Ready to make some serious money from the adult industry?

Want to become a cam girl?

The best cam girls earn over $1 Million per year, and many others consistently earn over $20,000 per month, making this one of the most profitable sectors of the adult industry to work in.

If you want to know how to be a cam girl, then you’ve come to the right place.

But first, let us warn you:

Whilst almost anyone can register as a cam model, not everyone can make it a success. If you are serious about starting out in camming then you need to be prepared to put in the effort, work hard and be smart about your marketing.

Becoming a top cam star doesn’t happen overnight.

But for those that follow some basic advice the rewards can be very lucrative indeed.

In this camming guide, we take a look at how to get started as a cam girl. From the kit you need, to growing your audience, and how to earn more money through big tips.

Make Money on Webcam: 3 Top Sites

Already know you want to start camming for cash?

Here are three of the best websites for cam girls to earn money:

See more in our guide to the best sites for cam models.

How To Become a Successful Cam Girl Performer

Before we kick off with the practical tips you want on how to make your camming career a success, we wanted to cover some important advice on who can make it as cam star.

It’s an important question to cover and addresses some of the basic qualities that you should possess in order to make the most money, get the best audiences and to enjoy what you are doing, so please don’t skip over this section.

Who Can Be a Cam Girl?

Sure, anybody can set up an account with one of the popular camming platforms and whilst some models may naturally attract more of an audience due to their looks, not everyone can make camming a successful career.

Those that can, and do, all share the same qualities and they are not what you’d think either.

The top models across sites like Chaturbate, MyFreeCams and CamSoda as well as niche platforms such as KinkLive, FetishSexCams and LiveGoddess all:

• Have a strong work ethic.
• Approach their camming professionally.
• Are committed to broadcasting at regular times.
• Are consistent with their broadcast quality and content.
• Market themselves well using social media and other platforms.
• Make the most of monetizing all of their content.
• Engage with their audiences.
• Have been lucky.

Other than these key factors, cam models can come from any walk of life and background, they can come in different shapes, sizes, races and ages.

They can come in couples, too!

In fact, camming is such a varied industry that there is an audience out there for every kind of performer, regardless of what you look or sound like and the kind of shows you are hosting.

Yes, there is a ‘cookie-cutter’ type when it comes to young, slim and stunningly good-looking models who may well achieve some success but without all of the above qualities they will not outperform those that do.

What Are The Best Cam Sites For Models?

One of the main keys to your success as a cam model is selecting the right site to broadcast from.

Effectively, you are choosing a business partner and if you were going into business in any other walk of life, you’d want to know quite a bit about you are dealing with.

So, our first tip is (unfortunately) a bit of a dull one but is very important not to skip over; research!

There is no substitute for doing your own research and though there are plenty of sites who have their own favorite cam platforms or advice on which services to use, the decision has to be yours and it has to be made based on several factors weighed up together; for example:

Which cam site offers the best commission rates and what is their traffic generation like? 

Some platforms charge as little as 5% of what you generate so you get the lion’s share of the income but if they are only getting a few thousand hits per month then your chances of making big money are pretty limited.

On the other end of the scale, there are cam sites who charge 50% commission yet these services are incredibly popular and you are more likely to be generating a bigger income….even if you have to share half of it with the cam company.

Note: If you’re in any doubt about how much money you can make camming, take a look at the biggest Chaturbate tips. Not bad for a day’s work!

Check the commission structure of each cam site and then check their traffic using services like Alexa or SimilarWeb.

How often does the cam company pay commission and how do they do it?

Again, each site varies in terms of their payment frequency and some models want to be paid weekly whilst others are happy to have this monthly or even on request.

It’s also worth checking what method of payment they employ to process commissions as some only use check which can be a pain if you are based outside of the U.S. Most offer payment via digital transfers or processing platforms like Payoneer.

Also check the currency of the payments being made to you.

Is there any special equipment that you need to broadcast on their site?

Some cam companies only offer HD broadcasting so their models will have to invest in this before they can sign up. Others insist that you have a minimum speed of internet connection so always check the requirements during the research stage to make sure you have what you need.

Are there any exclusivity clauses in their contract?

Some cam sites insist that their contracted models only work for them whilst others aren’t as fussy about whether you broadcast to multiple networks.

The next stage of choosing the right cam site is all about getting a good fit and is also an essential part of your research.

If you are intending to offer a fairly mainstream kind of show and you don’t have any niche skills, look or services to offer then this aspect might not be as important.

However, if you want to offer some kind of kink broadcast or you want to reach a specific audience (BBW lovers, balloon fetishists etc.) then you might want to consider a cam site which reaches your target demographic.

Another aspect to consider about getting a good fit with your cam company is to check the countries where they are most popular.

If you speak a foreign language then you may be able to maximize your appeal by partnering with a cam site that reaches those countries.

Lastly, always check the terms and conditions for all new model sign ups to make sure you are both eligible to join and that there are no quirks about what you can and can’t broadcast.

Do I need to get naked to make money as a cam girl?

Not necessarily.

There are several ways to make money from non-nude cams.

But you will be limiting your potential audience if you’re not willing to show some skin!

