Looking for easy ways to make some extra cash in your downtime?
Earning money by watching videos could be the answer!
In today’s digital age, earning money by watching videos is not only possible but increasingly popular.
Let’s face it, most of us watch at least a few dozen videos daily.
And the good news is that anyone can get paid to watch TV shows, movies, YouTube videos, etc., whether you’re a movie buff binge-watching Netflix or scroll through hundreds of videos on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok or other social media sites.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you some of the best ways to get paid for watching videos, from websites and apps that pay you to watch videos to side hustles that allow you to watch videos and earn money without investment
FreeCash: It pays you to test apps, play games & take surveys. Get paid up to $497.82 per offer! Start Earning!
Earn Haus: Earn up to $25 per survey. Plus same-day payments via PayPal, Venmo & Check! Join Earn Haus!
Swagbucks: Get paid to watch videos, shop online, take surveys and more. Join now & get $10 instantly!
InboxDollars: Paid over $57 Million to members to watch videos, take surveys, shop and more. Get $5 instantly!
KashKick: Get paid directly into your PayPal for watching videos, surfing, shopping and more. Join KashKick Now!
So, sit back, grab your popcorn, and let’s explore how you can monetize your screen time!
Table of Contents
How to Earn Money Watching Videos
Here are the top real and legitimate ways you can start getting paid for watching videos.
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is an excellent reward website that pays you for watching videos.
Swagbucks will reward users for watching video playlists and reviewing the content of various websites. Swagbucks states that you can consistently make around $5 per day watching videos on there.
You can also get paid for other tasks, such as shopping online, playing games, reading paid emails, browsing the internet, and completing offers.
Payment is sent via PayPal, gift cards, or check in the mail. The payment threshold on there can be as low as $1, but it depends on which payment option you choose.
2. PrizeRebel
Another simple way to watch videos and get paid for them is via PrizeRebe.
PR gives you points for every video you view and once you’ve earned enough points, you can redeem them for a bunch of different rewards.
Payment options there include PayPal, VISA cards, Bitcoin, and gift cards.
The payout threshold is $5.
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PrizeRebel also pays you for doing other tasks, such as taking market research surveys, and signing up for brand name offers.
What’s great about PrizeRebl is that it is available globally. So, you can make money with it no matter where you are in the world.
3. ZoomBucks
ZoomBucks is another website that pays you to watch videos.
You earn points for watching videos, which you can redeem for a bunch of different rewards, such as PayPal money and gift cards.
You’ll need at least 2,250 points to redeem a reward. For 2,250 points, you can get a $2 Amazon gift code or $2 in PayPal cash.
You can also make money on ZoomBucks by taking surveys and completing offers.
4. GrabPoints
GrabPoints will pay you to watch videos. What’s great about GrabPoints is that it pays fast. You can receive your reward within 48 hours.
Payment options include PayPal and gift cards. You can cash out your earnings for just $3. GrabPoints also pays you for taking surveys.
5. Rewards1
You can get paid to watch videos at Rewards1. The site has lots of payment options available too, such as PayPal, gift cards, game codes, such as PlayStation and Riot Points, and cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin.
You need just 125 points ($1.25) to redeem game codes, and $5 to redeem all other payment options.
Aside from paying you to watch videos, Rewards1 will also pay you for other tasks, such as taking surveys, trying new products, and playing mobile games. People from all countries can join Rewards1 too.
6. Work as a Netflix Tagger
Do you like watching Netflix?
If so, then consider working as a Netflix tagger!
As a Netflix tagger, you are paid to watch media on Netflix, and then tag each one with keywords, like “comedy” or “sci-fi.”
Being a Netflix tagger is a difficult gig to get. These jobs don’t come up that often. Sometimes there are jobs available, but you’ll need to apply through the official Netflix website.
Netflix offers a wide range of positions, some of which involve watching content. So, make sure that you check back on the Netflix job site to see if any jobs come up that involve watching TV.
7. Reward XP
Reward XP is another platform that will reward you when you watch videos. You’ll earn XP for watching videos, which you can redeem for a variety of rewards.
Payment options on the site include PayPal, Amazon gift cards, VISA prepaid cards, cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, and gaming currency like Riot Points.
The payout threshold on Reward XP is just $5.
Reward XP also pays you for doing other tasks, like answering online surveys, downloading apps, playing games, and completing other special offers.
