People love talking about the benefits of webcam modeling, and they especially love it when new models get excited with them and sign up through the very convenient affiliate link provided. Yes, we like getting paid. Let’s drop the pretense.
[tweetthis]Webcam modeling is NOT an easy job, and it is NOT the best choice I’ve ever made.[/tweetthis]
That’s not to say that I regret choosing the camgirl life, but it’s not for everyone. It may or may not be for you, so let’s see if you still want the job after reading this post. 😉
The Cons of Camming
1. Every show you perform has the potential to hang around the interwebs for the rest of time.
If you’re not comfortable with this reality, you should probably be looking for an alternative source of income.
2. The sex industry is highly stigmatized.
Thanks to tradition and religion, the people in your life may not understand or even want to understand what you do for a living.
Read more: You Do What?! The Stigma Behind Sex Work; Coping With Showing Your Junk for a Living: Privacy Issue
3. The road to success as a camgirl is long, hard and slow.
And no, that’s not an innuendo lol. Success in the camming industry takes a shit ton of determination and patience. This is not a quick fix to your financial woes.
Read more: Success tips
4. The IRS still gets paid.
Cam sites are not your employers and therefore don’t take taxes out of your check. As an independent contractor, you’ll most likely end up paying your own taxes each year (assuming you pass up your personal amount).
5. Making money is never a guarantee.
If someone tries to tell you it is, they are lying. I’ve found that it tends to even out in the long run, but those few hours when you’re sitting there making nothing will likely be the most frustrating hours you’ve ever endured sitting there making nothing.
6. You won’t always feel like working.
As with any self-employment gig, sometimes you’ve gotta kick yourself in the butt. This is when you find out how self-motivated you really are.
7. If the thought of entertaining guests you can’t see weirds you out, this might not be for you.
You’ll see some customers on cam during private sessions, but most are acting out a fantasy that turning the lights on would destroy. Sometimes you won’t even get any clues as to what they’re looking for and you just have to put on a random show.
8. People will make assumptions about your personality based on the work you do, even if it says nothing about who you are.
You can’t keep secrets and maintain a fulfilling real-life relationship at the same time. If you aren’t currently with someone who supports your thoughts about becoming a camgirl, finding a new partner may prove to be more challenging than you would hope. The same goes for friends. If you have social anxiety, the life of a camgirl could be lonely.
9. Some people are creepy.
Others are mean. In my experience, most customers have been pleasant and/or fun to talk to overall – but you’ll need either a thick skin or the ability to laugh it off when the other kind of customer tries to rile you up. If you take things too seriously, camming can become just another stressful job.
10. The camming industry is full of liars and sometimes it can be hard to tell what’s real and what’s not.
I intend to shed a lot of light onto webcam modeling here at O Camgirl. Ultimately I want to give you the tools you need to recognize the scum and scammers and make smart decisions on your own.
Read more: How to Recognize a Scam in the Camgirl Industry
Want more? Check out:
20 More Reasons Not To Be A Camgirl
Take it easy.
If you appreciate this post, consider supporting O Camgirl.
Hi there Cat
What a great post (and site)! I’ve been looking into becoming a camgirl as a means to an end really, as I need to make money fast. I’m more interested in the Clothed Female Naked Male (CFNM) sub-genre, do you know anything about that? I also found a site nonnudecamjobs, where you aren’t required to be nude. That would be ideal, as i’d rather keep my clothes on. Do you know much about this?
Kind regards
Caitlin
Hi Caitlin,
Thanks for checking out OCamgirl! Camming is not fast money, and it’s a lot of work- especially if you go the non-nude route. You aren’t required to be nude on any site, so that’s likely just another studio trying to cash in on your discomfort. At any rate I would encourage you to continue doing your research if you are really interested in camming.
All the best,
Cat
Quick and to the point article thank you! Out of curiosity, in the 3 years that you’ve been camming, has anyone recognised you or have you been found out by anyone you know because of stuff shared online?
