Webcam modeling is not a fast track to wealth. I don’t ever want you to think that I’m trying to sell this idea, because I’m really not. If this is a career path you’re considering or have already chosen, then you need to be prepared with facts and realistic expectations.
When people stand to gain by you becoming a camgirl, they try to make you want it. I’m sure you’ve seen ads like these:
So now you’re wondering how much a camgirl actually makes, and I would be too. There are so many conflicting numbers out there, and most of them are used in ads that are trying to get you to sign up. I’ll say it again: don’t be blinded by the numbers!
Here are the facts.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star-3″ wrap=”i”] With the proper equipment, training and attitude – a new model does have the potential to start off making anywhere from $20 – $40 per hour.
I read all the tips I could find before I started, and I did my best to have a good setup. During my first week on cam, I was shy and awkward – and I averaged about $13 per hour.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star-3″ wrap=”i”] The better looking she is, the easier it will be starting out.
In the long run, though, a great personality is much more important to the longevity of her career as a webcam model.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star-3″ wrap=”i”] The more a camgirl is willing to do on cam, the higher her earning potential will be.
If she’s not willing to do some X rated performances, she will have a harder time starting out. That does not mean it’s impossible, as of course there are fetishes and niches out there that are in high demand as well. It’s just a matter of finding her audience.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star-3″ wrap=”i”] Consistent earnings come from sticking to a consistent schedule and working toward developing a solid fan base.
Read more:
How to Develop Your Solid Fan Base
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star-3″ wrap=”i”] The ads report the earnings of the site’s best models, and usually state “up to” – like how your Internet Service Provider says “up to” the download/upload speeds you pay for lol.
I’m about two years into this job. On my best days, I can make $100 in an hour. On worse to average days, I can see anything from $20 – $50 per hour.
When they make those claims of weekly earnings or even sometimes monthly or yearly earnings, this is obviously dependent on the model’s stamina and how much time she actually wants to put into this.
Sure, I could make $100,000 in a year if I worked 40 hour weeks, but I work less than 10 hours most weeks because it’s better for my health and overall sense of well being.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star-3″ wrap=”i”] The longer you stay logged on, the better your chances are of actually making money.
Don’t base your hourly wage off of logging on for one hour and then logging off. It’s an average, and traffic comes and goes so it’s best to try and be around when your guests are around.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star-3″ wrap=”i”] I’d be willing to wager that every model in the history of webcam modeling has gone through a shift and earned zero dollars.
It’s part of the business, and the result of waning traffic.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star-3″ wrap=”i”] When you look bored, you are much less likely to make any money because your guests will get bored along with you.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star-3″ wrap=”i”] When you try too hard, you are much less likely to make any money because you look desperate.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star-3″ wrap=”i”] When you engage your visitors, keep a positive attitude and just be yourself on cam, you are much more likely to make money because your guests are more likely to find you entertaining and likable.
So a webcam model’s earning potential really depends on the webcam model. It depends on her personality, her attitude, her energy level and health, her sex drive, how open minded she is, and her reliability.
The best way to make money in this industry is to stop thinking about the money and just enjoy yourself and your guests. If the job is a good fit, the money will come with patience and persistence.
For further reading see our post Thirteen reasons why…… I’m a camgirl
[tweetthis remove_twitter_handles=”true” remove_hidden_hashtags=”true”]The best way to make money in this industry is to stop thinking about the money.. just enjoy yourself & your guests.[/tweetthis]
If this is something you want to do, don’t give up after a frustratingly slow day. Those happen to the best of us.
Read More:
Passive Income For Camgirls
Take it easy.
Oldest profession on Earth.
So much for sweet, innocent girls-much less nurturing mothers. (Or mothers at all…) Every guy, (and others, but Especially dudes,) is potential ‘trick’ without any actual ‘treats’, on or off cam. I for one am not optimistic about the prospects of a society that lavishes financial and cultural rewards for the basest form of (self/body-and client/money)exploitation.