8. Rewarding Ways
Get paid to watch videos with Rewarding Ways. There are lots of payment options on offer too, such as PayPal, Skrill, Wise, and gift cards for brands like Amazon. The payout threshold on Rewarding Ways is just $1.
The site also pays you to do other tasks, such as taking surveys, completing offers, and playing games.
What’s good about Rewarding Ways is that it pays you fast. According to the site, over 90% of payments are sent within just 8 hours. Another good feature of Rewarding Ways is that it accepts members worldwide.
9. instaGC
This is another site that basically rewards you for watching videos from home.
It also pays you for doing a bunch of other online tasks, like searching the internet, taking surveys, and shopping online. For doing tasks like watching videos on instaGC, you’ll earn points that you can redeem for rewards.
Payment options include PayPal and gift cards for retailers, like Amazon and Walmart. You can cash out your earnings for as little as $1.
What’s great about instaGC is that it pays fast. First time PayPal requests are processed within 1 to 7 business days.
Once you have at least one processed PayPal payment, PayPal payments are instantly processed. Gift cards are digitally delivered, so there’s no wait.
10. Idle Empire
Idle Empire is a site that’ll pay you to watch videos. You’ll earn points for watching videos, which you can redeem for a huge range of rewards.
Payment options on Idle Empire include Payeer balance, Perfect Money balance (this can be converted to balance for your bank account, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Payeer, Payoneer, Bitcoin and more), Paysafecard, game points, and cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.
The payout threshold varies depending on the payment option that you choose, but it can be as low as $0.10.
Aside from paying you to watch videos, Idle Empire also pays you for other tasks, like taking surveys, playing games, completing offers, and testing software. So, there are plenty of ways to earn there.
What’s great about Idle Empire is that it pays you fast. Idle Empire says that it will make sure to deliver your reward within 24 hours.
Another good feature of Idle Empire is that it is available globally, which means that you can sign up and get paid to watch videos regardless of where you live.
11. Earnably
Next on the list we have Earnably. And, this is another reward, or GPT (Get Paid to Site) that will pay you to do tasks online, and this includes watching videos.
The site will pay you to watch videos. Payment options include PayPal and gift cards for brands and retailers like Amazon. The payout threshold is $1.
You can get paid to do other tasks too, such as taking surveys and completing offers.
12. Start your own podcast to chat about TV
If you want to make money watching videos, starting a podcast where you talk about TV could be a great option.
Podcasts are really popular, and there are podcasts out there about lots of different shows from Breaking Bad to The Walking Dead.
Consider what your favorite shows are and then consider starting a podcast about it.
You could start a podcast about one show or shows in a particular genre, or shows from a particular decade. Or you could talk about new releases. Basically, you can start a podcast about whatever TV-related topic you want.
Podcasters earn money through sponsors and advertisers, and also donations, provided they have a large enough following.
If you have a large number of listeners, then you can increase your chances of having them donate to you to support your podcast.
Make sure that you deliver quality content on a consistent basis to make money from your podcast.
13. Get-Paid.com
Get-Paid.com gives you coins for watching videos, which you can redeem for rewards like PayPal, Bitcoin, and Amazon gift cards. The payout threshold is as little as $0.50 to $1 depending on your country.
Handily enough, Get-Paid.com pays fast. Cash-outs take from 24 to 72 hours. Aside from getting paid to watch videos, Get-Paid.com will also pay you to take online surveys and play games.
14. QuickRewards
Another way that you can make money watching videos is by using QuickRewards. This site will pay you when you watch videos, and for doing other simple tasks online, such as shopping online, playing games, taking surveys, and completing offers.
If you are looking to make money fast, QuickRewards is a good choice as it pays quickly. You can withdraw your earnings with as little as 1 cent in your account, which means that you do not have to wait ages to withdraw your earnings.
Payment options include PayPal, Amazon gift cards, and in-store gift cards to nearly 50 national retailers, and restaurants, such as Disney, Walmart, Red Lobster, Home Depot, Target, Domino’s Pizza, Best Buy, GameStop, and Kohl’s.
15. InboxDollars
With InboxDollars, you can get paid to watch ads and for streaming TV content.
According to InboxDollars, because companies and brands want more consumers to learn about their upcoming films, products, and services, they need more people to watch their content and share it with their friends online.
