The “P trend” refers to the increasing popularity and normalization of adult content on platforms like OnlyFans and social media. While adult content has always existed online, its recent growth and mainstreaming on platforms not solely dedicated to it has sparked debate. Understanding how this trend started provides context on the ongoing conversations surrounding it.
The Rise of Subscription Services
While social media sites like Twitter, Reddit, and Tumblr have long allowed some level of adult content, subscription services like OnlyFans have enabled content creators to monetize it like never before. OnlyFans launched in 2016 as a platform where influencers could charge subscribers for exclusive content. It quickly became popular among adult content creators, providing them an unprecedented ability to directly monetize and profit from their content.
The success of OnlyFans inspired a wave of similar subscription services, like FanCentro and JustForFans. By taking a hands-off approach and allowing adult content, these platforms tapped into an extremely lucrative market that was eager and willing to pay for content. Top OnlyFans creators make millions per month. The company behind OnlyFans processes over $2 billion in sales per year. This business model proved the enormous commercial potential of online adult content.
The COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and subsequent lockdowns worldwide played a substantial role in boosting interest in adult sites like OnlyFans. With people stuck at home, site traffic and content sales spiked. OnlyFans saw a 75% increase in sign-ups in the early months of the pandemic alone. Many sex workers also transitioned to online platforms for safety and to replace lost income from club closures.
These unique circumstances showed just how large the market demand was for online adult content. Creators earned record incomes during the pandemic, with some making tens or hundreds of thousands per month from subscribers. The pandemic-driven boost accelerated the growth of subscription services and normalized their use for both creators and fans.
Celebrity Interest
Another major factor driving the popularity of online adult content has been its adoption by mainstream celebrities like Cardi B, Tyga, and Bella Thorne. Big names joining OnlyFans brought massive public attention to the platforms. Tyga earned $20 million within his first year on OnlyFans. Bella Thorne briefly broke OnlyFans payment processing in 2020 by earning over $1 million in her first 24 hours on the site.
Celebrity interest showed the public that adult content platforms were not taboo or defined by stigma. Their presence demonstrated that these sites have mainstream appeal and are simply new ways for influencers to connect with fans. More celebrities continuing to join OnlyFans normalized the idea of subscription adult content.
Changes to Platform Guidelines
Many major social platforms like Instagram and TikTok also changed their guidelines during the pandemic to allow more adult and suggestive content. Instagram previously banned nudity; now it simply discourages “sexually suggestive” content. TikTok moderation also became more lax, permitting displays like cleavage, bikinis, and suggestive dancing.
These shifts signaled to creators that adult content could drive engagement on mainstream platforms, not just niche sites. Looser rules encouraged more influencers to test boundaries and push soft-core content aimed at gaining followers and views. The relaxed policies contributed to adult content becoming more visible and normalized across social media.
Monetization Opportunities
Lastly, the ability to directly monetize adult content on platforms like OnlyFans dramatically changed creator incentives. Previously, influencers had few options to benefit financially from producing adult content directly. Features like OnlyFans’ integrated payments allowed them to capitalize on this market for the first time.
Seeing the immense revenue potential completely altered the content strategies and business models of many online influencers. Producing and promoting adult content went hand-in-hand with increased earnings. For many, it simply made financial sense to pivot toward more viral and profitable content.
Who Drove Early Adoption?
While many factors enabled the rise of adult content online, specific communities were quickest to embrace and normalize its use:
- Sex workers leveraged sites like OnlyFans to take control of their image, improve safety, and increase incomes by avoiding exploitative studios or agents.
- Adult companies promoted sites like OnlyFans through partnerships, expanding their reach and legitimacy.
- Alternative internet cultures like Tumblr and Reddit fostered niche fandoms and user bases open to adult content.
- Youth and millennial internet cultures appreciated the authenticity of influencer-created content.
Early adopters from these communities normalized the sharing and monetization of adult content online among wider audiences. Their early embrace on niche platforms paved the way for adult content’s explosive growth into the mainstream.
Growth in User Statistics
Studies quantify the rapid growth of adult sites:
| Site | 2019 Monthly Users | 2021 Monthly Users |
| OnlyFans | 7.5M | 150M |
| FanCentro | 130k | 790k |
| JustForFans | 470k | 870k |
OnlyFans in particular saw tremendous growth in both creators and subscribers. Over 1 million people now earn as creators on the site. This growth reflects rising public willingness and interest in interacting with adult content online.
Growth in Site Earnings
Rapid user growth also led to surging revenues for these platforms:
| Platform | 2019 Revenue | 2021 Revenue |
| OnlyFans | $310 million | $2+ billion |
| JustForFans | $120 million | $180+ million |
| FanCentro | $14 million | $28+ million |
OnlyFans’ revenues alone reflect the massive commercial opportunity in catering to growing demand for adult content. Investors and backers are keenly aware of the lucrative potential.
Mainstream Attention
With growth has come greater mainstream attention on sites like OnlyFans:
- Profiles in major publications like Bloomberg Businessweek.
- Lists of top earners drive curiosity and interest.
- Celebrity involvement sparks coverage across entertainment news.
- App downloads and search interest has surged.
This spotlight from mainstream sources further normalized the use of adult subscription services for many audiences.
Conclusion
A number of forces enabled the rise of adult subscription services and more permissive social platforms, driving the mainstreaming of online adult content. Key factors include:
- New monetization models opening economic incentives.
- Lockdowns accelerating user demand.
- Changing policies allowing more suggestive content.
- Celebrity participation legitimizing sites.
- Niche communities pioneering early adoption.
This “P trend” resulted from the interplay of technological, economic, and cultural shifts that normalized adult content for wide audiences. While still controversial, it has undeniably moved into mainstream consciousness and profitability.