How I Got Into the Adult Industry (And What I’d Tell a Friend)

Quick note before we start: this is only for folks who are 18+. If you’re not, please stop. No joke.

Why I even tried this

I didn’t jump in fast. I sat with it. Money was part of it. But also control. I wanted to choose my hours. My body. My brand. You know what? I also wanted less fake rules at work. I was tired of being told what to wear and when to smile.

Still, I was scared. Family. Screenshots. The internet never forgets. I asked myself three times, “If this follows me forever, can I live with it?” When I said yes three times, I moved.
If you want my full, unfiltered back-story, I wrote it up in How I Got Into the Adult Industry (and What I’d Tell a Friend) — it covers every second-guess and family worry.

My first steps (messy but real)

• I picked a stage name. I don’t use my legal name on anything. I got a PO Box and a new email.
• I turned off geotags on my phone. I hid license plates in my videos. Little stuff matters.
• I read contracts. If I didn’t get it, I asked another model. No shame in that.
• I got on a testing schedule. PASS testing through Talent Testing Service made studios say yes. I kept a file with dates and PDFs. For an update on TTS renewing its partnership with PASS, see this recent news from PASS Certified.
• I made a “no list.” Things I won’t do on camera, even if the rate looks sweet. That list saved me.

Honestly, I almost quit twice. Once over panic. Once over a bad DM from a “producer” who wanted to shoot at his house, cash only, no paperwork. Hard pass.

My first money, for real

I started with camming on Chaturbate. Simple. I had an iPhone, a ring light from Neewer, and a cheap tripod. I set rules in my room. I didn’t break my own rules. People test you. They stop when you don’t bend.

Then I tried clips. I sold short solo clips on ManyVids and Fansly. I used CapCut on my phone to trim, add a watermark, and fix sound. Not fancy. Clear and steady wins.
Want to support performers directly? Please pay for your porn — every legitimate purchase makes a tangible difference.

My first studio day came later in Vegas. Half-day. $800 day rate. Clear call sheet. Copy of my ID. 2257 paperwork (that’s the document that proves age and records who owns the content). We checked test results before we shot. We reviewed consent and limits out loud. Then again on camera. That part made me feel safe.

Gear I actually use

• Phone with a good camera (I used an iPhone 13 at first)
• Ring light (Neewer 18-inch; nothing wild)
• Tripod with a phone clamp
• Soft robe and slippers (for breaks — trust me)
• Make-up wipes, bottled water, snacks
• A small mic when I record customs (Rode smartLav+)

I learned to clean lenses. I know, sounds silly. It makes such a big difference.

Safety, the not-fun part that matters

• Stage name only. Never say your job or school or the street you live on.
• Share your live location with a friend when traveling. I texted a selfie with the door number each time.
• Studio or professional space only. No random houses. If it smells off, it is off.
• Ask for a deposit for travel. If they say no, that’s a clue.
• Ask for references. I message other models: “Did you feel safe? Did they pay on time?”

I also saved numbers for Pineapple Support. Good mental help, low or no cost. You can learn more about the organization here. I used it once after a rough week. It kept me steady.

Money and boring stuff (that isn’t boring)

• Put away taxes. I kept 30% in a separate account. It hurt. It helped.
• 1099s will show up if you work with studios or platforms. I made a simple spreadsheet with dates, rates, miles, wardrobe, testing fees.
• I set up a business bank account later. I used a stage-name LLC once I could afford it. Not day one. Just later.
• Payouts from sites lag. Plan for that. A dry week happens.

Also, chargebacks are real. I watermark everything. I keep receipts and screenshots.

Sorting out payment processors was another headache; I compared the big adult-friendly merchant accounts and shared what actually worked for me in this field test.

For anyone curious about putting some of your earnings back into the industry, I even bought shares in a few adult-entertainment companies — you can see the reality of that experiment here.

Boundaries and consent — my script

• I bring a printed “do-not-do” list. Short and clear.
• I ask for the shot list before the day. No “surprises.”
• We do a check-in mid-shoot. Quick water. “Still okay?” Small words save big drama.
• Safe word stays simple. I’ve used “red.” Never failed me.

I’d rather be “too careful” than sorry. That’s the whole point.

The good, the hard, the honest

Good:

• Freedom. I can plan my week. Mornings for edits, nights for live.
• Money can be great when a clip hits.
• Fans can be kind. Some really are.

Hard:

• Stigma. People judge. Some stare. Don’t read every comment.
• Platforms change rules. You’ll rebuild. It happens.
• Burnout sneaks in. Schedule “off” days like it’s your job. Because it is.

If I were starting today

• I’d begin with solo content. Short clips. Keep control. Learn your pace.
• I’d post on two sites max. Maybe Fansly and ManyVids. Too many logins = chaos.
• I’d test every 14 days if I plan to collab. Keep PDFs ready.
• I’d go to a meetup or two. APAG has spaces where models share notes.
• I’d skip agents at first. After 3–4 solid clips and clear boundaries, then I’d talk to one. Ask for their roster. Check pay history with models.
• For meeting collaborators in a safer, verified environment, I’d look at platforms like Fuego de Vida — the site specializes in discreet, adult-only matchmaking and can help you connect with potential partners or co-creators without exposing your personal socials.
• If you’re based in Southern California and want a vetted, trans-friendly space to connect with clients or collaborators, check out TS escort services in Vista — you’ll find verified profiles, transparent rates, and safety-first guidelines that let everyone set clear boundaries before meeting.

Red flags I’ve seen

• “We shoot at my place. No paperwork.” No.
• “We pay cash after. No deposit.” No.
• “Can you do more than we agreed?” No.
• “Phones off, no consent video.” No again.
• Vague location, last-minute time changes, won’t show tests. Walk away.

My simple 8-step start plan

1. Pick a stage name. Get a PO Box and new email.
2. Turn off geotagging. Hide plates and background clues.
3. Make your “no list.” Keep it printed.
4. Set up one content site. Post three clean clips.
5. Get PASS testing. Save the PDF.
6. Build a small kit: phone, ring light, tripod, robe.
7. Track money from day one. Save 30%.
8. Network with two trusted creators. Share refs. Take it slow.

Final thought, from me to you

This job can be real work and real care. It’s not quick cash. It’s a slow stack of small choices. Some days you’ll glow. Some days you’ll want to hide. Both are normal.

If you’re 18+ and still sure, start small. Keep your name safe. Keep your body safe. Keep your heart safe. And don’t rush — your “no” is worth more than any rate on a sheet.