When it comes to verifying adult film credits or researching industry history, IAFD (Internet Adult Film Database) stands as the most authoritative resource available. But how does it really compare to alternatives? Who actually uses it? And does its notoriously outdated interface affect its usefulness? This in-depth review covers everything from search functionality deep dives to exclusive user testimonials from industry professionals.
What Makes IAFD Special?
The Wikipedia of Adult Entertainment
Founded in the late 1990s, IAFD predates modern platforms like IMDb Pro in adult film documentation. Unlike tube sites that prioritize videos over facts, IAFD focuses on accurate, structured data—making it invaluable for:
✔ Performers verifying their filmography
✔ Researchers studying industry trends
✔ Fans tracking obscure releases
✔ Journalists fact-checking adult film history
Key Features That Set IAFD Apart
Alias Resolution: Tracks 5+ stage names per performer
Studio Partnerships: Some studios directly submit data
Pre-Internet Era Data: Includes films from the 1970s-80s
IAFD vs. Competitors: Who Does It Better?
| Feature | IAFD | AdultFilmDatabase | EGAFD | Boobpedia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Accuracy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pre-2000s Content | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| LGBTQ+ Coverage | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mobile Experience | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Multimedia | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Key Takeaways: IAFD Dominates For:
✔ Data Accuracy (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) – The gold standard
✔ Historical Content (⭐⭐⭐⭐) – Best for pre-2000s films
Competitors Win When You Need:
✔ LGBTQ+ Content: EGAFD (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
✔ Mobile Experience: AdultFilmDatabase (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
✔ Multimedia: Boobpedia (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) – Photos/clips
Deep Dive: IAFD’s Search Functionality
Advanced Filters (And Their Quirks)
IAFD’s search supports niche parameters most databases ignore:
✅ Hair color changes (e.g., find all films where a performer was blonde)
✅ Ethnicity + Gender combinations
✅ Exact year/month searches
But beware:
❌ No partial name matching – Misspelling “Mia Khalifa” as “Mia Kalifa” yields zero results
❌ Height/weight filters often return incomplete data
Pro Search Tips
Use quotes for exact names (e.g., “Jenna Jameson”)
Combine studio + year to find rare releases
Check the “alternate names” tab on performer profiles
User Testimonials: Who Actually Uses IAFD?
Industry Voices
“As a talent agent, IAFD is my fact-checking bible. When performers claim credits, I cross-reference here first.”
— Markus Dupree, industry agent since 2008
“For academic work on adult film history, nothing else has IAFD’s depth. It’s clunky but essential.”
— Dr. Sarah Adams, media studies professor
Fan Perspectives
“I collect vintage adult films, and IAFD is the only place that lists 1980s VHS releases correctly.”
— User “FilmArchivist92” on Reddit
“Wish it had photos, but for settling ‘who was in this movie?’ debates, it’s unbeatable.”
— Comment on AdultDVDTalk.com
Historical Context: Why IAFD Still Matters
Before IAFD, adult film credits were notoriously unreliable. Magazines like AVN had spotty records, and VHS covers often lied about performers. IAFD’s rise in the early 2000s brought standardization—similar to how IMDb cleaned up Hollywood data.
Fun Fact:
IAFD’s founder was a software engineer who built the site as a hobby.
Early entries were manually submitted via email in the 1990s.
Final Verdict:
Worth It For:
✔ Researchers needing verified data
✔ Performers managing their credits
✔ Film historians tracking pre-2000s content
Skip If:
❌ You want trailers/photos
❌ You primarily use mobile
❌ You prefer modern UI design
Extended FAQs
Q: How often is IAFD updated?
A: Daily, but user-submitted edits take 1-3 days for approval.
Q: Does IAFD include OnlyFans/cam performers?
A: No—it’s strictly for professional film/TV work.
Q: Can I request a film/performer be added?
A: Yes, via their submission form, but proof (like DVD covers) is required.
Q: Is there an IAFD API for developers?
A: No public API exists—scraping is technically against their terms.
Q: Why no Rotten Tomatoes-style ratings?
A: IAFD focuses on facts over opinions to avoid legal issues.
What I think in one line?
“The gold standard for data, but needs a design revolution.”
IAFD
0.00
The Good
- Most Comprehensive Database
- Alias Tracking
- Advanced Search Filters
- Industry Trusted –
The Bad
- Annoying pop up ad and banners
- Outdated 1990s Design
- No Multimedia
- Poor Mobile Experience
- Inconsistent LGBTQ+ Coverage