CivitAI Alternatives 2025: Where to Find NSFW AI Models After the Crackdown

CivitAI changed their content policies and many NSFW creators found their models delisted or restricted. If you're looking for uncensored AI models, LoRAs, and checkpoints, you need to know where else to look.

Quick Answer: The best CivitAI alternatives for NSFW models are Hugging Face (large library, some restrictions), dedicated NSFW model repos (varying reliability), direct creator Patreons, and platforms like Apatero that have models built-in. For maximum control, run models locally with checkpoints from multiple sources.

What Happened to CivitAI

CivitAI has been the default destination for Stable Diffusion models since 2023. But the platform has progressively tightened content restrictions:

• Stricter NSFW tagging and filtering requirements
• Removal of certain content categories
• Increased restrictions on realistic adult content
• Account bans for policy violations
• Limited visibility for NSFW models

For creators working in adult content, this means either navigating increasingly complex rules or finding alternatives.

Your Options

Let me break down the alternatives by use case:

If You Want Pre-Configured NSFW Generation

Apatero

Full disclosure: I work with Apatero. But the platform solves the model-hunting problem entirely.

Instead of:

1. Finding a checkpoint
2. Downloading (10-20GB)
3. Finding matching LoRAs
4. Configuring everything
5. Hoping it works together

You just:

1. Use the platform
2. Generate

Apatero has appropriate models already configured. No downloads, no compatibility issues, no storage requirements. Just generation.

Best for: Those who want to create content, not manage models.

If You Want to Download Models

Here's where to find them:

Model sources have different trade-offs

Alternative 1: Hugging Face

Hugging Face is the GitHub of AI models. Massive library, professional infrastructure, reliable downloads.

What's Available

• Base models (SDXL, Flux, etc.)
• Fine-tuned checkpoints
• LoRAs and adapters
• Community uploads

NSFW Reality

Hugging Face has content policies too. They're generally less restrictive than CivitAI but:

• Some models marked as "gated" requiring approval
• Realistic CSAM-adjacent content prohibited
• Some creators self-censor to avoid issues

How to Find NSFW Models

1. Search for model type + "uncensored" or "nsfw"
2. Check model cards for content warnings
3. Filter by "most downloads" for quality indication
4. Read comments for real user experiences

Best Models on Hugging Face

For SDXL:

• Pony Diffusion (often gated)
• Various realism checkpoints

For Flux:

• Base models available
• NSFW LoRAs from various creators

Pros:

• Reliable downloads
• Professional infrastructure
• Version control
• API access

Cons:

• Still has content policies
• Some models gated/restricted
• Less community focus than CivitAI

Alternative 2: Dedicated NSFW Repositories

Several sites specifically host adult AI content:

Sites to Check

Note: These sites come and go. Verify current status before relying on them.

General approach:

• Search for "[model name] download"
• Check Reddit communities for current sources
• Verify file integrity (checksums)
• Scan for malware

Risks

• Less moderation means more potential malware
• Sites disappear without warning
• Quality control is minimal
• Legal gray areas in some jurisdictions

Best Practices

1. Always scan downloads
2. Check file hashes when provided
3. Start with well-known models
4. Read community feedback first
5. Keep backups of working models

Alternative 3: Creator Direct Distribution

Many model creators distribute directly:

Patreon/Ko-fi

Top model creators offer:

• Early access to new models
• Exclusive LoRAs
• Custom training services
• Direct support

Examples:

• Pony Diffusion creators
• Various realism model authors
• Character LoRA trainers

Benefits

• Support creators directly
• Often higher quality
• Exclusive content
• Community access

Finding Creators

• Check model credits on CivitAI
• Follow discussions on Reddit
• Join Discord communities
• Search Twitter/X for model announcements

Alternative 4: Community Shares

AI art communities share resources:

Reddit Communities

• r/StableDiffusion (general, some NSFW)
• Various NSFW-specific subreddits
• Model recommendation threads

Discord Servers

• Model creators often have Discord
• Community shares of configurations
• Workflow and setting exchanges

Telegram Groups

• Some communities organize on Telegram
• Direct file sharing possible
• Less searchable than other platforms

Different sources serve different needs

Model Categories and Where to Find Them

Base Checkpoints

SDXL-based:

• Hugging Face: Official and community versions
• CivitAI: Still hosts many (SFW versions)
• Creator Patreons: Premium versions

Flux-based:

• Hugging Face: Official releases
• Community forks on various repos
• Limited NSFW-specific versions currently

