Brittany Andrews, a vibrant American porn star, wasted no time getting to the heart of her workshop at Europe’s largest pornography conference. “Do you think about how much money you’re going to make before you make a clip? Do you know what stuff sells the best? Or do you just follow your creative spark?” she inquired, pointing to a young Ukrainian model adorned in a gold sequined bra and denim shorts. “I’m starting with you, girlfriend!”
“We’re all here to earn money. That’s normal,” the model replied, emphasizing the importance of consistency in uploading content to retain subscribers. “What matters is consistency. There are so many beautiful, amazing models … if you for a moment stop posting, people will forget you pretty fast.”
In a modern riverside hotel in central Amsterdam, approximately 1,000 adult content creators gathered last Tuesday for the largest pornography conference in Europe. Attendees traveled from across the continent to learn how to navigate the industry’s high-pressure gig economy and maximize profits. The annual Xbiz conference, lasting three days, brings together creators, executives, model management agencies, and various service providers in the adult industry.
The Dynamics of the Adult Industry
The conference commenced with an invitation to explore the city’s red-light district, encouraging attendees to “discover the joys of day drinking.” The first full day featured a speed-dating session for creators to organize collaborations, allowing them to expand their reach and attract new fans. Between panel sessions, some pairs retreated to rooms to film explicit content.
Guest speakers analyzed current trends, such as the popularity of tentacles and aliens in porn, and offered advice on using “charm, empathy, and emotional intelligence” to build lasting audience connections. Despite the sector’s exuberance, there was an undercurrent of anxiety about challenges like artificial intelligence, market saturation, age verification rules, and creator burnout.
AI and the Future of Adult Content
In the coffee queue, James, a computer programmer from Singapore, discussed his new AI company aimed at reducing the exhaustion of producing constant content. He plans to license images of established performers to create AI avatars capable of performing 24/7 for unlimited viewers. “It’s really about helping stars avoid burnout,” he explained, showcasing a video of AI-generated explicit content.
“Fans want customized content. If you want to see her in ripped lingerie having doggy sex in a cave, the creators don’t have time to film that, so we leverage AI to help them.”
Meanwhile, British creator Lily Phillips, who gained fame for her viral stunt of filming with 100 men in a day, expressed interest in creating an AI bot to ease her workload. “Some men might want to see me in positions that I can’t get into myself. I’m not that flexible, but an AI bot could do the splits,” she said.
The Economic Landscape and Ethical Debates
Since the launch of OnlyFans in 2016, the adult industry has transformed, allowing anyone to monetize explicit content directly. The platform, which takes a 20% cut of creators’ earnings, has seen its user and creator base soar, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the financial opportunities, the distribution of earnings is uneven, with top accounts earning significantly more than the median.
“The top 10% of creators make 73% of the money, while the top 1% make 33% of the money.”
Critics like Gemma Kelly from Cease argue that OnlyFans perpetuates traditional exploitation dynamics, benefiting a small percentage while leaving many vulnerable. Conversely, creators at Xbiz argue that the platform offers more control and empowerment than traditional studio-based pornography.
Industry executives at the conference promoted the lifestyle as glamorous and lucrative, yet the reality for many creators involves relentless work and pressure to maintain subscriber interest. Leah Koons from Fansly advised creators to focus on quality over quantity to avoid burnout.
Challenges and Controversies
Age verification laws and content moderation remain contentious issues. Pornhub’s vice-president, Alex Kekesi, discussed regulatory challenges and the company’s efforts to maintain user engagement despite site restrictions in certain regions. She also highlighted mental health initiatives within the industry.
“We’re very lucky because we have more than 130 million users a day. People still want to get their porn, so it’s a really great site.”
Despite the conference’s focus on wellness and empowerment, the content on platforms like Pornhub often contrasts sharply with these ideals, featuring violent and misogynistic themes. The industry’s portrayal of empowerment is frequently questioned, with critics highlighting the potential for exploitation and harm.
As the conference concluded, the discussions underscored the complex interplay of technology, economics, and ethics in the adult industry. While AI and digital innovations offer new opportunities, they also raise questions about authenticity, consent, and the future of human performers.
For many creators, the decision to enter the industry is driven by economic necessity and the promise of autonomy. Yet, the reality of maintaining a career in adult content is fraught with challenges, from mental health concerns to societal stigma. As the industry evolves, so too do the conversations around its impact on individuals and society at large.
