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Want to turn YouTube viewing into cash?
In this article, I will explain how you can actually earn money by watching videos, including those on YouTube!
We’ll explore different platforms that offer rewards for watching content.
I have highlighted the key features and earning potential of each platform.
A. Platforms to Get Paid to Watch YouTube Videos
1. Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel
Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel is a data collection program that tracks your online habits and preferences. By installing their app, you can help Nielsen gain insights into how internet users interact with online content.
How Does It Work?
To start getting paid to watch videos on YouTube and other online activities with Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel, sign up on their website and install their app on your devices.
You can install this app on up to 10 devices in your home, from computers to smartphones and tablets. Once installed, the app runs quietly in the background, collecting anonymous data on your internet usage. All you have to do is keep the app active and get paid free money.
How much can you earn?
You earn points from Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel, which can be exchanged for gift cards or cash via PayPal. Your earnings are based on two factors – the number of devices with the app installed and the duration of activity.
You can potentially earn up to $50 yearly per device. Additionally, you’ll get entries into their monthly sweepstakes for a chance to win up to $10,000.
Key Features
- High credibility as a market research company
- Easy to join and user friendly app
- Doesn’t require additional effort or time
- You get paid for your regular internet usage
- Multiple reward options
- Potential impact on device performance and battery life
- Raises privacy concerns as it collects data on your online habits
- Relatively low earning potential compared to other platforms
- Does not let you select what kind of videos or content to watch
2. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a renowned and trusted platform that pays you for accomplishing various online tasks, like watching YouTube videos, taking surveys, online shopping, playing games and more.
On Swagbucks, you can select from thousands of videos on different topics and categories to watch.
How does it work?
To get paid to watch videos on YouTube via Swagbucks, sign up on their website or download their app. Then, you can start earning points, referred to as Swagbucks Points or SB, by completing different tasks on their platform.
You can watch videos on Swagbucks TV, a section of their platform that curates playlists of videos from YouTube and other sources. You can also watch videos through their partner websites or apps to earn money.
How much can you earn?
The number of SBs you earn depends on the length and type of the video you watch.
Typically, you can earn between $0.01 to $0.04 per video or playlist. You can redeem your SBs for PayPal money or a gift card (Amazon, Walmart, Target, and more).
Key Features
- Wide range of videos from where you can choose
- Multiple ways to earn money including online surveys, cashback shopping, online games, and more
- Low minimum payout threshold
- Multiple ways to withdraw your earnings
- High user rating and reputation
3. MyPoints
MyPoints is another platform where you can get paid to watch videos. Apart from watching videos, you can earn by taking online surveys, shopping online, reading emails, playing games and more.
How does it work?
To earn by watching YouTube videos with MyPoints, all you need to do is sign up with a bonus on their website or download their app. Once you’re set up, you can start earning points by watching videos on MyPoints TV or on their partner sites.
How much can you earn?
You earn points for completing different tasks. You get about 1 to 3 points per video or playlist. Your earnings depends on the length and type of the video you watch.
Once you’ve earned enough points, you can exchange them for gift cards or get PayPal money.
Key Features
- Highly Reputed
- Different ways to earn money – online surveys, cashback shopping, online games, and more
- Low minimum payout threshold
- Multiple ways to withdraw your earnings
- Limited number of videos to watch
4. Paidwork
Paidwork is another platform where you can get paid for watching YouTube videos, among other tasks like playing games, answering surveys, playing games, and more.
How does it work?
Just like MyPoints, you can earn money by signing up on Paidwork’s website or downloading their app. Once you’re done, you can start watching videos to earn cash.
How much can you earn?
With Paidwork, you get paid in cash for every task you complete, including watching videos. You can usually earn between $0.01 to $0.10 per video or playlist.
Once you reach $5, you can withdraw your earnings via PayPal or bank transfer.
Key Features
- User friendly interface
- Multiple ways to make money
- Fast and easy withdrawal
- Earnings are low
- Limited videos are available (depends on your location)
5. Slidejoy
Slidejoy is another app that pays you for displaying content on your phone’s lock screen. Every time you unlock your phone, you can view news, ads, or promotions and earn rewards for doing so.
