Becoming a webcam model is not a decision to make lightly. So before we start prepping you for your new webcam business, have you done your research? From where you’re sitting, do the pros outweigh the cons? If that’s a resounding yes, you’re ready to take the next steps to become a webcam model and start making money on cam! (Otherwise, go do some reading. I’ll wait.)
Here’s a quick guide to get you set up.
Might wanna bookmark this. It’s a centralized guide that links out to a bunch more information as needed, but you’ll probably want to refer back to the steps here along the way.Â
Step One:
Make sure you have everything you need to get started.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkbox-unchecked” wrap=”i”] Computer
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkbox-unchecked” wrap=”i”] HD Webcam
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkbox-unchecked” wrap=”i”] High Speed Internet
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkbox-unchecked” wrap=”i”] Good Lighting (Guide coming soon! In the meantime: if you’re on a budget, experiment with windows and lamps without shades. If you have some cash to sink into your setup, try a lighting kit like this one.)
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkbox-unchecked” wrap=”i”] Clean and Comfortable Space to Work
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkbox-unchecked” wrap=”i”] Something to Wear
 (some inspiration on Amazon)
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkbox-unchecked” wrap=”i”] Something to Play With
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkbox-unchecked” wrap=”i”] Government-issued photo ID (you MUST be 18+ to do this work)
Step Two:
Decide who you want to be on cam.
[tweetthis]Pro tip: Be yourself! It’s the easiest person to be over long periods of time.[/tweetthis]
You’ll also need to choose a stage name you love. Here’s a guide my friend Ashe wrote on this subject if you need some tips.
Spend some time coming up with your name, and make sure it isn’t already being used. Your cam name will become your brand and it’s not something you’ll want to change in the future once you’ve established your fan base.
Your future clients will know you by the name you choose right now so don’t pick something you might regret 6 months out.
Step Three:
Say cheese!
To prepare for Step Four, you’ll need at least one quality head shot and one quality profile pic.
Keep it tasteful and keep your clothes on. Roxanna wrote a great guide on taking quality pictures for your profile a while back. Check it out here if you need some tips.
While I’m on the subject, yes to makeup. I’ve found webcams generally make my naked face look kinda bleh. So even if you’re like me and never wear makeup in real life, I recommend at least a good foundation, mascara, and maybe a lip gloss or colour. Definitely yes to liquid eyeliner for a more dramatic effect  (check out this cat-eye for inspiration).Â
Oh, and don’t forget to smile. 😉
Step Four:
Pick your first cam site and apply to become a model.
I get a lot of emails asking which cam site is best. Unfortunately there is no one answer to this question. It really depends on your goals and personality. But, there are two main styles of site you should be aware of:
Public platform: On these sites you’ll set tip goals, play games and perform for a potentially large group of guests. This setup is particularly great for building your fan base, and the income potential is quite high due to the number of viewers allowed.
Top recommendation: Chaturbate [Review | Application].
Close second: MyFreeCams, but it’s a very competitive environment, not recommended for beginners.
Private platform: This is where we do per-minute shows on an individual basis, as well as private group shows. Traffic and commission are generally much lower than public platforms, but this shouldn’t deter you if you’re more introverted or more interested in building one-on-one relationships with clients.
Top recommendation: Flirt4Free [Application] …This is where I started. I may be a bit biased, so that review is pending. But, it’s worth mentioning that they have their own private forum for models and working with them basically taught me everything I know.Â
Close second: Streamate [Review | Application] But again, not recommended for beginners. They have a customer referral program that warrants coming in with an existing fan base anyway. 😉
If you’d like to work directly with me to get off the ground on Streamate, you can learn more about our studio and apply here (if you go this route, I will set up your account but you will retain full control over it).
Pick one and get that application in! If you try one and don’t like it, there’s nothing stopping you from trying another.
Be careful not to sign up with a studio that takes half your check and then binds you to a non-compete – those are a bitch. Always read your contract!Â
Step Five:
Familiarize yourself with the site and its rules.
Before you start broadcasting, make sure you understand how you will be making money on the site. Explore the interface. Read everything they give you. If need be, communicate with the site support to make sure that you’re on the same page.
Step Six:
Sell your soul.
I’m joking. Just fill out your profile.
- Upload one of those tastefully sexy photos from Step Three.
- Be totally clear about your limits and what you’re willing to do in your show. A.K.A Do not sell your soul.
- Highlight your unique features, interests, and personality.
- Remember, it doesn’t have to be all about sex. Without revealing any personal information, give your guests a glimpse of the real you.
Step Seven:
Select your office hours.
