Get paid to webcam (make money as a cam model)

How can you get paid to webcam?

Cam models start making money by first getting the necessary equipment, such as a fast computer with wireless mouse and keyboard, camera, lighting, and room setup for live streaming. You can then join any of the various webcam sites, set your rates, and then start building an audience on social media.

If you’re not afraid to get in front of the camera, some of the best cam sites to earn extra money include:

1. Chaturbate
2. Cams
3. LiveJasmin
4. MyFreeCams
5. BongaCams
6. Jerkmate
7. ImLive
8. Stripchat
9. CamSoda
10. OnlyFans
11. RoyalCams
12. Cam4
13. Flirt4Free
14. Xcams
15. Voyeur House TV
16. Xmodels
17. Sl*troulette
18. Cherry.tv

Luckily, this article will show you what you need to get started, explain the best sites, tell you how to build a target audience, and see how much money you could make.

Key Takeaways:

• High speed internet, a fast computer, and a high definition camera are a good idea to ensure flawless streaming. You may also want to invest in a wireless setup, lighting equipment, and your background.
• The largest cam site and best option to make a lot of money is Chaturbate. CamSoda is the best place for those willing to brake out of their comfort zone with more daring performances.
• Most models earn money through live shows, but top models earn the bulk through private shows.
• Depending on your amount of experience and level of effort, different sites can earn most live cam models between $800 and $1,000 per week. Experience models can earn over $2,800 per week.

This article may contain affiliate links which pay a commission and support this blog. Thank you for your support!

The Equipment Needed for a Webcam Business

Even though you’re just starting, we suggest you invest in your equipment. After all, your camera, lighting, and setup will showcase you in the best light, making it easier to build a loyal fan base.

Luckily, new models only need basic equipment, so it shouldn’t leave a gaping hole in your bank account.

#1 Computer and Internet Connection

Whether you have a desktop or laptop, it should meet the following requirements:

• At least 2GB RAM
• A speed of at least 2GHZ
• At least a Core i3 processor for laptops and at least a Core i5 for desktop PCs
• Hard drive with over 80GB of free space

Fortunately, any mid-range computer purchased in the last two years or so will meet the requirements.

As for your internet connection, the faster, the better! For ease, we recommend having an upload speed of at least 2mpbs.

#2 Camera or Smartphone

Choose an HD webcam that can handle streaming 720p videos and higher. You should expect to pay around $120 for a decent enough USB webcam. But the video quality is more than worth it.

Some cam models prefer a video camera for enhanced picture quality, easy zooming, and remote controls. That said, it can set you back around $500, so starting your new venture with a webcam is better.

Tip: To initially save cash, you can use the camera on your smartphone. However, we suggest upgrading as soon as possible to enhance your stream’s video quality (and earn more money). 

#3 Lighting Equipment

The most successful cam models use a three-point lighting system featuring:

• main light (the brightest, creating dark shadows);
• backlight (for the final professional touch); and
• a fill light (gets rid of any harsh shadows).

Soft lighting is the best in the webcam industry. Thus, we recommend using a softbox diffuser with LED 1000-lumen lightbulbs.

#4 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

As any cam site user will tell you, watching models who sit in front of their computers constantly gets boring quickly. Therefore, investing in a wireless mouse and keyboard will work wonders to enhance your performance.

The best part? You can find ultra-affordable ones on Amazon!

#5 Cam Room Setup

Your camming room plays a huge part in your success as a new webcam girl or guy, so choose furniture and decor wisely.

You’ll also need to consider any accessories you want to use throughout your show. This part is all down to you and what you’d like to showcase through your work.

The Different Ways to Make Money With Your Webcam

Live shows and private shows are the main ways to make money with your webcam. However, some models choose to earn extra cash by selling pictures too.

The way you make money with your webcam is entirely up to you. But we explore the top two methods below.

#1 Live Shows

Live shows are the general way to earn money on webcam modeling sites. Your performance will be displayed to all site visitors, allowing anyone to click your thumbnail and enjoy it.

Typically, you’ll earn money via tips when performing live. In other words, viewers send you dollars if they like what they see.

#2 Private Shows

Private shows are where the real money lies.

Nowadays, most camming sites let members request performers (i.e., you) for private shows, where they can form a more intimate connection.

Normally, you’ll be paid by the minute during private sessions — and yes, the per-minute price can be incredibly high.