How does it work?
To earn money by watching content with Slidejoy, download the app from the Google Play Store and sign up. Then, set your preferences based on your interests that you want to see every time you unlock your phone.
How much can you earn?
You earn points, called Carats, for using this app. The number of Carats you earn depends on – how often you use your phone and how much content you interact with.
On average, you earn about 20 to 50 Carats per day. You can redeem your Carats for gift cards or get PayPal money.
Key Features
- User friendly interface
- Earn for regular phone usage
- Affects phone’s performance and battery life
- Raises privacy concerns as it collects data on your online habits
6. Viggle
With Viggle, you get paid to watch videos, specifically TV shows and movies, on different streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and others.
The app also rewards you for playing trivia games, answering surveys, and discovering new content.
How does it work?
To make money on Viggle, download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store and register with your email or Facebook account.
Earn points by watching TV shows and movies on your device. Simply check into the show or movie you’re watching by pressing the Viggle button or using the audio recognition feature.
How much can you earn?
Your earnings on Viggle depends on what you’re watching. You get bonus points for watching selected shows and movies. On average, you earn about 1 point per minute plus bonus points for featured shows and movies.
You can exchange these points for gift cards from Amazon, Walmart, or cash out through PayPal. You need a minimum of 20,000 points ($20) before you request withdrawals.
Key Features
- Wide variety of shows and movies on different platforms
- Multiple reward options
- User friendly interface
- High ratings
- Affects phone’s performance
- Raises privacy concerns as it collects data on your online habits
- Relatively low earnings
7. AppTrailers
AppTrailers is another app that pays you for watching YouTube videos. You earn by watching trailers of new apps, games, movies, and more.
You can also earn rewards for playing trivia games, answering quizzes, and completing tasks related to the trailers.
How does it work?
To start earning on AppTrailers, download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store and register using your email or Facebook account. You can then earn points by watching trailers and completing other tasks on their platform. These activities can be done either on AppTrailers app or their partner platforms.
How much can you earn?
The points you earn on AppTrailers depend on the length and type of the trailer. Usually, you get 5 to 10 points per trailer or task, which is about $0.005 to $0.01.
Once you’ve accumulated 500 points ($0.5), you can redeem them for gift cards from various retailers like Amazon and Walmart or get PayPal cash.
Key Features
- Wide variety of trailers to watch and earn
- Different ways to make money
- Low minimum payout threshold
- Multiple reward options
- Good user ratings
- Low earnings compared to other platforms
8. InstaCG
InstaCG is another platform that pays you to watch YouTube videos and complete tasks related to these videos. For instance, watching a specific video and then answering related questions, or following a video tutorial’s instructions.
You also earn by inviting your friends to join InstaCG.
How does it work?
First, you need to set up an account and verify your email address. Then, you can explore the different tasks available.
You will get all the information about the task like – earnings, estimated time to finish, and any other requirements (minimum age, country, device, etc.). You can choose whichever task you want to complete.
Once you are done, you will get points. You can exchange these points for PayPal cash or a gift card.
How much can you earn?
Your earnings depend on the type and the quantity of tasks you complete. Each task pays between 1 to 100 points, depending on the task’s difficulty and estimated time to finish.
100 points make $1. Once you reach 500 points ($5), you can request withdrawal.
Key Features
- User friendly
- Variety of tasks and videos are available
- Multiple ways to withdraw your earnings
- With the referral program, you get 10% of your referrals’ earnings
- Available in limited countries
- Delayed payments
9. Slicethepie
Slicethepie is another website that pays you for your reviews. You earn by sharing your opinions about videos, music, fashion, mobile accessories, commercials, and more. Your reviews help artists, brands, and advertisers in improving their products and services.
How does it work?
To start earning, you need to set up an account and specify your preferences. Then, you can navigate through the review categories to share your opinions.
Before writing a review, you need to watch a video or listen to a song for at least 90 seconds. You also have to rate the product or service between 1 to 10.
