Sex workers are taking control of their industry by building their own platform, Hidden, designed to address the issues plaguing existing adult content sites like OnlyFans. Spearheaded by Stella Barey, a former OnlyFans creator, Hidden aims to provide fairer conditions, greater creator control, and increased transparency in a market dominated by corporate interests.
The Rise of Creator Fatigue
Barey’s decision to launch Hidden stemmed from years of experience navigating the adult content landscape. After achieving significant financial success on OnlyFans – earning up to $300,000 in a single month – she recognized a systemic imbalance. Creators bear the burden of self-promotion while platforms profit without addressing issues like burnout, inconsistent payouts, and opaque content moderation.
“In this industry, no one expects that anyone’s going to be able to change anything… all of the promotion relies on us.” Barey says.
Hidden: A Creator-First Platform
Hidden is structured like TikTok, featuring a “For You” page tailored to adult content. This design promotes discoverability, reducing the reliance on creators to drive traffic from external platforms. The platform boasts several key advantages over competitors:
- Lower Commission: Hidden takes an 18% cut versus OnlyFans’ 20%.
- Chargeback Protection: Creators are protected from fraudulent disputes with up to $2,500 in coverage.
- Direct Support: Each creator has a dedicated liaison for immediate assistance.
- Passive Income Tools: The platform facilitates direct sales of long-form content and special bundles.
Industry Backlash and Legal Landscape
The launch of Hidden comes as existing platforms tighten restrictions. OnlyFans recently announced background checks for US creators, raising concerns about accessibility and discrimination. Barey acknowledges this trend but asserts the viability of sex work: “Sex work is not going to go away. And until it’s completely banned, what we’re doing is fully legal.”
Expansion and Future Plans
Hidden is poised for rapid growth with the addition of Lana Rhoades as co-owner and chief creative operator. Rhoades, a veteran performer, brings industry expertise and a commitment to creator collaboration. The platform plans to introduce new features, including a creator leaderboard with $30,000 in prizes for top performers, further incentivizing engagement and competition.
“There’s a huge lack of transparency… policies and product decisions often feel disconnected from what creators actually need.” Rhoades says.
Hidden’s emergence signifies a growing demand for creator-owned alternatives in the adult content industry. By prioritizing transparency, fair compensation, and direct support, the platform has the potential to disrupt the status quo and empower sex workers.
