What makes a good collab?
24 content-creators share their insights.
As we count down to the Grabby Awards in Torremolinos, we've been asking some of the men of the adult entertainment industry about their work.
Gareth Johnson
If you're a content-creator, there's a lot of focus on filming collabs with other performers.
While everyone agrees that filming collabs is a useful way to create content for your fan-subscription platforms, we wanted to try and understand what makes a good collab.
We did a quick check-in with 24 content-creators who are nominated for awards at this year's Grabbys and asked them: What makes a good collab?
The graph below gives a quick snapshot of their responses.
Top of the priority list was Chemistry and Connection between the performers. That connection has to feel authentic, because that translates on camera and helps deliver top-quality content. Overall professionalism is also important - bringing the right attitude and communication to every interaction.
Below are the individual responses from the content creators we spoke with.
Cagedpussyboy
"For me, a good collab is all about the synergy and energy - there should be a lot of non-verbal communication so that everything feels natural and genuine."
Guillaume Wayne
"Most important is the attitude of the model. I can't make a video with you if you have a stubborn ego."
"Above all, a collaboration is about sharing - it's an exchange between models. Chemistry is important to create something unique, that's why I always choose my partners carefully."
"To be honest, it's difficult in Europe - the models form cliques and wage war among themselves. It's a shark-infested world but fortunately there are exceptions with whom I enjoy working."
"I always try to film beautiful scenes - a beautiful location, beautiful lighting, a story, dialogue. I offer something different and that’s why it works."
Danny Azcona
"In my experience, collaborations are very important for content creators because they allow us to connect with new audiences, grow together, and create something that wouldn’t exist if we worked alone. But a great collab only works when there is real chemistry, trust, and professionalism."
"I’ve always believed that if we want the adult industry to be taken seriously, and to break the stigma around our work, we - as creators - have to treat it like a real profession and respect the craft."
SuperNad
"A good collab is all about the three Cs - the chemistry, the connection and the communication."
Tom Baker
"From my experience, a good collab is all about chemistry and mutual benefit."
"When both creators are comfortable with each other and bring their own audience and energy to the content, it feels more authentic and performs much better."
"The best collaborations are the ones where both people are genuinely having fun and creating something that neither of them could have done alone!"
Tommy Cray
"A good collab is when you realise you have great chemistry with the other person, and things just flow from there."
"You barely need to plan or interrupt anything, and it all works effortlessly - plus it also looks amazing on camera!"
Alessio Veneziano
"Collaborations are essential because they allow us to train our imagination and create that space of chemistry and creativity between human beings."
"It’s something the audience can feel in every gesture; not just in the physical act, but in every look, every breath, and all the non‑verbal communication that forms an invisible thread connecting us with the people who follow us."
Bohemian Boy
"A good collaboration is built on the synergy of creators - a great collaboration is built on their emotional connection."
Mao Berlin
"For me, it's about clear communication and manners - talking before, during and after, learning about each other and using that to make sure the scene is as authentic as possible. Being respectful goes a long way."
Jordan Fox
"Nothing beats mutual attraction - when you fuck with intensity and forget the camera."
"It's not about lighting and setting , it's not about creativity, it's all about desire and chemistry - you can't fake that."
Sem Taylor
"A good collab starts with respect, of course, and that all parties are equal. I find it important that everyone is on the same page about what we’re going to create, and that you’re comfortable."
"Feeling a connection with someone makes it easier but - in my opinion - it's not necessarily the key to a good collab."
XTIANKO
"I always want my collaborations to feel natural. I choose to collab with guys that I like, that I'm comfortable with, and that I feel good vibes with."
"For me, a scene that feels natural works better than when everyone is acting and it seems more professional. I prefer working with amateur guys where everything feels more real and authentic."
Logan Vera
"For me, it's important that there's chemistry between us. Many times, we go in really eager to collaborate with someone but it turns out that there's zero chemistry. Other times, we get together for a collaboration without high expectations, and it turns out to be incredible. All of that comes across on camera."
RSsecurityX
"A smooth collaboration comes from good chemistry between the two participants. Good chemistry matters more than any equipment used to film it. What truly counts is authenticity, the connection between the people, and being spontaneous in the moment."
Rossy
"A good collab is one where there’s clearly natural chemistry between you. Folk commercialise what we do to a point where sometimes the natural camaraderie is lost, but if you find that right person you can forget about the cameras and just enjoy it."
Wolf Hendrix
"What makes a good collab is two-fold, in my opinion: First, of course there needs to be a natural attraction between the people on screen. That kind of heat and passion is hard to fake. But equally as important is to have a clear plan of what you are trying to film. I find talking and planning the shoot a little helps with the end result being fire."
Ray Mannix
"A great collab is built on respect and communication. Show up on time, keep your word, and respect the people and the work behind the scenes."
"I only collaborate with creators I genuinely vibe with - chemistry can’t be faked and when it’s real, the fans see it immediately."
