For millions of people, watching videos on YouTube, Vimeo, and other platforms is simply a more efficient way to consume information, get entertained, and of course, promote products.

There's really no end to the amount of content able to be watched on the flip of a dime - but, did you know that you make money watching videos?

And no, I'm not talking about producing or participating in videos, but quite literally, you can get paid to watch videos online.

And in this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know to understand how to get paid to watch videos. How it works, which platforms reward you for it, and how much you can earn.

Sounds fun? Keep reading and find out how to get paid to watch videos.

How can I get paid to watch videos?

Just to reinforce the idea: yes, it is possible to get paid on the internet just for watching videos. And there are actually many ways to do this, whether through specific platforms, apps, or working for companies.

Here are the main ways to get paid to watch videos on the internet:

Through survey and reward websites

Survey and reward websites have been around for a long time (some have been around for decades) but have been gaining particular popularity in recent years. These platforms allow you to earn rewards by completing various tasks, including watching videos—often ads, promotional content, or short clips on different topics.

Swagbucks, for example, is a platform that rewards you with “SB points” for each video you watch. You can redeem these points after a certain amount for gift cards or PayPal cards. It’s a beneficial method both for you, who are paid to watch ads, and for the reward platforms that earn from advertising companies who, in turn, benefit from the exposure and brand recognition that such platforms provide.

With video and ad platforms

Some platforms, such as WeAre8, pay users to watch advertisements or promotional videos. These platforms are usually designed for advertisers to get views and engagement, and they pay viewers a small fee for their time.

These are also platforms with a strong focus on affiliate marketing, where you can share referral links for even better profits.

Using apps for movie and TV buffs

Some apps specialize in rewarding users for engaging with various forms of video content. You can watch movie trailers, app demos, or even sponsored videos to earn points. 

These points can later be redeemed for gift cards, gadgets, or even cash. One advantage of this type of apps is that some of them allow autoplay, meaning you can let the app run in the background while accumulating rewards.

But one reported downside is that they may not work as intended in certain regions, with errors such as you being unable to withdraw your profits, among others. It’s always advisable to do your research before using this type of app.

Working for streaming services testers

There's companies that can hire you to provide feedback on websites and apps, including streaming and other video platforms. For instance, a company may pay you to test a new feature on a streaming service by watching videos and answering questions about your experience.

As with all forms of earning money from watching videos, you won't make much from this gig - depending on the platform you’ll be paid between $10 and 60$ per session, subject to the length and complexity of the test.

Reviewing movie, short movies, and trailers

Do you have a good critical sense and the ability to express your opinions about audiovisual productions in a relatively decent way? You can get paid for watching videos and sharing your opinions, and you don't even need a YouTube channel and followers to do it (although that is another good option).

On websites like SliceThePie you can watch movie trailers or commercials and then provide a short review. The better and more detailed your feedback, the more you’ll earn. Payments are usually small, ranging from $0.10 to $0.25 per review, but if you’re consistent, the income can add up.

Use Twitch or YouTube

As two of the largest video platforms in the world, there are several ways to make money watching videos on Twitch and YouTube. And some of them don’t even involve having a profile with thousands of followers.

For example, some streamers pay viewers like you to help moderate their chats or participate in “watch parties” - where you'll earn money while watching videos (technically livestreams, but they're still videos, right?). Plus, many YouTubers and Twitch streamers earn affiliate commissions for driving traffic to specific videos, which means you might get paid to promote and view certain audiovisual content.

Get paid to watch videos with these 11 platforms

There are quite a few platforms that pay you to watch videos. Each one works in a different way, with its own peculiarities and even ways in which you can earn money.

The platforms presented here were chosen based on their reach and reliability. Here are the best ways to get paid for watching videos.

1. Swagbucks

swagbucks

Swagbucks is one of the biggest and most popular rewards platforms on the market. It works by rewarding you with “SB points” for each task done, such as watching videos, which range from ads and entertainment clips to news updates. 

These points can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash. While the payouts for videos alone are modest, you can increase your earnings by completing other specific tasks on the platform like surveys or online shopping.

Earning potential: $2 to $5 per day depending on activity level

2. InboxDollars

inbox dollars

A more straightforward option compared to Swagbucks, InboxDollars pays you real cash directly for watching short videos, movie trailers, and advertisements. You’ll receive a small amount per video, but you can only withdraw your earnings once you reach a $30 minimum balance in your account.

As a reward platform, you can also earn by doing other tasks, such as taking surveys, reading emails, and completing specific offers. One downside of InboxDollars is that the platform doesn't work in some countries. So if you’re outside the US, it may not be available for you.

Earning potential: $10 to  $50 per month depending on how often you use the platform. Some users report reaching above $100 with full time dedication.

3. WeAre8

wer8

A fairly new website (founded in 2022), WeAre8 is an innovative social media platform that compensates users for watching advertisements vídeos. The platform shares 50% of its advertising revenue with users in exchange for viewing ads, with each video taking about 2 minutes to watch.

It’s an innovative approach that provides a more “social media” feel to the usual reward base exchange. It not only gives monetary rewards but also empowers users to control their digital identity. Earnings can be low compared to other platforms, but it’s secure and offers a very unique way to make money while engaging with a socially conscious platform.

Earning potential: $0.08 to $0.26 per advertisement

4. KashKick

kashkick

An user-friendly platform, KashKick allows users to earn money by watching videos, completing surveys, and downloading apps. Is a very direct and straightforward option, once you accumulate at least $10 in earnings, you can cash out via PayPal. 

