Lil Tay
liltay/Instagram

Internet personality Lil Tay, born Claire Hope in 2007, has sparked heated debate after claiming she earned more than £782,000 (US $1 million) in just three hours from her OnlyFans debut. The 18-year-old, who first rose to fame as 'the youngest flexer of the century', launched her account on 2 August 2025, only four days after her birthday.

She revealed the launch during a TikTok Live broadcast shortly after midnight on her birthday, emphasising that the content was filmed legally as she had just reached adulthood. Lil Tay also posted a screenshot of her earnings on X, calling herself the platform's 'youngest girl'.

During the livestream, she said filming began exactly one minute past midnight on 29 July 2025, immediately after she turned 18. She reassured viewers that the content was intended for subscribers who had pre-ordered since 2023. Hours later, she posted proof of what she claimed was £800,000 (US $1,024,298.09) in gross revenue from subscriptions, tips and paid messages.

Record-Breaking Launch

Lil Tay has claimed her first three hours on OnlyFans brought in over £782,000 (US $1 million). She also revealed that she had rejected offers from adult entertainment companies worth between £23.5–31.3 million (US $30–40 million), choosing to launch on her own terms. Her brother, Jason Tian, appeared briefly on the livestream and seemed visibly uncomfortable.

Timing of the Debut

The account went live on 2 August 2025, shortly after her 18th birthday on 29 July. The launch coincided with the earliest point at which she could legally create adult content, and she said she deliberately timed it to maximise impact.

Public Announcement and Social Media Reaction

Lil Tay made the earnings claim publicly on TikTok Live and backed it up with screenshots on X. She also posted updates on her Instagram, presenting the launch as both a business milestone and a personal reinvention.

From Child Influencer to Adult Creator

Lil Tay became a viral name in 2018 for her brash social media persona and extravagant lifestyle displays. Born in Atlanta and active online while living between Vancouver and Los Angeles, she gained notoriety for her self-proclaimed title of 'youngest flexer of the century'. Her career has not been without controversy, including a staged death hoax in 2023 that drew global headlines.

Shift in Public Image

Turning 18 marked a sharp transformation in her public narrative. Her record-breaking launch mirrors other high-profile OnlyFans success stories, such as Bhad Bhabie, who reportedly earned over £547,000 (US $700,000) in her first hours on the platform.

Divided Fan Reactions

The announcement has split opinion. Supporters praise her for taking control of her career and monetising her brand, while critics question the ethics of a former child star entering adult content. Many have drawn attention to her past controversies, including allegations of exploitation and manipulation during her early years in the spotlight.

Future Uncertain

It remains unclear whether Lil Tay will continue producing adult content. Analysts note that her debut has already surpassed her previous income from brand deals and other online ventures, but some warn that such rapid success may come at a personal cost. Speculation continues over whether this signals a permanent reinvention of her public persona.

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