The Best Cam Sites to Make Money As a Model

There are literally hundreds of cam sites on the market.

Some have huge traffic numbers (with equally high numbers of models) whilst others are niche or perform well in certain countries.

We would suggest having a look at these popular sites:

• Chaturbate
• IM Live
• I-Camz
• Bonga Cams
• Flirt 4 Free
• Streamate
• X Models
• Internet Modeling
• My Free Cams
• Live Jasmin
• Cams

Setting Up Your Cam Show

Unless you have signed up to work with a camming company which provides studio space to operate from then you will need to prepare a room of your own from which to broadcast.

Most models work from home (certainly in the current lockdown crisis) and getting your own ‘studio’ space ready is the first step on the road to success.

First up, check what the cam company you are signing up with requires of you in your model agreement and make a note of this.

It could be the resolution of camera, the speed of internet connection or even details about what you can and can’t have on display in camera shot.

Most are quite hot on not allowing their models to advertise on set so clothing, pictures or props which have brand names and logos on are usually a no-no.

What Do Cam Girls Need To Get Started?

What do I need to become a cam girl?

Once you’ve checked what is essential as part of your contract, you can make sure you have the following:

• PC or laptop with internet access that is fast and secure.
• A high-resolution camera (HD if you are planning to maximize your chances of success). Most standard spec webcams that come with a laptop aren’t man enough for the job so purchasing a separate USB webcam is recommended. This also gives you a bit more flexibility about where to place your cam.
• A wireless keyboard (and mouse). Though not essential, a wireless keyboard lets you chat more easily and doesn’t require you to keep returning to your laptop to respond to visitors.
• Microphone. Again, most laptops come with their own mics but when in private chats with a customer, they will want to be able to hear you. Remember that in certain positions, you might be quite far away from your laptop! A good external mic can be run closer to where you are performing.
• External speakers. In the same way that a separate mic is useful, external speakers will also allow you to better hear your visitors when you are in performance mode.
• Cam splitter. A piece of kit which allows you to simultaneously stream to multiple sites, a cam splitter is not essential and can, in fact, slow down your internet connection. However, if you want to broadcast to several sites at once to boost your earnings and have a superfast internet connection then you should consider using one.

You may also want to invest in a tip controlled vibrator. These are sex toys that can really skyrocket your earnings on sites like Chaturbate.

See more: The Best Lovense Webcam Sex Toys.

Lastly, you need to consider your lighting. This is a really important technical aspect that many amateurs don’t take note of.

A single light source (like an overhead bulb) can make you look washed out and create unappealing shadows plus, with HD cams, can really look quite stark and unprofessional.

You don’t need to shell out a fortune to get better results but you do need to follow the guidance of having a three-point lighting system.

• A main (and brightest source of) light should be directed on you and your performance space. It should be placed at a 45-degree angle to the camera.
• A fill light should be placed at the opposite side of the camera and also focused on you but should be around 50-70% less bright than your main source. This helps to combat shadows.
• A back light placed behind you should be giving off  a subtle and low intensity light to give a professional boost to your studio.

These light sources can simply be lamps you already own but the positioning and brightness is the key.

Don’t believe us?

Do a before and after clip and you’ll see what we mean.

For a more detailed breakdown of the equipment and tools required to become a cam girl, check out our full camming checklist.

Where To Broadcast From?

If you want to become a cam girl, you’ve got to have somewhere to broadcast from.

Once you have all of the technical equipment, you’ll need to set it up in the space you are going to run your cam show.

For most models, this is a bedroom and if you have a spare one then great. Whichever room you choose, it would be nice to have a permanent ‘studio’ area as this saves you the time in setting up for each session but also guarantees consistency for your visitors.

There are some key things to consider when choosing your space.

Firstly, it should be somewhere private and where you are not going to be disturbed. This also means privacy in terms of acoustics so make sure your visitors aren’t getting treated to the tumble dryer going off in the background etc.

Secondly, your studio needs to be comfortable as you are going to be spending a lot of time here. Consider what kind of performance you will be offering and ensure you can accommodate those requests in the space.

Part of being comfortable is also being warm and, bearing in mind that you may well not be wearing much, you might want to ensure you have a heat source in the room.

Next, you are going to want to make sure that you enough props and accessories on hand to give the best performance you can.

Think about the kind of performance you want to give and the ‘character’ you are playing. If you are going to perform as a femdom then whips, chains and handcuffs might be useful to have prepared.

For a lot of cam models this includes a basic selection of sex toys such as vibrators, wands, dildos and butt plus. Strap ons and squirting dildos are also quite popular choices at the moment.

However, the top performers on any cam site are those that also offer the use of interactive sex toys.

These high-tech devices typically work using a Bluetooth connection and are operated/controlled by your audience. When people tip, they can make your vibrator sing! This level of interactivity is really popular and though these toys aren’t cheap, they are worth investing in.

Lastly, nobody expects you to have an actual studio but you should make an effort to ensure that the environment is as professional as possible.

Clear up the clutter and stage the space with a sexy ambiance. Take the time to look at the space through the camera and be critical about what you see.