I’m not optimistic about the prospects of a society that could hold such strong opinions on content they clearly don’t understand at all. Good luck with that, dude. PS Thanks for the laugh. 🙂
Currently I work as a camgirl in a very important place of sex and I can say that you earn very well if you have determination and desire to make a lot of money in a short time
I just had a couple questions for you if you don’t mind? I just started camming on Chaturbate it’s my first week and I’ve made about 15k tokens in the last 4 days doing 3 or 4 hours a day, is that something new girls can expect in their first week? I was wondering if I should invest in better webcam/lighting but don’t wanna do that if I won’t be making much later on after my first week
Great job! You’ll almost always make more if you do invest in quality webcam and lighting. Clients pay for quality. 😉
No reason not to be making much after your first week. You won’t have the extra promotion, but you’ll have a following by that point and you can keep growing your brand from there. If you feel like you need some extra training to get there, you should definitely check out Uber Cam Star. Buttler knows his shit.
Hello, lately i’ve been thinking really hard about being a cam girl but i have some concerns.
1. I am on the chunky side working my way down, can I make as much as Thin Models?
2. What Site to use?
I need more income to leave the situation I’m in and get my own apartment…
Hello! Thank you for bringing your concerns to O Camgirl.
1. Absolutely. There’s a huge market out there for every body type, including skinny girls, Big Beautiful Women, and everyone in between.
2. Good question! We’re working on a post that helps to navigate all the most popular options. Just starting out though, I would definitely recommend checking out Chaturbate (Our review | Application form). It’s very popular with new girls and experienced models alike.
I hope this helps!
I’ve been wanting to cam since I turned 18 (about a year ago.) Things that concern me is that I don’t have much privacy where I am right now and don’t have the best computer. I also have stretch marks on my stomach (I’m not overweight but do have a bit of a love handle, I’m really tall and have stretch marks since I was 10) I am also biracial black and white and I worry that guys won’t be interested in me as much as other girls and I’m currently at a university and I worry about some of my classmates seeing me. I noticed in your other post you recommend wearing a wig which I suppose I can do and change my makeup, but still a concern about my race and my stretch marks.
Also people I am with are going to wonder where I’m getting this money from since I have no job right now(If i even make any.) And I can’t tell them I’m doing cam shows….
Thanks if you read this sorry if this is a dumb question
Mixed women are gorgeous. I can say this because I have known a great deal of people who are and are stunning. Myself included 😉
Enjoy being the best of both worlds
I have a serious question for cam models. Is it even possible to earn enough money to pay the bills? As a user on streamate and other top cam sites I just don’t see it. I’ve tipped 400 dollars to one model (not bragging at all) and combined with the other tips she received, barely took home 200. I frequent the sites enough to see if I just catch them at a bad time but more often than not the room is slow except for the one time out the week where business is booming.
It’s absolutely possible, and a lot of us do. 200 bucks is nothing to scoff at for a day’s work. Traffic and sales fluctuate, yes, but it tends to even out in the end if the model is consistent.
Any suggestions for reliable sites?
https://www.ocamgirl.com/guide-to-the-top-10-cam-sites-for-beginners/
hi, About an year ago I subscribed here, looking for some advices or tips :), and I made an account on cam4, its a french one. The great advantage is that if you Speak french you can go on top , first page, very fast, but its not only the language skils , its about all …. for aboust 6 months we tried do make it simple, like every one, couple show classic, but immediatlly you stumble and no one comes to see you. But we vad an excelent ideea to start broadcast outside, we found our type of show that we enjoy a lot and we make a living out of it. Thats the difference betwen those who want to try and those who can make it , but its hard… at the end its like a normal job, you have to come with new ideas, better you do it better you earned it, nothing comes easy! Now I work like 4 days a week, in a 2-3 hours show and i am finally getting my payout lol, its really cool I hope that we can share all about our cams experience here. kissses
Hi Triominos,
Thank you for reading O Camgirl and sharing your experience with us. I’m happy to hear that you are doing well with camming. All the best!