InboxDollars connects members, like you, with these brands, film studios, and other companies so that you can earn money watching videos.
InboxDollars will also pay you for other tasks, like reading emails, completing surveys, playing games, trying new products, and shopping online.
InboxDollars pays via PayPal, check, or gift cards for retailers like Amazon. Payments are processed in about 3 business days.
What’s great about InboxDollars is that it gives you a $5 bonus just for signing up.
16. Dabbl
Dabbl is a reward app that you can use to complete simple, fun interactive games, quizzes, and videos. It also pays you for taking surveys. You can get paid via gift cards for a variety of retailers, such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.
You can withdraw your earnings each time you reach a threshold of $5. At this earnings milestone, Dabbl will prompt you to choose from any qualified gift cards in the Dabbl network, and it will be immediately delivered to a designated email address.
17. SavvyConnect
SavvyConnect is an app from SurveySavvy. You can leave SavvyConnect running on your phone while you watch videos and make money.
You can install the SavvyConnect app on a computer or mobile device and earn $3 for each type of device per month.
The app collects data as you surf the web. So, watch videos, and earn money while the app runs on your phone. If you browse the internet as you watch videos, then this gives you a good way to earn some extra cash.
18. Work as an entertainment writer
Another way to get paid to watch videos, including movies and TV shows, is to work as an entertainment writer.
There are a variety of websites out there that are focused on TV shows.
Since these sites need content, they often accept article submissions. So, they pay people, like you, to write articles for them. This means that you could get paid to write articles about the movies and TV shows that you watch.
Some entertainment sites that pay you to write about movies and TV shows include:
This is a good alternative to starting your own blog, as you don’t have the hassle of running a blog, but you still get paid to write articles for other sites.
19. FusionCash
With FusionCash, you can earn money by watching video ads. It will also pay you for doing a bunch of other tasks, such as taking surveys, cashback shopping, and posting on the site’s forum.
Sadly, FusionCash does require that you have $25 in your account before you can withdraw your earnings. And, that’s not ideal if you’re looking to get paid fast.
The site pays via PayPal, check, or direct deposit.
20. Create your own blog about movies and TV shows
If you’re looking to make money watching videos, then consider starting your own blog about movies and TV shows.
You could write reviews of TV shows and movies since many people search for reviews online either before they watch it to check if it’s any good before they decide to watch it, or after they’ve watched it to see what the consensus is on it.
Or, you could create list articles where you rank different types of movies and shows, such as “top ten thriller movies on Netflix,” or “best comedy shows.”
Another option is to write content about popular new shows. This could include reviews or answering questions people might have about a show.
With blogging, you get to write about the topics that you want, meaning that you get to watch the movies and TV shows that you want.
To start a blog, be sure to purchase a domain name and hosting. You can do this on sites like:
- Bluehost
- HostGator
- GoDaddy
You’ll need to use a platform like WordPress.org to publish your content.
Be sure to upload content consistently to build up a following for your blog.
There are many ways that you can make money from your blog, such as by:
- Putting Google ads on your site
- Using affiliate links in your posts
- Creating sponsored content for brands
To make money from your blog, you’ll need to get visitors to your site. The more traffic you get, the better, as it means that you will get more views on ads, more clicks on affiliate links, etc., and that means more money.
So, you need to put effort into uploading content and learning about things like SEO and marketing. So, this option does require a little more effort than some of the other ways to get paid to watch videos, like using Swagbucks for example.
Still though, you get paid to write about something that you enjoy, and if your blog is successful, then you could make a lot of money.
21. FeaturePoints
FeaturePoints will pay you to watch videos. It also pays you for doing other online tasks like trying out new apps and shopping online.
It pays you via PayPal, Bitcoin, and gift cards for brands like Amazon. You only need $5 to cash out your earnings as well. This means that you don’t have to wait ages to get the money you’ve earned.
22. MyPoints
MyPoints will pay you for watching ads, and for other tasks, such as taking surveys, reading emails, and shopping online. It pays you via PayPal or gift cards to retailers like eBay, Starbucks, Target, and Walmart.
MyPoints will give you a $5 welcome bonus when you join the site, which is great.
23. PointsPrizes
PointsPrizes will pay you for watching video ads, and for other tasks, such as playing games and completing offers.
Payment options include PayPal, Skrill, Payoneer, and gift cards for brands like Amazon, Minecraft, Nintendo, Netflix, Steam, the Google Play store, Xbox, and iTunes.
