OnlyFans Agency Contracts: What to Look For Before You Sign

An OnlyFans agency contract is a legally binding document that will govern your business relationship and your income for months or potentially years. And yet, most creators sign them without fully understanding what they’re agreeing to.

We get it. You’re excited about the partnership. The agency gave a great pitch. They showed you impressive numbers. You want to get started. Reading 10 pages of legal language feels like it’s standing between you and the income growth you’ve been promised.

But here’s the truth: the contract is the most important part of the entire agency relationship. A bad contract can trap you in a situation you can’t escape, give away rights to your own content, and cost you far more than an agency’s commission.

This guide walks you through every critical element of an OnlyFans agency contract. What should be in there, what shouldn’t, what’s standard, and what should make you run. Read this before you sign anything.

Why the Contract Matters More Than the Pitch

During the sales process, agencies say all the right things. They’re charming, enthusiastic, and full of promises. But here’s the thing about verbal promises: they’re legally worthless.

What’s in the contract is what you’re actually agreeing to. If the agency verbally promises weekly calls but the contract says “periodic communication at the agency’s discretion,” guess which one holds up if there’s a dispute? The contract. Always the contract.

That’s why you need to read every word, understand every clause, and make sure the contract reflects what was verbally discussed. If something the agency promised isn’t in the contract, ask them to add it. If they refuse, ask yourself why.

Essential Contract Elements to Review

1. Scope of Services

What it should say: A detailed list of every service the agency will provide. DM management, content strategy, social media marketing, analytics reporting, brand development — whatever they promised during the pitch should be explicitly listed.

What to watch for: Vague language like “management services” or “promotional activities” without specifics. If the scope is ambiguous, the agency can argue that any service not working out “wasn’t included.”

What’s fair: Each service should be described clearly enough that you could determine whether it was delivered. “Social media management including daily posting on Instagram and Twitter/X, weekly growth strategy updates, and monthly performance analytics” is specific. “Social media support” is not.

2. Commission Rate and Payment Terms

What it should say:

• The exact commission percentage

• Whether it’s calculated on gross or net earnings

• Which revenue streams the commission applies to (subscriptions, PPV, tips, custom content, etc.)

• Payment schedule (when you get paid, how often)

• Payment method

• What happens with chargebacks and refunds

What to watch for:

• Commission on “all earnings” without defining what “all” includes — does it cover revenue from platforms they don’t manage?

• Hidden fees beyond the stated commission

• Unclear payment timelines

• No mention of chargeback handling

What’s fair: Commission should only apply to revenue from platforms and income streams the agency actively manages. Payment should be on a regular schedule (weekly or bi-weekly is standard). Chargebacks should be handled transparently, with clear documentation. For a full breakdown of fair rates, see our guide on OnlyFans agency commission rates.

3. Contract Duration and Renewal

What it should say:

• The initial contract length (start and end dates)

• Whether the contract auto-renews and under what conditions

• How to prevent automatic renewal

• Any changes to terms upon renewal

What to watch for:

• Contracts longer than 6 months for an initial term

• Automatic renewal with short opt-out windows (e.g., “must notify 90 days before renewal or contract extends for another 12 months”)

• Renewal terms that differ from the original (higher commission, longer lock-in)

• No end date at all

What’s fair: An initial term of 3-6 months is standard and reasonable. It gives the agency enough time to implement strategy and demonstrate results. Auto-renewal is fine if the renewal period is reasonable (monthly or quarterly) and you can opt out with 30 days notice. Any contract that makes it difficult to end the relationship is designed to trap you, not serve you.

4. Termination Clauses

This is arguably the most important section of the entire contract.

What it should say:

• How you can terminate the contract (written notice, email, etc.)

• How much notice is required

• Whether there are penalties for early termination

• What happens to ongoing work and pending payments after termination

• Grounds for immediate termination by either party (breach of contract, fraud, etc.)