Cat
DO you have to report you income to taxes?
Yes.
If the pictures of most of you girls are any indication on how attractive most are , my girl would make an absolute killing doing somthing like this
If your comment is any indication of your awareness of the sex industry and how it works, things aren’t looking good for you at all. How she looks is a very small factor in the scheme of how much she would make doing “something like this” – but you would know that if you’d actually read the post you commented on.
The best way to earn money is to be positive and motivated.
I prefer working with daily goals, but some girls prefer working just a set amount of hours per day.
What you should do is invest time in getting extra traffic.
You can also follow several camgirl retweeters such as @camwhor etc the more followers these retweeters have the better the exposure will be.
Other than that you can also make video clips and sell them on clip websites such as clips4sale. Great way to make money while offline and once you made it, it is just sitting there to make you money.
Most platform also allow you to sell videos on your cam profile so you can spread 1 single video all over your income sources to get the most out of it.
Hello, I’ve been struggling with money lately… I have a steady job but I just don’t make enough money… I’ve been thinking on becoming a cam girl… but many people I know use the internet a lot, and my job is very social and moral… can I still be one without showing my face? I want to wear a lace eye mask and a wig… will that make me earn less money? thanks for your help
Hey girl,
Lace eye masks and wigs are a great idea for disguising your identity on cam! Arcana’s the expert on disguises – check out her post here.
Best, Cat
Can you point me in the direction of a good company to contact about being a cam girl? i am young and cute and trying to use this to help make money, but really hesitant because i feel like its gotta be a total scam and if not, there have got to be plenty of scammers! i dont want to be a victim of this. heeeellllpppp 🙂
We’ve reviewed a few of the popular sites for you. Here’s the link so you can check them out: Cam Site Reviews. If you’re concerned about something being a scam, I recommend reading this post about how to recognize a scam in this industry. There are plenty of legitimate opportunities out there for you! If you still have questions feel free to shoot me an email. 🙂
-Cat
Hey cat! I love your blogs. I’m seriously thinking of becoming a webcam model to help support me through school and to become more independent but I’m kinda of a timeline I need to make a good regular money within two months. Is that possible or unrealistic?
Honestly this varies for everyone, but I don’t see why you couldn’t be making money in that time frame if you put in the work and keep a consistent schedule. These tips should help too. Thanks for commenting! Best, Cat
hi cat, im a burlesque performer thinking of transfering skills to webcam? what do you think
I think your skills are definitely transferable! As long as you keep a positive attitude and work ethic about camming, you can totally work it. Thanks for commenting!
Thanks for posting this! Just all of this haha. I’ve read what feels like almost every article. I just turned eighteen and have a little girl, she’s two. I currently work in fast food but there’s been a lot of drama, AND i just moved thirty minutes away, i’m pretty stressed and my roommate is a dancer, so i was considering it, but this seems like it may be easier for me since i know a lot of people here. I’m pretty shy, but i’m honest and joke a lot, and you said to focus more on your personality right? I’m thinking i’m going to sign up right now, i don’t know which site i should sign up for, and i’m also kindddda worried people won’t be interested, but just based on how i’m talking right now, what do you think? Think i can make enough to keep food on the table (that we don’t have yet, lol)?
Hi Elise,
If you keep this positive attitude up I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t be successful in this industry. Glad you get that personality is the key. I have to say I was totally shy when I first started, and I think a lot of people can relate to that. But it sounds like you’re in a good situation to start out, and you even have a roommate who will understand what you do! That’s huge. I recommend checking out our cam site reviews if you’re still looking for a good spot to start out.