It’s now been nearly 5 years, and I was recognized once near the beginning. Customer sent me a note on the site saying that he had seen me at a local coffee shop (named my city, which I hadn’t told anyone, so I freaked out and denied it, and he left me alone after that). Just be careful, but know that this is the internet and you’re never guaranteed anonymity. Thank you for reading!
Hey! I’ve only just discovered your site and don’t know if you’ve already covered what I’m about to ask, but what about only doing this sort of thing as a side-gig/ not as your sole income? Is that ok as well?
I feel like if I were ever to do something in the ‘adult industry’, the farthest I’d probably ever go is camming, haha! And I personally don’t have this huge passion or dream for it like some others may have, but I figure in my case it could just be a fun thing for me to do on the side without relying fully on it for money in order to put food on the table or a roof over my head. My heart, passions and interests lay elsewhere in a different industry. I give major respect and salute those who do make it their ultimate jobs, though!!
Absolutely, Rose! Many guys and girls do a bit of camming on the side for extra spending money, savings, whatever. The main thing is to be clear on your personal goals, whether you want an extra 50 or 500, and go get it! Thanks for stopping in 🙂
Hiya
I am trying to become a webcam girl, i have a background of modelling in the adult industry and feel confident that i can be sucessful.
However i am struggling to find am agency. I contacted one i found however they are not very responsive to messages and have no contact number.
Where is the best place to start?
Thank you 🙂
Hey SuziQ! You don’t need an agency. I recommend working directly for one of the major cam sites- here are the top recommended options for beginners: http://www.ocamgirl.com/guide-to-the-top-10-cam-sites-for-beginners/
Let me know if you need anything else.
Cat
I’m so happy that my boyfriend supports me in this. I’m new and I’m working my first day on Tuesday. One of the hardest things I had to do was tell my boyfriend and my mom about what I want to do with my life.
Deep down, from the time I was 16, I knew I wanted to get into the erotic entertainment industry, but I’ve always been so worried about actually doing doing it. This year has actually been the first time that I’ve really started to build a future for myself that involves what I really want to do (I actually started to go to medical school just because that’s what my grandmother wanted).
Both of them were so supportive of me and it is truly an incredible feeling because you are totally right, there is so much negative stigma surrounding sex work. I imagine I’ll have my fair share of being called sick or pathetic by random uptight strangers.
The reality of it is, there’s nothing wrong with me. I just really love my sexual self, if I can lay around in some lace with my toys and make a living off of it, then why the fuck not? (I know it’s definitely more than that lol, but you get my point). Because of society, though, the idea of open sexuality and raunchiness is so taboo.
Thank you for sharing this.
Alley, that’s so amazing! I’m really happy to hear that your boyfriend and mom are so supportive. It will make the journey that much easier just having them on your side. Go you! 🙂
I have a question about something I seen on a documentary style video about camgirls…..they were able to auction off personal items to customers and customers could purchase gifts through Amazon somehow ……how is this all possible without revealing identities or using PayPal?
There are a number of sites we often use as payment processors for things like panties, signed photos, etc. ManyVids is one I can think of off the top of my head. Other popular solutions are GiftRocket or Niteflirt tribute. And Amazon wishlists are widely used, even though they do reveal city and state. (Never use 3rd party sellers on your wish list! Amazon doesn’t control what they print on the receipt.) You can receive mail to your stage name. Hope this helps!
Yeah the whole telling people what you do is a big one for me people are so quick to judge and say you need help or start crying because they think “you’re better than that.”
I really like this website I’m still reading about caming and need to get a wig and some makeup before starting.
I love your camgirl articles! I am just starting out and Monday will be my first day.. so Ive been researching and digging for any kind of relevant information that I can, to be prepared and knowledgable of the industry. Im a single mother of two small children, and I do it all 100% on my own.. being able to work from home, while they are in school, and make such good money is too much of an opportunity to pass up and at least not give it a good honest try! I would do anything in this world to provide for my family in the manner they deserve, however with all these “no-where” jobs at minimum wage or just above, I have to work so much..as much overtime as possible, just to make ends meet and to give my children all that they need, and some of what they want! That means Im away all of the time, scrambling for childcare, paying out the ass for said care, while someone else is basically raising my kids, doing homework with them, and Im completely out of the loop! I really hope and pray that this opportunity is all it’s made out to be, and I hope to make it even better! Thank you so much for all the information you provide in your articles! It’s refreshing, honest, funny, and first hand experiences! XoXo
You go girl! Thanks for commenting 🙂
I love your site! Im building a cam site and came across your blog doing research on providing info tips, etc. Ive never cammed but I work in the adult business and I know the work that is needed to succeed/the realities of the adult business. I have my own work cut out getting it going! haha.
