Based on public data + platform disclosures • UK & Global • Report August 2025
State of Webcam Modelling, 1990–2025
What performers earn, how many are online, and the tech, culture, and economics that caused the surge — plus how Blueberry helps creators stand out on live streaming.
Executive Summary
The adult live streaming industry has grown from a few thousand early web performers in the late 1990s to millions of creators today. While the market is larger than ever, earnings are not evenly distributed — a small percentage of creators capture the majority of income.
Between 2019 and 2023, the creator economy experienced unprecedented expansion. Subscription-based sites like OnlyFans attracted millions of new accounts, but most of the revenue still flows to the top 1% of earners. For the rest, growth is slow, competition is intense, and constant content production is exhausting.
By contrast, premium live streaming platforms can deliver far higher earnings per active viewer. Skilled mid-tier creators — even without large social media followings — can outperform an average subscription account within weeks. Blueberry Studios exists to make this possible through targeted coaching, content planning, and performance optimisation.
Key Findings
- Creator counts surged from 1996 to 2025, with tipping systems and real-time engagement multiplying earning opportunities.
- On subscription sites, the median creator earns less than £150/month — while mid-tier live streamers with consistent schedules often exceed this in a single week.
- Live streaming’s earnings potential is driven by tipping, private sessions, and group goals, which allow small but loyal audiences to generate high returns.
- Post-COVID demand for interactive, real-time content has stayed strong, sustaining growth well beyond the initial 2020 spike.
What This Means for Models
- Differentiation through format (faceless, themed shows, interactive games) and consistency is key to building a loyal base.
- Data-driven scheduling — tracking session length, conversion to paid, and return viewers — significantly increases earnings speed.
- With Blueberry’s coaching, most new creators can reach consistent paid sessions faster than on subscription platforms.
Visuals
Sources: Wikipedia, Reuters, Upmarket.co
Sources: Simple Wikipedia, Wikipedia
Sources: Wikipedia, MatthewBall.co
Sources: DemandSage, Wikipedia, Blueberry internal coaching benchmarks
Sources: Wikipedia – OnlyFans, Wikipedia, Blueberry analysis
Sources: Influencer Marketing Hub, Blueberry internal data
Sources: Wikipedia, Blueberry revenue records
Monetisation Models (Snapshot)
| Platform Type | Main Revenue | Typical Creator Share | Reality for Mid-Tier Creators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Live Streaming (Blueberry model) | Real-time tips, private shows, group goals | ~30–70% (after platform fee) | High earnings per active viewer — many hit £1,500/month in 2–3 months without large social followings |
| Subscription-Only (OnlyFans-style) | Monthly subs + PPV content + tips | ~80% (20% platform fee) | Median income < £150/month without viral growth; heavy content demands for retention |
| Hybrid (Streaming + Fanclub) | Live tips + private shows + paid community tiers | Blended (varies by split) | Most stable over time; combines high-value live sessions with predictable recurring income |
How Blueberry Helps You Stand Out on Live Streaming
Positioning & Safety
- Privacy-first guidance: advice on faceless streaming, persona building, and staying in control of your content.
- Safety-first culture: tips on blocking, reporting, and creating safe spaces for yourself and your audience.
- Onboarding made simple: step-by-step help with profiles, verifications, and getting started quickly.
Performance & Growth
- Show format ideas: fresh content themes and interactive prompts to keep viewers engaged.
- Content planning help: simple schedules and reminders so you never run out of ideas.
- Multi-platform presence: guidance on where and how to grow your audience beyond one site.
Content & Promotion
- Starter promo pack: basic templates for bios, headlines, and profile images you can customise.
- Fan connection tips: proven ways to keep regulars coming back and build a loyal base.
- Growth mindset coaching: encouragement and advice to keep improving your shows over time.
FAQ
How long does it usually take to reach £1,500/month?