And yeah, stick to them. Webcam modelling is a business, so treat it like one. Consistency is going to be key to your success.
Step Eight:
Dive in!
Get ready, turn on your cam, and get started. It’s totally normal for it to feel a little awkward at first. Embrace the butterflies. If you need help with anything, contact site support first. If they are not helpful, contact me and I’ll do my best to help you out.
Remember that you are the boss. If a member is being rude, give him a warning and don’t be shy with the boot button. Stay in control of your room and don’t do something that you weren’t planning on doing, unless you’re comfortable with it.
If this is something you want to do, then I want to help you do it to the best of your potential. I’ll offer as much advice and info as I can to help you succeed if you decide to become a webcam model, but ultimately the best way to learn is to do it. So jump in!
Check out our Success Tips archives for more.
Thanks for reading.
So glad i found your page! im still on the fence about the whole thing. i have horrible stretch marks all over my stomach from both my kids and i have severe social anxiety so i get so nervous about my body..any tips?
Drea, I have a couple of posts I’d like to share, just in case you missed them. 🙂
Regarding the stretch marks (and really any perceived physical flaw): Read this!
I also have severe social anxiety, though my struggle is more with conversing. In case it might also help you, Read this!
I hope this material is helpful. If you’re still feeling unsure about anything please feel free to send me a note through any contact form.
Best,
Cat
Hi! I’m a divorced mom of 3 young kids, and disabled to boot. I can’t work a 9-5 job. So, I’m looking into camming to help pay the bills. I’ll be getting started soon, and just wanted to say thank you for all of the info. I’m excited to start getting some financial relief.
Hi Adeline! I’m so glad O Camgirl was able to help with your research. Let me know if you need any additional help moving forward. All the best!
Hi Cat, I have just made my first account with myfreecams! I’m totally new to this but feeling really excited for my first stream but I have no idea what to do now. Do you know of any good articles on this site that I can read to get to know the ropes a little before I take the plunge? Thanks for this post by the way it made setting up so so much easier!
Hey Amber, congrats on your new account! Our Success Tips page probably has what you’re looking for. If not you might want to look into a more structured training course. If that’s the case I’d definitely recommend checking out Uber Cam Star over here. It literally walks you through everything so you get it right the first time. Even helped me as a seasoned performer! All the best, Cat
Hello Cat i was in the google searching the best sites for webcam model or studio if possible, i saw your page and read it,, is there anyway we can chat directly so we can talk better? i wanna ask u something to become model on good site like streamate, or mfc
Hi Alexan,
The best site I’d recommend for starting out is currently Chaturbate. If you have specific questions feel free to send me a note via my contact form. 🙂
Thanks for reading!
Cat
Hi. So I saw a post about being a camgirl and I am a very sexual person. I just recently left my marriage of 20 yrs. Part of it was a sexless marriage and I am at my sexual peak. I swear I am a sex phen. Is this like me and someone else on camera or me just having fun w myself on camera? What if someone I know or used.ro know recognizes me?
Hi, thanks for checking out the blog. Webcam modeling is often a solo venture, just you having fun with yourself on cam. Many do perform with a partner(s) as well. It’s a very fluid industry. Most sites offer geographic restrictions to block your area and minimize the risk of being recognized by someone you know, but of course it’s always a possibility and something you’ll have to come to terms with if you want to pursue camming.
Hi Cat I’ve been looking into camming as something part time and Ocamgirl has been so helpful. While doing my research I noticed there wasn’t much on how models get paid. Do the websites normally cut you a check or do you have to use sites like paxum or payoneer? I havent made an application to any site yet but am pretty certain I will start with chaturbate. I just want to make sure I have all my research done and bases covered before doing so.
Hey Jade, good questions! Payment options vary site-to-site. Many will offer a check in the mail, direct deposit, and Paxum/Payoneer are also very popular options. I’ve personally been using Payoneer for 4 years and it works well for me. Chaturbate is a solid choice for starting out! Thanks for reading O camgirl 🙂
So, I’m curious. Are there age limits; size, color and ethnic limits? At this time in my life i am able to explore and express myself in many different ways. I am not sure where the excessive sexuality and drive has come from but I’ve got it and I’ve got it in triplicate! Just would like to make it work for me. With all that being said, if ur willing to take me on, I’d really love to learn from you.
Generally speaking, there are no such restrictions. Some sites may specialize in different ‘categories’ but I’m personally happy to work with all types of models. I’d love to work with you!
Hey Cat, whats your best tips on being not so nervous on screen?
