A tip menu is a price list you share publicly or by message: which tip gets which service? A tip menu creates clarity for both sides and protects your boundaries, because it only lists what you actually offer. More in OnlyFans pricing.

Bundle

A bundle is either a discounted subscription over several months (for example 3, 6 or 12) or a package of several PPV items at one total price. Bundles reward loyal fans but lower your price per month. See OnlyFans pricing.

Subscription

The subscription is the monthly price fans pay to see your feed. A range of $4.99 to $49.99 a month, or free, is often quoted. Important: if you raise your price, existing subscriptions do not automatically renew at the new price, according to the Terms of Service 2. More in OnlyFans pricing.

Free page vs. paid page

A free page costs nothing to subscribe to; money only comes in through PPV and tips. A paid page charges a subscription, plus PPV and tips on top. Neither is better in principle; it depends on your traffic, your time and how you like to communicate. The trade-offs are in OnlyFans pricing.

Trial link

A trial link is a link that lets new fans subscribe to your page for free or at a discount for a limited time. Trial links work well for bringing in fans from outside and testing which source brings paying fans. See Which traffic source fits you?.

Promo (promotion)

A promo is a time-limited subscription discount, either for new fans or for fans whose subscription has expired. Promos are a tool for specific occasions, not a permanent state, or fans get used to the lower price. See OnlyFans pricing.

Paywall

The paywall is the line between freely visible and paid content. Only fans who have paid can see what is behind it. How the basic principle works is explained in How does OnlyFans work?.

Unlock / locked content

Locked content is content that only becomes visible after payment. "Unlock" is the moment a fan pays to open it. See What is PPV on OnlyFans?.

Price anchor

A price anchor is a deliberately set first price that fans use to judge later offers. An anchor can help justify fair prices; as an artificially high fantasy price it quickly looks dishonest. See OnlyFans pricing.

Upsell

An upsell is an offer of additional or more expensive content to a fan who has just bought something. An upsell is legitimate as long as it stays an offer and does not become pressure. See What is PPV on OnlyFans?.

Drip content

Drip content is content released in parts over several days instead of all at once, for example a shoot in three installments. That way one shoot day lasts longer. How to produce content in advance is covered in One shoot day for four weeks of content.

Video call

A video call is a paid live video conversation with a single fan. The same rules apply as for all content, and you should be clear beforehand about what you show and what you do not. See OnlyFans pricing.

Livestream

A livestream is a live broadcast on OnlyFans, often with tip goals. We have not found reliable figures on how much of revenue comes from livestreams. A separate guide is planned.

Referral program

The OnlyFans referral program gives you a share of the earnings of creators who sign up through your referral link. Often quoted are 5% for 12 months, up to a cap. Be careful with agencies that mainly want to earn through your referral link.

Lifetime subscription

A lifetime subscription is a one-time payment for permanent access. As far as we know, OnlyFans does not offer this, only bundles of up to 12 months. See OnlyFans pricing.

Fans and communication: who is talking to whom?

On OnlyFans, the chat is where most of the money flows. That is also why it is where honesty, boundaries and respect matter most.

Mass DM (mass message)

A mass DM is a message that goes to many fans or a whole list at once, often with a PPV attached. Too many mass messages feel like advertising and drive fans away. More in What is PPV on OnlyFans?.

Welcome message

The welcome message is the automatic first message new subscribers receive. It sets the tone for everything that follows. Templates and examples are in OnlyFans welcome message: 20 honest templates.

Whale

Whale is scene slang for a fan who spends far more than average. If your revenue depends on a few such fans, it is fragile, and very high spending also raises the question of whether someone is overextending themselves financially. See What is PPV on OnlyFans?.

VIP fan

A VIP fan is a fan who gets special attention because of high spending or long loyalty, for example faster replies or exclusive content. What matters is that "VIP" stays a thank-you and does not become a pressure tool.

Fan lists (tagging)

Fan lists are groups of fans you create yourself, for example "buyers", "expired" or "new". With lists you can write to specific groups instead of sending everyone the same message. See What is PPV on OnlyFans?.

Expired fan

An expired fan is a former subscriber whose subscription has run out. Depending on your settings, you can still message them, for example with an offer to come back. Respect it if someone does not want that anymore.

GFE (girlfriend experience)

GFE (girlfriend experience) is a communication style that creates personal, relationship-like closeness with a fan. GFE can be a conscious, honest role, but it becomes a problem when fans are misled about real feelings or about who is writing. See Who is texting your fans? and Setting boundaries on OnlyFans.

Sexting

Sexting is an erotic exchange by text message, on OnlyFans often as a paid service. You decide what you offer and what you do not. See Setting boundaries on OnlyFans.

