Do you love watching videos online? Be it YouTube, Netflix, or any other site, watching videos is a cool way to chill out. But imagine if you could get paid for watching videos? Sounds amazing, right?

That’s not just a dream. There are tons of ways to earn money from watching videos online. You don’t need any special skills, just a gadget that can connect to the internet and some free time. Watch videos about anything, like entertainment, learning, news, sports, and more. You also decide how much time you want to spend watching videos and how much money you want to make.

I’ll share eight ways to watch videos and make money online in this piece. These methods are simple, flexible, and rewarding. You can use them to earn some extra cash, or if you’re really into it, you could even make it a full-time job. By the end of this piece, you’ll know how to turn your relaxing time into a money-making adventure.

How Paid Video Watching Works

You might be asking, “Why would anyone pay me to watch videos online? Is there a catch?” No, there’s no catch. It’s actually a great deal for you and the businesses that pay you.

Companies win from paying viewers like you because they get valuable feedback, data, and exposure for their products or services. They can use this info to better their marketing plans, boost their sales, or grow their viewership. They can also use your views to earn more from ads or sponsors.

What kind of videos you will watch

The kinds of videos you could be asked to watch can vary based on the platform you pick. Some might ask you to watch short ads or promotional videos about different brands or products.

Others could have you watch longer videos like movies, TV shows, documentaries, or educational videos. Some might even let you pick what you want to watch based on what you like.

How much you can make watching videos

How much you can earn and what the limits are for making money by watching videos depends on a few things.

Things like the platform you pick, the kind and length of the videos you watch, how many videos you watch a day or month, and how you get paid. Generally, you could earn anything from a few cents to a few dollars per video.

Some platforms might even give bonuses, rewards, or entries into prize drawings for watching more videos or doing certain tasks.

Things to keep in Mind While Watching Videos for money

However, before you dive into watching videos for money, there are some things you should keep in mind. First, you should always do your homework and make sure the platform you pick is real and reliable.

You can look at online reviews, ratings, customer experiences, or complaints from other users to make sure it’s legit. You should also read the rules and understand how your personal info and privacy are protected.

Be honest and realistic about what you expect and want to achieve. Watching videos for money isn’t a way to get rich quick or a replacement for a regular job. It’s a cool and easy way to get a little extra cash, but it’s not going to make you a millionaire overnight.

You should also be honest about your opinions and feedback when watching videos and avoid clicking on anything weird or inappropriate.

Lastly, you should enjoy and have fun making money watching videos. After all, it’s one of the best and most relaxing ways to earn money online. You can watch videos that you find interesting, learn new stuff, find new content creators, and even make new friends. As long as you follow the rules and guidelines of each platform, you can have a great time watching videos and get paid for it.

8 Simple Ways to Make Money Watching Videos

Here, I’m going to show you different ways you can make money by watching videos online. You can watch videos and make money online. Some ways are straightforward and fun, others may need a bit more effort or some skills. But they all can help you turn your downtime into a source of income.

So let’s jump in!

1. Online Surveys and Market Research Platforms

One of the simplest and most common ways to make money watching videos online is through online surveys and market research platforms. These websites or apps pay you for sharing your thoughts on various topics, goods, or services.

How does this work? Well, you sign up for free, fill in a profile with some basic details about you. Then, you get a range of surveys and tasks based on your interests and demographics. Some of these tasks might include watching videos and answering questions about them.

For example, you might watch a video ad for a new product and rate how likely you would buy it. Or you could watch a tutorial video and rate its helpfulness. Or you might watch a TV show clip and share your thoughts about it.

Depending on the platform, you could get paid in cash, gift cards, or points that can be traded for rewards. Some of the most well-known online survey and market research platforms that pay you for watching videos include:

• Swagbucks: A trusted platform that offers a range of ways to earn money online, like watching videos. You pick from categories such as entertainment, news, sports, or lifestyle, and earn points for each video you watch. You can also earn points by taking surveys, playing games, online shopping, and more. Then you can exchange your points for cash via PayPal or gift cards from Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, and other stores.
• InboxDollars: Another popular platform that pays you for watching videos and completing other online tasks. Watch videos from different channels like cooking, health, celebrity gossip, or travel, and earn cash for each video you watch. You can also earn money by taking surveys, reading emails, playing games, and more. Once you reach $30 in your account, you can request payment via check or gift card.