Hey Jojo, give it time. We’re all nervous in the beginning – I personally have severe social anxiety, but with time I got used to being the center of attention on cam, and now I’m quite comfortable just being myself, engaging with my guys. Camming is kind of amazing that way. Oh and don’t be worrying about money!
Hey is myfreecams a good website? 🙂
Yes! I will say, it is quite competitive and easy to get lost in the shuffle over there. I do recommend Chaturbate if you’d like to look into a more beginner-friendly site on a comparable platform.
Hey Cat! Loving your site! So much helpful information for getting started.
I’m actually going to be doing shows with a friend. We have already been there sexually and are comfortable with each other in that aspect. We are just curious if you have any tips or a specific site that would be better since there will be 2 of us!
Hey guys, thanks for checking out the site. Chaturbate is great for couples! Good luck 🙂
Hey I’m getting ready to start caming but I can’t pick between chaturbate or flirt4free
Hi! I can understand your dilemma, as these are both great sites for starting out. One of the key differences is the prevalent style of show. On Chaturbate, the focus is on group shows and on Flirt4Free the focus is on one-on-one shows. I recommend trying the one you think would fit your personality better, and if you don’t like it, there’s nothing stopping you from trying the other! Good luck and let me know if you run into any other questions. 🙂
Is it possible to sign up for both sites at once? I love your page! I have been reading through all of your articles and posts. Really awesome stuff, so happy I stumbled across you!
Absolutely! I would recommend starting with one if you’re totally new at this, but definitely branch out once you’ve learned the ropes. Nothing stopping you from trying multiple sites simultaneously to find the ones that really work for you. And thanks! I’m glad you stumbled across O Camgirl, too. 😀 Cheers, Cat
Hi Cat,
I recently decided that I would like to be a webcam girl/woman 😉 I work full time in a very professional setting but doing this would be more for me, to fulfill my sexual desires. Do you think it is foolish to want to get into this line of work for reasons other than money? Any dangers?
Hi! Camming is a great outlet for a lot of people and I certainly don’t think money has to be the only motivation for getting into this line of work. Maybe that side of things will be a happy side-effect for you. And that’s totally cool. Just follow all the same safety tips. Hope that helps!
Hey girl, I’m wanting to be a camgirl but only because I’m wanting to make money without my husband knowing, he’s against me working. I want to make enough for my son and i to leave this man, he’s not my sons biological father. Is this a good reason to start? It’s definitely motivation for me to work as many hours necessary. Is there a way to block certain states/countries from viewing?
Hey Nina,
Thanks for reaching out. We all come to camming for our own reasons. Normally I would discourage camming in secret like this, but in your situation I’d say go for it. I think camming could be empowering for you and get you the freedom you’re looking for. Most sites do offer privacy features like geo restrictions that would allow you to block certain states/countries. Good luck!
Interesting site, for those who would like to work in this field, your site is very informative. I would like to see some more of the cons about this type of work and how to avoid them.
Thank you for checking out the site. Of course it is a work in progress, and there is much more to come! My goal is definitely to help new models avoid common mistakes and at the same time make as much as they have the potential to make.
Hey Cat
Although this can be a thorny issues as a cam girl being seen as unladylike, just wondered how do you approach this view point.
I approach it from the viewpoint of the 21st century and the fact that, while the sex industry is still stigmatized due to lack of understanding for the most part, society is progressing. Women voting used to be a thorny issue too. And massage therapy must have been seen as very “unladylike” before it became mainstream. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on the subject Colin. All the best.
I guess if the sex industry is curtailed and monitored in the legal sense and all participating parties are comfortable with the participation abiding within the boundaries of the law, then really what can one do other than protest their opinion.
Webcam modeling is quite legal (in any country where porn is legal), and in fact it’s the safest form of adult work out there. I certainly understand that there will be a lot of different opinions on the subject, and that’s fine. But I am also aware that there is a lot of stigma surrounding the sex industry, and camming tends to get lumped in with everything else because people just don’t have enough information. I plan to shed a lot of light on the subject here at O Camgirl. Thank you again for visiting!
Great post, ton’s of information on how to get started as a web model. nicely done.
Thank you Jennifer! I appreciate your comments.
Cat how do you deal with wanting to be a cam girl but also wanting to pursue your relationship with God?
Hi Caprice, thanks for stopping by and asking this question! It all depends on your priorities and beliefs. If you believe that being a camgirl would be against your personal religion or code of ethics, please don’t. If you believe that you can be a camgirl without compromising on your values, then you should be very clear on your boundaries and limits before starting out. Do what is right for the way you want your life to go.