What to watch for:

• No termination clause at all (this means you may be locked in for the full term with no way out)

• Excessive early termination penalties (e.g., “if you leave before the contract ends, you owe us 6 months of estimated commission”)

• Long notice periods that effectively extend the contract (e.g., 90-day notice on a 6-month contract)

• Language that says only the agency can initiate termination

What’s fair: You should be able to terminate with 30-60 days written notice after the initial commitment period. Early termination fees should be proportionate — reasonable compensation for work in progress, not punitive damages designed to discourage leaving. Both parties should have grounds for immediate termination in cases of material breach.

5. Content Ownership and Intellectual Property

What it should say: You own all content you create. The agency receives a limited, revocable license to use your content for the specific purpose of managing and promoting your accounts during the contract period. This license terminates when the contract ends.

What to watch for:

• Any language assigning ownership of your content to the agency

• “Work for hire” designations — this legal term means the hiring party owns the work

• Perpetual or irrevocable licenses that survive contract termination

• Rights to use your likeness, name, or content after the relationship ends

• Clauses giving the agency ownership of “derivative works” — which could include edited versions of your content

What’s absolutely not okay: Any claim of ownership over content you create. Your content is your intellectual property. Period. A management license is fine and necessary. Ownership transfer is never acceptable. For a comprehensive look at agency red flags including content ownership issues, read our post on OnlyFans agency scams and red flags.

6. Account Access and Control

What it should say:

• What accounts the agency will have access to

• What level of access they’ll have (posting, messaging, settings, analytics)

• That you retain primary account ownership and login credentials

• That the agency cannot change passwords or payment information

• What happens to account access when the contract ends

What to watch for:

• Language requiring you to give primary credentials to the agency

• No mention of retaining your own access

• Agency authority to change account settings, payment info, or passwords

• No provisions for access removal after termination

What’s fair: The agency should have operational access to perform their job (posting content, managing DMs, viewing analytics). You should always retain primary account control, including the ability to revoke agency access at any time. The contract should explicitly state that account ownership remains with you and that the agency will remove their access upon termination.

7. Exclusivity Clauses

What it should say: Whether the relationship is exclusive (they’re your only agency) and what platforms the exclusivity covers.

What to watch for:

• Broad exclusivity that prevents you from working with any other service provider, including freelancers

• Exclusivity that extends beyond the platforms they manage (e.g., they manage your OnlyFans but demand exclusivity across all platforms)

• Exclusivity that survives contract termination (non-compete clauses)

• No definition of what “exclusive” means in practice

What’s fair: If an agency is providing full-service management, exclusivity for the platforms they manage is reasonable — you don’t want two agencies managing the same account. But exclusivity should not extend to platforms they don’t manage, services they don’t provide, or periods after the contract ends. Non-compete clauses that prevent you from working with any other agency after leaving are particularly predatory.

8. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure

What it should say: Both parties agree to keep confidential information private. This protects your personal information, financial data, and business strategies from being shared.

What to watch for:

• One-sided confidentiality that only binds you, not the agency

• No confidentiality provisions at all (your personal and financial information would have no contractual protection)

• Confidentiality that doesn’t survive termination (meaning they could share your information after you leave)

What’s fair: Mutual confidentiality that protects both parties and survives termination of the contract.

9. Performance Standards and Accountability

What it should say: Any performance commitments the agency has made, including communication frequency, reporting schedules, and service delivery standards.

What to watch for:

• No performance standards at all — the agency has no contractual obligation to deliver results or even provide consistent service

• All commitments framed as “best efforts” with no measurable standards

• No recourse if the agency fails to deliver services

What’s fair: While no agency can guarantee specific income outcomes (too many variables), they can commit to measurable service standards: weekly check-ins, monthly performance reports, defined response times, and specific services delivered. If they don’t meet these standards, the contract should allow you to terminate or adjust terms.

10. Dispute Resolution

What it should say: How disputes will be handled if things go wrong.

What to watch for:

• Mandatory binding arbitration with an arbitrator chosen by the agency

• Dispute resolution in a jurisdiction inconvenient to you (e.g., you’re in California but disputes must be resolved in New York)

• Clauses that waive your right to seek legal remedies

• No dispute resolution mechanism at all

What’s fair: A clear dispute resolution process that includes negotiation, optional mediation, and, if necessary, arbitration or litigation in a mutually accessible jurisdiction. Both parties should have equal standing in the process.

