Let there be no confusion, OnlyFans is big business. OnlyFans creators made more money last year than every single NBA salary combined.

At the Bloomberg Screentime conference in Los Angeles, OnlyFans CEO Keily Blair emphasized the platform’s commitment to adult content creators while dispelling rumors of an initial public offering (IPO). Blair, who took over as CEO in July 2023, made it clear that the company is focused on fostering a safe and inclusive space for creators without the distraction of going public.

“Everyone assumes it’s sexy content — and we’re very happy with that,” Blair told the audience. “We’re an inclusive platform for a reason. It’s important for adult content creators to have a safe space to monetize and create alongside other types of creators. We’re all adults; we can choose what content we subscribe to.”

Blair’s remarks highlighted OnlyFans’ unique position in the digital content space. Unlike other platforms, OnlyFans does not sell advertising, track user behavior, or rely on algorithms to push content. Instead, it operates on a subscription-based model that allows users to directly engage with creators, many of whom produce adult content. Blair also pointed out that more than half of the company’s revenue comes from microtransactions, further emphasizing the platform’s creator-driven ecosystem.

Since its founding in 2016, OnlyFans has paid out over $20 billion to its 4 million creators, with a significant portion stemming from adult content. Despite the availability of free adult content on the internet, Blair explained that OnlyFans offers something unique: a personal connection between creators and fans. “People pay for OnlyFans because they want to engage with those creators and ask for specific content,” Blair said, noting that for some users, paying for content is an “ethical decision” about how they choose to consume adult material.

In the past year, OnlyFans creators collectively earned $5.32 billion, according to financial filings, with gross payments on the platform rising by 19% to $6.63 billion. These figures highlight the platform’s continued growth, especially given that it doesn’t follow the advertising or data-driven models common on other social media platforms.

Blair was clear about the company’s future direction, stating that OnlyFans has no plans to raise capital through an IPO.

“We definitely don’t need to raise capital,” she said, adding that becoming a publicly traded company could complicate the business model. “Catering to shareholders would shift our focus from creators to profits,” Blair explained, emphasizing that OnlyFans is and will remain creator-focused.

OnlyFans’ financial success is undeniable. The platform generated $1.31 billion in net revenue last year, with pre-tax profits increasing by 25% to $658 million. The bulk of these profits comes from the U.S., which accounts for two-thirds of the company’s income.

Appearing alongside Blair at the event was comedian Whitney Cummings, who underscored the flexibility of OnlyFans as a platform that caters to more than just adult content. Cummings, who joined the platform to share non-explicit content like stand-up comedy, praised OnlyFans for offering creators the freedom to push boundaries without fear of censorship. “I like the idea of going to this place that’s a little taboo… where there’s not as much censorship,” she said.

Cummings released her most recent comedy special, “Mouthy,” on OFTV, a free video streaming service from OnlyFans that promotes safe-for-work content. Her experience on the platform reflects Blair’s broader vision of OnlyFans as a place for creators across various industries, not just those in the adult entertainment space.

OnlyFans has faced scrutiny for its adult content, but Blair emphasized that the platform is one of the safest in the industry. Creators must undergo an extensive identification process before they can create accounts, and all content is behind a paywall, meaning that users must actively subscribe to see it. This model sets OnlyFans apart from other platforms that struggle to manage explicit content.

Leonid Radvinsky, the platform’s owner and founder of cam site MyFreeCams, has benefited handsomely from OnlyFans’ success. In the 2023 fiscal year alone, Radvinsky received $472 million in dividends, an increase from $338 million the previous year, according to regulatory filings.

As OnlyFans continues to grow, Blair remains focused on ensuring that creators, whether producing adult content or otherwise, have a platform where they can succeed.

“We’re just getting started,” Blair said, hinting at more developments for the platform in the years to come.

But for now, OnlyFans seems content to stay the course—empowering content creators while sidestepping the pitfalls of going public.