Step-by-Step Guide: Building an OnlyFans Clone with Adalo

The creator economy is estimated at roughly $250 billion in 2023, with subscription-based content platforms leading the charge. This comprehensive guide will show you how to build a subscription content platform using Adalo's no-code app builder—no coding experience required. You'll learn to create a working app with user profiles, content gating, subscription management, payment processing, and cross-platform deployment.

Understanding the Subscription Content Model

Before building, it's important to understand what makes a subscription content platform work. These platforms enable creators to share exclusive content (photos, videos, posts, messages) with subscribers who pay monthly fees or one-time tips to access that content. The model relies on three core pillars:

1. Content Privacy: Only paying subscribers can view creator content
2. Secure Payments: Recurring subscription billing and one-time transactions
3. User Management: Separate creator and subscriber accounts with distinct permissions

With IDC projecting 500 million new digital apps/services built by 2023, building sophisticated subscription apps has become accessible to anyone willing to learn the fundamentals. However, privacy breaches are a significant concern for content creators, making proper security setup essential from day one.

Prerequisites and Initial Setup

Step 1: Create Your Adalo Account and Choose Your Plan

1. Visit Adalo.com and create a free account
2. Start with the free tier to prototype your app structure
3. Check Adalo's pricing for current plans and record limits

For a subscription platform, you’ll need a paid plan to publish and for higher data limits; Stripe components are available via the Marketplace, while advanced Stripe Billing/Connect flows (via Custom Actions) require the Professional plan or above, and the Collections API is on Team/Business. If you ship a native iOS app selling digital content, use Apple In-App Purchases instead of Stripe.

Step 2: Configure Your App Settings

1. Click "Create New App"
2. Choose "Mobile App" (recommended for content platforms)
3. Name your app (e.g., "CreatorHub" or "ContentConnect")
4. Select "Start from Scratch" (no direct templates for subscription platforms)
5. Set your primary brand color and font family
6. Click "Continue" to enter the visual builder

Step 3: Review Legal and Compliance Requirements

Before proceeding, address these critical compliance areas:

• Privacy Policy: Draft terms covering data collection, storage, and user rights
• Terms of Service: Define acceptable content, creator/subscriber responsibilities, and platform rules
• Age Verification: Implement checks to prevent minors from accessing adult content
• Copyright Protection: Create systems for content ownership verification and DMCA compliance
• Payment Compliance: Follow Stripe's terms of service and PCI DSS standards

Since legal and compliance issues are common in user-generated content platforms, consulting a legal professional before launch is highly recommended.

Building the Database Structure

Step 4: Enhance the Users Collection

1. Click the Database icon in the left sidebar
2. Select the default "Users" collection
3. Add these custom properties (click "+ Add Property" for each):
   
   • Full Name (Text)
   • Username (Text - set to Unique)
   • Profile Photo (Image)
   • Bio (Text - Multiline)
   • Account Type (Text) - Values: "Creator", "Subscriber"
   • Subscription Tier (Text) - Values: "Free", "Basic", "Premium", "VIP"
   • Subscription Status (Text) - Values: "Active", "Cancelled", "Expired"
   • Subscription Renewal Date (Date & Time)
   • Total Earnings (Number) - For creators only
   • Account Balance (Number)
   • Date Joined (Date & Time - Automatic)
   • Is Verified (True/False)
   • Age Verified (True/False)

Step 5: Create the Content Collection

1. Click "+ Add Collection"
2. Name it "Content"
3. Add these properties:
   
   • Content ID (Text - Auto-Generated)
   • Title (Text)
   • Description (Text - Multiline)
   • Media Type (Text) - Values: "Image", "Video", "Text Post", "Audio"
   • Media File (Image or File)
   • Thumbnail (Image)
   • Access Tier (Text) - Values: "Free Preview", "Basic", "Premium", "VIP"
   • Price (Number) - For pay-per-view content
   • Is Published (True/False)
   • Is Featured (True/False)
   • Views Count (Number)
   • Likes Count (Number)
   • Created Date (Date & Time - Automatic)
   • Updated Date (Date & Time)