I want my cam site to be very informative on the business and its realities. I also want to offer a nice pay out and treat my cammers well. 🙂
Im hoping you would be open to doing a sponsored post on my blog. Tips/pro/cons post. 🙂
Hey Mz Wood,
Thanks! Funny, I was just working on a post about building a cam site with ModelNet’s software, haha. Great to connect. I’d love to do a sponsored post with you guys once you get going. 🙂
Thanks for visiting OCamgirl,
Cat
Awesome! 🙂 They are on my list of software to use. I may start from scratch, weighing my options now. I will contact soon, Im opening the forum(for cammers) and the blog to start generating traffic/interest/supply info while the cam side gets up and running.
Sounds good! 🙂
One more reason, Cam sights rip u off badly… When you are making .30 cents on the dollar and and they are getting .70 cents yea.. and I’m going to go back threw the agreement because we’re I signed up I read 60/40… When I finally figured the math was wrong, and they tell me it’s 30/70 I was blown the f away…. See that is worse than strip clubs… And they are being sued, because of taking so much money, if they take money, without them paying you a paycheck , that is a employee, which means they pay u min.you also have rules were you can’t apparently tell them about the fan page you may have made up for just the sight lol…
I can’t disagree with you there, Monica! When you stop to think about how much the site is taking, goddamn. But I have to say, I make the majority of my money on Streamate where the payout is only 35%. This is pretty standard for the private platforms. You get a higher cut on sites like Chaturbate, like 50%+ but they are public oriented. So this is why you gotta research the sites and pick the one you feel works best for you. I’d rather make 35% than nothing, personally. But yeah, definitely something to consider. Thanks for reading/commenting!
Whats a legit website that pays good?
Chaturbate is highly recommended for beginners and they pay out 5 cents per token.
Hello,
As a young lady (48) that has been told by several guys that I need to get into this business, I appreciate your information. Unlike younger ladies that may care what their families or others may think, I truly don’t give a flying flip because only I pay my bills. After reading this I feel I have a better perspective on what to and what not to expect. I did have visions of money piling up at an incredible rate but now those illusions of grandeur are gone. I am very confident and I have been on cam enough for free to know that I do enjoy pleasing the person on the other side. Thanks again for sharing!!
Hi Kassiass,
I think you’ll do very well in this industry with that attitude. 😉 Very happy to hear you’re going into it with realistic expectations, and if you ever need anything you know where we are! All the best, Cat
I totally agree with this article. It takes a lot of guts to put yourself out on the internet like this, I was a cam girl for a little while, but It wasn’t ideal because I lived at home with my parents ( lol ). But i think if you have a strong mind and set out clear goals for yourself as a cammer, you can make a lot of money and have fun too. Its not for everybody, but Its also really fun in my opinion. Please do some research if you are thinking about doing this –
Formerly an IM affiliate link.
Thanks for commenting Bunny. I definitely agree – it’s important to treat camming as a business and not everyone is cut out for owning their own business.
Please refrain from promoting your affiliate links on O Camgirl. This site does not exist for you to spam.
Best,
Cat
You are right. Getting little bit extra money is very easy, but for huge incomes you really need to put effort to this. Most important thing is ATTITUDE.
Hi Cat,
I just read your article which was very insightful. Thank you! I considered trying this work because of my debt and my biggest concern was the first one you stated. It’s not that secure and can be seen on the web by non-users. My question is even with the best secure technology, can’t it be very private on the web from anyone wanting to search for me online, secure whether working at a studio or at home? A friend convinced me that even if I used an alias, if someone wanted to find me online, my photos/ videos from webcam could still come up, along with any other photos, information out there on me. How is that possible with the top, secure technology these sites and studios are offerring? Can you explain some more. Thanks!
