CNBC: Lessons Mainstream Can Learn From Porn

LOS ANGELES — An article on CNBC.com examines several lessons mainstream media can learn from the porn industry.

The article, titled “The Erotic Engine — How Porn Changes Everything” delves into the early stages of the Internet and how the porn industry was able to capitalize on the growing trend by selling content online.

The article mentions that pornographers have remained successful over the years through various means including early adoption, including leading the world to the VCR, cable television and the Internet.

“Each of these technologies faced initial resistance that was first overcome by early adopters seeking and offering sexual content,” the article said. “Pornography kept these technologies progressing until they were reliable, familiar and cheap enough to enter the mainstream.”  

Another way porn companies were able to stay on top is by maintaining two operations, one in porn and another in mainstream.

“The porn side allows them to find early adopters, hone their products and make technological improvements,” the article said. “They then sell sanitized versions to their mainstream clients where larger, more reputable profits lie.”

Despite what many may believe these days, users will pay for content, the article said, adding that it's not the content that users are buying, it’s the convenience of not having to spend hours navigating the Internet to find the content they’re looking for.

“The lesson from the world of porn is: Value comes from more than content. It also comes from easier, faster, more reliable and more personalized user experiences,” the article said.

Related:  

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

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches by Country for June, July

AEBN has released the list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters by country in June and July.

Playboy Announces It Will Move Global HQ to Miami Beach

Playboy announced today that it will be moving its global corporate headquarters from Los Angeles to Miami Beach.

Bellesa Plus Names Magalie Rheaut as Chief Growth Officer

Bellesa Plus has named Magalie Rheaut as its Chief Growth Officer.

PASS to Relaunch Performer Subsidy Fund

PASS has announced that it will relaunch the Performer Subsidy Fund (PSF) to cover sexually transmitted infection (STI) test panel costs for up to 10 people each month.

Pineapple Support Taps Austin Ponce as Brand Ambassador

Pineapple Support has named Austin Ponce as its newest brand ambassador.

Taylor Vixxen Stars in New DezyRed Interactive VR Game

Taylor Vixxen stars in an interactive VR game from DezyRed.

XBIZ Amsterdam's Jakarta Hotel Sold Out, Additional Hotels Announced

Guest rooms at XBIZ Amsterdam’s host conference venue, Jakarta Hotel, are now completely sold out.

X3 Expo Unveils 2026 All-Stars, Show Dates Set for Jan. 16-17

X3 Expo returns to the historic Hollywood Palladium on January 16–17, bringing together fans, creators and industry insiders for North America’s largest assembly of adult entertainment stars, alongside a dazzling lineup of attractions spotlighting the cutting edge of modern media and pleasure tech.

Trump Administration Issues Executive Order Against 'Debanking'

The White House on Thursday issued an executive order limiting financial institutions’ ability to restrict access to financial services for people or groups involved in lawful industries, a longtime goal of adult industry advocates and stakeholders.

Go.cam Launches Free Age Verification Solution, Anti-Fraud Features

Go.cam has announced that its age verification solution is now free with updated anti-fraud and identity protection features.

Show More