Step 6: Create the Subscriptions Collection

1. Click "+ Add Collection"
2. Name it "Subscriptions"
3. Add properties:
   
   • Subscription ID (Text - Auto-Generated)
   • Tier Name (Text) - Values: "Basic", "Premium", "VIP"
   • Monthly Price (Number)
   • Status (Text) - Values: "Active", "Cancelled", "Pending", "Expired"
   • Start Date (Date & Time - Automatic)
   • End Date (Date & Time)
   • Auto Renew (True/False)
   • Stripe Subscription ID (Text)

Step 7: Create the Transactions Collection

1. Click "+ Add Collection"
2. Name it "Transactions"
3. Add properties:
   
   • Transaction ID (Text - Auto-Generated)
   • Amount (Number)
   • Transaction Type (Text) - Values: "Subscription", "Tip", "Pay-Per-View", "Payout"
   • Payment Status (Text) - Values: "Pending", "Completed", "Failed", "Refunded"
   • Stripe Payment ID (Text)
   • Platform Fee (Number) - Your commission
   • Creator Earnings (Number)
   • Created Date (Date & Time - Automatic)

Step 8: Create the Messages Collection

1. Click "+ Add Collection"
2. Name it "Messages"
3. Add properties:
   
   • Message Text (Text - Multiline)
   • Message Type (Text) - Values: "Text", "Image", "Video", "Audio", "Paid Content"
   • Media Attachment (Image or File)
   • Price (Number) - For paid messages
   • Is Read (True/False)
   • Is Paid (True/False)
   • Sent Date (Date & Time - Automatic)

Step 9: Create the Likes Collection

1. Click "+ Add Collection"
2. Name it "Likes"
3. Add properties:
   
   • Created Date (Date & Time - Automatic)

Step 10: Set Up Database Relationships

Relationships connect your collections and enable powerful content gating logic:

In Users Collection:

• Add relationship to Content: "Created Content" (One User → Many Content items)
• Add relationship to Subscriptions: "Creator Subscriptions" (One Creator → Many Subscriber relationships)
• Add relationship to Subscriptions: "Subscriber Subscriptions" (One Subscriber → Many Creator subscriptions)
• Add relationship to Transactions: "Transactions" (One User → Many Transactions)
• Add relationship to Messages: "Sent Messages" (One User → Many Messages)
• Add relationship to Messages: "Received Messages" (One User → Many Messages)

In Content Collection:

• Add relationship to Users: "Creator" (Many Content → One Creator)
• Add relationship to Likes: One-to-Many
• Add relationship to Transactions: One-to-Many (for pay-per-view)

In Subscriptions Collection:

• Add relationship to Users: "Creator" (Many Subscriptions → One Creator)
• Add relationship to Users: "Subscriber" (Many Subscriptions → One Subscriber)
• Add relationship to Transactions: One-to-Many

In Transactions Collection:

• Add relationship to Users: "Payer" (Many Transactions → One User)
• Add relationship to Users: "Recipient" (Many Transactions → One User)
• Add relationship to Content: One-to-One (for pay-per-view purchases)

In Messages Collection:

• Add relationship to Users: "Sender" (Many Messages → One User)
• Add relationship to Users: "Recipient" (Many Messages → One User)
• Add relationship to Transactions: One-to-One (for paid messages)

In Likes Collection:

• Add relationship to Users: "Liker" (Many Likes → One User)
• Add relationship to Content: "Liked Content" (Many Likes → One Content)

Installing Required Components

Step 11: Install Stripe Payment Component

1. Navigate to the Adalo Marketplace
2. Search for "Stripe"
3. Click "Install" on the Stripe Payment component
4. You'll need Stripe API keys (available at stripe.com)
5. Set up both test and live API keys for development and production

Stripe integration enables creators to monetize their content effectively.

Step 12: Install Image and Video Components

1. In the Marketplace, search for "Image Upload"
2. Install the image upload and cropping component
3. Search for "Video Player"
4. Install a video player component with streaming support

Step 13: Install Star Rating Component

1. Search for "Star Rating" in the Marketplace
2. Click "Install"
3. This will be used for creator ratings and content feedback

Step 14: Review Component Marketplace Options

Browse the component marketplace for additional features:

• Chat/messaging components
• Advanced media galleries
• Payment processing enhancements
• Analytics dashboards

Components are reviewed via Adalo's marketplace process.

