Even as many businesses hesitate to deploy artificial intelligence, the technology is making rapid inroads into the adult entertainment sector. Pornographic websites are increasingly filled with AI-generated videos and images, as major AI firms seek to monetize their sophisticated models. xAI’s Grok has introduced a “spicy” mode capable of generating explicit content, while OpenAI plans to offer erotic narratives on ChatGPT starting in December, albeit only for verified adult users. The market for AI-driven adult content is projected to reach $2.5 billion this year, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 27% until 2028, according to Global Commerce Media.
This swift adoption of AI in the adult industry raises profound questions about the future of performers and traditional pornographic studios. Will algorithms replace human talent? If synthetic pornography becomes prevalent, will audiences continue to pay for authentic performances? The implications of AI technology not only challenge the adult industry but could also set a precedent for other sectors facing similar disruptions.
The appeal of the porn industry to AI firms is evident; sex sells. In the UK, a YouGov poll indicates that three-quarters of men and half of women admit to having viewed explicit content, suggesting that actual figures may be even higher. Globally, the adult entertainment sector generates nearly $100 billion in annual revenue, exceeding that of the AI industry. Notably, five of the world’s 50 most-visited websites are pornographic, as reported by Similarweb. The landscape has shifted from free-to-access “tube sites,” like Pornhub and xHamster, to subscription-based models, where platforms like OnlyFans reported revenues of over $1.4 billion and profits of $520 million in the 2024 fiscal year.
Technological advancements have historically transformed porn by reducing distribution costs. However, AI’s capacity to create customized content on demand represents a revolutionary change. Users can now summon AI-generated partners tailored to their preferences, encompassing everything from physical appearance to personality traits. The technology is not limited to visual content; AI chatbots and text generators are also emerging to produce written erotica.
Some developers view this trend as a creative endeavor. Arman Chaudhry, founder of Unstable Diffusion, likens training AI to create adult content to art education, arguing it is a test of how well models understand human form and anatomy. However, the proliferation of “nudify” applications—capable of generating plausible nude images from photos of clothed individuals—raises ethical concerns, particularly among young users.
Evidence suggests that AI-generated porn is experiencing a surge in popularity. A publication focused on digital deception noted a spike in searches for “AI porn generators,” with some “nudify” sites drawing nearly 18.5 million visits per month. Additionally, a recent study by researchers from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge indicated that the top ten websites featuring AI companions received around 78.5 million visits in the first quarter of 2025.
As AI tools designed for more conventional purposes become entangled in adult content, the market is changing. Lauren Kunze, head of Pandorabots, a chatbot developer, notes that two groups most likely to engage with such technology are bored children and individuals seeking sexual interaction. One character managed by Pandorabots, Kuki, has been propositioned by a third of users, illustrating the high demand for AI-based sexual chat.
The impact of these changes is being felt most acutely by human performers. A study published in Cognition and Emotion found that while participants found AI-generated images arousing, they were less stimulated compared to images of real people. This suggests that while synthetic alternatives can captivate audiences, they may not fully replace the human element that many viewers still crave.
However, the competition between human talent and AI-driven content is intensifying. Research published in iScience revealed that synthetic faces often appear more realistic than those of actual individuals, further complicating the landscape for performers. Leo Saros of Flirtflow remarked on the remarkable advancements in AI, stating that users often do not realize they are interacting with machines, likening it to living in a matrix-like reality.
For established porn stars, the rise of deepfake technology poses unique challenges. Some are opting to license their likenesses to AI companies or create digital avatars to engage with fans. Vicky Vette, a 60-year-old performer, has launched a digital version of herself on the Eva AI companion app, aiming to extend her career in an industry often criticized for ageism.
While AI can streamline various aspects of content creation, it also shifts risks present in the industry. Creators are now experiencing increased efficiency; AI video generators can significantly reduce production times, enabling performers to focus more on direct fan engagement. Alison Boden, executive director of the Free Speech Coalition, noted that AI allows creators to expand their businesses without the risk of burnout.
As the industry grapples with these changes, traditional studios face mounting pressure from subscription platforms. Legal battles are already underway, such as Strike 3 Holdings’ lawsuit against Meta for allegedly using its films to train AI models without permission. Lawrence Walters, an attorney, noted a surge in demands from performers for contract clauses that restrict their work from being used to develop AI technologies.
As adult content platforms deliberate on allowing AI-generated material, their decisions could greatly influence their future viability. OnlyFans has adopted a policy permitting machine-tweaked content but not fully generated works, anticipating that real performances will continue to attract subscribers. Conversely, platforms like Fanvue are openly embracing AI-generated adult content, recognizing a burgeoning market.
Despite the potential productivity gains, the proliferation of AI in the adult industry raises significant ethical and safety concerns. AI-generated content could make it easier to produce illegal material, including deepfake pornography. Reports of AI-generated images depicting child sexual abuse have alarmed regulators, with the Internet Watch Foundation noting a significant rise in such images this year. The growing prevalence of these technologies underscores the urgent need for robust regulatory frameworks.
As AI technology continues to evolve, the adult industry remains at the forefront of its application. With regulation often lagging behind innovation, a self-regulatory approach may become increasingly necessary. The challenge lies in balancing technological advancements with ethical considerations, particularly as AI-generated content becomes more commonplace in online interactions. As Cindy Gallop, founder of MakeLoveNotPorn, aptly states, “Real-world sex is more surprising and innovative than porn will ever be.”
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