Although, be careful not to outprice your competition too much, especially if you’re brand new to the webcam industry.

The 18 Best Cam Sites for Webcam Modeling

With your equipment and set up ready to go, it’s time to choose your cam site — and loads exist to help you launch your webcam modeling career.

#1 Chaturbate

Chaturbate is one of the highest-paying webcam modeling sites, allowing you to keep almost 60% of your profits.

All body types and forms of cam shows are welcome on the site. The site attracts over 300 million visitors monthly, so you’re bound to build a fan base.

Personal Information Required

• Birthday
• Gender
• Email address
• Two photographs of your ID card

Pros

• Over 300 million visitors every month
• Straightforward site
• Signing up is easy
• Great support
• Discrete account management
• Earn tips from visitors on public chats
• Earn pay-per-minute on private shows
• Keep 60% of the earnings
• All kinds of webcam models welcome

Cons

• No advanced search functions
• Chat room gets pretty busy (sometimes distracting)

#2 Cams.com

Cams.com is excellent for those looking for a solid website to kickstart their career — it’s been around for years.

The site contains mainly public live videos. However, you do have the option to perform in private chat rooms to earn even more money.

Personal Information Required

• One form of identification
• Birthday
• Gender
• Email

Pros

• Payouts twice per month
• Ability to restrict viewers
• No real name needed
• Easy-to-access support for cam models
• Intuitive, sleek platform
• Long-standing positive reputation

Cons

• Not as much monthly traffic as other sites (8.8 million)
• Profit percentage you keep starts at 30% (increases to 70% as you gain experience on the platform)
• Need an HD webcam

#3 LiveJasmin

LiveJasmin is one of the most luxurious camming sites out there. In fact, it’s the best premium webcam modeling site you’ll find.

You can expect a mainly wealthy European audience, and you’ll get to keep up to 80% of your profits as you earn more money every month.

The real money is in the private rooms, however. And customers get to enjoy special incentives based on how many models they engage with. So, you’re likely to receive plenty of requests.

Personal Information Required

• Email address
• Birthday
• Gender
• ID verification

Pros

• Twice-per-month payouts
• Public and private rooms
• Over 200 million monthly visitors
• Run “Top Model” contests
• Can restrict viewers

Cons

• The profit percentage you keep depends on your gross monthly income
• Customers tend to prefer European models (they might not be the best for American cam girls/guys)

#4 MyFreeCams

New models succeed on MyFreeCams thanks to its popularity, over 18 years of a positive reputation, and the enhanced category selection function.

Since the chat function is free for visitors, you’ll earn most of your money through tips. If you’re good at what you do, you’ll keep a minimum of 60% of your profits.

Personal Information Required

• Photo ID
• Social media accounts
• Email address
• Full legal name

Pros

• Keep at least 60% of your profits
• 142 million monthly visitors
• Option to sell photos and videos
• Plenty of payment options
• Twice-per-month payouts (on the 1st and 16th)

Cons

• Customers without a membership can’t request private shows
• Have to disclose your full legal name

#5 BongaCams

Like Chaturbate, BongaCams boasts over 300 million monthly visitors, increasing your chances of earning money.

While many cam sites lean on pay-per-minute private shows, this site focuses on public chat rooms and tips.

In our opinion, the best part about being a BongaCams webcam model is that you get to set your rates.

Personal Information Required

• Gender
• Email address

Pros

• $4,200 average model pay
• Token-oriented system
• Set your own rates
• Keep between 50% and 90% of your profits
• A diverse range of models

Cons

• Not great for private shows

#6 Jerkmate

Many adult cam sites lack the personal touches found in Jerkmate. Its interface allows consumers to enter preferences to find their one-true-model-match.

The matching process makes it an excellent choice for cam girls and guys who want to create niche content.

That said, the company keeps 70% of your revenue. Therefore, it might work better as a supplementary income stream.

Personal Information Required

• Your public social media accounts
• Photo ID

Pros

• Weekly payouts
• Pay-per-minute and tips
• Great for forming intimate connections and keeping viewers coming back for more

Cons

• Not as much traffic as others
• Low-profit percentage kept (30%)

#7 ImLive

ImLive is the OG cam site, having been around since 2002. It’s geared toward couples, so it might be easier to gain an audience if you’re performing with another person.