With a consistent schedule and a focused live-stream format, many Blueberry creators reach ~£1,500/month in 2–3 months. Results vary by hours streamed, niche, and retention.
Can I stream faceless and still earn well?
Yes. Faceless formats work when your show concept is clear (voice, hands, props, POV, overlays) and you engage viewers with games, goals, and private sessions. We’ll help you design it.
What equipment do I need to start?
Start with what you have: a phone or laptop, stable internet, and a ring light. Upgrade later to a 1080p webcam and mic. We provide a simple setup checklist during onboarding.
Follow this link for more FAQs →
Get Started
New to live streaming? We’ll set up your room, design your persona, and map your first 30 days to reach paid sessions consistently.
Ready to start? Apply here with Blueberry Studios today.
Want to find out how you can earn with custom advice?
We can tailor the strategy to your goals and schedule, and build your first month of show formats.
Ask for a 15 minute call when you apply.
Methodology & Sources
This report combines: public platform disclosures (creator/fan counts, fee structures), reputable press coverage, and academic/industry research. Figures are directional; earnings vary substantially by niche, schedule, and audience size. Platform reports & press (e.g., OnlyFans creator/fan counts; cam site histories). Academic work on tipping economies and creator-income distributions. Blueberry Studios’ internal benchmarks from onboarding & coaching programmes.
Sources & Citations
OnlyFans: Creator Growth, Fans, and Platform Economics
- Creator & Fan Counts / Revenue / Payouts (2023–2024)
“OnlyFans… boasting over 4 million content creators and 305 million fan accounts. In 2023, creators earned $6.6 billion through the platform… revenue ~$1.3 billion (20% YoY).”
The Guardian - Platform Fee (20%) and Registered Users
“OnlyFans… site takes 20% of these fees.”
Wikipedia - Transaction Volume Surge & Pandemic Boost
“During the COVID-19 pandemic... OnlyFans transactions hit £1.7 bn.”
MatthewBall.co | Wikipedia - Creator Growth YoY Data
“As of 30 November 2023... 4,118,000 creators... fans: 305,066,000... representing 29% YoY creator growth and 27.7% YoY fan growth.”
Reuters | Upmarket.co - Verified Streaming Economics – Long-Term Scale
“In 2024, OnlyFans generated $6.3 billion in gross revenues, up from $300 million five years earlier… FY2023 grew 19% to $1.1 billion.”
MatthewBall.co
Cam Modeling: Earnings & Business Models
- Earnings by Work Type (2020 Survey)
“A July 2020 survey found the average webcam model in the United States works 18 hours per week, and earns $4,470 per month. Full-time (40 hrs/wk) earn $11,250 per month; top earners >$312,000 annually; bottom earners ~$100/week.”
Simple Wikipedia - LiveJasmin Payout Rates (Site-Level %)
“Payout percentage to the model ranges between 30% and 80% depending on the income of the model.”
Wikipedia - Concurrent Creator Numbers & Viewing Scale
“There is an average of at least 12,500 cam models online at any given time, and more than 240,000 viewers at any given time.”
Wikipedia - MyFreeCams Scale & Earnings
“In 2010… MyFreeCams… described as ‘one of the world’s largest adult webcam communities.’ More than 100,000 models and over 5 million members. Models can earn between $75,000 and $100,000 per month.”
Wikipedia
Industry Shift & Growth Drivers
- COVID-19 Impact on Camming & OF Growth
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the webcamming industry experienced explosive growth. The popular platform OnlyFans reported $2.4 billion in transactions in 2020, a 600% increase from 2019.”
Wikipedia - Webcam Industry Market Size
“The industry is estimated to be worth almost $10 billion annually.”
Simple Wikipedia | Fight the New Drug
Optional Bonus: Earnings & Platform Structure
- ZipRecruiter Hourly Pay (2025)
“As of Aug 6, 2025, the average hourly pay for a Webcam Model in the United States is $31.37.”
ZipRecruiter