Ads are everywhere. Whether on the streets on billboards and posters, or on the internet spread across blogs and before YouTube videos, it's hard to escape them. While it's a hotly debated topic, some sources state that the average person sees between 5,000 to 10,000 ads per day. (That's a lot.)
But did you know that it's possible to profit from ads? We're not just talking about companies creating ads, but rather you, the target audience, earning money by watching ads on the internet.
Getting paid to watch ads is not a "loophole in the system" or anything like that. It's a decently common practice that anyone who wants to earn a little extra money can do. If this sounds interesting to you, you've come to the right place. Keep reading and find out how to get paid to watch ads.
How does watching ads to earn money work?
Being paid or compensated to watch ads is part of a strategy known as "reward-based advertising" in which a reward company incentivizes you to watch ads in exchange for monetary gains or other benefits.
In most cases, advertisers pay these companies to show their ads to users, generating an ad-consumption cycle with the purpose of increasing brand awareness, generating new leads and sales, and driving app downloads or traffic. All while the user is compensated for watching these ads.
Let’s take a game developer as an example. As an advertiser, this company benefits from this model by having more targeted exposure to users likely to engage with their products, as well as receiving actionable insights and conversions on their interactive ads—all while registered consumers get paid for watching said ads. It’s a mutually beneficial model for all parties involved, which is why it’s becoming increasingly popular over the years.
And in terms of usability, most platforms work by presenting users with video ads, banners, or interactive ads. After watching the ad for a specified duration (usually 15 to 60 seconds), they earn points, virtual currency, or direct cash rewards.
Rewards for watching ads usually comes in three forms:
- Cash earnings: Some platforms offer direct cash payments, usually through services like PayPal or direct bank transfers.
- Points or credits: These can be accumulated and later exchanged for gift cards, discounts, products, or money.
- In-App or website benefits: Depending on the platform, users may earn in-app or website currency, which can be used for premium features or content within the platform.
How much can I make by watching ads?
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To put it simply: not much. Getting paid to watch ads may sound like a hack to get rich easily, but it’s a minor side hustle that doesn't require much effort or time and can give you a few extra dollars at the end of the month at best.
Depending on the platform, you can earn other rewards, such as special discount coupons, among other things. It’s beneficial for the time invested, but it’s not an activity to place expectations of high monetary gains.
If a company promises you thousands of dollars by watching a few ads a day, though, be careful. This activity is often associated with online scams. So if you intend to earn a few bucks by watching ads, look for reliable platforms—like the ones we'll show you later.
Best platforms for getting paid to watch ads
There are several platforms that promise rewards for watching ads. Many of them may not be beneficial, either not paying the promised amounts or delivering rewards that may not be worth the time spent.
The following platforms are suggested for their legitimacy and reliability. Here are the best platforms to get paid to watch ads.
1. Swagbucks
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Swagbucks is a well-known platform that allows users to earn rewards through a variety of activities, including watching ads, answering surveys, shopping online, and more. The platform's currency (called “SB” points) can be accumulated and redeemed for a variety of rewards such as PayPal cash or gift cards.
What sets Swagbucks apart is its user-friendly interface available on both desktop and mobile, making it easy to earn rewards on the go. Users can also benefit from daily goals and special promotions that offer bonus points, enhancing the earning potential beyond just watching ads.
Payout options: Users can cash out through PayPal or choose from a variety of gift cards.
Earning potential: Each activity gives 2 to 5 SB points per ad watched, when an amount of points is earned, it can be exchanged for money.
2. InboxDollars
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InboxDollars differentiates itself by paying users directly in cash rather than points. Users can earn by watching ads, taking surveys, reading emails, and completing other daily tasks. The platform offers a $5 sign-up bonus, which gives new users a head start in reaching the $30 minimum payout threshold.
Estimated earning potential: Watching ads typically earns users a few cents per ad. Earnings for other activities may vary.
Payout options: Payments are made via check or PayPal, with a minimum payout threshold of $30.
3. MyPoints
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MyPoints has been a staple in the rewards industry for quite some time, offering a variety of ways to earn points, including watching ad videos, shopping, and taking surveys. The platform provides daily video playlists, allowing users to earn points continuously, which can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.
The site also offers unique benefits like points for printing and using coupons, making it more than just a video-watching platform. Referral bonuses and special tasks further boost earning potential, making MyPoints a versatile choice for consistent earners.
Earning potential: Users earn points for each video they watch, and these points can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.
Payout options: Points can be redeemed for a wide range of gift cards or PayPal cash, with a low minimum redemption threshold.
4. PrizeRebel
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Focused more on paid surveys, PrizeRebel is one of the largest companies in the reward for ads segment, counting some big names in business among its client portfolio, such as Amazon, Burger King, and eBay.
