NEW YORK, NY – A new analysis of celebrity popularity across social media suggests that Cardi B represents the clearest example of how large-scale online followings could translate into massive earning potential on subscription platforms like OnlyFans, with nearly one million searches each year tied to her name and the subscription platform.
The findings come from a January 2026 report by content-creator database FanStats, which examined how online interest, social media reach, and financial context could translate into potential success on OnlyFans if major celebrities chose to launch accounts.
According to the study, nearly 970,000 searches per year are made by users hoping to find a Cardi B OnlyFans account, despite the artist no longer being active on the platform. Cardi B briefly launched an account in 2020 but has since shifted her online engagement to platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, where she maintains a combined following of more than 190 million users. This level of demand researchers say highlights how celebrity-scale followings could support multimillion-dollar monthly earnings.
While Cardi B leads in OnlyFans-related search demand, the report found that Nicki Minaj currently has the largest overall social media reach, underscoring how celebrities with even broader audiences could theoretically generate equal or greater monthly revenue on subscription platforms.
The analysis also highlights Jenna Ortega as the youngest celebrity in the top 10, illustrating that substantial OnlyFans-related interest is already present among younger, rapidly growing fan bases.
How the Study Was Conducted
FanStats reviewed 50 trending celebrities, selected based on U.S. search behavior as well as discussion frequency on platforms such as Reddit and Quora. Researchers then quantified each celebrity’s potential OnlyFans reach by analyzing:
- Instagram follower counts
- TikTok follower counts
- Annual search volume for “OnlyFans” combined with the celebrity’s name
- Estimated net worth, used to contextualize earning potential and platform limits
The result is a ranking that reflects not just fame, but how actively fans are attempting to locate exclusive content tied to each celebrity.
Data Snapshot
Below is a snapshot of the celebrities included in the analysis, illustrating how social media reach, search interest, and net worth intersect when estimating potential OnlyFans earning power.
| Celebrity Name | Net Worth | IG Followers | TikTok Followers | Search Volume for OnlyFans (year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardi B | 80M | 168M | 23.9M | 969.8K |
| Rachel Zegler | 4M | 2.6M | N/A | 835.2K |
| Sydney Sweeney | 40M | 20.9M | N/A | 478.8K |
| Billie Eilish | 50M | 120M | 74.1M | 273.7K |
| Megan Fox | 8M | 21.7M | N/A | 180.4K |
| Georgina Rodriguez | 10M | 60.4M | 20.5M | 165.2K |
| Jenna Ortega | 5M | 38.7M | N/A | 162.2K |
| Sabrina Carpenter | 16M | 44.8M | 33.5M | 156K |
| Rihanna | 1.4B | 151M | 16.2M | 146.2K |
| Nicki Minaj | 150M | 229M | 22.2M | 125.5K |
Why the Interest Matters
Industry analysts say the data highlights how much revenue potential celebrities may be leaving untapped. FanStats estimates that typical conversion rates from social media followers to OnlyFans subscribers range from 1% to 1.5%, a figure that can translate into massive earnings when applied to celebrity-scale audiences.
In a statement accompanying the report, a FanStats spokesperson noted that a celebrity with Cardi B’s following could realistically attract 1.5 to 2.5 million paying subscribers, generating tens of millions of dollars per month depending on subscription pricing.
The report also points out that several high-ranking celebrities on the list are either absent from TikTok or maintain a limited presence on newer platforms, suggesting additional room for growth if they chose to expand their digital strategies.
The full findings, including extended rankings and methodology, are available through https://fanstats.com
What Is OnlyFans and Why Is It So Profitable?
What is OnlyFans?
OnlyFans is a subscription-based content platform that allows creators to share exclusive content directly with paying subscribers. Users typically pay a monthly fee to access posts, photos, videos, and live interactions that are not available on traditional social media platforms.
Is OnlyFans only used for adult content?
No. While OnlyFans is widely known for adult-oriented creators, the platform is also used by musicians, fitness trainers, models, influencers, and public figures who offer behind-the-scenes access, exclusive updates, or personalized content to fans.
How do creators make money on OnlyFans?
Creators earn revenue through several channels:
- Monthly subscription fees, often ranging from $5 to $25 per subscriber
- One-time paid content purchases
- Tips from subscribers
- Direct messaging with paid interactions
OnlyFans takes a percentage of creator earnings, with the remainder paid directly to the creator.
Why do celebrities have such high earning potential on the platform?
Unlike traditional influencers, celebrities already have massive built-in audiences. Even a small conversion rate – typically estimated at 1% to 1.5% of followers – can result in hundreds of thousands or even millions of paying subscribers when applied to celebrity-scale social media followings.
Why is there so much interest in celebrities joining OnlyFans?
Fans often search for celebrity OnlyFans accounts out of curiosity, exclusivity, or the expectation of content that is more personal than what is shared on mainstream platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Research firms like FanStats track this interest by analyzing search behavior and social media activity.
Why doesn’t every celebrity join OnlyFans if the money is so high?
Despite the financial upside, many celebrities choose not to join due to:
- Brand and image considerations
- Contractual obligations with studios or sponsors
- Privacy concerns
- Personal boundaries around content sharing
The FanStats study suggests that while the earning potential is significant, participation is ultimately a personal and strategic decision.