Tips for boosting earnings:

• Join several platforms to increase your chances of getting more surveys and tasks involving watching videos.
• Keep your profile up to date to get more relevant and higher-paying surveys and tasks.
• Watch videos on topics you enjoy or know something about to make the process more enjoyable and easier.
• Always be honest and consistent with your answers and feedback to avoid getting banned from the platforms.
• Regularly check your email or notifications to catch new opportunities as soon as they pop up.

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2. Product Review and Feedback Websites

Another way to get paid for watching YouTube videos and more is by joining product review and feedback websites. These sites or apps pay you for testing and reviewing different products or services online.

How does it work? You sign up for free and apply for testing opportunities that match your profile and preferences. Then, you get the product or service to test (either physically or virtually) and follow the instructions on how to use it and what to look for. Some of these instructions might involve watching videos about the product or service.

For instance, you could be asked to watch a video demo of a new app, then use the app yourself and share your thoughts. Or you might watch a video presentation of a new course, then sign up and give your feedback. Or you might watch a video review of a new product or service and then compare it to your own experience.

Depending on the website, you could get paid in cash, gift cards, free products or services, or discounts. Some popular product review and feedback websites that pay you for watching videos include:

• Vindale Research: A respected, high-paying site that pays you for testing and reviewing products and services online. You can watch videos and answer questions about them, or watch videos and test the products or services yourself. You can also make money by taking surveys, referring friends, and more. Once you hit $50 in your account, you can get paid via PayPal or check.
• UserTesting: A popular and trusted site that pays you for testing and reviewing websites, apps, software, and other digital products online. You can watch videos and answer questions about them, or watch videos and test the products yourself. You can also earn money by taking surveys, participating in interviews, and more. You can earn $10 for every 20-minute test you complete via PayPal.

Some strategies for delivering effective and valuable reviews are:

• Follow the instructions carefully and complete all required tasks.
• Always be honest, detailed, and constructive with your feedback.
• Speak clearly and loudly when recording your voice or video.
• Use a good microphone and camera when testing products or services that require audio or video feedback.

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3. Make Money Watching Videos on Video Ad Platforms

One of the easiest and most typical ways to earn money by watching videos is through viewing advertisements on video ad platforms. These are sites or applications that pay you a little money every time you watch an ad.

You can pick from various ad categories like entertainment, health, travel, and others, and watch them on your PC or phone.

Video ad platforms like Successbux and AdWallet are great examples. Successbux is a site that offers up to $0.02 for each ad you watch and provides additional earning opportunities like surveys and referrals.

AdWallet, on the other hand, is an app that pays between $0.50 and $3.00 per ad view and rewards you for sharing your views and referring friends.

To maximize your earnings from watching ads, consider these tips:

• Register on multiple video ad platforms to boost your chances of getting more ads.
• Utilize your free time to watch the ads, such as while waiting, commuting, or unwinding at home.
• Activate notifications or frequently check your emails to get notified when new ads are available.
• Ensure honesty and attentiveness when viewing the ads and responding to questions about them.

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4. Beta Testing for Upcoming Shows and Films

Another exciting way to get paid for watching YouTube videos and others is by becoming a beta tester for forthcoming series and movies. This role allows you to preview unreleased content before others and provide feedback to the creators or producers.

This way, you contribute to improving their work while also enjoying some exclusive entertainment.

Platforms like Netflix and Hulu offer such beta testing opportunities. Netflix, a streaming service, occasionally invites its subscribers to test out new features or content and rewards them with gift cards or cash.

Hulu, another streaming service, has a beta testing program named Hulu Labs where you can preview new series and movies and share your thoughts.