Creating User Authentication and Onboarding

Step 15: Build the Welcome Screen

1. On the default screen, rename it to "Welcome"
2. Add an Image component for your app logo/hero image
3. Add Text: "Join creators earning from their content"
4. Add statistics text: "Part of the creator economy estimated at $250B+"
5. Add two Buttons:
   
   • "Sign Up" → Link to new screen "Sign Up"
   • "Login" → Link to new screen "Login"

Step 16: Create Sign Up Screen

1. Add a new screen named "Sign Up"
2. Add a Form component connected to the Users collection
3. Include these input fields:
   
   • Email (Email Input)
   • Password (Password Input - minimum 8 characters)
   • Full Name (Text Input)
   • Username (Text Input - check for uniqueness)
4. Add Dropdown for Account Type:
   
   • Label: "I want to..."
   • Options: "Create Content" (sets Account Type = "Creator"), "Subscribe to Content" (sets Account Type = "Subscriber")
5. Add Checkbox: "I confirm I am 18 years or older"
6. Add Checkbox: "I agree to Terms of Service and Privacy Policy"
7. Configure submit button actions:
   
   • Create User record
   • If Account Type = "Creator" → Navigate to "Creator Setup"
   • If Account Type = "Subscriber" → Navigate to "Subscriber Home"

Step 17: Create Login Screen

1. Add a new screen named "Login"
2. Add a Form with:
   
   • Email input
   • Password input
3. Add "Forgot Password" link
4. Configure login actions:
   
   • Log In User
   • If Account Type = "Creator" → Navigate to "Creator Dashboard"
   • If Account Type = "Subscriber" → Navigate to "Subscriber Home"

Step 18: Build Creator Setup Screen

1. Add a new screen "Creator Setup"
2. Add instructional text: "Set up your creator profile to start earning"
3. Add Form to update Logged In User:
   
   • Profile Photo (Image Picker)
   • Bio (Text Area - 500 character limit)
   • Subscription tiers with pricing (see next step)
4. Add "Launch My Profile" button → Navigate to "Creator Dashboard"

Step 19: Configure Subscription Tiers

On the Creator Setup screen, add tier configuration:

1. Add section: "Set Your Subscription Prices"
2. Add Number Input for each tier:
   
   • Basic Tier Monthly Price ($)
   • Premium Tier Monthly Price ($)
   • VIP Tier Monthly Price ($)
3. Add Text description for what each tier includes
4. Store these values in custom properties on the User record

Building the Subscriber Interface

Step 20: Create Subscriber Home Screen

1. Add a new screen "Subscriber Home"
2. Add top navigation bar with:
   
   • Tab: "Discover" (Browse creators)
   • Tab: "My Subscriptions" (Followed creators)
   • Tab: "Messages"
   • Tab: "Profile"
3. Add "Discover Creators" section:
   
   • Add List of Users where Account Type = "Creator"
   • Show: Profile Photo, Username, Bio (truncated), Subscriber Count
   • Click action → Navigate to Creator Profile

Step 21: Build Creator Profile View (Subscriber Perspective)

1. Add new screen "Creator Profile"
2. Add creator header section:
   
   • Image: Current Creator → Profile Photo
   • Text: Current Creator → Username
   • Text: Current Creator → Bio
   • Text: Subscriber count (count of active subscriptions)
   • Text: Content count (count of published content items)
3. Add subscription section:
   
   • Text: "Subscription Tiers"
   • Display available tiers with pricing
   • Button for each tier: "Subscribe for $X/month"
4. Add content preview section:
   
   • List of Content where Creator = Current Creator AND Access Tier = "Free Preview"
   • Show thumbnails and titles only

Step 22: Implement Subscribe Flow

1. When user clicks "Subscribe" button:
   
   • Navigate to "Payment Details" screen
   • Pass selected tier and price as parameters
2. On Payment Details screen:
   
   • Add the appropriate purchase method: web → Stripe Subscription; iOS app → Apple In-App Purchases; Android app → Google Play Billing (per current store policies).
   • Handle recurring subscriptions with Stripe Billing and webhooks on your own server (or Zapier/Make), then update Adalo via the Collections API; use Custom Actions only for outbound calls.
   • Amount = Selected tier price
   • Frequency = Monthly
3. On successful payment:
   
   • Create Subscription record (Subscriber = Logged In User, Creator = Selected Creator, Tier = Selected Tier, Status = "Active")
   • Create Transaction record
   • Update User → Subscription Status = "Active"
   • Navigate to Creator Content Feed

