A teenage influencer who launched an OnlyFans account immediately after turning 18 has ignited a firestorm of criticism after disclosing her record-breaking first-day earnings.
From YouTube fame to adult content
Piper Rockelle, who gained fame as a child on YouTube and TikTok, announced her move to the adult subscription platform on New Year's Eve. The influencer, who boasts over 12 million subscribers on her 'Piper's Squad' channel, turned 18 in August 2025.
Her story was featured in the 2025 Netflix documentary Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing, which examined exploitation and abuse within the world of child influencers. On social media platform X, she expressed nerves about the decision, asking followers: "Is this a bad decision to make an OF [OnlyFans]? I'm so nervous."
Staggering first-day revenue revealed
Managed by her mother, Tiffany Smith, Rockelle provided updates on her earnings. She first claimed to have netted $1 million in just one hour. At the end of New Year's Day, she shared a full breakdown of her first 24 hours.
The figures were astonishing: $1,403,360 (£1,042,753) from subscriptions, $118,714 (£88,209) in tips, and $819,776 (£609,073) from paid messages. This brought her total gross earnings to $2,927,313, approximately £2,175,125.
Public backlash and concerns over exploitation
The revelation provoked immediate and widespread disgust on social media. Many users connected her rapid financial success to her history as a minor with a large online following.
"Just imagine how much of her audience were waiting since she was a literal child? Genuinely disturbing," one X user commented. Another stated: "This whole situation is so gross. All the men waiting for her to be legal? Yuck. After everything that was shown in the documentary I'm so concerned for her."
Critics also pointed to the troubling context of her career. In 2022, 11 members of her 'Squad' launched a civil lawsuit against her 'momager' Tiffany Smith and an associate, Hunter Hill. They alleged suffering "emotional, verbal, physical, and at times, sexual abuse." The case was reportedly settled for $1.85 million in 2024, without Smith admitting guilt.
The Netflix documentary, released in April 2025, was described by viewers as "a whole other level of disturbing," focusing on the pressures faced by young influencers like Rockelle and her peers.
The public reaction underscores ongoing debates about the safety of former child stars, the ethics of influencer management, and the societal impact of platforms that monetise adult content.