You can easily mark your profile as free, private, and more to attract viewers who are bound to love you. Thus, increasing your tips and pay-per-minute requests.

Personal Information Required

• Photo ID
• Email address

Pros

• Clearly marked profiles for proper audience targeting
• $3,100 average monthly pay
• Bi-weekly payouts
• 24/7 model support

Cons

• Only three million site visitors per month
• 80,000 already active models may make it hard to compete

#8 Stripchat

Stripchat’s fantastic model revenue cut (50% to 60%) and relatively high traffic make it ideal for new cam girls who want to get paid highly from the get-go.

You get a featured site placement throughout your first two weeks to increase visibility. Thus, earning more before needing to attract viewers yourself.

Personal Information Required

• Email
• Photo ID

Pros

• Smooth streaming
• Perfect for cam girls who know how to play for tips
• Set your own private show prices
• VR capable
• Weekly payouts

Cons

• Mostly used for virtual reality experiences

#9 CamSoda

CamSoda is best suited for models who want to play to a fetish or kink.

Most viewers choose the free chat room options, but you can choose to sell your photo gallery for an additional income stream.

Throughout your broadcasts, you can set your own prices. Plus, your viewers can band together to help you reach token goals.

Personal Information Required

• Email address (for notifications only)
• ID

Pros

• Opportunity to sell uploaded videos
• Weekly payouts
• Set your own prices
• $5,700 average model pay

Cons

• Even though the average model pay is fairly high, the percentage you keep (55%) is very modest

#10 OnlyFans

OnlyFans give models the freedom to do whatever they want. But we wouldn’t necessarily call it a camming site. Instead, it’s a content-sharing platform that will let you earn some extra bucks while performing live/private shows on other websites.

Viewers have to sign up for your monthly subscription (you set the price) to access your content. You keep a generous 80% of your revenue!

Although, you’ll need a decent online presence to make it worthwhile.

Personal Information Required

• Email

Pros

• Set your own subscription price
• Weekly payouts
• Subscription-based platform

Cons

• Hard to gain traction if you don’t already have a loyal social media following

#11 RoyalCams

At first glance, the site seems cramped. However, you’ll soon realize that the activity tags are perfect for helping you categorize your content to lead your audience to your show.

You can choose from a wide range of payment methods, and there’s a 5% referral program if your friends also become webcam models.

Personal Information Required

• Gender
• Email address
• Agreement acceptance

Pros

• Set your own prices
• Lots of categories
• 5% referral program

Cons

• Seems crammed at first glance

#12 Cam4

Are you a daring cam girl or guy? Cam4 is your perfect option — even the public chat rooms are edgy. Vanilla performances don’t tend to do well here.

While it’s mainly a tip-based system, you can sell images and clips for extra income.

Personal Information Required

• Email address
• Photo ID

Pros

• Great for daring performers
• Tip-based system
• Restrict viewers by country
• Sell photos and videos
• Daily payouts

Cons

• Performers on the vanilla side will find it harder to succeed

#13 Flirt4Free

This site stands out from other camming websites because you can set your own private show rates. The model-centered approach certainly earns Flirt4Free points in our minds!

Plus, any cam girl can find success here. The site boasts a wide range of body types, fetishes, ethnicities, and experience levels.

Personal Information Required

• Valid photo ID
• Phone number
• Country
• Gender
• Email address
• Date of birth
• Legal name

Pros

• All welcome
• Model-centric
• Set your own private show rates

Cons

• Bar the private room rates aspect, it’s the same as other bog-standard camming sites

#14 Xcams

It appears Xcams is following in LiveJasmin’s footsteps since its platform mainly contains European models — and, thus, European viewers.

However, it’s one of the few adult content sites that allows you to keep up to 75% of your revenue. Viewers also find it easier to search for the type of performers they want, increasing your chances of attracting paying customers.

It operates on a price-per-minute structure, making it one of a handful of sites that don’t lean heavily on tip-based services.

Personal Information Required

• Email address

Pros

• Keep 75% of your revenue
• Set your own price-per-minute rates
• Wide range of kink categories

Cons

• Typically only European models do well

#15 Voyeur House TV

Voyeur House TV does what it says on the tin. It’s made for models who want to set up a camera and do their thing.

Audience interaction is a no-go here, so it may also help shyer performers come out of their shells before using other camming sites.

