What is Webcam Modelling?
If you’ve never worked in the webcam industry before, it can be difficult to know what the job actually involves. There’s plenty of information online, but there’s also a lot that makes it sound far more complicated (or glamorous!) than it really is.
Put simply, webcam modelling involves chatting and interacting with customers online through live video.
Depending on the site you’re working on, you may also be able to earn through private shows, tips, instant messaging, phone chat and selling photos or videos.
Some models do it full time. Others log on for a few hours around another job, children, studying or whatever else they have going on.
There isn’t one right way to be a webcam model, and that’s a big part of the appeal.
How does webcam modelling work?
Most webcam sites work in a fairly similar way.
You create a model profile, complete the site’s age and ID verification and, once you’re approved, you can start working.
When you’re online, customers can find your profile and interact with you. Depending on the platform, this might be through a free chat room, paid private shows, tips or messages.
You’ll usually be able to set your own prices within the options provided by the site.
You also decide when you want to work. There’s no waiting for someone to give you a shift – if you fancy doing a couple of hours, you can log on. If you don’t want to work that day, you don’t.
What does a webcam model actually do?
Honestly, a lot more talking than most people expect!
Being able to chat to people and keep a conversation going is a huge part of camming.
Yes, it’s an adult industry and adult shows can obviously be part of the job. But customers aren’t all looking for exactly the same thing.
Some want a private show. Some want to flirt. Some have a particular fetish or interest. Others will happily sit chatting to the same model for ages because they like her personality.
That’s also why there isn’t a particular “look” you need to become a webcam model.
We’ve seen models of all different ages, sizes, styles and personalities do well.
Learning what works for you is far more useful than trying to copy another model.
Do webcam models have to get naked?
No, nudity isn’t a requirement of being a webcam model and you decide what you’re comfortable with.
However, it’s important to be realistic about the industry. Webcam modelling takes place on adult platforms, and many of the clients using these sites are looking for adult entertainment. Models who are comfortable offering adult services may find there is greater demand for them.
That doesn’t mean you have to agree to everything a client asks for.
Every model has different boundaries. Some are comfortable with nudity and adult shows, while others prefer to focus more on flirting, teasing, conversation, roleplay, particular niches or other services they’re comfortable providing.
Before you start, it’s worth thinking honestly about what you are and aren’t comfortable with. Your boundaries can be different from another model’s, and you’re always able to say no to something you don’t want to do.
At Pure Desire Models, we’d rather be upfront about the nature of the industry than give new models the impression that adult requests aren’t a normal part of working on adult webcam sites.
Can you webcam without showing your face?
Yes.
We have models who don’t show their face at all.
There are different ways of doing it. Some position their camera below their face, some use masks and others create a completely different look for cam using wigs, glasses or other accessories.
You can also use a cam name rather than your real name.
If remaining anonymous is particularly important to you, it’s worth thinking about this before creating your accounts. It’s much easier to protect information from the beginning than try to remove it later.
Can you work from home?
Yes. Most of our models work from home.
You don’t need a studio or a dedicated cam room. A bedroom or another private room is perfectly fine.
You’ll need a decent internet connection, a suitable device/camera and good lighting.
You don’t need to spend a fortune getting started either.
A basic setup can work perfectly well when you’re new, and you can always upgrade things later if you decide you want to.
Do webcam models have set hours?
Not with Pure Desire Models.
There are no compulsory shifts or minimum hours.
You choose when you work and how often.
Some models like having a fairly regular schedule because their regular customers learn when they’ll be online. Others work completely around their normal life.
You might do three hours one evening and none the next. Or you might treat it like a full-time job.
That’s completely up to you.
How do webcam models make money?
For most webcam models, camming is the bread and butter of their earnings and generally offers the biggest earning potential.
How paid sessions work varies between platforms. Different sites have their own features, terminology and pricing structures, but ultimately clients pay to spend time interacting with you on camera.
Alongside camming, most platforms offer additional ways to top up your earnings.
Tips – Clients can send tips while you’re online, either because they’re enjoying your stream or for something you’ve agreed to provide.
Instant messaging – Paid messaging can provide additional income alongside the time you spend on cam.
Phone and SMS – Some platforms offer paid calls and text services as another way to earn.
Photos and videos – Selling content can bring in extra income, including while you’re offline.
These additional features are definitely worth using and can add up to a nice extra amount over the month, but for most models the majority of their earnings will come from time spent on cam.
At Pure Desire Models, our training covers both sides – helping you make better use of your time online, attract and retain clients and build regulars, while also showing you how to make the most of the additional earning features available on each platform.
How much can webcam models earn?
This is probably the question we get asked the most, and there isn’t an honest single answer.
Webcam earnings vary massively.
How much you make can depend on the platform, when you’re online, how many hours you work, your prices, how you interact with customers, whether you’ve built up regulars and how well you’re using the other features available to you.
You’ll have good days and rubbish days. That’s normal.
Someone being online for five hours also doesn’t automatically mean they’ll earn more than someone who’s online for two.
Experience makes a difference too. You start learning which approaches work for you, how to keep people engaged and how to make better use of your time online.
We’d rather be realistic about that than promise every new model they’ll immediately earn thousands.
Do you need experience?
Not at all.
A lot of models join Pure Desire Models having never webcammed before.
You don’t need to understand all the terminology, know which site is best for you or have any idea what you’re going to say when you first switch your camera on.
That’s exactly why we have training.
We help new models through their setup and verification and give them access to our training portal, where we’ve put together guides covering the platforms we work with.
And once you’re verified, you’re not suddenly left to get on with it.
Our team and model community are there when you need help.
What equipment do you need?
You can keep your first setup fairly simple.
At a minimum, you’ll generally need:
- A laptop, computer, phone or other compatible device
- A webcam/camera
- Reliable internet
- Good lighting
- Somewhere private to work
The exact requirements depend on the platform.
Lighting is one of the easiest things to improve and can make a huge difference to how your stream looks without spending hundreds on equipment.
If you’re unsure what you need, ask us before buying loads of stuff!
Is webcam modelling safe?
There are risks involved with putting yourself online, particularly in the adult industry, so privacy is something you should take seriously.
Use a cam name if you don’t want customers knowing your real name.
Avoid giving out information such as your home address, personal phone number, workplace or other details that could identify where you live or spend your time.
Different platforms have their own privacy and blocking features, and these are things you should understand before you start using them.
At Pure Desire Models, we provide models with guidance around privacy and protecting their personal information. Our management team is GDPR trained and Pure Desire Models is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
What do you get with Pure Desire Models?
Pure Desire Models works with both completely new and experienced webcam models.
It’s completely free to join.
Our standard agency fee is 10%, with the opportunity to reduce this through our progression scheme.
Models also get access to:
- Our dedicated online training portal
- Help setting up and verifying accounts
- Training across the platforms we support
- Ongoing help from our management team
- One-to-one support when needed
- Our model community and group chat
- Regular payments and additional payout options
- Advice on privacy and staying anonymous
- Opportunities, incentives and competitions within the agency
We don’t expect you to know everything when you join.
Even experienced models come across things they haven’t dealt with before. Having somewhere you can ask rather than having to figure everything out yourself is one of the biggest benefits of being part of an agency.
Thinking about giving webcam modelling a go?
If you’re 18+ and you’ve reached the bottom of this page, there’s a decent chance you’re at least curious!
You don’t need experience to join Pure Desire Models and there’s no fee to get started.
We’ll help you set up your accounts, give you access to our training and be there when you have questions along the way.
18+ only | Free to join | No experience needed
Not ready to join yet? Have a look at Why Join Pure Desire Models to see more about our training, fees and support.