Hi Kendra,
This is a great question. The only thing the sites can really defend against is hacking (i.e. their records with your info). No one can prevent your guests from potentially recording what’s on their screen, using a camera or screen capture software. It happens, and it’s the Internet. There are of course steps you can take to protect your privacy. However we as camgirls have to come to terms with the fact that the possibility of being “outed” always exists. If you’re very concerned about your privacy, I would not recommend this line of work.
Thanks for reading O Camgirl!
Best,
Cat
Hi Cat,
Thanks so much for your quick response and yes the privacy factor is huge for me! This is just not for me.
Hi Kendra,
You’re quite welcome. I’m glad we could help. You might want to consider alternatives such as phone sex work or paid sexting. I don’t know a lot about these but I do know they are options that would allow you to work in the industry without sharing as much of your image.
All the best,
Cat
I think it really depends on the webcam studio you work with. I’ve had different webcam jobs that I wasn’t satisfied with, mostly because the people there were’t professionals. But now I’ve finally found the best webcam studio ever and I wish you all could benefit from the same experience!
If you want to work for a studio, there are certainly good ones. However I always recommend working directly with sites so that you get your full commission. I would ask that you not name drop your own studio here. This is not an advertising forum. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Zgirl,
First off, thank you for reading O Camgirl. I understand your concerns about what your family thinks, and you’re way ahead of a lot of people already since your dad is supportive. This is a job that a lot of people decide to keep secret from certain people because it is so stigmatized and there is always unfortunately a risk that people won’t understand your choice of work. Personally, I would keep it a secret from those kinds of people. You don’t owe them anything, and if you have to tell them about your job you could just say you found something in internet sales or customer service. I wish you the best.
Cat
Camming is hard work ?? lol Dancing around half naked while sipping cocktails is not work.
JR, In attempting to decipher your comment, I have concluded that you have no idea what you are talking about what so ever and really aren’t worth responding to but still, I can’t resist… You seem to have this image of a camgirl being like a dancer at a strip club and I sincerely wonder why you would bother to comment at all with your obvious lack of knowledge about the topic. Take a look over the site you are running your mouth on and educate yourself a bit before making yourself a target for those who would gleefully expose your ignorance and have a laugh at your expense. Let’s have a chat again when you can define the difference between a camgirl and a stripper- both of which have likely worked harder & with more passion and purpose than you ever will in your life. —Arcana
Better yet, JR can sign up for a site and try it out since it’s sooooo easy. Just sipping cocktails!
I’d love to see what the boys on the sites make of JR
Hey Cat. What website do you recommend for someone who wants to do webcamming and how does the pay work if you do not recommend PayPal?
Hey Cassie,
Check out the sites we’ve reviewed so far here: Cam Site Reviews. Cam sites usually offer a number of payment options like checks in the mail, direct deposit, Payoneer (an adult-friendly Paypal alternative), etc. The customer pays the cam site, and the cam site pays you. Hope that helps! Best, Cat
Thanks for all the info! I hope webcam models read it and use these honest pieces of advice. Some people feed on young girl naivety, so it’s important that they are aware of both pros and cons of becoming a webcam model.
Happy to hear you found this info helpful. Thank you for your kind response! All the best, Cat
Is webcamsuniversity legit?
Since they offer Paypal as a payment method I would not personally recommend them. Paypal is not a legitimate payment method for adult services. Please refer to this post for more info on how to recognize a legit site. Thanks!
You may have some valid points, but your “opinion” doesn’t sway anything when you don’t have circumstantial situations to explain why you feel so. This article didn’t help me one way or another, only made me think you got your feelings hurt and are trying to project them out to anyone wanting to try this experience.
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this post. My “opinion” is based on three years of experience on cam, and the point of this post is not to sway anything. The point of this entire blog is to provide a complete picture of camming, and this is just part of the series designed to help with the process of deciding whether the job is for you or not. (Most) every other blog on the subject attempts to convince you that webcam modeling is fucking fantastic, but fails to provide the complete picture. On that note, this is only a piece of the Start Here page, where you’ll find the pros as well as the cons. Thank you again for taking the time to comment! Best, Cat
I’m sorry, but are you an imbecile?