To be a productive beta tester, consider these guidelines:

• Enroll in beta testing programs that align with your interests and preferences.
• Follow the provided instructions and deadlines by the platform or creator.
• Watch the content attentively and jot down any issues or suggestions you come across.
• Provide sincere, constructive feedback that’s clear and detailed.
• Respect the confidentiality and privacy of the content and avoid sharing it with others.

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5. Online Tutoring and Subtitle Creation

Yet another way to watch videos and earn money is by leveraging your skills and knowledge to assist others. You can achieve this by becoming an online tutor or creating subtitles for videos. These tasks require you to watch educational or entertainment videos and offer help or translation to other viewers.

Platforms like Chegg Tutors and Rev provide opportunities for online tutoring and subtitle creation jobs. Chegg Tutors is a platform connecting students with tutors who can assist them with various subjects through video chat. Rev is a platform hiring freelancers to generate captions or subtitles for videos in various languages.

To enhance your skills for these tasks, consider these tips:

• Select a niche or subject that you’re passionate and well-versed about.
• Enhance your communication or writing skills by watching videos and explaining or summarizing them in your words.
• Familiarize yourself with the tools and software required by the platform or the client.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in your field.
• Seek feedback and improvement suggestions from those with more experience or expertise than you.

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6. Mobile Apps That Pay for Watching Videos

One fun way to earn some cash is through mobile apps where you get paid for watching videos. These apps can give you rewards like cash, points, or gift cards just for watching videos on your phone. Let’s have a look at a few of these:

• Swagbucks: It’s a highly liked app where you can make money watching videos, doing surveys, playing games, and more. When you collect enough points, you can get PayPal cash or gift cards from various stores. Plus, the videos can play on their own, helping you earn passive income. Sign up and get a $10 bonus!
• AppTrailers: This app pays you to watch trailers of new apps, movies, and shows. Answer trivia questions or give ratings on videos for extra points. Redeem points for cash or gift cards.
• Viggle: Earn rewards by watching TV or streaming shows on platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime. You can earn points and exchange them for gift cards from popular brands.
• KashKick: You can make money by watching videos, doing surveys, or browsing the internet. Unlike other platforms that give you points or gift cards, KashKick pays you directly to your PayPal account.
• Inbox Dollars: Earn money by watching videos from various categories. You can also earn by doing surveys, playing games, and other activities. Get paid via PayPal, check, or gift cards.
• MyPoints: Here, you get paid to watch videos on different topics. You can also earn by playing games, reading emails, and more. Redeem points for cash or gift cards. Get a $10 bonus when you sign up!
• ClipClaps: Laugh and earn by watching funny videos and clips. Earn extra by playing games or referring friends. You can cash out via PayPal or gift cards.
• FusionCash: Watch videos on various topics and earn money. You can also earn by doing surveys, referring friends, and more. Get your money via PayPal, check, direct deposit, or gift cards.
• Idle-Empire: Get paid for watching videos on different topics. You can also earn by doing surveys, playing games, mining cryptocurrency. Redeem your earnings for cash, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or game codes.
• Nielsen Computer And Mobile Panel: Earn money by sharing your internet usage data. You don’t need to actively watch videos, but you can earn passively by just doing what you usually do online.

To maximize your earnings:

• Install several apps: Different apps offer different rewards, so having a variety increases your chances to earn more.
• Watch videos in your free time: You can watch while waiting, commuting, or just relaxing. Just ensure you have a good internet connection and enough battery life.
• Be selective with the videos: Some videos pay more than others. Always avoid inappropriate or scammy videos.

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7. Earning Money from Video Game Streaming

If you love playing video games, you can make money by streaming your gameplay online. Streaming your video game play is a big industry and attracts people who enjoy watching live or recorded games. Here are a few platforms where you can do this:

• Twitch: The leading platform for video game streaming. You can interact with viewers and make money through donations, channel subscriptions, sponsorships, or ad revenue.
• YouTube Gaming: A part of YouTube dedicated to gaming. You can make money through donations, channel memberships, sponsorships, or ad revenue.

