New Yorkers have a reputation for going big, and apparently that extends to their support for digital creators. A new report from the search platform OnlyGuider estimates that residents of the Empire State dropped a whopping $167.1 million on OnlyFans subscriptions during 2025. That's a serious chunk of change, and it places New York 16th among all states and D.C. in total subscription volume, with about $84,128 spent per 10,000 residents.
New York City leads the charge
Unsurprisingly, New York City was the engine driving most of that spending. The five boroughs combined for an estimated $87.2 million in subscriptions, with Manhattan's New York County alone accounting for $38 million. That's the highest county total in the state, and Manhattan also topped the per-capita charts with $228,677 per 10,000 residents. The outer boroughs weren't far behind: Queens County generated $16 million, Brooklyn's Kings County added $14.7 million, and even Suffolk County on Long Island pulled in $12.6 million. Erie County, home to Buffalo, contributed $10.6 million.
But here's where it gets interesting: when you adjust for population, it's not the Big Apple that leads the pack. Buffalo, that gritty upstate city known for its wings and snow, ranked first in the state for per-capita spending, with $244,403 per 10,000 residents—that's about $6.8 million total. Syracuse came in second with $160,363 per 10,000 ($2.3 million), and Rochester followed at $155,781 ($3.3 million). New York City itself ranked 89th nationally on a per-capita basis, at $99,086, while Yonkers trailed at $59,287.
These numbers suggest that support for creators isn't just a coastal elite thing. Upstate communities are clearly engaged, too. Oswego County posted $127,087 per 10,000 residents, Jefferson County hit $124,744, and Montgomery County reached $119,179. That's a broad base of support across the state, from the Bronx to Buffalo.
For context, this isn't just about adult content—OnlyFans has become a major platform for musicians, fitness trainers, and other creators looking to monetize their fanbases directly. It's part of the larger creator economy that's reshaping how artists and influencers make a living. And while some might raise an eyebrow at the spending, it's a sign of how digital subscriptions have become as routine as a Netflix bill.
This report comes at a time when the digital economy is booming, and it's not just in New York. Across the country, similar patterns are emerging. But for Latinos in the diaspora, this story hits close to home in a different way: many of us are creators, and many of us are consumers. Whether it's a Latina pop star like Becky G building a business empire, or a local artist in Queens using OnlyFans to fund their next project, the creator economy is a space where Latino voices are increasingly visible.
Of course, not everyone is thrilled about the rise of subscription platforms. Some critics argue that they can exploit creators or encourage unhealthy spending habits. But the data shows that millions of Americans, including New Yorkers, are voting with their wallets. And for many, it's a way to support independent voices that traditional media often overlooks.
So what does this mean for the future? As the creator economy continues to grow, we can expect more reports like this, and more conversations about how we value digital content. For now, New Yorkers have made their statement: they're willing to pay for the content they love, whether it comes from a studio in Hollywood or a bedroom in Buffalo.
If you're curious about how this compares to other states, the report also highlighted that New York's spending is part of a national trend. And while the numbers might seem staggering, they're a testament to the power of direct-to-fan platforms. As Shakira sells her private island and MLS eyes a massive broadcast deal, it's clear that the entertainment industry is evolving in unexpected ways.
For now, New Yorkers are leading the charge in the subscription economy, and it's a story worth watching.
