For as long as there has been cinema there has been an adult entertainment industry. From the first erotic shorts recorded on black-and-white reels and discreetly distributed in the early 20^th century to the sexual revolution of the 1960s and the rise of VHS and porn stars like Jenna Jameson and John Holmes (the inspiration for Boogie Nights), the adult entertainment industry has grown to become a multi-billion-dollar global phenomenon.  

As technology has advanced and internet access has become more widespread in the 21^st century, streaming platforms have become a dominant way for consumers to access all kinds of media content, especially of the adult variety. In this article, we look at the impact streaming has had on the adult entertainment industry.

Early Online Adult Content

In the early days of the internet, adult content was among the first forms of media to be distributed online. Various websites offered free or paid access to adult videos and images, often in low resolution and poor quality. These sites laid the groundwork for the online adult entertainment industry. 

The Rise of Paid Streaming Sites

As internet speeds improved and online payment systems became more secure, paid adult streaming sites emerged. These platforms offered higher-quality videos and a more extensive library of content. Consumers could subscribe or pay per video, creating a new revenue stream for the industry.

Piracy and Tube Sites

The adult industry, like other entertainment sectors, faced challenges from piracy and the rise of tube sites (websites offering free adult content). While these sites were often criticised for hosting pirated material, they also introduced a new model of ad-supported free content. Many studios and performers saw their content distributed on these platforms without their consent, leading to legal battles over copyright infringement. The distribution of notorious celebrity sex tapes featuring Pamela Anderson, Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian raised questions about privacy, consent, and the potential for exploitation given that none of the women were said to have been involved in the distribution, or provided their consent (although this has been contested more recently in the case of Kardashian).

Streaming and On-Demand Services

To compete with piracy and tube sites, many adult studios and performers began offering their content on streaming and on-demand services. These platforms provided a legal way for consumers to access high-quality adult content while supporting creators and copyright holders.

Integration with Mainstream Streaming Services

In recent years, some mainstream streaming services, like Roku and Plex, have integrated adult content options into their platforms, allowing consumers to access adult material alongside mainstream entertainment. This integration has further normalised adult entertainment as part of the streaming landscape.

The Impact on the Adult Industry

Streaming platforms have allowed the adult entertainment industry to adapt to changing consumer preferences and distribution methods. Performers and studios can now reach a global audience without relying solely on traditional distribution channels. Additionally, the ease of access and anonymity offered by streaming platforms has contributed to the industry’s continued growth. In terms of safety, many companies and organisation such as Onlyfans and Erobella argue that the digitisation of the adult industry has made some aspects of sex work safer, especially in the field of prostitution where many service providers no longer need to make a living by working on the streets. 

Challenges and Regulation

Despite their benefits, streaming platforms catering to adult content face ongoing challenges related to content regulation, age verification, and payment processing. Many governments and payment processors have imposed stricter regulations on adult content, which has also had an impact on the industry’s operations on these platforms.

Today, streaming platforms play a crucial part in the evolution of the adult entertainment industry’s evolution, offering new distribution channels, business models, and opportunities for both established studios and individual performers. Their role in shaping the industry’s future is likely to continue as technology and consumer preferences evolve further.