To be successful in making money from streaming video games:

• Choose a less popular game: Famous games have a lot of competition. By choosing a less-known game, you may have a better chance to stand out.
• Build a loyal audience: To earn money from video game streaming, you need a big audience that regularly watches your streams and supports you financially.
• Invest in good equipment: For smooth and professional streaming, you need good tech, including a computer, fast internet, a quality microphone and camera, and comfortable gaming gear.

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8. Participating in Online Video Competitions

If you’re creative and good at storytelling, you can make money by joining online video competitions. These are contests where you create a short video on a certain topic. Here are a few platforms where you can participate:

• Filmora: A video editing software that hosts monthly contests. You can win cash prizes, software licenses, and gift cards.
• Mofilm: This platform matches filmmakers with brands that need videos. You can win cash prizes and get feedback from industry experts.

To improve your chances of winning:

• Follow the rules: Each contest has its own rules. Make sure you follow them to avoid disqualification.
• Be original and creative: Judges look for unique, engaging videos. Avoid copying others and use good equipment to produce your videos.
• Know your audience: Research who will be watching your video. Understand their likes and dislikes, and make a video that appeals to them.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Earnings Watching Videos

Making money by watching videos may sound easy and fun, but it’s not a way to get rich fast. You need to invest time and work hard to earn a good amount. Here are some useful tips to help you earn more while watching videos:

• Use time wisely: Watching videos can be fun but can also take up a lot of your time. So, you need to plan your time well. Decide how long you’ll watch videos each day, and use your time smartly. You could watch videos while traveling, during short breaks, or before sleep. But don’t let it interfere with important work or duties.
• Focus on the quality and quantity of your work: Watching more videos can help you earn more money, but you also need to pay attention to the work you do after watching. Some platforms might ask you to fill out surveys, write comments, or do other tasks after watching. These tasks help those who created the ads and videos to improve their offerings, and they also determine your payment. So, always provide honest feedback and don’t rush through the tasks.
• Look for various income sources: Don’t just rely on one platform to get paid for watching videos. Different platforms offer different types of videos and payment schemes. By joining various platforms, you can find more videos that you enjoy and earn money from different places. You can also mix watching videos with other online tasks like answering surveys, playing games, or testing websites.
• Learn new things: Watching videos isn’t just fun, it can also teach you new skills or knowledge. You could watch videos that teach you a new language, a new hobby, or even a new job. In this way, you can not only make money watching video content but also learn and grow.

Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Like any online job, getting paid to watch videos can have some problems. Here are a few common issues and how to tackle them:

• Small earnings: Watching videos usually doesn’t pay as much as other online jobs like freelancing or blogging. The amount of money you can make depends on many things, like how many videos are available, their length and quality, the tasks you need to do after watching, and the payment the platforms offer. To solve this problem, be realistic about your goals and see watching videos as a way to make some extra money, not your main job.
• Frauds: Sadly, some platforms that promise to pay you for watching videos are scams trying to steal your personal data or money. To avoid these scams, research any platform before you join. Look for other users’ reviews, ratings, testimonials, and complaints. Confirm the platform’s contact details, privacy policy, terms and conditions, and payment methods to check its credibility. And never pay any fees or give any sensitive information before you start.
• Getting bored: Watching videos can be fun at first, but it can get repetitive and boring over time. To avoid getting bored, change the types of videos you watch and combine them with other activities. Choose videos that you find interesting or challenging. Take breaks between watching sessions and do something that you enjoy or that energizes you.

Final Thoughts

Watching videos online is not just a good way to spend time but can also help you earn some extra cash. In this article, I’ve shared multiple ways you can get paid to watch videos, from ads and movie trailers to YouTube videos and online classes.

I’ve also given you some advice on making the most of your earnings and tackled potential challenges in making money by watching videos. Whether you want extra pocket money or need to pay some bills, these methods can help you get there.

More ways to make money:

• Games that pay real money
• Fun jobs to make money
• Listen to music and get paid
• Get paid to do nothing