Step 23: Create Subscribed Content Feed

1. Add new screen "Content Feed"
2. Add filter logic to show only accessible content:
   
   • List of Content where:
     
     • Creator = Current Creator
     • AND (Access Tier = "Free Preview" OR Access Tier ≤ Logged In User's Subscription Tier)
     • AND Is Published = True
3. For each content item, show:
   
   • Thumbnail or media preview
   • Title and description
   • Like count, views count
   • Creator name and avatar
4. Click action → Navigate to "Content Detail" screen

Step 24: Build Content Detail Screen

1. Add new screen "Content Detail"
2. Show full media (image/video player)
3. Add content information:
   
   • Title, description
   • Created date
   • Creator name (clickable → Creator Profile)
4. Add interaction buttons:
   
   • Like button (creates Like record, increments like count)
   • Comment button (opens comment section)
   • Tip Creator button (opens payment flow)
5. Add conditional visibility:
   
   • If content Access Tier > User's Subscription Tier AND Price > 0:
     
     • Show "Unlock for $X" button
     • Hide media, show blurred preview
   • If content is unlocked:
     
     • Show full media and details

Building the Creator Interface

Step 25: Create Creator Dashboard

1. Add new screen "Creator Dashboard"
2. Add navigation tabs:
   
   • "Dashboard" (overview)
   • "Content" (manage posts)
   • "Subscribers" (subscriber list)
   • "Messages"
   • "Earnings"
   • "Settings"
3. Add dashboard statistics section:
   
   • Text: Total Earnings (sum of Creator Earnings from Transactions)
   • Text: Active Subscribers (count of Subscriptions where Status = "Active")
   • Text: Total Content (count of published content)
   • Text: This Month's Revenue

Step 26: Build Content Management Screen

1. Add new screen "Manage Content"
2. Add "+ Create Post" button → Navigate to "Create Content"
3. Add List of Content where Creator = Logged In User:
   
   • Sort by Created Date (newest first)
   • Show thumbnail, title, status, access tier
   • Click → Navigate to "Edit Content"
4. Add filter options:
   
   • All Content
   • Published
   • Drafts
   • By Access Tier

Step 27: Create Content Upload Screen

1. Add new screen "Create Content"
2. Add Form connected to Content collection:
   
   • Image Picker or File Upload for media
   • Text Input: Title
   • Text Area: Description
   • Dropdown: Media Type (Image, Video, Text Post, Audio)
   • Dropdown: Access Tier (Free Preview, Basic, Premium, VIP)
   • Number Input: Pay-Per-View Price (optional, for one-time unlock)
   • Toggle: Publish Immediately (sets Is Published)
3. Submit button creates Content record with Creator = Logged In User

Step 28: Build Subscriber Management Screen

1. Add new screen "My Subscribers"
2. Add List of Subscriptions where Creator = Logged In User:
   
   • Show Subscriber → Profile Photo, Username
   • Show Tier Name, Monthly Price
   • Show Start Date, Status
   • Show "Message" button → Opens message thread
3. Add summary statistics:
   
   • Total Active Subscribers
   • Subscribers by Tier
   • Monthly Recurring Revenue

Step 29: Create Earnings Dashboard

1. Add new screen "Earnings"
2. Add date range selector (This Week, This Month, All Time)
3. Display earnings breakdown:
   
   • Text: Total Earnings
   • Text: Subscriptions Revenue (from subscription transactions)
   • Text: Tips Revenue (from tip transactions)
   • Text: Pay-Per-View Revenue (from content unlock transactions)
   • Text: Platform Fees (your commission)
4. Add List of recent Transactions where Recipient = Logged In User:
   
   • Show Amount, Transaction Type, Date, Payer name
5. Add "Request Payout" button:
   
   • Minimum balance threshold
   • Navigate to payout configuration

Implementing Payment Processing

Step 30: Set Up Stripe Recurring Subscriptions

Configure Stripe for subscription billing:

1. Create subscription products in your Stripe dashboard:
   
   • Basic Tier subscription
   • Premium Tier subscription
   • VIP Tier subscription
2. In Adalo, on the Subscribe flow:
   
   • Implement recurring subscriptions via Stripe's Billing API and webhooks using Custom Actions
   • Pass tier price and interval (monthly)
   • Store Stripe Subscription ID in Subscriptions collection
3. Set up webhooks to handle:
   