And hey, thanks for reading O Camgirl and sharing your thoughts! All the best, Cat
I’m so thankful for finding this site. helped me feel less retarded going into this field. I signed into SM and started streaming for the first time the other day… to my completely frustrating disappointment, I had several people come into my room in the first few minutes just to tell me over and over that they couldn’t hear me. I modified a few things with my mic, signed back in, Same issue. Modified again. Performed a sound recording on my PC. No issues. Performed a mic test via browser. No issues. Used an online guitar tuner with mic and it picked up my guitar strumming no issue. yet when i got back on SM, people again were coming into the room and shutting the door the second they got there with no explanation, or saying they couldn’t hear me and then leaving. Do you have any idea what’s going on? Why is my mic working everywhere but SM? The audio obviously isn’t disabled, that was the first thing i checked in the window. But it’s just not happening. Anyoen else had this issue?
Hi Sasha! I’m glad this site helped you 🙂 I have never had this audio problem personally streaming with SM for the past couple years. Hopefully if someone else knows what’s up they’ll respond to this. Otherwise, I would recommend contacting SM support with specifics and hopefully they can help. Good luck!
Hi, I am seriously concidering becoming a camgirl but I am in a reltaionship and not sure how to broach the topic with my partner. We are going through a rough financial patch and this seems like an intresting way to earn some money. Do you have any tips on how to disscuss it?
Hi Nova! Honesty is always the best approach. I would just say something like “what would you think if I wanted to try webcam modeling? I heard those girls can make a lot of money, and it’s something I might be interested in. What do you think?” Make it so that it’s a team decision, not just you calling the shots and your partner feeling like they weren’t involved.
UPDATE: Check out Roxanna’s post, “How to Talk to Your Partner About Webcam Modeling.” All the best, Cat
I just started camming and I thought I would start making money like that but it’s not. I’m a very attractive girl (not cocky just confident) and I thought it would be easier but it’s about having fun and relaxing. It’s my 5th week as a cam girl and I’m just starting to make over two hundred a paycheck. And I work twenty hour work shifts so that averages about 10$ an hour but just be patient! I’ve talked to some of the top girls at my studio who are top on the site and they said it took them about three months before they really started making money
That sounds about right. It does take time and patience! Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m sure it will be really helpful for other new camgirls. And keep at it! Your hard work and persistence will pay off before you know it 😉
I hope no one takes this the wrong way but I was quite glad to read this, I’ve just started, only done two days worth (well, about seven hours altogether I suppose) and I have literally earned $20…but eighteen people have added me to their favourite list and I even have a couple of regulars who have taken me private both times I’ve gone online… The way I see it I’m building up a fanbase, hopefully this time next year I’ll have a successful business 🙂
So many people would just give up at this point, so it’s good that you’re being realistic with your expectations – the more you put into this, the more you will see coming out of it. And you’re right, you’re absolutely building up your fan base right now. Sounds like you’re on the right track, now just keep going! 😀
I just got my profile completed on chaturbate and I’m so excited to perform my first broadcast. I think I’m gonna have alot of fun with this. I have been a dancer before and I’m so happy that I will be safe at home and not physically strained after a session. I’m looking forward to seeing how well I do!!! I think I made a good choice with this decision. All I’m waiting for is my webcam in the mail and I’m gonna get started 🙂
Way to go Crimson! I’m sure you will have a lot of fun with this. Dancing is an awesome skill to have in this line of work, too. Best of luck to ya! If you ever have any questions along the way, feel free to write 🙂
Hello, I’m considering becoming a cam girl but one thing sticking in my head is thinking what on Earth I would do the very first time I performed? Presumably I wouldn’t be to hard core because you want the viewers to come back for more and they’ll want something different, but then to vanilla they may get bored?
