Playboy digital launches, creator ‘bunnies’ to post adult content 

Playboy is relaunching its iconic magazine as a digital first operation, as the brand strives to compete with OnlyFans.

The revamped magazine, which stopped printing in 2020 due to financial woes, will officially launch later this year.

The online format for the magazine will allow users to access the brand’s ‘creator platform,’ which the company is striving to brand an ‘elevated,’ ‘safe,’ and ‘exclusive’ alternative to OnlyFans.

Instead of the brand’s signature ‘bunnies,’ users will now be able to interact with ‘creators,’ who will post adult content on their pages and give subscribers exclusive access into their lives, in addition to posing for the magazine’s digital covers.

The cover of Playboy Spring 2020 which was the last print edition of the magazine

Amanda Cerny, a comedian and model who became a Playmate in 2011, will be the outlet’s first ever digital cover model. The creator made more than $1million as a Playboy model during the brand’s rollout of the beta version of the platform, which it called ‘Centerfold.’

Cerny’s cover shoot celebrates the brand’s Platinum Anniversary and employs the use of CGI and a variety of innovative, futuristic outfits.

Like OnlyFans, the Playboy platform – which will no longer be called Centerfold – will allow models to cultivate paying subscribers with whom they chat.

‘From becoming the Playmate centerfold of October 2011, to now being in the company of Marilyn Monroe, Dolly Parton and Kate Moss on Playboy’s cover, is a dream come true!’ said Cerny.

‘A Playboy creator is someone who is able to embrace their creativity, their sexuality and freely and unapologetically express themselves. I can’t wait to share more of my journey with exclusive behind-the-scenes content with my fans on my Playboy channel.’

The company’s Chief Brand Officer Rachel Webber told the New York Post, ‘Our Playboy creator platform is the Playboy magazine for the 21st century,.’

‘We’re putting the power of content creation in the hands of the creative community and giving them the tools to interact with and monetize their fanbases directly.’

One major difference between OnlyFans and Playboy’s new feature, is that while anyone can sign up to become an OnlyFans creator, Playboy creators have to apply and be accepted by the outlet’s editorial team. 

Like OnlyFans, users will be able to subscribe and pay to view adult content and interact with the women creating it. Some, who pay for it, will also be granted ‘access’ to the daily lies of the models.

Ben Kohn, the company’s CEO said he hopes the interjection of Playboy’s creators will disrupt the current creator ecosystem in much the same way that ‘Playboy magazine shook up the publishing industry nearly 70 years ago.’

After printing its final cover in March of 2020, the magazine laid of 25 staffers.

The new digital magazine, said the company, will include contributor essays from creators and content about what it’s like to be a part of Playboy. 

The Dog-Mom Bunny: Amanda is a long time animal advocate. She has partnered with the United Nations to support endangered species and wildlife while campaigning animal rights with informative and educational content alongside PETA

The Platinum Bunny: Amanda is the bunny of the future – dressed in Platinum to celebrate Playboy’s Platinum Anniversary

Ben Kohn, the company’s CEO said he hopes the interjection of Playboy’s creators will disrupt the current creator ecosystem in much the same way that ‘Playboy magazine shook up the publishing industry nearly 70 years ago’

Unlike OnlyFans, which permits creators to share hardcore pornography, Playboy s more focused on nudity and photography, much like the classic style of the magazine.

Former Australian Bachelor star Megan Marx became one of the top creators on Playboy’s new site.

Two weeks after joining, she was named the ‘Centerfold of the Day,’ and became the top trending model on the site.

Last week, Marx was trending ahead of adult entertainment star Lana Rhoades, cover girl Amanda Cerny, and TikTok star Nasir Milian. 

Megan previously appeared topless on the cover of Australia’s Maxim magazine alongside fellow Bachelor star Tiffany Scanlon, who she was in a lesbian relationship with at the time. 

In addition to the new content facet of the brand, Playboy recently acquired Australian lingerie giant Honey Birdette.