While individual payouts are relatively small, engaging in multiple activities can grow your overall earnings. One downside to point is that, much like InboxDollars, this platform is currently not available outside the US, but it’s working on expanding its reach to other countries

Earning potential: Varies depending on task

5. MyPoints

mypoints

On MyPoints you can earn points that are redeemable for gift cards or cash through PayPal. It offers a diverse range of videos, providing ample opportunities to earn during your leisure time.

One thing to notice is that video watching actually pays less compared to other tasks, such as shopping or answering surveys, but it still is a reliable option for consistent rewards.

Earning potential: $10 to $50 per month depending on activity level.

6. PrizeRebel

prizerebel

PrizeRebel is a rewards platform that offers access to thousands of videos, online opinion surveys, and other activities that can earn you prizes. By completing activities, you earn a certain amount of points that can be exchanged for instant rewards such as Paypal cash, gift cards, and even Bitcoin.

Earning potential: $10 to $40 per month depending on how many videos you watch and other tasks you complete.

7. Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel

nielsen

Nielsen is a traditional professional research company and one of the world’s leading providers of media and marketing information. The company offers a program where users can earn rewards by installing their app, which tracks your internet usage, including video consumption, with the intention of tracking customer behavior and consumer preferences regarding the content and products they prefer.

By taking part, you contribute to market research and, in return, receive points that can be redeemed for gift cards or merchandise. It's a passive way to earn while going about your regular online activities. 

Earnings may be quite small compared to rewards platforms, but considering that the model consists of you earning without doing much extra work, it’s still beneficial.

Earning potential: $50 to $100 per year, passively

8. TimeBucks

timebucks

TimeBucks is a platform that pays users for various activities, including watching videos, viewing funny slideshows, and completing surveys. Earnings can be withdrawn weekly with six different payment methods, including PayPal and Bitcoin.

It’s a straightforward platform with a very simple process to get access. Another cool feature of TimeBucks is that each day the platform runs a competition where the top 100 earners win a nice bonus, providing an incentive for consistent engagement. There’s also a referral program, useful if you’re looking for even more options to make extra money.

Earning potential: A few dollars a day, or more if you dedicate more substantial time

9. QuickRewards

quick rewards

QuickRewards is proud to live up to its name by allowing you to redeem your earnings at any time and for any amount - the minimum amount to redeem is literally $0.01. As a rewards platform, you can earn not only by watching videos, but also by completing surveys, playing games, shopping online, and completing offers.

Earning potential: $10 to $50 per month depending on activity.

10. Cointiply

cointiply

If you’re interested in cryptocurrency earnings, Cointiply is the platform for you. In this cryptocurrency-based platform you can get paid in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies by watching videos, taking surveys, or even playing games. The website also offers a loyalty bonus for daily users, which can enhance your potential earnings over time.

Earning potential: Much like other platforms, earnings depend on your frequency. Payments are made on cryptocurrency, so earnings in dollars may vary depending on that fact as well.

11. SliceThePie

slicethepie

Unlike other platforms that focus more on the passive activity of just watching videos, SliceThePie gives you the opportunity to put your critical senses to the test. The platform basically pays you to review all kinds of audiovisual media, such as commercials, music videos, and other creative content.

Your reviews, or "feedback" as the platform calls it, go directly to the content creators to be used as social proof. As you grow on the platform, your earning potential also increases.

As a review platform, SliceThePie requires considerably more work for you to get paid watching videos, but your earning potential is also higher. Some users report making up to $130 per week by dedicating themselves to the platform. It may not seem like a lot, but for the segment of making money watching videos, it’s not an amount to ignore.

Earning potential: Depends on the project and the quantity of reviews you do. 

How much can I make watching videos?

While these options are legitimate and can earn you decent amounts in profit in a relatively simple, easy way, it's important to set realistic expectations about profitability with this model of work. 

Most platforms pay small amounts per video, like something between $0.01 and $0.05 per video, so this activity is best suited as a side hustle, not a full-time income.

As a regular user you can make something up to $50 per month. Dedicating more time and using multiple platforms can give you greater earnings, but it's nothing more than a complement to your overall savings. As a regular user you can make something up to $50 per month.

Want to make real money? Don't just watch videos - clip them

Getting paid to watch videos is a great way to make some extra money, but there’s a better, more sustainable way: clip videos.

You've probably heard of video clipping before. Put simply, it means taking the best parts of long-form videos and transforming them to ultra-shareable short-form content.

Think taking the key points of a 1.5 hour visual podcast and making a 1 minute reel for Instagram or TikTok. That's clipping.

Clipping is popular because no-one wants to spend an hour (or even 30 minutes) watching a video anymore. Our attention span is getting shorter, and we want to absorb the most interesting info in 30 seconds. That's why brands and content creators are paying thousands of dollars to anyone who can clip their content.

whop

Whop is home to Content Rewards, where you can find brands paying for clipped content.

It couldn't be easier - just grab your assets, clip your content, drop your link and start getting paid. You get paid per 1000 views, and the payout varies. Some brands offer $0.40 per 1k whilst others offer $10 per 1k.

To get started check out Whop Clips - your one-stop-shop to learn all about the art of clipping content and getting paid.

Watching videos gets you small change - clipping videos brings in the big bucks. What are you waiting for?


Get paid to watch videos FAQs

The frequently asked questions about how to get paid to watch videos.

Do I need to pay to join a reward platform ?

No, all legitimate platforms that pay you to watch videos are free to join. If a platform asks for upfront payment, it’s likely a scam. Always verify the legitimacy of a site before signing up.

Can I get paid by watching videos on multiple platforms at once?

Yes, you can use multiple platforms to maximize your earnings. Just be mindful of time management, as each platform has different requirements.

Can I get paid to watch video on any device?

Yes,most platforms have mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. So you can get paid to watch videos both on mobile and on browsers.