Anything and everything should have its place and if it doesn’t belong to your on-screen persona then move it out of shot.

This includes photos of you and your family on the wall, piles of books on your bedside table or the vacuum cleaner stored in the corner.

Be very selective about what is included in the frame to be sure it all supports the tone of your performances.

How Do Cam Girls Prep Before a Show?

Okay, you’re all set up and ready to broadcast but, before you go live, there’s just one last thing which needs some attention…you!

It goes without saying that you should dress sexy and make an effort with any clothes that you decide to wear.

Camming, in many ways, is similar to the stripping industry.

See more: How to become a stripper.

Most cam models wear skimpy lingerie, go topless or even appear naked on their broadcasts. The choice is entirely up to you and will be determined by any special character or service you are offering.

For instance, if you are selling a fantasy of a sexy secretary then you might decide to wear a low-cut blouse and pencil skirt; at least to begin with. Whether you are channeling a strict dominatrix or naughty schoolgirl, think how your costume choices could enhance the effect.

As for make-up, there are many cam models who appear ‘au natural’ but we would at least recommend a basic shine control powder to counteract the glare of any lights you are using.

Research has also shown that men are drawn to the mouths of cam models and red lipstick enhances this part of your face, believe it or not, to remind them of genitalia. So, whatever you can do to accentuate your lips the better!

Lastly, you may not always be eager to perform on camera but attitude is everything when it comes to success and those who can ‘switch off’ from all distractions and give their all to their audience stand a better chance of pulling in those tips.

Get in the zone, get flirty and make an effort to smile (and smile often).

Oh, and please put your phone away…..it’s a big turn off to drop in to a room to see someone paying their mobile more attention than the audience.

Yes, a 2-hour stint on cam may well be dull whilst you wait for visitors.

Just remember that a lot of men browse cam shows quite quickly before they find one to stick around for.

You could only have a very brief 10-30 second window to impress so be prepared to grab their attention.

How to Get More Fans as a Cam Girl

Your first show may well be a complete flop and you don’t earn a penny.

Or you might hit payday and discover a superfan on day one who tips handsomely.

Whichever it is, the key to achieving success is by being consistent and putting in the time and effort.

Establish a regular broadcast schedule so that you can build a fan base; if people don’t know when you are going to be live then they can’t watch you.

When performing, respond to your audience and don’t forget to thank them for tips and to engage with their requests.

• Be flirty – the audience wants to be seduced and, if we are regulars or tip well, we want to feel a little special.
• Make an effort to look great – cam sex is about what we can see so make it worth watching (this goes hand in hand with good lighting and a well prepared ‘stage’).
• Smile and smile often – natural performers who look like they are enjoying themselves are a big turn on.
• Use the microphone – as well as being a treat for the eyes, we want to hear you talk dirty, moan and get breathless.
• Don’t ignore the room – just because one guy keeps tipping lots, remember that there are more punters out there who want attention. Try to balance your focus and address us all.

Most cam sites offer free shows so plenty of viewers will stay to watch without tipping so it’s up to you to work them and encourage them to be generous with their donations.

Everyone has their own technique to do this but being friendly, being suggestive, being open and playful are all key to connecting with visitors. Those cam models who sit and play with their phones, don’t smile and ignore the SMS feeds tend not to last very long.

As you start to build up a fan base, it is worth making a mental note (and jotting this down later) of those users who keep returning or who tip well.

Speak to them directly and make them feel welcome and wanted. Greeting them personally when they pop up in your SMS feed can make the difference between no tip and a big tip.

Building a fan base can take a long time so you need to be patient and try not to get disheartened if you have a slow start. Persistence and consistency will pay off in the long run.

Building an audience can take time so be patient but don’t be complacent or disheartened. The rate of your success not only relies upon the reach of the cam site you have partnered with but your own efforts.

Cam Girls Make Money From Social Media Too

Lastly, if you really want to make your camming career a success then you will have to spend time off camera on building your brand as well as doing the business on screen.

The best performing cam stars also make the most of social media accounts to allow fans another way to connect with them.

By promoting yourself on channels like Snapchat, Twitter and Kik etc you can effectively funnel new and existing business all to the same (revenue generating) source!

Other ways to increase your income via camming is to sell access to exclusive content.

There are plenty of ways to do this through sites like OnlyFans, ManyVids and FanCentro.

Each basically offers you a platform to sell things like pics, clips and even physical objects like lingerie or other personal items to your fans.

A lot of cam sites also have storefront opportunities to increase your revenue through your cam channel in the same way.

Remember: Becoming a Cam Girl Should Be FUN!

On a final note, you should make sure that however you broadcast, you should be having fun doing what you do.

This is one of the reasons why live adult gaming streams (like Plexstorm) have become popular.

If you don’t have fun, then the audience will be the first to spot it.

And if you’re not enjoying it, is life as a cam girl really right for you?

The most successful cam models are those that make performing look natural and enjoyable.

And remember, the more you put into your efforts, the greater the rewards.

Whilst there are a handful of models each month who make seriously mega bucks for a few shows, the vast majority of the big earners are putting in the hours.

The grind pays off.

Good luck!