The minimum withdrawal amount on PointsPrizes is around $20, but it varies depending on the brand of gift card claimed. PointsPrizes occasionally runs special promotions where you can claim $5 gift codes or even less.
24. Mystery Shopper
When most people think about mystery shopping jobs, they think about someone going into a store and providing their opinion on it. It’s not just stores though that mystery shoppers can get paid to visit.
Many industries work with mystery shopping companies. This includes businesses like restaurants and movie theaters.
This means that if you work as a mystery shopper, then you could get paid to watch movies. You’ll get to watch movies for free and you even get free movie snacks with some jobs.
Mystery shopping companies pay you to visit movie theaters like Regal Cinemas, AMC Theatres, IMAX, Cinemark Theatres, Carmike Cinemas, Starplex Cinemas, and Showcase Cinema.
As a mystery shopper, you’ll visit the movie theater and then provide feedback on things like how the staff treated you, and how clean the theater was.
Some mystery shopping companies that serve movie theaters include Imyst and Market Force.
25. Work as a movie/TV Critic
If you want to get paid to watch videos, then working as a movie/TV critic is a good option. Movie or TV critics, who’re also known as reviewers, provide their opinions on the content they watch.
As a movie or TV critic, you could get paid to review movies and TV shows.
You can learn about becoming a movie critic online on sites like:
Here’s where you can find TV/movie critic jobs:
26. Tube Pay
Tube Pay is an app for Android devices that allows you to earn rewards while watching videos. You will earn points for watching videos on Tube Pay. The more you watch, the more points you will earn.
You can redeem your points for PayPal cash and Amazon gift cards.
27. Rewarded.tv
Rewarded.tv is an ad-free, subscription-free, streaming service that pays you for watching and sharing TV shows, movies, and live channels.
With it, you can earn crypto for watching movies, TV shows, sports, and news. It has an app available for iOS devices and android devices.
28. Be a closed captioner
Closed captioners get paid to write those captions that you see when you click on the “CC” button on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video.
Closed captions are designed to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
As a closed captioner, you can basically get paid to watch movies and TV shows.
You will of course need to concentrate on writing the captions, so it’s not the most fun way to make money watching videos. You still get paid to watch films and TV shows though.
You can find closed captioning jobs with Rev and CaptioningStar.
29. Offernation
Offernation makes it easy to earn money online. With it, you can earn some extra cash watching videos. Surveys are available there too, with new surveys offered daily. You can even get a bonus for joining the site.
When it comes time to cash out your earnings, you’ll get payment sent right to your PayPal account, or you can transfer the cash to Skrill or Wise. If you’re not after actual cash, then you can instead get your earnings on an Amazon gift card. The payout threshold on there is only $1 too!
30. Gift Hunter Club
Put some extra cash in your pocket by watching videos on Gift Hunter Club.
This site will give you rewards through PayPal, Bitcoin, and gift cards. Gift Hunter Club will give you cash for a plethora of activities you may already do online, aside from watching videos, including taking surveys and consuming content.
31. Become a Nielsen Family
Nielsen Family households get paid to watch TV. Nielsen tracks people’s viewing habits so that it can provide ratings for television programs.
So, with Nielsen Family, you get to help to determine what is put on TV.
The only issue with this option is that you can’t apply to be a Nielsen Family. Instead, Nielsen selects households in different populations and communities. If you are selected, then you will receive gifts for your continued participation.
You can learn more about being a Nielsen Family here.
32. SuperPay.me
Join SuperPay.me and start earning cash when you watch videos. Other tasks you can get paid for on there include taking surveys and completing offers.
Earnings can be cashed out instantly to PayPal. Or you can get a gift card. You withdraw your earnings for as little as $1.
33. TimeBucks
If you’re looking to get paid to watch videos right from home, give TimeBucks a try. It’s another reward website with a plethora of ways to make money online, like watching videos, taking surveys, posting on Facebook, and playing games.
This site has so many payment options on offer, including Payeer, Bitcoin, Skrill, Neteller, AirTM, TangoCard, and bank transfer.
Sites & Apps That Are No Longer Around!
The following sites and apps (that were part of the original list for this post) no longer exist or have pivoted away to another business model.
They are kept here for archival reasons as well as for those who may be wondering, “What happened to Reward TV”, or “What happened to Viggle app”, etc.
