✓Quick Takeaways
- A release form is required whenever anyone other than the account holder appears in OnlyFans content — no exceptions
- OnlyFans may request release forms during verification, disputes, or random compliance checks — have them ready
- Key elements: names, ID verification, content description, usage rights, compensation terms, and signatures from all parties
- Both creators need release forms when collaborating — each person appearing on the other's page requires documentation
- Keep release forms stored securely for at least 7 years — you may need them long after the collaboration ends
Planning to collaborate with another creator on OnlyFans? Creating content that features anyone other than yourself? You need a release form. This legal document protects you from disputes, ensures everyone consents to how the content will be used, and is often required by OnlyFans itself. Without one, you risk account suspension, legal action, and content removal. This guide explains when you need a release form, what it should include, and how to use one properly.
What is an OnlyFans Release Form?
A release form (also called a model release or content release) is a legal document that grants permission to use someone's likeness in content. Here's why it matters:
Legal Permission
The form documents that the person appearing in your content has explicitly agreed to be filmed/photographed and to have that content shared on OnlyFans.
OnlyFans Requirement
OnlyFans Terms of Service require that you have documented consent from everyone appearing in your content. Violating this can result in account termination.
Protection for Everyone
Release forms protect you from accusations of non-consensual content sharing, and protect collaborators by documenting agreed-upon terms.
Professional Standard
In the adult content industry, release forms are standard practice. Working without them is unprofessional and risky.
Content featuring other people without documented consent violates OnlyFans TOS and potentially the law. No release form = no collaboration.
When Do You Need a Release Form?
Not sure if your situation requires a release? If any of these apply, you need one:
Collaborations with Other Creators
Any time you create content with another OnlyFans creator, both of you need release forms — one for each person appearing on the other's page.
Content Featuring Partners
Even if it's your romantic partner, you need a signed release. Relationships change; documentation protects everyone.
Hired Models or Performers
If you pay someone to appear in your content, you absolutely need a release form documenting the arrangement.
Group Content
Each person appearing needs their own release form. Three people in a video = three release forms.
Identifiable Body Parts
Even if a face isn't shown, if someone could potentially be identified (distinctive tattoos, etc.), get a release.
Exceptions
You don't need a release for: solo content (just yourself), purchased stock content with existing licenses, or content where no real person is identifiable.
When in doubt, get a release. It takes 5 minutes to sign and could save you from account termination or legal action.
What Should a Release Form Include?
A proper OnlyFans release form should contain these essential elements:
Full Legal Names
Legal names of all parties — the content creator (you) and the person appearing in content. Stage names aren't sufficient for legal documents.
ID Verification
Statement confirming the person is 18+ with government ID verification. Many creators attach a photo of ID to the release form.
Content Description
Description of what content will be created. Doesn't need to be explicit, but should indicate the general nature (photos, videos, explicit/non-explicit).
Usage Rights Granted
Clear statement of how the content can be used: OnlyFans posting, promotional use, resale rights, duration of rights (perpetual or limited).
Compensation Terms
If any payment is involved, document the amount, payment method, and timing. Even if it's a free collaboration, state that explicitly.
Signatures and Date
Physical or electronic signatures from all parties with the date signed. Digital signatures are legally valid.
Contact Information
Email and phone for all parties. You may need to reach each other for disputes or future permissions.
A proper release form is 1-2 pages. If it's shorter, it's probably missing something important. If it's much longer, a lawyer wrote it (which isn't bad).
How to Create and Use Release Forms
Here's the practical process for implementing release forms in your collaborations:
Get a Template
Start with a professional template designed for adult content. Generic model releases may not cover OnlyFans-specific needs.
Customize for Your Situation
Modify the template to fit your specific collaboration. Add or remove clauses as needed for your arrangement.
Review Together
Go through the form with your collaborator before shooting. Answer questions and ensure everyone understands the terms.
Verify ID
Check government-issued photo ID for everyone signing. Verify they're 18+ and the name matches the form.
Sign Before Shooting
Always complete paperwork BEFORE creating content. Never shoot first and try to get signatures later.
Store Securely
Keep digital copies in secure cloud storage. Maintain physical copies if possible. You may need these years later.
Create a folder system: one folder per collaborator, containing their release form, ID copy, and any correspondence. Organization saves headaches later.
Common Release Form Mistakes
Avoid these errors that can make your release forms ineffective or legally questionable:
No ID Verification
A signature alone isn't enough. You must verify the person is 18+ with valid government ID. No ID check = form potentially invalid.
Vague Content Description
'Content for OnlyFans' is too vague. Specify the type of content (explicit photos, videos, etc.) being created.
Missing Usage Rights
If you don't specify usage rights, disputes arise later. Can you use it forever? On other platforms? For promotion?
Verbal Agreements
'They said it was fine' means nothing legally. Everything must be in writing with signatures.
Signing After Shooting
Forms signed after content creation can be challenged as coerced. Always sign before any content is made.
Not Keeping Copies
If you can't produce the release form when asked, it's as if it never existed. Store forms indefinitely.
OnlyFans can request release forms at any time. If you can't produce them, content gets removed and accounts can be suspended.
What If Someone Revokes Consent?
Release forms generally grant perpetual rights, but situations can get complicated. Here's how to handle consent issues:
Understand Your Rights
A properly executed release form grants you legal rights to the content. Someone changing their mind doesn't automatically revoke those rights.
Review Your Form
Check what your specific release says about revocation. Some forms include revocation clauses; many don't.
Consider the Relationship
Even if legally protected, consider whether keeping disputed content is worth the conflict. Sometimes removal is the wiser choice.
Document Everything
If someone claims they didn't consent or want content removed, save all communication. You may need to prove proper documentation.
Consult a Lawyer for Disputes
Serious disputes require legal advice. The cost of a consultation is much less than potential legal action.
OnlyFans May Act Regardless
Even with valid release forms, OnlyFans may remove disputed content during investigation. They err on the side of caution.
Proper legal documentation protects both parties in any collaboration. Working with an agency that handles these details? See our results at /results or apply at /apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
Release forms aren't optional bureaucracy — they're essential protection for everyone involved in collaborative OnlyFans content. Every person appearing in your content needs a properly executed release form with ID verification, content description, usage rights, and signatures. Create them before shooting, store them securely, and be prepared to produce them if OnlyFans asks. The few minutes spent on paperwork protects your account, your income, and your collaborators. Make release forms a non-negotiable part of every collaboration.
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