Telegram vs OnlyFans: The honest comparison
Both platforms can work. But which one is right for YOUR content business? We asked creators who've tried both.
The "Telegram vs OnlyFans" debate isn't about which platform is objectively better. It's about which one fits your situation, your audience, and how you want to run your business.
We talked to creators who've used both. Some switched entirely, some use both, and some went back to OnlyFans. Here's what we learned.
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | Telegram Stars | OnlyFans |
|---|---|---|
| Platform fee | 0% (you keep 100%) | 20% fee |
| Payment friction | In-chat, instant unlock | External checkout |
| Organic discovery | None (bring your own traffic) | Built-in search & explore |
| Fan relationship | Direct DM, personal | Platform-mediated |
| Data ownership | You own the contact | Platform owns the relationship |
| Content control | Full control | Platform rules apply |
| Payout speed | 21-day window | 7-day minimum |
| Automation tools | Third-party (Telestars, etc.) | Built-in scheduling |
| Per-fan revenue | Higher (personal touch) | Lower (volume-based) |
| Account risk | Lower (decentralized) | Higher (platform bans) |
= Telegram advantage= OnlyFans advantage
What creators who've tried both say
Different situations, different answers. Here's the range of experiences.
"I make more per fan on Telegram, but OnlyFans brings in new subscribers passively. I use both now — OF for discovery, Telegram for my VIPs. Net revenue went up 40% since adding Telegram."
"OnlyFans didn't fit my niche. The 'adult content' association hurt my brand. Telegram lets me sell workout programs without that baggage. Best decision I made."
"Telegram is great if you already have an audience. I didn't. Spent 3 months trying to grow with zero organic reach. Went back to OF where the traffic just comes to you."
"For established creators, Telegram is a goldmine. The personalization drives 3x higher tips. But for new creators? OF is still the path of least resistance. We recommend both."
When to choose each
Choose Telegram if...
- •You already have an audience (social media, email list, etc.)
- •You want direct, personal relationships with fans
- •You value data ownership and platform independence
- •Your content isn't adult-specific (fitness, education, etc.)
- •You want higher per-fan revenue over volume
Choose OnlyFans if...
- •You're starting from zero with no existing audience
- •You want passive discovery and organic traffic
- •You prefer a managed platform with less setup
- •You're okay with platform rules and content guidelines
- •You want faster payouts (7 days vs 21 days)
The verdict
There's no universal winner. OnlyFans is better if you need discovery and don't want to build an audience first. Telegram is better if you already have fans and want more control, higher per-fan revenue, and a more personal relationship.
The smartest creators use both: OnlyFans for discovery, Telegram for monetization and retention. You don't have to choose just one.
If you're exploring Telegram monetization, Telestars can help you manage it. But even without tools, Telegram Stars is worth testing if you have an engaged audience.