Paid2YouTube: This site used to pay you to watch YouTube videos.
Viggle App: An app that used to pay you to listen to music and watch videos.
HitBliss.com: Used to pay you to watch commercials.
RewardTV: The first website remember that used to reward you for answering trivia questions about TV shows.
Slide Joy: One of the first lock screen apps that used to pay you to watch an ad on your phone screen to unlock it.
Successbux: Used to pay you to view ads.
Perk TV: One of the early apps that would pay you to watch videos on your smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Paid to Watch Videos
If you are new to the idea of watching videos and getting paid for it, you probably have more questions. I’ll try to answer some of the main ones as best as I can below.
How much money can I make watching videos?
With a few if any exceptions, watching videos for money is not going to replace your day job but you can earn extra cash steadily.
The amount you can earn varies based on several factors, including the platform you choose, the types of videos available, and the amount of time you invest.
Generally, you can expect to earn anywhere from a few cents to a couple of dollars per hour of video watching.
Some platforms offer additional opportunities to boost earnings through referrals, bonuses, or completing tasks related to video content.
While you may not earn a substantial income just from watching videos, by consistently being active on these platforms, you can earn a steady stream of extra cash or rewards over time.
As for the exact amounts and real world examples, I have seen people on the Beer Money subreddit on Reddit claiming various amounts. Most mentioned they earn an extra $20 or $30 here and there in their free time. A few claimed they make $50 and even $100 a month consistently. But they all reiterate that the more active you are (meaning the more videos you watch) the more money you make!
How can I get paid to watch videos online?
There are many legitimate platforms that offer compensation for watching videos. Some popular options include Swagbucks, InboxDollars, MyPoints, and Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel. These platforms reward users with cash, gift cards, or other incentives for engaging with various video content.
What types of videos will I be watching?
The types of videos you’ll watch depend on the platform you choose. Generally, you may be asked to view advertisements, movie trailers, product reviews, educational content, or sponsored videos. Some platforms also offer opportunities to participate in surveys or complete tasks related to video content.
Are there any requirements to get started?
Most platforms require users to be at least 18 years old and have a reliable internet connection. Some may also have specific device requirements or geographic restrictions.
Of course, you will need to create an account (which is almost always free) and provide basic information to start earning rewards.
Is it safe to use these platforms?
Generally, reputable platforms that offer payment for watching videos are safe to use.
However, if you’ve been around the internet you know scammers are everywhere. Also, while some sites may not be necessarily scams, they don’t pay on time or at all, they let your earnings “expire” and so on. So, it’s a good idea to research each platform and read reviews (on Reddit, other social media sites, online forums and blogs, etc.) from other users to make sure you won’t be wasting your time watching hours of videos only to not be paid.
And of course, use common sense. If a site claims to pay you $100 for a 1 minute YouTube video while most others pay $1 for the same kind of video, you may want to avoid it. If it’s too good to be true, it usually is!
Also, try to avoid sites that ask for sensitive personal information or require payment to participate.
Can I watch videos on my mobile device?
Yes, many platforms offer mobile apps or mobile-friendly websites, allowing you to watch videos on smartphones and tablets.
This flexibility allows you to earn money from watching videos wherever you are, as long as you have an internet connection.
How do I redeem my earnings?
Most platforms offer a few different redemption options, such as cash payments via PayPal, gift cards to popular retailers, or other rewards. You can typically redeem your earnings once you’ve reached a minimum threshold set by the platform.
Are there any tips for maximizing earnings?
To maximize your earnings, consider completing additional tasks or participating in surveys offered by the platform.
Additionally, try to set aside dedicated time each day or week to watch videos consistently.
Finally, explore referral programs or bonus offers provided by the platform to boost your earnings further.
Screen Time Pays: Keep Watching, Keep Earning!
With so many different platforms offering opportunities to get paid for watching videos, you have a lot of options.
From binge-watching your favorite series to catching up on trending videos, making money from your screen time is not only possible but easy!
So join a few of these platforms and start earning money by watching videos every day!
Aanuoluwapo
This really helps a lot, I’m gonna give it a try and I hope I get a positive answer
Saeed
I am glad it is helpful to you, Aanuoluwapo! Please come back and update us after you try it. I’d love to hear about your experience. Hopefully, you can make a good amount of extra money by watching videos. Good luck!