   • Subscription created
   • Subscription renewed
   • Subscription cancelled
   • Payment failed

Step 31: Implement Tipping System

1. Add "Tip" button on Creator Profiles and Content Detail screens
2. Create "Send Tip" modal/screen:
   
   • Show creator name and photo
   • Add quick amount buttons ($5, $10, $20, $50, Custom)
   • Add optional message input
3. Use Stripe Payment component:
   
   • Amount = Selected tip amount
   • Type = One-time payment
4. On successful payment:
   
   • Create Transaction record (Type = "Tip")
   • Update Creator → Total Earnings
   • Send notification to creator
   • Navigate back with success message

Step 32: Create Pay-Per-View Unlock Flow

For content with a one-time unlock price:

1. When user clicks "Unlock for $X":
   
   • Show payment confirmation modal
   • Display content preview and price
2. Process payment using platform-appropriate billing: web → Stripe one-time charge; iOS → In-App Purchases; Android → Google Play Billing.
3. On successful payment:
   
   • Create Transaction record linking to Content
   • Grant permanent access to that specific content item
   • Show unlocked content immediately

Step 33: Implement Payout System for Creators

1. Add "Payout Settings" screen:
   
   • Use Stripe Connect via Custom Actions with proper onboarding, verification, and payout flows
   • Add bank account or debit card details
   • Set minimum payout threshold
2. Add payout request logic:
   
   • Check Account Balance ≥ Minimum threshold
   • Create payout Transaction record
   • Integrate with Stripe Connect transfer API
   • Update Account Balance after successful payout

Building Content Gating and Access Control

Step 34: Implement Subscription Status Checks

Create conditional visibility rules throughout your app:

1. On Content Feed screens:
   
   • Filter: Show only content where User's Subscription Tier ≥ Content Access Tier
   • OR Content Access Tier = "Free Preview"
   • OR User has purchased content (check Transactions)
2. Use custom formulas:
   
   • Create property "Can Access" = (User Subscription Tier value ≥ Content Access Tier value) OR (User has paid for content)

Step 35: Add Content Watermarking (Optional)

To protect creator content:

1. Add text overlay on images/videos with username
2. Prefer watermarking and access controls; note that disabling right-click isn’t reliably enforceable in browsers and isn’t available as a native Adalo setting.
3. Consider third-party watermarking services via API
4. Note: This won't prevent screenshots but adds deterrence

Step 36: Implement Expiration Logic

Handle subscription expiration:

1. Create scheduled action or manual check:
   
   • Use an external scheduler (Zapier/Make/server) to run periodic checks and update records via the Collections API (e.g., mark subscriptions expired when renewal dates pass).
2. Send renewal reminder notifications 3 days before expiration

Creating Messaging Features

Step 37: Build Message Inbox

1. Add new screen "Messages"
2. Add List of Users with whom Logged In User has message threads:
   
   • Show most recent message preview
   • Show unread count
   • Click → Navigate to "Chat Thread"
3. Add "New Message" button:
   
   • For subscribers: Show list of subscribed creators
   • For creators: Show list of active subscribers

Step 38: Create Chat Thread Screen

1. Add new screen "Chat Thread"
2. Add List of Messages where:
   
   • (Sender = Logged In User AND Recipient = Selected User)
   • OR (Sender = Selected User AND Recipient = Logged In User)
   • Sort by Sent Date (oldest first)
3. For each message show:
   
   • Message Text
   • Media Attachment (if any)
   • Sent Date/Time
   • Lock icon if Is Paid = True AND viewer hasn't paid
4. Add message input section:
   
   • Text Input for message
   • Image Picker for attachments
   • Toggle: "Charge for this message"
   • Number Input: Message Price (if charging)
   • Send button

Step 39: Implement Paid Messages

1. When sending a paid message:
   
   • Create Message record with Is Paid = True, Price = Set amount
   • Send notification to recipient
2. When recipient views paid message:
   
   • If not yet paid: Show blurred preview, "Unlock for $X" button
   • Process payment via Stripe
   • Create Transaction record
   • Update Message → Is Paid status for that user
   • Reveal message content

Adding Social Features

Step 40: Implement Like System

1. On Content Detail screen, add Like button
2. Button action:
   
   • If Like record exists (Liker = Logged In User, Liked Content = Current Content):
     