Any advice would be greatfully received 🙂
Hi Lady! This all depends on the style of show you’re looking to do, as well as your audience. For example, if you decide to work on a private show oriented site (where most of your shows happen with just one viewer), that viewer may have specific requests and then it’s easy for you as you know what they want. Sometimes they don’t communicate, but you can just do a little strip tease or dance and hope they enjoy it until their time runs out. On the public show sites like Chaturbate, you do a tip show that works primarily off of goals – again it totally depends on what you want to do in your show! Some example goals might be stripping in stages, then playing in stages – so a set number of tokens for the shirt off, then another token amount to get the bra off, and on and on. Teasing and playing never get old, though, and your regulars (who you win over with your personality, remember!) will love seeing you in action regardless.
Lady AWESOME question glad you thought of it & asked Ty
So… I have been eyeballing this option for more than a few years now. I am just curious if you happen to know many people with highly recognizable tattoos in the business… I know for a fact that many of the males in my family frequent porn sites, and get pop ups and such for cam sites. As much as a I try, my skin does not blend well with much stage makeup, and my tattoos are fairly obvious to anyone who has seen them… Basically, I am terrified of someone I am very close to accidentally seeing me at work… do you know any sites that guarantee no pop up advertisement, or any advice for someone trying to stay under the radar in general?
Hey Michi, pop up advertisements are meant to lure in new customers so they feature famous camgirls and top models on the big sites. They may not even represent what the user will find when they click on that ad – the model may not be on that site, or may not actually be streaming. Basically, make use of every security measure available to protect your privacy. Then be great, but not the best. Hope this helps!
On myfreecams you can actually black states you want blocked.
Good to know! Many sites do offer geo blocking as a privacy feature and I definitely recommend making use of this.
Me and my hubby are new to camming and this is totally true of what we would like to achieve. We’ve been at it about a month and if we go in thinking of how much we want to make we very often come out with very little. Go in with the view to enjoy ourselves and we just seem to earn more. It seems to be one of those industries where people can tell who is for real and who are faking it (quite literally). Great blog post. Love it.
I’ve always found this to be the case. As counter-intuitive as it might seem, it totally works! Best piece of advice I heard going in was to stop thinking about the money. Thanks for sharing your comments. Take it easy.
hey, I have literally just signed up for naked – i have no idea how this all works and I’ve been researching it – tips ect.. all night long. I work weekends as a bar maid and I’m at uni aswell but i think this would be fun to do for some cash when i have free time i really dont know much your post has helped out a lot but is there any advice you could tell me as a complete newbie. How do these companies pay you is it by check or bank transfer etc.. x
thanks xx
Hey Bell, thanks for visiting! Glad this post helped you out. Advice for newbies is all over this site 😉 but if you have any specific questions please feel free to send me an email and I will respond personally. Most sites offer a few payment options like check, wire transfer, or Payoneer. Hope that helps. Cat
“Sure, I could make $100,000 in a year if I worked forty hour weeks, but I work less than ten hours most weeks because it’s better for my health and overall sense of well being.” I snarfed from laughter when I read that, haha. So very true… I always wish I had more motivation to truly & consistently hustle, I do have my spurts but ultimately, I seem to be content that I am making around the same camming as I did being an experienced health care professional, except I work around ten hours a week instead of 40… and have more time for my family and other interests. I’ll take it. 🙂
(PS- This is my first time coming across your site and I can’t begin to express how thrilled I am that I did! Been camming for about a year and a half and have noticed a severe lack in sincere discourse on webcam modeling. It gets lonely out there… This is refreshing to see and thanks for doing what you do!)
Glad you appreciated that comment. Honestly I think it comes down to priorities, and that thirty hours is just ultimately more important to me than the money I could make if I kept up the hustle. It’s nice to have a life outside of work, ya know. Thanks for your kind comments, Electra. Hope to see you around here again. 🙂 Take it easy.