Rating

A rating is a paid review of a photo a fan sends you. Decide beforehand whether you offer this and in what tone. Important: fans may only send you pictures of themselves. See OnlyFans pricing.

Simp

Simp is a derogatory scene term for a fan who gives a lot of money and attention. You will see the word in forums; we do not use it, because it shows contempt for the fans who pay you.

Time waster

Time waster is scene slang for a fan who writes a lot but never buys. Instead of labeling fans, it helps to divide your time clearly and to say kindly what is free and what is not. See Setting boundaries on OnlyFans.

Boundaries

Your boundaries are your personal list of what you offer, what you never offer and what you offer only under certain conditions. Boundaries also apply to partners, agencies and chatters, and you can change them at any time. You will find a template in Setting boundaries: scripts and a boundaries list.

Chatter (ghostwriting)

A chatter is a person who writes to fans in the creator's name, usually on behalf of an agency. In the US there have been lawsuits over deceiving fans this way; how to handle chatting openly and fairly is covered in Who is texting your fans?.

AI chatbot

An AI chatbot is software that answers fan messages automatically or suggests replies. At maevia, fan chats are written by real people only, never by AI.

Persona

A persona is a deliberately shaped role you present that differs from your private self. A persona protects your privacy and helps you separate work and life. See Privacy on OnlyFans.

Metrics: how do you know it is working?

Numbers help you make decisions instead of guessing. For many of these OnlyFans metrics there are no independent benchmarks, so compare yourself mainly with yourself. Which numbers an agency should show you every month is covered in OnlyFans metrics: the 8 numbers your agency's monthly report must show.

Rebill (renewal rate)

The rebill rate is the share of subscriptions that renew automatically instead of expiring. A high rebill rate means fans want to stay. We have not found reliable benchmarks. See OnlyFans pricing.

Churn

Churn is the share of subscribers who cancel or do not renew within a period. Agencies often call 30 to 50% a month normal, but the figures contradict each other and are not independently backed 3.

LTV (lifetime value)

LTV (lifetime value) is what a fan spends with you on average over the whole time they are subscribed. LTV shows what a new fan is worth to you, for example when you are deciding whether paid advertising pays off.

ARPU (average revenue per user)

ARPU is the average revenue per paying fan over a period. Because a few fans often spend a lot, the average alone says little; also look at how revenue is distributed.

Conversion rate

The conversion rate is the share of people who click your link and then actually subscribe or buy. It shows you which traffic source brings the right fans. See Which traffic source fits you?.

PPV purchase rate (open rate)

The PPV purchase rate is the share of recipients of a PPV message who buy it. The terms "open rate", "unlock rate" and "purchase rate" are used differently across the industry; always ask what exactly is being counted 3. See What is PPV on OnlyFans?.

Top X% (ranking)

Top X% is the ranking OnlyFans shows in your account: which percentage of the highest-earning accounts you belong to. OnlyFans does not disclose exactly how it is calculated, and screenshots of it cannot be verified. What the figure means is covered in How much do OnlyFans creators really make?.

Gross vs. net

Gross is what the fan pays. Net is what you keep after the 20% platform fee and, where they apply, agency commission, taxes and insurance.

Response time

Response time is the time between a fan's message and your reply. Fast replies are considered good for sales, but nobody has to be available around the clock; set chat hours are a legitimate way to protect yourself. See Who is texting your fans?.

Tax reserve

A tax reserve is the share of every payout you set aside for the tax office. If you do not, the first tax bill often comes as a nasty surprise. How much to set aside depends on where you live; ask your tax office or a tax adviser in your country. A system for income that goes up and down is described in The four-pot system.

Traffic and promotion: how do fans find you?

OnlyFans itself sends you hardly any new fans. Most come from other platforms. The rule: promote within each platform's rules, no bought accounts, no bots.

SFS (shoutout for shoutout)

SFS (shoutout for shoutout) means two creators promote each other on their channels without money changing hands. SFS works best with partners whose audience fits yours. See Which traffic source fits you?.

Shoutout (paid)

A paid shoutout is a mention you pay for on someone else's channel or on a promo page. Check beforehand whether the reach is real; bought followers do not bring paying fans. See Which traffic source fits you?.

Tracking link

A tracking link is a separate subscription link per source, for example one for Instagram and one for Reddit. It shows you where your subscribers really come from. See Which traffic source fits you?.

Link in bio / Linktree

Link in bio is the single link you can place in your social media profile, often leading to an overview page with several links (Linktree is a well-known provider). What is allowed on Instagram is covered in OnlyFans link in your Instagram bio.