     • Delete Like record (unlike)
     • Decrease Content → Likes Count by 1
   • If Like record doesn't exist:
     
     • Create Like record
     • Increase Content → Likes Count by 1
3. Change button appearance based on like status

Step 41: Add Comment System

1. Create Comments collection:
   
   • Comment Text (Text)
   • Created Date (Date & Time)
   • Relationships: Commenter (User), Content (Content)
2. On Content Detail screen, add comments section:
   
   • List of Comments where Content = Current Content
   • Show Commenter photo, name, text, date
3. Add comment input:
   
   • Text Input for comment
   • Post button creates Comment record

Step 42: Build Creator Search and Discovery

1. Add "Discover" screen
2. Add search bar:
   
   • Text Input for search query
   • Filter Users where Account Type = "Creator" AND (Username contains search term OR Bio contains search term)
3. Add category filters if applicable:
   
   • Fitness, Education, Art, etc.
   • Requires adding Category property to Users
4. Add sorting options:
   
   • Most Subscribers
   • Newest Creators
   • Highest Rated

Step 43: Implement Follow System (Without Subscription)

For free following separate from paid subscriptions:

1. Create Follows collection:
   
   • Relationships: Follower (User), Followed Creator (User)
2. Add "Follow" button on Creator Profiles
3. Show follower/following counts
4. Add "Following" feed showing free content from followed creators

Designing Responsive Screens

Step 44: Optimize for Mobile Viewing

Since mobile usage is predominant for content platforms:

1. Use vertical scrolling layouts
2. Keep touch targets minimum 44x44 pixels
3. Place primary actions at thumb-reach zones
4. Test on actual devices via Adalo mobile preview app
5. Use responsive design features to adapt layouts

Step 45: Create Web-Optimized Views

For desktop users:

1. Use multi-column layouts where appropriate
2. Add sidebar navigation for larger screens
3. Increase content grid columns (2-3 vs 1 on mobile)
4. Leverage Adalo's responsive breakpoints
5. Test on various browser sizes

Step 46: Build Consistent Navigation

1. Add bottom tab bar for mobile (Home, Discover, Messages, Profile)
2. Add top navigation for web with dropdown menus
3. Ensure navigation updates based on user Account Type
4. Add back buttons and clear screen hierarchy

Testing Your App

Step 47: Create Test Accounts

Set up test users to validate all flows:

1. Create 3-4 Creator accounts:
   
   • Add profile photos and bios
   • Upload sample content at different access tiers
   • Set various subscription prices
2. Create 5-6 Subscriber accounts:
   
   • Test subscription purchases
   • Test content unlocking
   • Test messaging flows

Step 48: Test Payment Flows

Use Stripe test mode:

1. Test card: 4242 4242 4242 4242 (any future expiry, any CVC)
2. Test subscription creation and renewal
3. Test one-time payments (tips, pay-per-view)
4. Test payment failures and retry logic
5. Verify Transaction records are created correctly

Step 49: Test Content Access Control

Validate gating logic:

1. Log in as subscriber with no active subscription
2. Confirm only "Free Preview" content is visible
3. Subscribe to Basic tier
4. Confirm Basic content becomes accessible
5. Confirm Premium/VIP content remains locked
6. Upgrade subscription tier
7. Confirm higher-tier content unlocks

Step 50: Test Cross-Platform Functionality

1. Preview on web browser
2. Download Adalo mobile app and preview on iOS device
3. Preview on Android device
4. Test core flows on each platform:
   
   • Sign up and login
   • Content viewing
   • Payment processing
   • Messaging
   • Profile editing

With Gartner forecasting 70% of apps using low-code/no-code by 2025, thorough testing improves your chances of launching without major issues.

