Webcam model

A webcam model setting up her environment, at an event, in 2019

A webcam model is a person who does some performance, which is also recorded or streamed using a webcam.[1] These people are also known as camgirl, camboy, or cammodel.These performances are often erotic. Examples are that a striptease, masturbation or other sex acts are done. Usually, these performances are done in exchange of money, goods or attention.[2][3] They may also sell videos of their performances. Once viewed as a small niche in the world of adult entertainment, camming became "the engine of the porn industry," according to Alec Helmy, the publisher of XBIZ, a journal about the sex-trade industry.[4]

Most webcam models perform from home. They can therefore choose how much they reveal for their boradcasts.[5] While most display nudity and sexually provocative behavior, some choose to remain mostly clothed and merely talk about various topics, while still soliciting payment as tips from their fans.[6] Webcam models are predominantly women, and also include noted performers of all genders and sexualities.[7]

Websites as intermediaries

Usually, the models are present on some websites. These websites help them get their payment. People accessing the website can buy 'tokens'. In the case of a free website, they can give 'tips' to the performers. In the case of private chatrooms, they pay the performance with these tokens. The owner of the website then transfers the money to the model, minus some handling fee. The owner of the website also makes sure that the performers have a certain minimum age, as required by law.

A July 2020 survey found the average webcam model in the United States works 18 hours per week, and earns $4,470 per month. Webcam models who work full-time (40 hours per week or more) earn $11,250 per month on average. Top-earning webcam models have a self-reported income of over $312,000 annually, while bottom earners take home as little as $100 per week.[8]

References

  1. ↑ Richtel, Matt (21 September 2013). "Intimacy on the Web, With a Crowd". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 9 May 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2018.
  2. ↑ Bertrand, Natasha (18 November 2014). "How Webcam Models Make Money". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 8 November 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  3. ↑ Isador, Graham (8 March 2019). "Cam Models Tell Us How Much Money They Are Really Making". www.vice.com. Vice. Archived from the original on 6 August 2020. Retrieved 30 May 2019. They were looking for people willing to strip then masturbate on webcam.
  4. ↑ Song, Jason (3 August 2016). "As L.A. porn industry struggles, 'web camming' becomes a new trend". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 24 January 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2018.
  5. ↑ Box, Bobby (29 December 2016). "An Interview With A Webcam Model Who Makes $4,000 A Month Filming Herself". Elite Daily. Archived from the original on 25 January 2018. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  6. ↑ Senft, Theresa (2008). "I'd Rather Be a Camgirl than a Cyborg - The Future of Feminism on the Web". Camgirls: Celebrity & Community in the Age of Social Networks. New York: Peter Lang Publishing. pp. 45–48. ISBN 978-0-8204-5694-2.
  7. ↑ Breslin, Susannah (18 August 2015). "Meet The Vince Lombardi Of Cam Girls". Forbes. Archived from the original on 20 August 2015. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  8. ↑ Haze, Moon (30 July 2020). "How Much Do Cam Girls Make? (2020 Cam Girl Salary Report)". readysetcam.com. Ready Set Cam. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020. The average webcam model earns $1,043 per week from an 18 hour work week... The top-earning cam models in the United States earn as much as $6,000 per week, while beginner cam models can earn as little as $100 per week... models who cam for 35+ hours per week typically make $2,500 per week or more.