Unlike other sex work (such as street prostitution), webcam models operate from the safety of their home, or a studio. They may also sell videos of their performances.

A webcam model often performs erotic acts online, such as stripping, masturbation, or sex acts in exchange for money, goods, or attention. A webcam model ( colloquial gender-neutral: cammodel female: camgirl male: camboy) is a video performer who streams on the Internet with a live webcam broadcast.