How to make money watching videos on apps: sign up and get paid

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by Aidan Kang, CFA

Senior Writer

Make Money

UPDATED: February 09, 2022

If you’re looking to earn some extra cash, did you know that you can earn money just by watching videos?

Many apps promise instant cash just by watching videos. The question now is which ones of them are legitimate?

We’ve downloaded and tried different apps to determine which ones are the best when it comes to the ease of making money and getting paid. We’ve also checked different sources and reviewed user feedback and ratings to bring you the best apps available.

Stay with us until the end and you may find an app that works well for you. We’ve listed legitimate apps and how much you’ll likely earn.

Don’t skip the tips we’ve listed below to avoid falling into scams and wasting your time on apps that don’t pay.

Best Apps That Pay You To Watch Videos

You’ll earn a few dollars by watching videos, making it an easy, hassle-free, and lucrative side hustle. Below you’ll find legitimate websites and apps you can try.

1. Swagbucks

One of the most popular get-paid-to sites that let its users earn quick cash by watching videos ranging from world news to sports highlights is with Swagbucks.

It was launched in 2008. It’s been in business for 14 years and is operated by Prodege, LLC. Aside from the website, Swagbucks also has an app that can be downloaded on Android or iOS devices.

It’s available to users across the world, but most opportunities are offered to those who are in the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, and Australia.

Aside from watching videos, you may also earn by answering quizzes and surveys, completing short tasks, downloading apps and mobile games, registering for trial services and websites, inviting others to join the platform, etc. 

Every 100 Swagbucks points (SB) is equivalent to $1.

How much will you earn:

• 3 short video clips = 5 SB 
• 1 daily poll = 1 SB
• Try 3 online surveys, complete at least one = 153 SB

It takes 1-2 business days to process your claim. You’ll receive a claim link on your email once your reward is available. The payout threshold for this app is relatively low and stands at $5. You’ll redeem your points in cash, through PayPal transfer or gift cards.

The app is compatible with both Android and iOS units. It has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, 4.4 with iOS, 4.0 with Google Play, and a 4.3 rating on TrustPilot. Out of the 25,444 reviews on TrustPilot, 65% of which are excellent and 6% are bad.

Use Swagbucks every day to maximize its earning potential. Make it part of your daily habit during downtime. But just like any other get-paid-to website, Swagbucks also has its own set of pros and cons.

Please note that Swagbucks lets you earn extra cash but it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a safe and legit way to get some money while doing things that you normally do online.

2. Inbox Dollars

Inbox Dollars is a website that lets you complete tasks, such as watching videos, taking surveys, and reading promotional emails, for extra cash. You can watch videos and TV content on your computer or smartphone through its app. Inbox Dollars was founded in 2000 and is currently being operated by Prodege.

You can watch up to 30 videos per day with content ranging from news, technology, food, health, and entertainment. You can earn between 5-25 cents per video.

Inbox Dollar’s minimum payout threshold is $30. Redeem your points in cash through PayPal transfer or check, or in electronic gift cards from popular stores such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

How to sign up:

• Go to the Inbox Dollar website or open its app.
• Enter your email.
• Create a password
• Answer profile survey questions
• Confirm email address
• Complete tasks to earn rewards

How much you’ll earn:

• Activate your account – $5
• Complete profile survey – $5
• Watch videos – 5-25 cents each
• Complete survey – at least $0.25 each
• Meet daily earnings goal – $0.03 to $0.10

How to redeem earnings:

You can cash out your rewards through PayPal, check, electronic gift cards, or prepaid Visa cards. According to Inbox Dollars, payments are processed within 3 business days. However, some users reported longer waiting times since they received their payout in 2 weeks.  

Inbox Dollars is a legitimate get-paid-to site that offers rewards in exchange for completing tasks such as watching videos. It’s a good option if you’re looking to make some extra cash. It’s a great way to fill your time while making money on the side.

Inbox Dollars has a rating of 4.1 on TrustPilot, 3.86 on Sitejabber, 3.9 on Google Play and 4.5 on Apple Store. 

3. Quick Rewards

Quick Rewards pays its users to watch videos, complete surveys, play games, shop online, refer friends, and more. It’s a market research panel that connects advertisers and companies to consumers so they can gather feedback and other information that can help their products or services.

Quick Rewards was founded in 2002 and operated by Quickrewards Network Inc.

