What does the platform take first?
Before anyone else is paid, the platform keeps its own fee. OnlyFans says creators receive 80% of their earnings, meaning the platform keeps 20%. [VERIFY: current creator share on onlyfans.com/terms] Check your own platform’s current terms, because fees and payout rules change.
Everything an agency charges comes out of what is left, or out of the total before the platform’s cut, depending on how the contract is written.
Gross or net: a worked example
The example below uses made-up round numbers to show the difference. It is illustrative only, not a typical result.
- Your page takes £1,000 from fans in a month (gross).
- The platform keeps 20%, so £800 reaches you (net).
- An agency charging 30% of gross takes £300, leaving you £500.
- An agency charging 30% of net takes £240, leaving you £560.
What should the commission include?
Ask for a written list of every service covered by the percentage: promotion, content planning, pricing, messaging, account security, leak takedowns and reporting. Anything left off the list may be charged separately, or not done at all.
Ask too whether there are any other costs, such as setup fees, paid promotion budgets or tools charged back to you.
What should appear on your statement?
- Total earnings for the period, before and after the platform’s fee.
- The figure the commission was calculated on, and the rate used.
- Any other charges, listed separately.
- The amount you owe, or are owed, and when it is due.
If an agency cannot show you this clearly every month, treat that as a warning sign. Our agency contract checklist covers what else to look for.
Is a lower commission always better?
Not necessarily. What matters is what you keep after the work is done. A higher rate that includes messaging and promotion may leave you better off than a low rate that covers very little. Compare what is included, not just the headline number, and read whether an agency is worth it for you. You can try your own numbers in our free commission calculator.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Platform features and rules change, so check your platform’s current terms. Last checked .
