SWR Data Publishes 'Clip Trend' Report

Report finds creators shifting away from fan site subscriptions to focus on clip sales

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Adult industry market research firm SWR Data has published a new report examining trends in the creator economy, including a 24% year-over-year increase in the number of creators claiming clip sales as their primary source of revenue. The report also found a 20% decline in creators reporting fan site subscriptions as their top income source, indicating a potential shift away from the "fan site hustle culture" as creators seek more stable revenue streams.

Why it matters

This report provides valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the adult creator economy, highlighting a potential shift in how creators are generating income. As social media platforms continue to face instability, creators are increasingly looking for alternative revenue sources that offer more stability and control. Understanding these trends can help both creators and platforms adapt their strategies to better serve the needs of the industry.

The details

According to the 'What's Behind the Rise in Clips' report, the number of creators claiming clip sales as their primary source of revenue rose 24% year-over-year, based on SWR's most recent survey of 550 adult creators. Conversely, the percentage of creators reporting fan site subscriptions as their primary source of income fell 20%. SWR Data co-founder MelRose Michaels noted that 'creators are tiring of fan site hustle culture' and are 'increasingly looking for income sources that are more stable.' Co-founder Mike Stabile added that the data points to a 'potential shift in the creator economy' that the company will be exploring further.

  • The report is part of SWR's annual State of the Creator survey, which polled more than 500 working adult creators in the fall of 2025.

The players

SWR Data

An adult industry market research outfit that has published a report on the performance of clip platforms and sales.

MelRose Michaels

Co-founder of SWR Data.

Mike Stabile

Co-founder of SWR Data.

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What they’re saying

“Creators are tiring of fan site hustle culture. Faced with social media instability and the constant need to find new fans, they're increasingly looking for income sources that are more stable.”

— MelRose Michaels, Co-founder, SWR Data (xbiz.com)

“The data points to a potential shift in the creator economy. We'll be diving into the data more over the coming weeks and months to help creators and platforms navigate this new world.”

— Mike Stabile, Co-founder, SWR Data (xbiz.com)

What’s next

SWR Data plans to further analyze the data from its annual State of the Creator survey to help creators and platforms better understand the evolving dynamics of the adult creator economy.

The takeaway

This report suggests a potential shift in the adult creator economy, with creators moving away from the 'fan site hustle culture' and increasingly focusing on more stable revenue sources like clip sales. Understanding these trends can help both creators and platforms adapt their strategies to better serve the needs of the industry.