Red Flags in Contract Language

Even if a contract covers all the right topics, specific language can be problematic. Watch for these phrases:

• “In perpetuity” — means forever. Your content license should not be perpetual.

• “Sole and exclusive discretion” — gives one party absolute power with no checks.

• “Irrevocable” — means it can’t be undone. Very few things in a management contract should be irrevocable.

• “Work made for hire” — transfers ownership to the agency.

• “Liquidated damages” — pre-set penalties. Make sure any liquidated damages amounts are reasonable and proportionate.

• “Shall not compete” — restricts what you can do after leaving. Non-competes in this industry should be very narrow or nonexistent.

The American Bar Association provides resources on understanding contract terms that apply across industries — including creator management.

Before You Sign: A Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Read the entire contract. Every word.

2. Highlight anything you don’t understand. There should be nothing left unexplained.

3. Ask the agency to explain unclear terms. In writing, not just verbally.

4. Compare the contract to verbal promises. Everything discussed should be reflected in the document.

5. Ask for changes if needed. A fair agency will negotiate reasonable modifications.

6. Have a lawyer review it. This is not optional if you can afford it. Many attorneys offer flat-rate contract reviews.

7. Sleep on it. Never sign the same day you receive the contract.

8. Keep a copy. Store it somewhere safe and accessible.

For guidance on choosing the right agency in the first place, read our guide on how to choose the right OnlyFans agency.

What to Do If You’ve Already Signed a Bad Contract

If you’ve already signed and realize the terms are unfavorable, you have options.

Negotiate modifications. Some agencies will agree to amend contracts, especially if the alternative is an unhappy creator who produces less content.

Consult a lawyer. An attorney can identify if any contract terms are unenforceable in your jurisdiction. Many predatory clauses don’t hold up legally, even if they’re in the contract.

Document issues. If the agency isn’t delivering on contractual obligations, document every instance. This creates grounds for termination based on breach of contract.

Follow the termination process. Use whatever exit provisions exist. Even bad contracts usually have some termination mechanism.

Learn for next time. Take what you’ve learned and apply it to your next agency relationship. The best management companies will make you feel comfortable from the very first contract review.

FAQ

Should I hire a lawyer to review my OnlyFans agency contract?

Yes, if you can afford it. A contract review typically costs $200-$500, which is a small price compared to the potential cost of signing unfavorable terms. Look for attorneys who specialize in entertainment, creator, or contract law. Some legal services offer affordable flat-rate contract reviews specifically for creators.

How long should an OnlyFans agency contract be?

An initial term of 3-6 months is standard and fair. This gives the agency enough time to implement strategy and show results. After the initial term, month-to-month or quarterly renewal with reasonable notice periods is ideal. Be cautious of contracts longer than 6 months for the initial term, especially with agencies you haven’t worked with before.

Can I negotiate the terms of an OnlyFans agency contract?

Absolutely. Contracts are negotiable documents, not take-it-or-leave-it ultimatums. Professional agencies expect negotiation and are willing to discuss terms. If an agency tells you the contract is non-negotiable and you must sign as-is, consider whether that rigidity reflects how they’ll treat you as a client.

What happens if an agency breaches their contract?

If an agency fails to deliver services outlined in the contract, you typically have grounds for termination. Document every instance of non-delivery or underperformance. Send written notice of the breach and give them an opportunity to cure it (if the contract requires this). If they don’t remedy the situation, you can terminate under the breach provisions. Consult a lawyer if significant money is at stake.

Are verbal promises from an agency legally binding?

Generally, if you have a written contract, it supersedes verbal promises unless the verbal agreement is specifically referenced in the contract. This is why it’s critical to ensure everything discussed verbally is included in the written contract. Never rely on “oh, we’ll handle that, don’t worry” — if it matters, it should be in writing.

Want a contract you can feel good about signing? Aruna Talent is the world’s #1 creator consulting agency, and our contracts are designed to be fair, transparent, and creator-friendly. No hidden clauses, no content ownership grabs, no predatory lock-ins. Just a clear partnership built on mutual success. Talk to Aruna Talent today.