Note: Your reviews should be thorough, helpful, and original.
How much can you earn?
Your earnings depend on the quality of your reviews and the category you review. The website uses a star rating system (from 1 to 5 stars) to measure your review quality.
The higher your star rating, the more you will earn per review. On average, you get $0.01 to $0.20 per review. Once you reach $10, you can request a payout.
Key Features
- Easy to join
- Variety of categories and topics are available for you to review
- Payment is made via PayPal
- It may take some time to increase your star rating
- There may be limited number of reviews to write (depending on your preferences)
B. Other Ways to Get Paid to Watch Youtube
10. Become a YouTube Partner
One of the top ways to earn by watching YouTube videos is to join the YouTube Partner Program. This way, you can earn money by displaying ads before, during, or after your videos.
To become a YouTube partner, you need to fulfil a few requirements:
- Have at least 1000 subscribers and 4000 hours of watch time in the past 12 months
- Reside in a country where the YouTube Partner Program is available
- Follow YouTube’s rules for monetizing channels and community guidelines
- Must have an active AdSense account connected to your channel
Once you meet these requirements, you can apply to the YouTube Partner Program. You can choose the type of ads you want to display (overlay ads or skippable ads) to start making money.
You can also add features such as channel memberships, super chat, or merchandise shelf.
How much can you earn?
Your earnings will depend on multiple factors – the type of ads, the location of your viewers, and the niche of your channel.
Generally, YouTube partners earn between between $3 and $5 per 1000 views.
11. Make Money by Creating Sponsored Content
Another way to make money is by making sponsored content for brands or companies. This means you get paid to feature a product or service in your videos.
To create sponsored content, you should have a faithful and engaged audience that values your opinion. Also, you need to find brands or products that align with your niche and that your viewers would find interesting.
You can find potential sponsors directly or use platforms like FameBit or Grapevine Logic to connect you with brands.
Key Points to REMEMBER while creating sponsored content:
- Be honest about your sponsorship and follow the FTC guidelines for endorsements.
- Stay true to your opinion and don’t promote something you don’t personally like or use.
- Keep your content original and unique.
- Maintain a respectful and professional tone, refraining from negative comments about other products or competitors.
Sponsored content can be a lucrative way of earning money, with some creators charging between $10 and $50 per 1000 views.
12. Write Product Reviews
If you enjoy watching product videos on YouTube, you can earn money by writing reviews of these products on your website or blog.
To write product reviews, you need to have a website or blog that attracts visitors interested in your niche. You also need the products you’re reviewing. You can buy the product yourself, request from the brands, or receive from platforms like BzzAgent or Influenster.
Always Remember:
- Be honest and unbiased.
- Provide a thorough and detailed evaluation.
- Offer helpful and informative tips, advice, and suggestions.
- Use relevant keywords and phrases to improve your website’s search engine optimization (SEO).
By reviewing products, you can earn between $10 to $100 per 1000 views, depending on your website’s monetization method.
13. Earn Money as an Affiliate Marketer
Other way to make money is by becoming an Affiliate Marketer. This involves promoting other people’s products or services in exchange for a commission for every sale or action generated.
To become an affiliate marketer, join an affiliate program like Amazon Associates, ClickBank, ShareASale, or CJ Affiliate. Choose programs offering products or services that align with your niche and interest your viewers.
Always Remember:
- Disclose your affiliate links and comply with the FTC guidelines for endorsements.
- Only promote products that relate to your video content and provide value to your viewers.
- Explain why the product or service is worth buying or trying.
- Avoid spamming, deceiving, or manipulating your viewers.
Your earnings from affiliate marketing will depend on the commission rate, the conversion rate, and the traffic volume of your videos. Generally, affiliate marketing can earn between $10 and $500 per 1000 clicks.
14. Become a Video Editor
Editing videos is all about changing and organizing video clips to make something new. Video editors create different types of projects like movies, documentaries, ads, music videos, and stuff you watch online.
To be a video editor, you need technical and creative skills. You should know how to use video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Avid Media Composer. Online tutorials and resources are a great way to start learning. However, you can also take classes at a technical school or college or get a degree (like film production or media studies).