Ryan-Michel
"When I reflect on my collaborations - why some collaborations worked phenomenally well while others just didn’t click - there's a clear thread connecting the good ones."
"First of all, basic human decency. The guys who collaborated well actually responded, communicated clearly, and didn’t ghost. No matter how you explain it, ghosting isn’t okay. Kindness and respect cost nothing."
"Secondly, the conversation was natural and fun from the start. It felt like there was a real match - we stayed in touch, joked around, and there was already a bit of chemistry before the cameras were even on."
"And finally, professionalism. The good collaborators treated it like work as well as fun. They pulled out their calendars, picked a date, time, and place, and we decided together what we wanted to shoot and who would prepare what. That kind of mutual respect makes everything smoother."
"When the logistics are handled easily, all the energy can go into the part that really matters - the connection. That’s the kind of chemistry people can actually see on camera."
Paul
"What makes a good collab is reliability. There are so many creators that are not reliable."
"Communication is also an important point."
Gregor Scott
"For me, a good collaboration starts with mutual respect and trust. When two creators bring their own style, energy and creativity to the table, the chemistry becomes natural and the content feels authentic."
"The best collabs are the ones where both people lift each other up and create something that neither of them could have made alone.”
Mika Ayden
"For me, the ingredients of a good collab are very personal and can be different for every creator. Before anything, I always ask myself two things: what my fans would enjoy seeing, and what I personally feel excited to create. The best collaborations usually come from a balance between the two."
"First, I think about the format. Do I want something very amateur and POV, or something more produced with a videographer? Should it be spontaneous, or more story-driven? Vertical or horizontal? I also think about the dynamic of the scene and the role I want to play - Top, Bottom, or Vers). The location is important too, because the setting really shapes the atmosphere of the video."
"Once I have that vision, I think about the partner. For me, a successful video really depends on the connection between the two creators. It’s important that we’re both aligned with the idea and the energy of the project. That chemistry always shows on camera, and it makes the content feel much more authentic, which fans really love."
"Beyond the collab itself, marketing is also a big part of it. With my partner, I like to plan in advance how we’ll promote the video: teasers, photos, Instagram reels, etc."
"Most of the time I’ve already met my partner in real life before filming. But sometimes we meet for the first time on the day of the shoot after only exchanging a few messages. In those cases, creating some lighter, fun marketing content together before filming can really help break the ice."
"It creates a natural connection between us, and that chemistry usually carries into the video itself."
Pablo y Sebas
"For us, as Pablo & Sebas, a great collaboration is built on chemistry, trust and creativity. When creators respect each other’s style and energy, the content becomes more authentic and the audience can truly feel that connection."
"Collaborations have also been one of the most powerful ways for us to grow, because they allow creators to share audiences, explore new dynamics and create something together that wouldn’t be possible alone."
Dale Fox
"What makes a good collab is someone who is really adaptable and able to make a proper connection with you. Kissing is a really good example of that. You can fake it for the camera if someone isnt great at sucking your dick, but you can't fake a good kiss. That takes two people adapting to each other in the moment. Its either happening or it isn't."
Diego Ferreira
"What makes a good collab is the chemistry - that connection is going to show in the video."
Want to collab?
While there is definitely a market for fan-subscription content that focuses on solo play, creators who are looking to expand their output and their audience reach will often collaborate with other guys who are in the adult entertainment industry and happy to film.
Filming a collaboration with another fan-subscription content creator adds an additional layer of logistics to your production process.
Let’s take a look at some of the factors that you’ll probably want to consider.
How do I identify guys to film a collab with?
In some ways, this depends on where you’re at in terms of building your fan-subscription career. For example, if you’re an established creator with a large audience, you’ll probably have a clear brand and aesthetic that you want to maintain.
If you’re known for creating content that leans into a specific kink, then you need to work with guys who can deliver on that vibe.
If you’re just starting out, it can be a bit harder to know which collaborations will work best for you – especially if you’re still figuring out what style of content is going to appeal most to your target audience.
You often hear of people being quite mercenary in their pursuit of which content creators they’ll film collaborations with. For example, you might receive feedback that someone will only film with you if you have more than x-number of followers.
While there is some logic to that – if your objective is to leverage the audience of the guys that you film with – however it’s a bit short-term and transactional.
A better starting point is perhaps to set yourself an objective of trying to make content that really connects with and engages with the audience that you want to build.
Or, if you’re new to the industry, it’s not a bad idea to work with other new guys who are committed to rising up in the industry like you are - the pressure is then off to perform for a big star with big clout. If you're relaxed and having fun then that energy translates in your performance on screen.
You want to create content that feels authentic because it’s that authenticity that will primarily be what turns your viewers on and keeps them coming back for more.
How do you organise a collab?
While booking in filming sessions based on connection is a great starting point, there are also the logistics of the shoot to contend with as well.
