When people find out that I make money creating content about sex and relationships, the reactions are always interesting. Some people are fascinated. Some are uncomfortable. And a surprising number of people immediately want to know: how? Like, practically speaking, how does someone actually earn a living by talking about sex on the internet?
So I figured it was time to pull back the curtain and share my experience. Not just the highlight reel, but the full picture — including the parts that aren't as glamorous as you might think. Because building a career in this space is genuinely rewarding, but it also comes with unique challenges that most other content creators never have to deal with.
How I Got Started
I didn't set out to become a sex educator. Like a lot of people in this space, I kind of stumbled into it. Gab and I started sharing our experiences because we felt like nobody was having honest, relatable conversations about the things we were going through as a couple. The topics that interested us — open relationships, sexual exploration, intimacy challenges — weren't being discussed in a way that felt accessible or judgment-free.
So we started making videos. And to our surprise, people responded. Not just a few people, but thousands. It turns out there was a massive appetite for the kind of honest, down-to-earth sex education that we were offering. From there, it grew organically — more videos, more subscribers, more opportunities.
The Revenue Streams Are Different Than You'd Expect
Here's where it gets interesting from a business perspective. YouTube ad revenue for sex-related content is notoriously low. Many of our videos get limited or no ads because the algorithm flags them as sensitive content. So unlike a tech reviewer or a travel vlogger, we can't rely heavily on AdSense.
Instead, the business model in this space tends to look more like this:
- Brand partnerships — working with sex toy companies, wellness brands, and sexual health organizations
- Affiliate marketing — recommending products we genuinely use and earning a commission
- Sponsored content — creating dedicated videos or posts for brands that align with our values
- Live events and workshops — teaching in person about topics like communication, pleasure, and sexual exploration
- Consulting — helping brands understand and reach the sex-positive audience
The Stigma Is Real
No matter how educational, tasteful, or well-intentioned your content is, talking about sex publicly comes with stigma. I've had family members who don't quite understand what I do. I've had acquaintances make assumptions about my character. And I've had platforms restrict, demonetize, or shadow-ban my content for being "too explicit" — even when it's genuinely educational and contains nothing that wouldn't be discussed in a health class.
The double standard is frustrating. Society is saturated with sexual imagery in advertising, entertainment, and media. But when someone tries to have an honest, educational conversation about sex? Suddenly it's inappropriate. That hypocrisy is one of the biggest challenges of working in this space, and it's something I've had to develop a thick skin about.
On the flip side, the messages I receive from viewers who tell me that my content helped them feel normal, saved their relationship, or gave them the confidence to have a conversation they'd been avoiding — those messages make every bit of the stigma worth enduring. There's nothing quite like knowing that your work genuinely helps people.
The Offline Side of Things
What a lot of people don't realize is that the online presence is just one part of a broader career in sex education. Offline opportunities are growing rapidly. Workshops, speaking engagements, collaborations with therapists and educators, and even writing all contribute to both income and impact.
The offline work is actually some of the most fulfilling because it involves direct human connection. When you're in a room with people who are genuinely trying to improve their intimate lives, the conversations go deeper than they ever can in a YouTube comment section. There's an immediacy and vulnerability to in-person work that I find incredibly rewarding.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. Without hesitation. The financial side took time to build, and there are months that are better than others. But the sense of purpose I get from this work is something I've never experienced in any other career. I genuinely believe that honest, accessible sex education makes the world a better place. And the fact that I get to contribute to that while also supporting myself financially? That's something I don't take for granted.
If you're curious about the specifics — including actual numbers and more behind-the-scenes details — I go much deeper in my video. Check it out, and if you're thinking about getting into this space yourself, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to share what I've learned.
