## From NSFW to World Domination: OnlyFans Founder Sets Sights on TikTok
Imagine a world where the platform that launched the careers of countless adult content creators also held the keys to the next generation’s viral sensations. That’s the audacious vision of OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely, who’s reportedly eyeing a hostile takeover of TikTok.
The Founder of OnlyFans Wants to Buy TikTok
Frank McCourt, the real estate billionaire who has assembled a group of investors to acquire TikTok, has expressed his desire to reduce the power that Silicon Valley giants have over the internet.
McCourt, who was previously the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has poured $500 million into an existing social media and technology initiative called Project Liberty, which aims to build and deploy a blockchain-based protocol that gives people more control over their data online.
One of Project Liberty’s main focuses has been reducing the power that Silicon Valley giants like Meta and Google have over the internet, and it’s possible that McCourt could do the same thing with TikTok.
OnlyFans and the Need for Management
The Hidden Proletariat of Freelance Chatters
OnlyFans has thrived by promising its reported 190 million users that they can have direct access to an estimated 2.1 million creators.
The platform relies on a hidden proletariat of freelancers to manage the chat duties of creators, keeping the illusion that creators are always eager to engage with paying customers.
These chat specialists are often hired by creators to manage the influx of messages they receive each day, and they are essential to the platform’s success.
However, the existence of these freelancers has also created a murky and often unregulated industry, with chatters having nothing to gain by revealing one of the platform’s shadier quirks.
“We need to be anonymous so we can get hired,” said Bel, a 26-year-old engineering student from Argentina who moonlights as a chat specialist.
Bel and other veteran chatters have spoken about the need for anonymity in the industry, as they have nothing to gain by revealing one of the platform’s shadier quirks.
Life as a Chat Specialist
The Art of Conversational Management
I wanted to know more about this murky yet vital sector of the OnlyFans economy, so I set out to interview some veteran chatters.
However, nearly everyone I contacted was reluctant to open up, with some demanding to be paid for their insight and others ghosting me after initially agreeing to speak.
I realized that my best shot at understanding how chatters operate would be to join their ranks.
I applied to become a chat specialist and was initially accepted, but was later rejected due to my lack of experience and my inability to meet the platform’s strict requirements.
‘We need to be anonymous so we can get hired,’ said Bel, a 26-year-old engineering student from Argentina who moonlights as a chat specialist.
Bel and other veteran chatters have spoken about the need for anonymity in the industry, as they have nothing to gain by revealing one of the platform’s shadier quirks.
I attempted to join the ranks of chat specialists, but faced reluctance and ghosting from many potential sources.
‘I tried to join the ranks of chat specialists, but many potential sources were reluctant to work with me,’ said Bel.
‘They said I was too boring and didn’t have the right experience,’ Bel said.
The World of Talent Management
25/7 Media and Its Founder, Ursus Magana
25/7 Media is a talent management startup that has emerged as a reliable rainmaker in the entertainment industry.
The company was founded by Ursus Magana, a hirsute fireplug of a man with a slew of anime tattoos.
Magana has a reputation for being confident and zealous in his pitches, often promising his clients stardom and wealth.
‘Do you know how hard it is for an article to go viral?’ Magana warned me.
‘I mean, articles never go viral,’ he said.
Magana put off eating his last brisket taco to whip up a blueprint for how he would guide me to stardom.
‘I want to build a brand that will last for years to come,’ Magana said.
‘And I want to make sure that my clients are successful,’ Magana added.
The Creator Economy and Talent Management
The Rise of the Creator Economy
The creator economy is a crucial aspect of the entertainment industry, with individual creators needing managers to navigate the algorithmic churn.
The creator economy is projected to be worth $480 billion by 2027.
However, the corporations are the only ones on a secure footing in this arrangement, with individual creators still needing to navigate the complex and often unregulated industry.
The old-guard talent agencies have ventured into this terrain years ago, forming their own digital divisions to court influencers.
However, the upstart 25/7 Media has fashioned a niche for itself prospecting for viral talent in areas that its larger rivals often ignore.
‘We’re looking for creators who have a unique voice and perspective,’ Magana said.
‘And we’re looking for creators who are passionate about their craft,’ Magana added.
The Future of Talent Management
Adaptability and Innovation
The creator economy is projected to continue growing, with new opportunities and challenges arising for talent management companies.
25/7 Media’s success demonstrates the importance of adaptability and innovation in the industry.
‘We’re not just looking for creators who can make a viral video,’ Magana said.
‘We’re looking for creators who can build a brand and create content that will resonate with audiences,’ Magana added.
‘And we’re looking for creators who are willing to take risks and push the boundaries of what’s possible,’ Magana said.
‘We’re not just looking for talent,’ Magana said.
‘We’re looking for partners who can help us build a brand and create content that will last for years to come,’ Magana added.
Conclusion
The proposition of Leonid Radvinsky, OnlyFans’ founder, acquiring TikTok sends shockwaves through the digital landscape. As the article highlights, Radvinsky’s interest stems from TikTok’s immense potential, particularly its burgeoning creator economy and the platform’s ability to amass a loyal and engaged user base. While the specifics remain shrouded in speculation, the potential implications are vast. A shift in ownership could significantly alter TikTok’s trajectory, impacting everything from content moderation policies to monetization strategies. The question remains: will Radvinsky leverage his experience in the adult entertainment industry to reshape TikTok’s image, or will his vision align with the platform’s existing ethos? Beyond the immediate impact on TikTok, this potential acquisition raises fundamental questions about the future of social media. Who controls the narratives we consume? How do we ensure ethical and responsible content creation within these powerful platforms? The lines between entertainment, commerce, and personal expression continue to blur, making it crucial to examine the potential consequences of consolidating power within the hands of a few. As the digital world evolves, we must remain vigilant, demanding transparency and accountability from those who shape the platforms we inhabit. The fate of TikTok, and perhaps the future of online interaction, hangs in the balance.