In the last year, OnlyFans has loudly increased the visibility of online sex work. But for many veterans in the field, the platform's policies that discourage in-person sex work make it unattractive. For many sex workers, the little-discussed Eros. Three sex workers who spoke to Insider said the site is preferred for its simplicity and discretion and explained how it works.
Eros acts as an advertising platform where many sex workers sell their services, but unlike OnlyFans, the company does not handle transactions for workers. Users can scroll through page after page of escorts who can cater to almost any niche interest imaginable — from the girlfriend experience to the edgier, kinkier part of the spectrum. The website offers listings in nearly all fifty states, as well as Canada, Italy, and the UK. At the top of the homepage, Eros provides major categories like Escorts, BDSM, and Massage, but also includes a search function that allows for more specific queries.
Escorts will oftentimes list their rates per hour on their page, without explicitly stating what services would be rendered. Sex workers must enter their credit card information to purchase an ad on the platform, but beyond that, Eros has no financial involvement with transactions that take place between workers and clients.
Eros provides the ability to link to social media, and encourages users to place banner ads linking back to their Eros pages on other personal websites. They don't provide the means to link directly to external websites from Eros profiles, however, which could potentially contain incriminating information. For users, contacting an escort is free and simple, with the mode of communication left up to the discretion of the provider, oftentimes text or email.
Related stories. Two sex workers told Insider they like Eros for its simplicity and discretion. A Toronto-based escort who goes by Ella Blaire professionally told Insider she made an OnlyFans during the pandemic for the sake of maintaining connections with existing clients and replacing lost income, but has never felt comfortable posting explicit content online, so as she returns to more in-person work she "prioritizes OnlyFans less and less.