Personal Information Required

• Full name
• Phone number
• Country
• Email address

Pros

• No audience interaction
• Good for new, shyer models
• Great for couples

Cons

• Less earning potential than other webcam modeling sites

#16 Xmodels

Xmodels gives you some seriously high earning potential, even as a beginner.

As you now know, some sites take almost 70% of your revenue. But this one takes just 30%, letting you (the star of the show) keep the rest.

Like LiveJasmin, it’s a Europe-based site. So, you’ll benefit from wealthy European viewers looking to splash their cash on you.

That said, there is a downside. Xmodels requires new models to perform at a pre-set initial rate for the first 100 hours.

It may seem discouraging, but don’t let that put you off. It can be a great starting point, and your price-per-minute is limitless afterward.

Personal Information Required

• Email address
• Photo ID

Pros

• Average models make around $6,000 to $12,000 per month
• Fantastic for beginners

Cons

• Can’t set your own rates until after 100 hours of work
• Pay-per-minute only

#17 Sl*troulette

Even though Sl*troulette doesn’t have the same reputation as Chaturbate, it’s been in the webcam industry for over 12 years.

Unlike the other cam sites we’ve mentioned, this site is completely random. It pairs viewers with one video cam at a time, allowing them to click through until they find a model they love.

While it makes things interesting for the viewer, it means you might not reach your full earning potential as a model.

Personal Information Required

• Proof of identity
• Email address

Pros

• Brilliant for private shows
• Viewers must tip for full nudity
• Webcam models accepted worldwide

Cons

• Only basic tipping functions available
• Pop-up ads put some viewers off
• Random nature means you might not reach the audience you desire

#18 Cherry.tv

Cherry Models created Cherry.tv, one of the newest camming sites in the webcam industry. And it’s a very interesting one.

Unlike other sites, it’s introduced a gamification concept to its structure. As a model, you gain experience points every time you stream, letting you level up and receive gifts from fans.

The site won several rewards in 2021, including Emerging Web Brand of the Year. They’re unarguably one of the best cam sites for compensating their broadcasters.

Personal Information Required

• Email address

Pros

• Opportunity to get in while the talent pool is pretty small
• Keep up to 80% of your revenue
• Perk system

Cons

• Doesn’t have the traffic of older sites

The Best Camming Site for Content Creators

For most webcam models, the number one camming site is Chaturbate. Its level of traffic is unrivaled, and you keep a modest amount (60%) of your revenue.

However, we recommend choosing CamSoda for more daring performers. You can set your own prices and even sell photos for an extra income stream.

How to Build a Fan Base for New Cam Models

You’ve got the equipment, the setup, and the best camming sites; now it’s time to attract a loyal audience.

Unfortunately, getting the fan base you deserve takes a lot of work. Simply looking pretty doesn’t cut it anymore (and that’s unsurprising, considering the number of models on each site).

So, here are a few tips and tricks to get your webcam modeling venture off the ground:

Quality over quantity

We live in an instant-gratification world. Therefore, camming is all about being engaging, active, and flirty. While that isn’t necessarily difficult, you must ensure every single show is as entertaining as your last to ensure your viewers stick around. Catering to your fans’ needs during thoughtfully curated performances will always be more beneficial than tons of drab content.

Interact with your audience

While people are there to see you, talking to them is the most effective way of building and retaining your fan base. Speak directly to them for the best results.

Use social media to your advantage

Most cam models use Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and Twitter to grow their presence in the webcam industry. And you should take a leaf out of their books and do it too.

Be patient

There isn’t a miracle solution for obtaining a loyal fan base overnight. It takes time. So, as long as you’re putting the work in, it’s about practicing patience. Your audience will come.

Your Earning Potential as an Independent Webcam Model

Experience and the number of hours you’re willing to work dictate how much you earn. For instance, some cam models earn between $800 and $1,000 weekly, while others earn over $2,800 per week.

As a cam model with average experience, your average earnings may look like this:

	Weekly Earnings	Monthly Earnings	Yearly Earnings
10-hour work week	$790	$3,160	$37,920
20-hour work week	$1,300	$5,200	$62,400
30-hour work week	$1,640	$6560	$78,720
40-hour+ work week	$2,550	$10,200	$122,400

Of course, the camming site you choose affects the averages. It varies by platform due to monthly traffic, the ways to earn money, and the site’s general clientele.