July 4, 2024
In 2023, during a pivotal industry conference, I made these predictions about the future of the adult industry. Its only been a year and these changes are already happening....
I envisioned the expansion of purchasable intimacy, where consumers would increasingly seek personalised experiences, such as virtual companionship services and customised content through platforms like OnlyFans. I predicted a shift towards paywalled classic pornography, as creators and platforms move away from ad-supported models to subscription-based services, ensuring more consistent revenue streams.
I also anticipated a rise in parasocial and fictosexual relationships, driven by advancements in AI and VR technologies that allow users to form emotional connections with digital personas or avatars. The ongoing devaluation of feminised labor was another concern, as I highlighted how societal biases continue to impact pay and recognition for women in the industry. However, I saw hope in the strengthening of unionisation and movements towards decriminalisation, as sex workers increasingly organise to demand better working conditions and legal protections.
Additionally, I foresaw growing opposition to pornography, fueled by social and political movements advocating for stricter regulations. The emergence of augmented or avatar creators, such as AI-generated influencers, would offer new opportunities for content creation while challenging traditional notions of authenticity. Profit-maximising algorithms were expected to become more prevalent, optimising content delivery to maximise engagement and revenue.
The future, I suggested, would see a new level of interactivity, with technologies like haptic feedback enhancing user experiences. Streamlined delivery via third parties would improve access to content, and increased online regulation and geo-blocking would shape the global availability of adult material. Enforced age restrictions and a focus on ethical assurances, such as transparent consent practices and fair pay, would become industry standards. Today, only a year on, and many of these predictions are becoming a reality.
One of the most significant trends in all industries is the shift towards subscription-based platforms. Sites like OnlyFans have revolutionised the way adult content creators monetise their work, offering a direct and sustainable income stream. This model benefits both creators and businesses by providing a steady revenue flow and fostering loyal customer bases.
Subscription platforms will continue to thrive as consumers’ experience of the methods expands, allowing creators to establish stronger connections with their audience.
In years to come, the subscription offering and exclusivity range will evolve into a more personalised and interactive one.
For businesses, this means higher retention rates and the ability to predict and manage revenue more effectively. It also means investing in a back-end system that can support the adaptive structures that creators deserve.
Creators who use your platform will need to perfect their strategic pricing methods as well as adapt to fluctuating tiers of consumer expectations.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Platform cooperatives are emerging as a powerful alternative to traditional models. These cooperatives are owned and operated by the workers themselves, ensuring fair treatment and equitable distribution of profits. This model not only empowers sex workers but also enhances their safety and working conditions.
Cooperatives address many of the issues prevalent in the industry, such as unfair pay and lack of control over content. By giving creators a stake in the platform, businesses can foster a more supportive and engaged community, ultimately leading to higher-quality content and user satisfaction.
To keep up with the rise in platform cooperatives, businesses should consider adopting elements of this model to remain competitive and appealing to creators. This could involve offering more transparent revenue-sharing schemes, providing creators with greater control over their content, and establishing democratic decision-making processes that include input from the workers. Additionally, businesses can foster a supportive community by actively promoting fair labor practices and ensuring that all creators feel valued and heard. By integrating these principles, businesses can attract and retain top talent while fostering loyalty and trust within their creator communities.
As platforms grow, managing content and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards becomes increasingly challenging. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers innovative solutions for content moderation, helping to identify and remove harmful or illegal content efficiently. An important thing to note is that the Online Safety Act 2023 states that content, profiling, or behavioral technology is not considered proactive if it’s only because a human or tool reported that content.
This means that platforms need to implement more sophisticated AI tools that can proactively detect and manage inappropriate content without solely relying on user reports.
AI-driven moderation tools can flag inappropriate material, enforce community guidelines, and protect creators from malicious activities such as doxxing and harassment. By investing in these technologies, businesses can maintain a safe and welcoming environment for both creators and users.
Virtual Reality (VR) and AR (Augmented Reality) are already transforming niche areas of the adult industry. The tech provides users with a heightened sense of presence and engagement through immersive and interactive experiences.
Spatial videos, captured using devices like the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, provide both a standard viewing experience and an enhanced, immersive experience for those with the necessary VR equipment. By offering content that serves two markets simultaneously, businesses can broaden their audience reach.
Get ahead by attracting tech-savvy customers while still catering to users who prefer traditional viewing methods. This dual approach not only differentiates their brand in the market but also maximises content accessibility.
Privacy and security are only going to become stricter in the adult industry, especially in light of the Online Safety Act’s stringent requirements.
Platforms must design and operate their services to comply with these regulations comprehensively, covering everything from content others upload to the design of functionalities, algorithms, content moderation, user support, and staff policies.
As a priority, platforms need to protect user data, particularly regarding age verification and estimation.
When deciding on the methods of age verification, platforms must consider the importance of protecting UK users from privacy breaches.
Getting ahead of the curve with clear guidelines on data usage and tools for managing privacy, such as pseudonyms and geographic blocking, will help platforms address these concerns proactively, enhancing your platform’s reputation and ensuring long-term sustainability.
To stay ahead of the curve and avoid potential compliance issues, platforms in the adult industry must proactively adapt to the evolving legal landscape outlined by the Online Safety Act. This involves conducting comprehensive risk assessments to identify and mitigate illegal content, continuously evaluating and updating these assessments as platform designs or operations change.
Platforms should ensure their terms of service clearly outline protections against illegal content, specify the use of proactive technology, and make this information easily accessible to all users, including children. Implementing a straightforward complaints procedure for reporting illegal content and addressing non-compliance is also essential.
By staying informed about these regulatory requirements and integrating them into their operations, businesses can avoid legal pitfalls and foster a safer, more trustworthy environment for users and creators alike. Engaging with legal experts and participating in industry advocacy will further support compliance and ensure that the industry’s interests are represented in ongoing policy discussions.
Post tag :
All, Ethics, Online Safety
Thornhill Digital CEO &Founder