OnlyFans has emerged as one of the most efficient digital platforms globally, generating billions in revenue with a workforce of just 42 employees. Chief executive Keily Blair attributes this performance to a flat organisational structure that removes middle management entirely.
A lean company delivering outsized revenue
OnlyFans reported about $7 billion in annual revenue while employing only 42 people. That figure places the platform far ahead of global technology companies on a revenue-per-employee basis.
OnlyFans operates with just 42 employees while generating billions in annual revenue
According to data cited by Barchart, the company generates roughly $37.6 million per employee. This figure exceeds comparable metrics reported by Apple, Meta, Google, Nvidia, Microsoft, and OpenAI.
While those companies produce far higher total revenue, they also employ tens of thousands of staff. OnlyFans’ numbers stand out because of its unusually small internal workforce.
The CEO outlines the thinking behind no middle managers
Speaking on the Masters of Scale podcast, Keily Blair described the team as highly efficient. She said the absence of middle managers plays a central role in that efficiency.
Blair explained that OnlyFans does not include what she described as a “squidgy layer” of management. She argued that such roles often slow decision-making and dilute accountability within organisations.
Her remarks gained wider attention after a post circulated on X, where business accounts shared clips and summaries from the podcast discussion.
Hiring focused on extremes, not experience ladders
Blair said the company hires at two ends of the talent spectrum. OnlyFans brings in very senior professionals and junior staff with strong motivation.
She explained that hiring decisions prioritise attitude and aptitude rather than long resumes. According to Blair, this approach encourages responsibility and faster execution across teams.
There is no formal promotion track into management roles. Employees are instead evaluated on individual contribution and delivery of results.
Individual contributors valued over hierarchy
Blair rejected the idea that influence inside a company depends on managing large teams. She said employees can operate independently while delivering high-value outcomes.
On the podcast, she noted that staff can function as “a team of one” and still receive recognition. That structure removes competition for managerial titles.
The model places emphasis on ownership rather than supervision. Blair said this helps maintain focus on outcomes rather than internal reporting lines.
Parallels with restructuring across big tech
The OnlyFans approach comes as major technology firms reduce management layers. Since late 2023, many layoffs have affected middle managers.
Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Intel have all announced restructuring aimed at flattening organisational hierarchies. These changes were often framed around efficiency and cost control.
Reports earlier this year said Microsoft reviewed the ratio of product managers to engineers. Amazon has also pushed to increase the number of workers per manager.
Revenue-per-employee comparisons across the sector
OnlyFans’ revenue-per-employee figure far exceeds that of its peers. NVIDIA reportedly generates about $3.6 million per employee, followed by Apple at $2.4 million.
Meta averages around $2.2 million per employee, while Google stands at $1.9 million. Microsoft and OpenAI are closer to $1.1 million each.
Analysts note that OnlyFans operates a platform model where creators generate most content. The company’s internal team focuses on payments, moderation, and platform operations.
Limits and context of the OnlyFans structure
Despite the striking numbers, OnlyFans operates very differently from diversified technology firms. Its lean structure reflects a narrow operational focus.
Large technology companies manage hardware, research, cloud infrastructure, and global sales teams. Those functions require layered management and broader staffing.
Still, Blair has positioned OnlyFans as an example of how minimal hierarchy can support scale. Her comments continue to circulate online as companies reassess how teams are structured.
FAQs
- Why does OnlyFans operate without middle managers?
OnlyFans CEO Keily Blair says the company avoids middle management to keep decision-making fast and accountability clear. She believes such roles often slow teams and add limited value.
- How many employees does OnlyFans have?
OnlyFans operates with a workforce of just 42 employees despite serving hundreds of millions of users worldwide.
- How does OnlyFans generate high revenue with so few employees?
The company relies on a lean internal team and a platform-driven model where creators generate most of the content. Internal staff focus on payments, moderation, and platform operations.
- What hiring approach does OnlyFans follow?
OnlyFans hires either highly experienced senior professionals or junior staff with a strong attitude and aptitude. Experience alone is not the main hiring criterion.
- Does OnlyFans have a traditional management or promotion structure?
No. The company does not offer a formal management track. Employees progress as individual contributors rather than moving into supervisory roles.
- How does OnlyFans measure leadership and performance?
Performance is measured by results delivered, not by the size of teams managed. Employees can work independently while still being highly valued.
- How much revenue does OnlyFans generate per employee?
OnlyFans reportedly generates about $37.6 million in revenue per employee, placing it ahead of major global technology companies on this metric.
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