I think the “40 hours/week” idea is operating under a very incorrect assumption; you CAN’T work that many hours as a camgirl in large part as you can’t masturbate and be on cam that much. Sure as a woman you can “fake” most of the time, but your “regulars,” the ones who really are your bread and butter for income, A) Don’t have that many free hours in a week to watch you, and B) Will largely see through it if you’re on all the time. It will turn them away. For more “hardcore” shows…which is what most viewers are looking for, i.e. penetration, your body wasn’t built to take that much sex. For lower key shows, ex: strip tease, etc. its draining for the men, as most, while they can enjoy a full show occasionally, can’t do that every night.
Its like selling panties; you can make some money off of, but hard to earn a living from that alone as you’re only one person and there’s something of a “supplies are limited” scenario.
Could I hide my identity, if I wore a wig, and covered up tattoos and etc.?
You can totally wear a wig and cover up tattoos to hide your identity. The only thing that isn’t recommended is covering or otherwise hiding your face – but feel free to wear extra makeup!
Hi great site and info. never knew about this industry till now so very informative.
Hi, thanks for checking it out and commenting!
Hey, thanks for the info girl. You’re really helping me out when it comes to this industry! 🙂
Hey Kelsey, you’re welcome and thanks for visiting! Stop by anytime 🙂
Fantastic post, The reality of life is very important for any woman to know. I think it is awesome that you’re giving girls the facts and not letting them get taken advantage of.If I was thirty years younger, I would do this career in a heartbeat. I think it is a fantastic job and nothing to be ashamed of at all. I am happy to see you’re proud of what you do and who you are.Lisa
Lisa, thank you so much for your encouraging comments. Drop in anytime! 😀 All the best, Cat
I think this is some good advice and a few of the tips can be used in all other jobs as well
True true, any job would benefit from things like consistency and a positive attitude for sure. Thanks for your comment!
This is really interesting, I had no idea there was such a thing as camgirls. Do you know if there are male models doing the same thing? Would this advice apply to men?
Hi Don! Absolutely, I use the term camgirls around here because it is just more common – but male models (or “camboys“) are a huge part of the industry as well. Most of what I’ll be talking about on this site does also apply to any men interested in webcam modeling.
hi Cat
those are great facts for those who would be starting off in the business! I think any new camgirl would appreciate knowing this from the get go. I do not know the industry that well but I am pretty sure that its easy to get swept in with illusions that one will become instantly rich. Chances of exploitation (monetary) might also be high. So it’s good that you are sharing your own experience.
Hi Emily,
You’re right, it is way too easy to get caught up in the idea that becoming a camgirl will make you instantly rich. No no no! ^^ This is the unfortunate result of so many sites focusing their advertising on the numbers, because they know that numbers blind people sometimes and make them consider doing things they might not otherwise have chosen to do. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment here, and wish you all the best.
Cat
I hate to say it, but I think many cam girls are incredibly naive. But that’s no surprise, the adult industry has for decades churned through young women; I don’t mean this really in a bad way; its just there’s far too many who come in wide-eyed & bushy tailed(first thing then they usually have to shave it) thinking they’re going to make tens of thousands of dollars…and all they have to do is be naked or record themselves masturbating…its hard work; you’ve got to constantly look your best and be interacting with huge numbers of people on a seemingly endless basis, most of whom are looking for things you’ve don’t have the interest in or otherwise stamina all the time for. Also, if the thought of penetrating your bodily orifices thousands of times a day with toys doesn’t interest you, you probably shouldn’t be a cam girl. And of those orifices, “Do you do anal?” will be a question and greeting you hear about as much as “Hi, how are you?”
You’re right. Most of the young girls don’t understand what it takes to become really successful in webcamming and start making any money at all. First of all, like almost any other business, cam girl sites are pretty competitive. There are many beautiful girls out there and it may be not enough just to get naked. Like Cat has already mentioned, personality, attitude and communication skills also play a huge role. In addition to that, a model needs to have a quality camera, fast internet, good lighting, sexy clothes, good looking workplace. I guess this list is not full. No wonder that a great percentage of girls are struggling to earn money with it. But it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. You simply need to be one of the best to make it your primary source of income.