SD 1.5-based:

• Widely available everywhere
• Many mature NSFW models
• Good compatibility

Realism Models

For photorealistic NSFW:

• CyberRealistic series
• Various "realistic" checkpoints
• Often available on Hugging Face gated repos

Anime/Stylized Models

Pony Diffusion:

• Hugely popular for NSFW
• Creator Patreon for latest
• Community shares of older versions

Other anime models:

• Numerous options on all platforms
• CivitAI still hosts many stylized models
• Hugging Face has extensive anime options

LoRAs

Character LoRAs:

• CivitAI still best source for variety
• Community creation threads
• Custom training services

Style LoRAs:

• Widely available
• Less content restriction issues
• Hugging Face hosts many

NSFW-Specific LoRAs:

• More restricted distribution
• Direct creator channels
• Community shares

Setting Up Without CivitAI

If you're building a local setup without relying on CivitAI:

Step 1: Get Base Models

1. Download base checkpoint from Hugging Face
2. Verify it works with your setup
3. Test basic generation

Step 2: Add NSFW Capability

1. Find appropriate LoRAs/checkpoints
2. Test compatibility
3. Adjust settings for your use case

Step 3: Build Your Library

1. Collect working model combinations
2. Document what works together
3. Backup essential files

Step 4: Maintain

1. Follow creators for updates
2. Monitor community for new releases
3. Update when significant improvements available

Platform Solution: Skip the Model Hunt

Here's an alternative perspective: maybe you don't need to manage models at all.

The Case for Platforms

Managing AI models is:

• Time-consuming
• Storage-intensive
• Technically complex
• Constantly changing

Platforms like Apatero handle this by:

• Pre-configuring appropriate models
• Managing updates
• Providing consistent experience
• Eliminating compatibility issues

When to Use Platforms

Choose platforms if:

• You want to generate, not configure
• Storage is limited
• Technical setup is a barrier
• Consistency matters more than control

Choose local models if:

• Maximum control is priority
• You enjoy the technical aspect
• Specific models are required
• Privacy is critical

Cost Comparison

Local setup:

• Hardware: $500-2000 (GPU)
• Storage: $50-200 (fast SSD)
• Time: Many hours setup/maintenance
• Per-generation: Free

Platform (Apatero):

• Hardware: None
• Storage: None
• Time: Minimal
• Per-generation: Pay-per-use

Break-even depends on volume and your time value.

Keeping Models Safe

Whatever source you use:

Backup Strategy

1. Keep local copies of essential models
2. Store on separate drive/cloud
3. Document model versions and sources
4. Maintain configuration files

Version Control

1. Note which version works
2. Don't always update immediately
3. Test new versions before replacing
4. Keep known-good fallbacks

Security

1. Scan all downloads
2. Verify checksums when available
3. Use reputable sources
4. Monitor for malicious modifications

Proper backup prevents losing access to working setups

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did CivitAI restrict NSFW content?

Likely combination of legal pressure, payment processor requirements, and business strategy. Platforms often restrict adult content as they grow.

Will CivitAI bring back unrestricted NSFW?

Unknown. The trend has been toward more restriction, not less. Plan for alternatives.

Are NSFW models legal to download?

Generally yes, for synthetic adult content generation. Check local laws. Never use for illegal content.

What's the best free option?

Hugging Face for model downloads, combined with local setup. Quality models are available without payment.

Should I pay for models?

Supporting creators ensures continued development. Premium models are often higher quality and better supported.

Can I use models commercially?

Check each model's license. Many are open for commercial use, some have restrictions. Verify before commercial deployment.

Recommendations by Experience Level

Beginner

Use: Apatero or similar platform Why: Skip complexity, start creating immediately Later: Learn local setup if interested

Intermediate

Use: Hugging Face + CivitAI combination Why: Good variety, reliable infrastructure Focus: Build working local setup

Advanced

Use: Multi-source approach Why: Maximum options, specific needs Skills: Model mixing, custom training

Final Thoughts

The AI model landscape is fragmenting. CivitAI was convenient but alternatives exist and will continue developing.

For casual NSFW generation, platforms handle the complexity for you. For serious local setups, diversifying sources is now essential.

Whatever approach you choose:

• Backup working configurations
• Don't rely on single sources
• Stay connected to communities for updates
• Support creators when possible

The tools exist. The models exist. Accessing them just requires a bit more effort than CivitAI's peak convenience.

Related guides: Best Uncensored AI Generators, Stable Diffusion NSFW Settings, Character Consistency Guide