A sub had been sharing his frustrations with someone he’d been speaking to on OnlyFans.

He became increasingly annoyed because he would discuss and agree on something, only for it to be reined in later that day. He had specifically paid for extras via an upsell, but not only did he not receive them, the creator later implied she had no idea what he was referring to.

Needless to say, while he didn’t want to cause a fuss, he turned off the renewal on his subscription and felt soured toward her as a person.

At one point, he said it felt like he was talking “to a different person.”

And, perhaps, he was.

This situation, at least for now, feels like a fringe case. He wondered whether he had been speaking to AI, but as of now, OnlyFans does not officially support AI integration.

The reality is that he may have been talking to an assistant or, more likely, a chatter.

What Are Chatters, and Why Are They Used?

It’s no secret that OnlyFans (and similar platforms) offer the potential for high earnings, but this comes with a significant workload. A popular creator is likely to have many followers, some of whom expect direct interaction. The common trope of “If you want to chat, chat on my OnlyFans” leads subscribers to believe they will receive personal engagement.

Managing this workload can be challenging, especially for those who also offer in-person sessions or have other life commitments. Even those aiming for a standard 40-hour workweek may struggle to balance different time zones and the expectations of subscribers who want fast responses.

To manage this, some creators hire assistants or chatters.

  • Assistants handle administrative tasks such as listing and scheduling posts. They may also vet messages to prioritise those most likely to lead to meaningful engagement or tips.
  • Chatters, on the other hand, engage with subscribers on behalf of the creator.

Chatters can be hired directly, with a creator setting coverage hours and agreeing on fees and bonuses, or through agencies that take a significant cut—sometimes 30-50% or more—and assign chatters, sometimes providing 24/7 coverage.

Chatters pose as the creator, with the primary goal of maintaining engagement and maximising revenue through subscription renewals, tips, and upsells.

Additionally, some creators do not use chatters solely for financial reasons but to help manage subscriber expectations. Many subscribers expect near-instant responses and can become dissatisfied if they feel ignored. The use of chatters can help mitigate this frustration by ensuring that messages are answered promptly, even if the creator is unavailable.

The Ethical Dilemma

From a business perspective, using chatters makes sense. If an OnlyFans account generates $1,000 per month (or more!) but requires hours of daily engagement, outsourcing interactions can free up time for content creation. Even if chatters don’t dramatically increase revenue, they reduce the creator’s workload.

However, there are potential downsides:

  • Miscommunication and broken promises: As seen in the sub’s experience, chatters may make agreements the creator wouldn’t have, leading to frustration.
  • Loss of personal connection: Some subscribers value genuine interaction and feel disappointed if they realise they’re speaking to a third party.
  • Reputational risk: If chatters operate outside the creator’s preferred tone or style, it can damage their brand and relationships with subscribers.

That said, many subscribers may not notice or care—as long as they receive an engaging experience that meets their expectations.

The Bigger Picture: Is This Sustainable?

The reliance on chatters raises questions about the long-term sustainability of this model. Three key factors could challenge its viability:

  1. Platform Restrictions: OnlyFans could crack down on the use of chatters at any time. They have the technical ability to track login locations and flag suspicious activity, much like AdultWork does to combat third-party account management.
  2. The Decline of Password Sharing: Many tech platforms are moving away from password-only authentication in favour of multi-factor authentication (MFA), biometric logins, and SMS verification. This could make it harder for third parties to access accounts remotely.
  3. The Rise of AI: If subscribers prioritise engagement over authenticity, AI-driven chatbots could replace human chatters. This could reshape the industry, with creators focusing more on personal interactions to retain high-value subscribers.

Will Subscribers Rebel?

Despite occasional backlash, widespread subscriber dissatisfaction seems unlikely. The use of chatters has been around long enough that many either don’t care or are satisfied with the experience they receive for the price they pay.

Still, some may wonder: “Wait, am I talking to a 45-year-old man?”

Probably not. The 45-year-old men are the agency owners taking 30-50% of the earnings. The chatters themselves are more likely to be younger individuals, often from countries with lower wages, who cannot run their own OnlyFans accounts for various reasons.

Final Thoughts

While the use of chatters is controversial, it’s largely a response to the high demand for engagement. Some creators see it as a necessary tool to manage workload and maximise earnings, while some subscribers may feel deceived if they expect direct interaction with the creator.

As the landscape of online content creation continues to evolve, so too will the ethics and economics of digital intimacy.