Mia Khalifa Reveals What Makes OnlyFans Different

The star opens up about her transition from the adult film industry to a rising career on OnlyFans, which is full of contrasts.

From Viral Sensation to Content Creator

Mia Khalifa, now 31, became a global buzz after a controversial adult film where she wore a hijab went viral. And it went viral in both ways. From one day to another, she became a porn icon. But the backlash was intense, especially because she’s a Lebanese Muslim. To her, entering the adult industry was an accident, and she had never thought about the huge impact it could have on her life.

The adult industry was seemingly not a path she planned or enjoyed. 

“I made a grand total of $12,000,” she shared, underscoring how little financial benefit she gained compared to its lasting impact on her reputation. Despite becoming the most-searched adult actor on PornHub for years, the earnings were dismal.

Fast-forward to today and Khalifa has taken quite a different route. She claimed back control over her image (and income). Being on OnlyFans, she’s in charge of what’s published and who sees it, and she gets the larger revenue share generated by her business.

Mia Khalifa on OnlyFans Success

Unlike the adult film industry, where she felt exploited, Khalifa views OnlyFans as a space for empowerment. The numbers don’t lie: Khalifa reportedly earned up to $6.2 million monthly from her OnlyFans content. In addition, she has way more control on OnlyFans. She can speak directly to her fans, share what she wants, and set boundaries.

“OnlyFans is about my voice and creativity, not someone else’s direction,” Khalifa explained.

Following this new path, she emerged with a brand new image– one where she’s no longer the “Hijab porn girl” but rather a feminist icon defending many contemporary issues.

While the adult industry allegedly offered her a paltry sum, her OnlyFans work grants her creative freedom and more substantial financial returns, which makes a considerable difference for her.

The Lingering Impact of Her Past

Although Khalifa has left the adult film industry behind, its shadow still looms over her life. In interviews, she’s spoken about the challenges of moving on when her past is constantly brought up online. Even today, clips from her brief stint in the industry are circulated, with millions of views she will never profit from.

“I have no control over those videos, and it feels like a part of me will always belong to someone else,” Khalifa confessed.

Yet, Mia Khalifa is determined to rebrand herself. As told earlier, her goal is to regain control of her image and move forward with a career she created. Through her OnlyFans content and active social media presence, she’s reshaping how the world sees her, which includes defending workers’ rights in the adult industry.

Why OnlyFans Feels Different

Khalifa has described her work on OnlyFans as deeply personal. She feels empowered by her control over her image and career. Her past in the adult industry was invasive in some ways. She couldn’t select an audience and couldn’t interact with them.

“On OnlyFans, I feel seen as a person, not just as a product,” Khalifa shared in an emotional interview. 

This emancipation allowed her to try new business opportunities, including brand partnerships. Claiming back her voice also allowed her to participate significantly in social activism.

To her, going from porn to OnlyFans is not only about money but about rewriting her story.