Publishing Your Subscription Platform

Step 51: Prepare for Launch

Before publishing:

1. Add final legal pages:
   
   • Privacy Policy screen
   • Terms of Service screen
   • Community Guidelines
   • Contact/Support information
2. Configure production API keys:
   
   • Stripe live mode keys
   • Any third-party service keys
3. Add app icons and splash screens
4. Write app store descriptions

Step 52: Publish to Web

1. Navigate to Settings → Publishing
2. Click "Publish Web App"
3. For custom domain (requires paid plan):
   
   • Add your domain name
   • Follow DNS configuration instructions
   • Domains typically cost $10–$20+ per year depending on TLD and registrar
4. Click "Publish"
5. Your web app is now live

Step 53: Submit to Apple App Store

1. Enroll in Apple Developer Program ($99/year)
2. In Adalo, navigate to Publishing → iOS App
3. Upload app icons and screenshots
4. Fill in App Store metadata:
   
   • App name
   • Description
   • Keywords
   • Age rating (likely 17+ for mature content)
   • Privacy policy URL
5. Click "Submit to App Store"
6. Note: Apple's App Store prohibits pornographic content (Guideline 1.1.4). Apps with user-generated content must meet stringent moderation and safety requirements (Guideline 1.2). Adult content platforms may face rejection.

Step 54: Publish to Google Play Store

1. Create Google Play Developer account (one-time $25 fee)
2. In Adalo, go to Publishing → Android App
3. Upload required graphics and screenshots
4. Complete store listing:
   
   • App description
   • Content rating questionnaire
   • Privacy policy
5. Submit for review
6. Google Play has similar content policies—review their guidelines for user-generated content apps

Scaling and Maintaining Your Platform

Step 55: Monitor App Performance

Track these metrics:

1. User growth (new signups per week/month)
2. Creator-to-subscriber ratio
3. Average subscription value
4. Content upload frequency
5. Payment success rates
6. Churn rate (subscription cancellations)

Adalo provides reliable performance for growing platforms.

Step 56: Plan for Database Scaling

As your app grows, check Adalo's pricing for current record limits by plan.

For very large platforms, consider:

• External collections integration with Xano
• Database optimization (archiving old data)
• Upgrading to higher plans for increased capacity

Step 57: Implement Content Moderation

To protect creator privacy:

1. Add Report buttons on content and profiles
2. Create Reports collection to track flags
3. Build admin dashboard to review reports
4. Create content approval workflow for new creators
5. Consider third-party AI moderation tools via API

Step 58: Add Analytics and Insights

Help creators succeed:

1. Add analytics screen showing:
   
   • Views per content item
   • Subscriber growth over time
   • Revenue trends
   • Top-performing content
2. Use Zapier integration to send data to Google Analytics or Mixpanel
3. Provide downloadable earnings reports

Step 59: Optimize for Retention

Best practices for long-term success:

1. Send push notifications:
   
   • New content from subscribed creators
   • Subscription renewal reminders
   • Re-engagement campaigns for inactive users
2. Add gamification:
   
   • Creator badges for milestones
   • Subscriber loyalty rewards
3. Implement referral system:
   
   • Creators earn bonus when subscribers refer others
   • Subscribers get discount for referring friends

Why Adalo Is the Right Platform for Your Subscription App

Building a subscription content platform requires a no-code solution that balances ease of use with powerful features. Adalo stands out for this use case for several reasons:

True No-Code, No Compromise: With Adalo's visual builder, you can create sophisticated subscription logic, payment processing, and content gating without touching code. If you can make a slide deck, you can build this app, and with Gartner forecasting 70% of apps using low-code/no-code by 2025, you're likely to succeed even if this is your first app project.

Cross-Platform Publishing from One Build: Unlike competitors that require separate web and mobile development, Adalo lets you build once and publish to web, iOS, and Android simultaneously. This is critical for subscription platforms, as your creators and subscribers will want to access content on any device.

Built-In Relational Database: The platform's native database handles the complex relationships between users, content, subscriptions, transactions, and messages without external tools, providing reliable performance for growing platforms.

Seamless Payment Integration: With native Stripe integration, you can implement one-time payments and creator payouts. For recurring subscriptions, implement via Stripe's Billing API and webhooks using Custom Actions. This is essential for platforms where payment reliability directly impacts creator income.

Affordable Scaling Path: Start building for free to validate your concept, then upgrade to a paid plan when ready to launch with payments. Check Adalo's pricing for current plan details.

Component Marketplace for Extended Features: Need advanced video players, analytics, or moderation tools? Browse the component marketplace where components are reviewed via Adalo's marketplace process.

Rapid Time-to-Market: With the structure outlined in this guide, you can achieve a rapid development timeline for no-code apps. This speed-to-market advantage lets you validate demand and iterate based on real user feedback before competitors using traditional development catch up.

Start building your subscription platform with Adalo's free tier today, and join the thousands of makers bringing their ideas to life without code.