She didn’t once say anything against it, only facts that every performer that sticks with it faces frequently. If this didn’t provide you with any kind of info, it might be because you’re a damn moron.
I think your article is very insightful, I applaud you for your honesty. There is a lot of good information on your website. It really made me think before I made a judgement.
Thanks Lynn! It is my goal to make you think, so mission accomplished 😛 All the best to you.
Wow! You have a lot of courage stating the facts about being a Camgirl and expressing your personal experiences. I have a lot of respect for you!
Michael, thank you. I really appreciate your encouraging comments. Thanks for stopping by!
Creepy people is a strong reason not do be a camgirl. Someone performing that kind of show may put herself at risk unknowingly. I imagine that , as you point out, the road to success in such a job must not an easy own. In fact, I imagine that it involves a certain amount of sacrifice. This article is a very honest summary of the reason why someone must not be a cam girl. Great job, Cat!
Hi Hilda!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this topic. It’s good to have multiple perspectives here. However I’m not sure what you meant by sacrifice, given that these cons are here to help girls and guys weigh whether becoming a webcam model is right for them or not. If a model is sacrificing anything of herself or her values, she is either not model material or she is giving away too much. What a camgirl does on the job is always completely within her control.
I feel that I should point out that creepy does not equal dangerous, and even if it does there are tons of safety precautions that both the cam sites and models can take. Models go in with a fake name, fake or vague back story, and everything else merely personality-based to protect their identity.
My point with this post is to get people to consider the cons before getting excited about the benefits. Too many models jump in headfirst when they hear the numbers, but there are so many other factors to consider. For one, as you point out, it’s not easy at all. It takes a particular mindset and determination to succeed at this type of business. I do not regret becoming a camgirl myself, but the job is not for everyone and there are not enough sites that actually tell you what you’re getting yourself into.
Again, thank you very much for your input. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. 🙂
Cat
Cat,
This is very interesting line of work. Your ten reasons for not being a camgirl are much like other internet jobs. If you do not do your research, you could be giving away money instead of earning money. Very difficult to weed out the legitimate jobs when you are not going to a place to work. Great information.
John
Hi John,
I can see some parallels for sure. I’ll be addressing more on actual scams in the future, but suffice it to say if a camgirl is asked for money she is being scammed. She should only ever be making money! But it can be hard to find a company that will give a fair commission. All things that will be addressed in future posts so stay tuned!
Thank you for taking the time to comment on this one.
Cat
These are all well thought out reasons based on your personal experience which people will relate to. Stay safe!
Thank you Donna! I’ll be addressing the topic of safety soon 😉 Take care.
I don’t check out these sites and nor do I envy the girls who take on the task of doing this for a living. I would not personally advise anyone to go down this route and I have to be honest, I would be highly disappointed and annoyed if my daughter took this job. But at the same time I am happy to see there is a support network for those that are in the trade. For this reason I can say to you, good job and keep up the good work.
Jason, I really appreciate you commenting on this. I don’t think any parent would be happy to see their son or daughter working in the sex industry, but of course this does go back to the stigmatization of it all and traditional values. I can definitely understand your perspective though, which is why I don’t let my parents know what I do. It makes me really sad to have to keep it from them, but I do because ultimately I don’t want to hurt them with my choices.
Then again, I think the same could have been said about massage therapy (for example) only a few years ago.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts! All the best.
Hi Cat!
Love your honesty and direct approach! So good that you are trying to prevent others from being abused or scammed within this industry. It does not seem to be for everyone that’s for sure and it is not easy magic money as some might think. It seems to be like you have to be sure of yourself and be able to handle different types of personalities to be a cam girl
Nice to see you again Emily! You are totally right, as a webcam model I have encountered so many different kinds of people that I doubt I would ever have met in real life. It can be seriously interesting if you’re into psychology haha! But yes, no such thing as “easy magic money” 😉 Thanks for your comments!