Bridge link / landing page

A bridge link leads to an in-between page between your social profile and OnlyFans. It can inform fans and bundle links. If it only serves to disguise platform rules, you are putting your account at risk. See OnlyFans link in your Instagram bio.

Shadowban

Shadowban is the informal word for an invisible reach restriction by a platform. Instagram does not use the term officially, but its Account Status shows whether your content is eligible for recommendations. More in Instagram shadowban.

Collab / co-creator

A collab is content made together with another person, who must be tagged and verified as a co-creator on OnlyFans. Without your partner's release, you may not publish the content.

Funnel

A funnel is the path a person takes from first contact, for example a Reel, to a purchase. If you know your own funnel, you can see where interested people drop off. See Which traffic source fits you?.

Warm-up (account)

Warm-up means slowly building up a new social media account so it does not look like spam. Usually that means: use it normally first, then post, then add links. Automated or faked activity breaks platform rules. See Reddit for OnlyFans creators.

Subreddit

A subreddit is a topic forum on Reddit with its own rules, for example on verification, posting frequency and allowed links. Read the rules before your first post. See Reddit for OnlyFans creators.

Teaser

A teaser is a short, censored excerpt used to advertise paid content. Teasers on social media must follow each platform's rules. See Which traffic source fits you?.

Content and profile: what do you show, and how?

Vault

The vault is the media library in your OnlyFans account. Everything you upload lands there, and you fill posts and messages from the vault. A well-organized vault saves a lot of time. See One shoot day for four weeks of content.

SFW / NSFW

SFW means "safe for work", so not explicit. NSFW means "not safe for work", so explicit. On social media you can usually only show SFW content; on OnlyFans, NSFW is allowed within the rules.

Lewd

Lewd content is suggestive erotic content somewhere between SFW and explicit. Every platform draws that line differently.

Solo, B/G, G/G

Solo, B/G and G/G are shorthand for content types by who is in them: solo (just you), B/G (boy/girl), G/G (girl/girl). As soon as another person appears, they need a release and verification.

Faceless

Faceless means you do not show your face. Faceless protects your identity, but not completely: tattoos, birthmarks, rooms and your voice can give you away. At maevia, creators show their face, because fans pay for a real person. See OnlyFans without showing your face and Privacy on OnlyFans.

Content calendar

A content calendar is a plan for when which content goes where. It takes away the daily pressure of having to post something on the spot. A template with key dates is in Content calendar 2027.

Batching (batch production)

Batching means producing a lot of content on one shoot day instead of filming something new every day. It builds a stash and gives you breaks. Step by step: One shoot day for four weeks of content.

Watermark

A watermark is a visible or invisible mark on your photos and videos. It makes sharing traceable and makes leaks harder, but it does not prevent them. Use your stage name in it, never your real name. See Leak emergency plan.

Bio (profile description)

Your bio is the short text on your OnlyFans page that explains what fans can expect. A good bio is honest and specific and promises nothing you do not offer. A separate guide is planned.

Restricted words

Restricted words are terms OnlyFans does not allow in profiles, posts or messages. The filter exists for a reason, usually legal or payment-provider requirements; tricks to get around it put your account at risk.

Banner (header)

The banner is the wide cover image at the top of your OnlyFans page. It is publicly visible and must therefore be SFW.

Niche (fetish, kink)

A niche is specialized content for a clearly defined audience. A niche can help you stand out, but it should suit you and respect your boundaries. See Finding the right niche.

Feet content

Feet content means photos and videos of feet as a niche of its own, often also sold on other platforms. There are a lot of scams in this space. See Finding the right niche.

AI content (#ai)

AI content is content generated or altered with artificial intelligence. Under OnlyFans rules it must be clearly labeled; according to the annual accounts, creator profiles that are entirely AI-generated are not allowed 21.

Stories, feed, pin

Stories, feed and pins are areas of your page: the feed holds your permanent posts, pinned posts stay at the top, and stories are short-lived. See How does OnlyFans work?.

Platform and account: how does OnlyFans work technically?

Platform fee (20%)

The platform fee is the share OnlyFans keeps from every fan payment. 80% goes to you 2. Bank and currency conversion fees can come on top, because OnlyFans settles in US dollars.

Payout

A payout is the transfer of your balance to your bank account. According to the Terms of Service, a minimum amount must be reached; $20 is often quoted. Everything on bank accounts, timing and forms: OnlyFans payouts.

Verification (KYC)

Verification is the identity check with photo ID and a selfie before you can earn money as a creator. KYC stands for "know your customer". According to the annual accounts, a third-party provider checks age and identity 1. See OnlyFans verification.

Release form

A release form is the consent of every person who appears in your content, with ID and verification. Without a release, you may not publish the content.

