You’ve seen the numbers. Millions of views. A platform that basically functions as the Google of adult content. Naturally, the question of how to get on PornHub isn't just about curiosity anymore—it’s a business decision for thousands of independent creators. But here is the thing. Most people think you just hit "upload" and wait for the checks to roll in.
It doesn't work like that. Not anymore.
Since the massive site overhaul in late 2020, the barrier to entry has shifted from "anyone with a webcam" to a strict, legally-vetted process. If you aren't verified, you aren't on the site. Period.
The Verification Wall is Real
Listen, the days of anonymous uploads are dead and buried. To get on the platform today, you have to navigate the Model Program. This isn't just a "nice to have" badge. It is the gatekeeper.
PornHub, owned by Aylo (formerly MindGeek), implemented some of the strictest verification requirements in the tech world following intense pressure from payment processors like Mastercard and Visa. To even start, you need a valid, government-issued ID. We’re talking a passport or a driver's license. You’ll also have to do a "liveness check," which is basically a fancy way of saying you have to take a selfie holding your ID and a piece of paper with your username and the current date written on it.
It feels a bit like applying for a high-security bank account. Because, honestly, in terms of data privacy and legal compliance, it is.
The site uses automated systems to match your face to your ID. If the lighting is bad or your ID is expired, you'll get rejected instantly. No human even looks at it until the machine gives a thumbs up. This process is mandatory for anyone appearing in a video. If you have a partner in your content, they also have to be verified or you have to provide documentation that they are a professional performer with their own Model Program account.
Why the Model Program is the Only Way
You might be wondering: "Can't I just upload as a regular user?"
Nope.
Unverified users can no longer upload content. This was the nuclear option PornHub took to scrub unverified videos from the site years ago. To get your content live, you must be a "Verified Model." This status gives you the "Model" tag, a blue checkmark, and access to the Model Center dashboard.
Inside that dashboard is where the actual business happens. You aren't just a uploader; you're a content manager. You set your prices for "Model Store" downloads, manage your fan subscriptions (which is their answer to OnlyFans), and track your ad revenue share.
The revenue share is a big draw, but don't expect to buy a Ferrari next week. You generally get a percentage of the ad revenue generated by your videos. To even start seeing real money, you need thousands—sometimes hundreds of thousands—of views. The payout threshold is usually $100. If you don't hit that, the money stays in their pocket until you do.
The Technical Side of Uploading
Let’s talk specs. Don't upload garbage.
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The site supports 4K, and if you aren't filming in at least 1080p, you’re already losing. People have high standards now. Use an MP4 format with H.264 encoding. It’s the industry standard for a reason.
Metadata is your best friend. When you're figuring out how to get on PornHub and actually stay relevant, you have to master tags and titles. The search engine on the site is incredibly specific. If you don't tag your content accurately, it will vanish into the abyss of the millions of other videos. Think about what users are actually typing into that search bar. Be literal. Be descriptive.
Navigating the Legal Minefield
This is the part where most people get tripped up. 2257 Record-Keeping Requirements.
If you are in the United States, or even if you aren't but are using a US-based platform, you need to be aware of 18 U.S.C. § 2257. This law requires producers of adult content to maintain specific records of the performers in their videos, including copies of IDs and proof of age.
PornHub makes you check a box saying you’re compliant. Don’t just click it without knowing what it means. If you ever get audited or if there is a legal dispute, you need to have those records on file. It’s the "business" part of the adult business that nobody likes to talk about because it’s boring and involves a lot of paperwork. But it’s what keeps you from getting banned or sued.
Building an Audience from Scratch
Getting the video up is only 20% of the work. The other 80% is promotion.
The platform has its own internal algorithm. It favors "Fresh" content and "Trending" models. To get that initial boost, many creators use "SFW" (Safe For Work) teasers on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or specialized subreddits.
Internal tools are also huge. You can use "Model Stories"—which look a lot like Instagram stories—to keep your fans engaged. You can also "Live Stream." This is a massive revenue driver. When you go live, your followers get a notification. It’s direct, it’s raw, and the tips can far exceed the ad revenue from a static video.
Misconceptions About Going Viral
Everyone thinks they’re going to be the next big thing.
The reality? Most videos get a few hundred views and then stall. The "algorithm" isn't a magic wand. It’s a machine that looks for high retention rates. If people click your video and leave after ten seconds, the site stops showing it to others.
You need a "hook." Even in this industry, the first 30 seconds of your video determine its financial success. Use high-quality thumbnails. Not the auto-generated ones—custom-made thumbnails that look professional.
The Reality of Payouts
Payment methods are... complicated.
Because of the "high-risk" nature of the industry, traditional banks are often a nightmare. Most creators use services like Cosmo Payment, Paxum, or direct crypto transfers.
If you’re looking to get paid via a standard bank wire, be prepared for your bank to ask questions. Some banks will even close your account if they see "adult" related transfers. It’s a systemic bias that creators have been fighting for years, but it’s the reality of the landscape. Many veterans in the space recommend having a dedicated "business" account specifically for these transfers so your personal mortgage or rent money isn't at risk if an account gets flagged.
Security and Privacy
Once your face is on that site, it’s there. Forever.
Even if you delete your account, "tube" scrapers have likely already ripped your content and re-uploaded it to a hundred other sites. This is the "Point of No Return."
You can use DMCA takedown services like BranditScan or RNPn (Red Night Network) to try and chase these leaks down, but it’s a game of whack-a-mole. If you’re worried about your "day job" finding out, you have to weigh that risk before you ever hit the verification button. Some models use "geoblocking" to prevent their home country or specific states from seeing their profile. It’s a helpful tool, but it isn't foolproof—VPNs exist.
Critical Next Steps for New Creators
If you are serious about this, don't just wing it. Treat it like a startup launch.
- Gather Documents: Ensure you have a non-expired passport or high-quality ID. This is the most common reason for delay.
- Audit Your Tech: If your phone is four years old, the video quality might not cut it. Consider a dedicated mirrorless camera if you want to compete with the top 10%.
- Read the Terms: Actually read the Content Provider Agreement. It’s long. It’s dense. But it tells you exactly what you can and cannot do (for example, certain types of simulated content are strictly banned).
- Set Up a Professional Email: Use a dedicated, encrypted email (like ProtonMail) for your account. Do not use your personal Gmail that is linked to your LinkedIn or Facebook.
- Develop a Branding Strategy: What makes your channel different? "Generic" content doesn't sell. Find a niche, research the top performers in that category, and see what they are doing—then do it better or differently.
Success in this space is about consistency. One video won't make you a star. Five videos a week for six months might. It is a grind, a business, and a legal commitment all rolled into one. If you can handle the paperwork and the public exposure, the platform offers a scale that is virtually unmatched in the digital world.