You both need to be available in the same place, at the same time. You also want to shoot with guys who are professional – this is a business and you need to be able to work with people who turn up on schedule, get the job done, and are easy to work with.
Word-of-mouth is really powerful in this industry. You’ll frequently hear about guys that are good to work with and which guys are best avoided.
If you haven’t met a guy before and you’ve started DMing about a potential filming collaboration, schedule a video call and start building the rapport that you’ll need in order to film an engaging scene together. If it’s difficult to pin them down to chat over a video call, then that’s a clear sign that they may not be the kind of filming collaborator that you’re looking for.
How do I contact the guys I want to collab with?
Guys that are creating content for fan-subscription channels will be actively marketing themselves and the scenes that they’ve filmed. The easiest place for content creators to market themselves is on X/Twitter – because there’s less restrictions about sharing adult content. Bluesky is another option.
You’ll also find content-creators promoting themselves on Instagram and TikTok, although it may be harder to get a clear sense of what style of explicit content they create due to the restrictions in place on those platforms.
Because filming collaborations has become such a key part of fan-subscription content, creators will often update their X/Twitter bios with their travel plans – so you can see if a creator is planning to visit your city, giving you a prompt to hit them up to see if they want to film with you.
Don’t be shy – reach out and let people know that you’re available. You may not get a response, or they may already be booked up, but on the other hand you could be exactly what they’re looking for.
Like any business enterprise or side-hustle, networking is key.
Spending time in porn-star hot-spots such as Puerto Vallarta or Barcelona is an easy way to start meeting people. Also, attending industry events such as the Grabby Awards helps you to build relationships and put yourself out there as someone who is available to film.
You can also be quite strategic in your search. Do some research and build a target list of creators that you want to collaborate with. Follow them on social media, reach out to them to start a conversation, and look for opportunities to meet up and develop a working relationship. If you’re serious about being a content-creator then you need to treat it like a business and put the work in to making it a success.
What should we film in a collab?
At a very basic level, a collaboration could be as simple as filming you having sex with the other content-creator.
There’s nothing wrong with that, and the more you can boost your production quality – in terms of camera angles, lighting, sound, editing – then the more engaging the scene is going to be to your target audience. While it’s not essential to invest in lots of expensive production equipment, it will elevate the content that you create.
Before filming, try and articulate to yourself as to why this scene is going to be something that people will want to watch – and then do your best to deliver that.
Setting an intention for the scene is the essential thing – be clear about what you are trying to film and why people will want to watch what you're creating.
How do I promote the collabs that we've filmed?
The way that you promote your content is in many ways more important than actually filming the content.
It doesn’t matter how great the scene is that you’ve filmed if no one knows that it exists.
When you’re planning to film a collaboration with a fellow content-creator, it’s really helpful to have discussed marketing and promotion before you film.
Ideally, you want your scene-partner to help promote the scene. Having some level of coordination in the way that you both promote the scene can maximise the impact of your efforts.
Your promotion plan will also shape what content you film on the day. For example, you’re going to be looking for clips that you can use to tease the scene’s release. Adding to the complexity of that is that you’ll need different types of content for different platforms – for example, what you post on X/Twitter won’t necessarily work for Instagram and you’ll probably need something different for TikTok.
Filming behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, bloopers, and the latest dance trend are all things you need to think about before you actually get together and the cameras start rolling.
You need to think about each scene that you produce as a movie release – you’ve got to create the buzz and excitement before it comes out, you need to let everyone know when it’s available, and then you need to keep that enthusiasm going to get as many people as possible to watch it.
Being a content-creator for fan-subscription channels requires serious marketing.
How do I monetise the collabs that I film?
If you’re planning a collaboration with a fellow content-creator, having an upfront conversation about money may not be sexy but it is essential.
Fan-subscription platforms generally aren’t particularly sophisticated when it comes to revenue-sharing between performers.
The simplest way is if you both get a copy of the final edit that you can each upload to your channel – that way, you each keep the revenue that you generate directly from your subscribers.
However, if one of you wants to retain exclusivity over the scene, then you need to talk about how the money side of things is going to work.
Here are some options:
Direct Payment Splits
You have an upfront agreement on splitting the revenue generated by a scene – it could be 50/50 or 75/25 or any variation of that. One person collects the revenue and then transfers the other person’s share to them.
Affiliate Links
To incentivise your scene partner to promote what you’ve filmed, you could create an affiliate link that generates revenue from any new subscribers.
Pay-Per-View (PPV) Content
Marking the scene that you’ve filmed as “premium” content makes it easier to track the revenue that has been generated from that specific collaboration.
Tip Goals
Using the Tip function on fan-subscription platforms is a simple way to generate revenue that can be split between you and your scene-partner.
Third-Party Agreements
Formal legal agreements can be used to document the agreed revenue-sharing arrangements.
This may seem a bit over-the-top but big-name creators are generating significant amounts of revenue so it makes sense to have everything written down so that there’s no confusion about how your collaboration is going to work.