Laura Whyte drops her kids off at school, before readying herself for a day of content creating.
The sleepy Aberdeenshire village of Aberchirder might not lend itself to the influencer lifestyle, but Laura can easily work from home before making it back to the school gates in time for pick up.
And although Laura’s pay cheque can vary, on a good month she’s taking home £4,000.
Over the past year and a half, she’s managed to save up enough for a house deposit, so the family can finally buy their own home instead of precariously renting.
There’s just one snag; Laura is an OnlyFans star.
Taking back control?
The OnlyFans website, which was founded by British entrepreneur Tim Stokely in 2016, sees adult entertainers upload paid-for content, which is then viewed by loyal subscribers.
It is argued that it enables those working in a notoriously exploitive industry to take back control, not just financially but in terms of the content they produce.
For some creators, OnlyFans is a digital upgrade to the traditional dirty magazine, where they can be paid for uploading lingerie shots.
There is also a more explicit side where users can request videos, and more than half of subscribers are male.
The site attracts celebrities such as actress and singer Bella Thorne, who joined the platform in 2020 and earned a record $1million in her first 24 hours.
Sarah Jayne Dunn was forced to leave Channel 4’s Hollyoaks because she was creating content for OnlyFans, and has gone on to earn around £700,000.
Taking to social media, she said: “It’s about empowerment and confidence and having full power over my choices.”
OnlyFans is clearly here to stay, and with the rising cost of living it is increasingly seen as a viable career option.
But what is it like to create content for the platform, which states it has a zero tolerance policy for solicitation, alongside an option for creators to block and report users?
Could the site have a serious impact on how we view intimacy, and does it bring into question why society still judges those who work in the adult entertainment industry?
I spoke with Laura Whyte and Dr David S Smith, who is a lecturer in psychology at RGU, to find out more.
OnlyFans star Laura Whyte from Aberchirder: ‘I’m doing this for my family’
It was Laura’s partner who suggested she make content for OnlyFans, after she lost her confidence as a stay at home mum.
Her children are now 11 and seven, and Laura says her eldest is aware of her job.
“My son is amazing, he doesn’t care what anyone thinks,” she said.
“I’ve raised my children not to judge anyone for anything.”
Far from being a forever career, Laura has plans to eventually do a wildlife course and work in an animal rescue centre.
“I was nervous at the start, now I do lingerie, videos and occasional nudes,” she said.
Laura has made £50,000 from her OnlyFans work. The 29-year-old also got breast enlargement last year, having never been happy with her chest.
“I’ve always had quite small breasts and wanted a boob job from a young age,” she said.
“Having started OnlyFans I could finally afford it, and we’ve also been able to buy a car and save up a deposit for a house.
Laura Whyte on OnlyFans: ‘If my family needs something I can afford to get it’
“I’ve had to rely on my partner as the breadwinner for 13 years.
“I’m not squandering the money I make, I put it all away.
“I never put myself in a situation where I don’t feel comfortable.
“As I’m small in size, I’ve been asked to dress up as a schoolgirl.
“That’s where I draw the line, I can’t stand that.”
Laura has received one rape threat during her time on the site, and is now cautious when going out.
“I try to have a friend with me or my partner,” she said.
“Ultimately I know that if my family needs something, I can afford to get it.”
Dr David S Smith: ‘OnlyFans can give autonomy’
Dr David S Smith, lecturer in psychology at RGU, believes the rise of the website can provide commentary on how we view those working in the adult entertainment industry.
“OnlyFans is a household name and this model recognises the performers as an individual in a notoriously exploitive industry,” he said.
“Around 75% of men will visit a porn site every year, but there’s still a very negative impression of people who perform on them.
“In comparison to say a strip club, OnlyFans gives more autonomy.
“It’s not traditional porn or instead of human contact, but we know the main consumer base have very overworked and demanding schedules.
“I think the popularity is partly due to the bespoke aspect, you’re paying for intimacy and the concept that certain content has been made uniquely for you.”
“I don’t have a hugely negative view of OnlyFans, but I think it can give this sense of ownership where a user has paid money for a particular video.”
David also believes that those appearing on the site short term need to remember the indelible nature of the internet.
“For better or worse, we as a society we are still very sexually conservative,” he said.
“People can still lose their jobs for performing on OnlyFans, and I think there’s a risk factor for young people who are doing it for short term gain, so money.
“Until there is large scale social change, that reputation will stick.”