Show off your best work in a portfolio. You can put your videos on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo, create a website or blog, or use a portfolio service like Behance or Dribbble. Networking with other video editors and filmmakers is also important. Join online communities, attend events, and look for ways to work on projects together.
As a video editor, your earnings will depend on your skills and the types of projects you work on. According to ZipRecruiter, video editors in the United States make about $46,402 per year.
The earnings change a lot depending on the industry, where you live, and who you work for. Some video editors work for production companies or studios, while others work on their own as freelancers or contractors.
15. Write Video Scripts
Video scripts are like plans for a video. They’re used for all types of videos like ads, how-to videos, documentaries, animations, and more. Video scripts include things like what people say, what you see, sound effects, music, and transitions.
To write video scripts, you need good writing skills and a clear understanding of your audience and what you want to say.
Make a portfolio that shows off your writing skills. You can create examples of video scripts for different types of videos. You can also write scripts for existing videos or work with other video creators on their projects.
Your earnings will depend on your skills and the types of projects you work on. According to Indeed.com, video script writers in the United States make about $29.64 per hour on average.
The earnings change a lot depending on the industry, where you live, and who you work for. Some video script writers work for production companies or agencies, while others work on their own as freelancers or contractors.
16. Become a YouTube Employee
YouTube is a much-loved online site where people share and watch videos. This platform also provides a chance to get a job in areas like engineering, product management, design, marketing, sales, operations, legal, finance, human resources and more.
The steps to becoming a YouTube Employee are as follows:
- Look for a job opening. Check the YouTube Careers website to find a job that fits your skills and ambitions.
- Write your resume and cover letter.
- Send your application. Follow the steps on the YouTube Careers website to submit your application.
- Once you’ve submitted your application, YouTube will send you an email confirmation. You might also get an email invitation for a phone interview or an online test.
The earnings will depend on your role, level, and location. Based on Glassdoor.com, the average pay for a YouTube employee in the US is around $123,000 yearly. The salary varies depending on the job, department, and office.
YouTube also provides great benefits to its workers, like health coverage, retirement plans, stock options, paid time off, parental leave, wellness programs, and more.
17. Become a Paid Video Manager
A video manager is a professional who supervises the creation, distribution, and success of videos for a business or group.
They work on videos, like promotional videos, educational videos, instructional videos, testimonial videos and more. Video managers handle planning, budgeting, scheduling, hiring, directing, editing, and promoting videos.
To become a video manager, you need both technical and leadership skills. You need to understand different parts of video creation, such as scripting, filming, lighting, sound, editing, and post-production.
Apart from this, you should know how to manage people, resources, deadlines, and budgets. Make a portfolio that shows your video management skills and abilities. You can start as an intern, assistant or freelancer for other video managers or production companies.
Your earnings will depend on your experience, skills, and the types of projects you work on. Based on PayScale.com, the average pay for a video manager in the US is around $58,000 yearly.
18. Write Subtitles
You can earn money by writing subtitles for YouTube videos. Subtitles are just the spoken words in the video written out on the screen. They are super helpful for people who can’t hear well or who speak a different language.
Sites like Rev, GoTranscript, or Fiverr have jobs where you can write subtitles. You listen to the video’s sound and write out what you hear to match the video’s timing. You also have to follow certain formatting rules.
Depending on how good you are and which site you use, you can make between $0.50 to $3 for each minute of video.
19. Review Movies and TV Shows
Websites like Swagbucks, Slicethepie, or Paidwork let you watch a video clip or a full episode of a movie or TV show and write a detailed review about it.
You get about $0.05 to $5 per review. Your earnings depend on how detailed and good your review is.
How Much Money Can You Make Watching YouTube Videos?
The amount of money you can make watching YouTube videos depends on:
- Way you choose to earn money
- Platform you use
- Number of tasks you complete
- Quality of your work
- Demand for your skills
Generally, you can expect to earn between $0.05 and $20 per task, depending on the method and platform you use. However, this can change based on the market and how well you do.