Vice TV Explores How Performers Have Adapted to COVID-19

Vice TV Explores How Performers Have Adapted to COVID-19

LOS ANGELES — This week, the recurring "Love Remotely" segment of "Vice News Tonight Remote" spoke with Evelin Stone, Chad White and Alejandro Freixes, XBIZ Managing Editor, Digital Media, about performers who have successfully pivoted from studio-shot content during the coronavirus pandemic.

"Pornography has always been a leader in technological progress, adapting to new mediums from VHS tapes to virtual reality. Now we’re seeing it’s a proof of concept that working from home can really work," said "Vice News" anchor Krishna Andavolu as he described "a new golden era" for adult entertainment.

Correspondent Dexter Thomas cited "a historic spike" in Pornhub traffic in March and "200,000 new daily users" for OnlyFans.

"Since this all happened, everything went up, my custom videos, the amount of interaction on my site. I’m honestly working more than I have most of the year in this month," Stone revealed.

White, who manages the content feeds for a number of performers, echoed her assessment.

"We’re not actually plateauing like we thought we would," said White. "They’re still buying porn.”

Fans, however, crave more than sexual gratification, Stone observed. "You’re not just buying sex, you’re buying an experience with somebody," she said, noting that a content request can be as simple as watching her prepare her morning coffee.

"The pandemic isn’t just going to change porn in a business sense," said Thomas. "It might also get people to think differently about the kind of work that porn performers do."

Freixes agreed with that assessment.

"There’s been a pivot towards two things, and that’s authenticity and intimacy," he said. "We crave realness, we crave connection even from adult entertainment."

He noted this sea change was already underway. The pandemic, however, "poured accelerant and lit a match on things that were already heading a certain way. You know, talent having more power than ever. And part of the reason talent has more power than ever is their traffic is especially potent. As these independent content creators get more successful, and have nicer cameras, they start becoming like miniature studios."

Click here for the complete episode.

Image source: Screencap by XBIZ

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Emma Rosie Toplines Pat Myne's 'Gape For Days 5'

Emma Rosie headlines director Pat Myne's "Gape For Days 5," from Evil Angel.

Adult Time Drops 2nd Installment of Bree Mills Thriller 'Escape From Camp Conversion'

Adult Time has debuted the second episode of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from studio brand Girlcore.

Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Eris Jolie Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Eris Jolie has made her TransAngels debut alongside Bree Brooks in "A Very Filthy Cookout."

Liz Jordan Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Liz Jordan stars in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "The Plum Latex Anal Affair."

Performer Kylie Page Passes Away at 28

Performer Kylie Page has passed away at the age of 28, her agency Hussie Models reported on social media.

Wicked Releases 2nd Installment of Seth Gamble's Erotic Thriller 'Once Upon a Time in the Valley'

Wicked Pictures has released the second installment of multi-XMAs award winner Seth Gamble's latest feature, "Once Upon a Time in the Valley."

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Elly Clutch Makes Studio Debut in Latest From Brazzers

2024 XMA Creators Female Clip Artist of the Year Elly Clutch has made her studio debut alongside Luna Star and Scott Nails in the new Brazzers scene “Lights, Camera, Facial!”

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Show More