It’s a straightforward platform that rewards users with points for watching ads, completing surveys, and engaging in other activities. It has a low payout threshold and loyalty programs that makes it especially appealing for users who want to see quick returns.
Earning potential: Users can earn varying points depending on the length and type of ads. The platform also offers a loyalty program that increases earnings for consistent users.
Payout options: Users can redeem points for gift cards, PayPal cash, or direct bank deposits.
5. KashKick
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KashKick offers a straightforward way to earn money through various activities, including watching ads, completing offers, and taking surveys. The platform emphasizes transparency, with a clear dashboard that tracks earnings and available tasks. Despite that, expectations about earnings should be placed at minimal, spatially if you don’t commit much time to the platform On KashKick, users can earn a few cents per ad (depending on several factors) but engaging in multiple activities can boost overall earnings.
Earning potential: You can earn a few cents per ad, but engaging in multiple activities can increase overall earnings.
Payout Options: Users can cash out via PayPal with a minimum payout threshold of $10.
6. You-Cubez
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A “paid to click” and “paid to watch” platform, You-Cubez rewards users for viewing sponsored ads, completing surveys, completing tasks, and even giving commission from your referrals.
The platform offers both free and premium membership options, with premium members earning more. It’s a trustworthy platform with many features, like referral bonuses and the option to reinvest earnings into advertising campaigns—very useful for business owners.
Earning potential: Users earn money for each ad they watch or click on. The platform also offers premium membership options that increase earning potential.
Payout options: Users can cash out via PayPal or cryptocurrency.
7. CreationsRewards
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Established in 2000, CreationsRewards has built a solid reputation as a trusted platform. This platform offers multiple ways to earn money, including watching videos, taking surveys, and shopping online.
Other features include dashboards that track earnings and offers, in addition to a reasonable minimum redemption threshold, ensuring that you can see tangible rewards for your efforts without a long wait.
Earning potential: You can earn points for each activity, including watching ads. Points can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.
Payout options: Points can be redeemed for a wide selection of gift cards or PayPal cash, with a reasonable minimum redemption threshold.
8. QuickRewards
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In business since 2002 (yes, the practice of getting paid for watching ads on the internet has been around almost as long as the internet itself) QuickRewards offers rewards not only for watching videos, but also for completing surveys, shopping online, and even playing games.
One of the things that sets QuickRewards apart is that the minimum redemption amount is 1¢. This means that, as its name suggests, monetary gains on this platform is considerably faster than on any other, which is especially useful if you prefer a steady—although obviously minimal—stream of money coming into your account.
Earning potential: Varies based on the activities you engage in and the time you invest. Users have reported earning approximately $0.50 to $1.50 daily with high activity on the platform.
Payout options: Through Paypal, with no minimum threshold
What to know about getting paid to watch ads
Despite being a relatively simple and quick way to make money, this is a model that has been raising questions over the years, especially with the growing concern about the increase in cases of data theft.
If you’re interested in starting to make money by watching ads, it’s important to be aware of:
Low earnings
We've mentioned this a few times throughout this article, but it's a fact: earnings from watching ads are small. We're talking about numbers that will barely reach three digits at the end of the month.
This is a method of making money that works best as a supplement to your income, not as a way to earn a living. Of course, the more time you dedicate, the more money you'll make.
Privacy concerns
Many of the platforms you use to make money by watching ads will collect data to send you targeted ads. Although this is very common in ecommerce in general (most of the ads you see on YouTube are targeted), this can raise privacy concerns among many users.
Make sure you use trustworthy platforms and never give out information that goes beyond basic registration information, such as name, email and contact information.
Scams and legitimacy
Most get-rich-quick methods will always have the possibility of fraud as a real danger, and this is especially true when it comes to watching ads to make money.
There are many websites and apps on the internet that falsely promise exorbitant earnings just by watching a few videos. Many fraudulent companies even pay money in the first few months, but then disappear shortly after.
Be very wary of extremely beneficial promises. Always check the legitimacy of websites and other apps on forums, or with trustworthy people who already use them. And even if you’re already using a trustworthy platform, never give personal information to people who contact you directly by phone and claim to be representatives of such companies.
With caution and effort, you can have a stable and reliable source of money in the long term.
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Get paid to watch ads FAQs
Frequently asked questions about how to get paid to watch ads!
How can I get paid to watch ads?
You can get paid to watch ads by signing up for reward platforms that offer rewards or cash for viewing video advertisements. These platforms typically require you to watch a certain number of ads or complete other tasks to earn points or money.
How much money can I make by watching ads?
The amount of money you can make varies depending on the platform and the number of ads you watch. It can range from a few cents to a few dollars. Consistent engagement and participation in additional activities is necessary to increase your earnings.
Are there any fees or costs involved?
Most legitimate platforms don’t charge users any fees to participate. However, some may offer premium memberships with enhanced earning opportunities.