Geoblocking

Geoblocking means blocking your page for visitors from certain countries, for example your home country. Geoblocking lowers the risk that people you know will find you, but it is not complete protection, for example because of VPNs. See Privacy on OnlyFans.

Fenix International

Fenix International is the UK company that runs OnlyFans (Companies House no. 10354575). It publishes annual accounts every year, which are the only reliable source of figures on the platform. See OnlyFans in numbers.

Terms of Service (ToS)

The Terms of Service are the rules of use for OnlyFans. They set out what is allowed, how fees and payouts work and when accounts get suspended. What is set to change on November 1, 2026, is covered in The new OnlyFans Terms of Service from November 1, 2026.

Account suspension

An account suspension means OnlyFans restricts or closes your account; under the Terms of Service it can also temporarily hold back earnings while it investigates 2. First steps and prevention: OnlyFans account suspended.

Fansly, Fanvue, Maloum, MYM

Fansly, Fanvue, Maloum and MYM are alternative subscription platforms. Their fees are mostly similar to OnlyFans; the differences are in reach, currency and rules. Maloum is run by an Austrian company based in Vienna. See OnlyFans alternatives.

Safety: how do you protect yourself?

Leak

A leak is the unauthorized sharing of your paid content outside OnlyFans. The first steps are in the Leak emergency plan.

DMCA / takedown

A DMCA takedown is a removal request for copied content, named after the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Many hosts and Google offer their own forms for this and also accept such requests from Europe. See Leak emergency plan.

StopNCII

StopNCII is a nonprofit service that blocks intimate images on partner platforms without you having to upload them: a digital fingerprint (hash) of the image is created on your own device 5. According to its annual accounts, OnlyFans works with StopNCII.org 4. See Leak emergency plan and Deepfake of you: what to do.

Doxxing

Doxxing means someone publishes your private data, such as your real name or address, against your will. In Germany, a block on your entry in the residents' register (Auskunftssperre) can help as a precaution; other countries have their own options. See Stalking and doxxing.

Sextortion

Sextortion is blackmail with intimate images or with the threat of outing you. Do not pay, secure evidence and get help. See Sextortion: what to do.

Catfishing

Catfishing means someone uses a false identity to deceive others, for example with your photos. How to report fake profiles: Report fake profiles and get them removed.

Stage name / pseudonym

Your stage name is the name you appear under. It separates your profile from your legal name, but it only protects you if it is not linked to you anywhere. See Privacy on OnlyFans.

Model release

A model release is a contract in which a person shown in your content allows the footage of them to be used. For collabs, it complements the platform's release form.

Chargeback

A chargeback is when a fan has a card payment reversed through their bank. OnlyFans then deducts the corresponding share from you again, even if it has already been paid out 2. How to protect yourself: Chargebacks, scams and fake fans.

Agency and industry: who does what?

OFM (OnlyFans management)

OFM (OnlyFans management) is industry shorthand for agencies that manage OnlyFans accounts, and for that business in general. When someone writes "OFM", they usually mean an agency or a course about running one. How to spot a trustworthy one: How to spot a trustworthy OnlyFans agency.

OnlyFans agency / manager

An OnlyFans agency or manager is a service provider that takes on tasks such as marketing, chatting or strategy in exchange for a commission. Whether you need an agency depends on your situation. See Do I need an OnlyFans agency? The 2-minute check, and for how maevia works, our OnlyFans management page.

Commission (revenue share)

Commission is the share of your revenue the agency receives. What matters is whether it is calculated on gross (what the fan pays) or net (after the platform fee). See OnlyFans agency commission: what is fair? (in German).

Co-management

Co-management means you and the agency split the work, and you keep certain areas yourself, for example chatting with selected fans. Who does what should be in writing. See How to spot a trustworthy OnlyFans agency.

Onboarding

Onboarding is the starting phase of working together: logins, boundaries, goals and processes are agreed. What should happen in the first weeks is covered in Your first 30 days with an agency.

NDA (non-disclosure agreement)

An NDA is a contract that commits someone to confidentiality, for example a chatter regarding your private data. An NDA should protect you, not stop you from talking about bad experiences.

Account farm

An account farm is a large set of bought or automated social media accounts used for mass promotion. It breaks platform rules and can drag your own account down with it. If an agency asks for it or offers it, that is a red flag.

Content creator / UGC creator

"Content creator" is the umbrella term for people who produce content for platforms. UGC creators (user-generated content) produce content for brands that looks like personal posts.

Missing a term?

We update this glossary regularly.

maevia works with English-speaking creators with native-level English who live in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. If, after reading, you want to know whether working with an agency makes sense for you, apply now.