How to sign up:

• Got to the Quick Rewards site.
• Create an account
• Confirm email to complete the profile creation.
• Choose a program (cash online, shop and save, paid for your opinions)
• Complete tasks and start earning

How much you’ll earn:

• Watch videos – up to $1 per day
• Answer surveys – up to $0.75 each
• Play games – $0.01 per game

Once you’ve completed your profile, you can start earning money. You’ll get QuickPoints (QP) for every task you complete. 100 QP is equivalent to 1 cent. Your earnings will reflect on your account within 24 hours after completing the task.

How to redeem rewards:

You can cash out your earnings through PayPal. It may take between 24 to 72 hours to process your payment.

You can also redeem your earnings for a gift card but you must earn at least $5. You can choose from 50 major retailers, such as Walmart, Target, Amazon, Home Depot, and Best Buy.

Quick Rewards has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau, 4.27 on SiteJabber, and 3.9 on Trustpilot. If you love watching videos and answering surveys, Quick Rewards can help you earn a few extra bucks per week. It’s a legit platform that rewards you for completing easy tasks.

4. MyPoints

MyPoints is another get-paid-to site that’s run by Prodege, which also runs Swagbucks and Inbox Dollars. It’s been around since 1996 and has become a popular and legitimate way to earn extra money by completing tasks.

You can use MyPoints online or through its mobile app. It’s a free rewards program that’s ideal for people who like to shop online, answer surveys, watch movies, use coupons, and read emails.

How to sign up:

• Go to the website or app.
• Register your email.
• Create a password.
• Complete survey to enable MyPoints to customize the most appropriate tasks for your profile.

How much you'll earn:

• Watch videos – up to 4 points
• Complete surveys – $0.27 to $2.13 per survey
• In-store shopping – 1-7 points for every dollar spent
• Redeem coupons – up to 25 points per coupon

How to redeem your points:

You can exchange your points for gift cards. The minimum payout threshold is $1 or 250 points. You can choose from 70 retail and restaurant brands.

You can also redeem your points via PayPal. However, you must have a verified account. The first and last name on your PayPal account must also be the same as the name registered on MyPoints. The minimum cashout threshold to be eligible for PayPal redemption is $25 or 3970 points.

Generally speaking, it may take up to 5 days before your payment becomes available on your account.

Convert your MyPoints to your travel miles and add it to your United MileagePlus account.

Mypoints has an A- rating with The Better Business Bureau, 4.4 on TrustPilot, and 4.27 on SiteJabber.

MyPoints is an excellent option if you’re looking for a side hustle that lets you do the usual things you do online while earning money. You can choose from multiple point-earning options and enjoy flexible redemption options.

It can’t replace a full-time job but it can be an easy and viable side gig.

5. PrizeRebel

PrizeRebel is a survey panel that’s been around since 2007. It connects companies, advertisers, and market researchers to consumers and opinion survey takers. It has more than 12 million users and has paid out over $20 million since its inception.

It’s a free membership rewards platform that’s run by iAngelic, Inc. Users can do online tasks and get points in return. These points can be exchanged for rewards, such as cash or gift cards.

If you’re fond of watching videos, you can do so within the PrizeRebel site. The content varies from food, movies, DIY, and more. These video ads are used by advertisers and brands to spread awareness and promote their products or services.

How to sign up:

• Register for a new account.
• Enter your name and email address
• You can also sign up using your Facebook account.

How much you'll earn:

The amount you’ll earn on PrizeRebel depends on the tasks you complete. Some activities pay more than others so you can expect the points you earn to vary. 1 PrizeRebel point is equivalent to 1 cent.

• Watch videos – up to 10 points
• Complete your profile – 10 points
• Answer surveys – 75-500 points
• Offer walls – up to 250 points
• Refer a friend – 15% of your referral’s earnings

How to redeem earnings:

Users of PrizeRebel fall into four different categories, which are silver, gold, platinum, and diamond. If you’re a gold account holder or higher, you can redeem your rewards within 24 hours. It may take up to 7 days for lower account holders.

You can redeem your rewards through PayPal, which has a minimum cash-out threshold of $5.

You can exchange your points for a gift card and the minimum cash-out threshold is $2.

If you’re an avid online gamer, you can redeem your points for online games gift cards from top brands, such as Xbox, Roblox, Steam, or Nintendo.

PrizeRebel offers many advantages but it can’t replace a full-time job. It’s an easy way to earn extra money on the side by performing simple tasks every day.

PrizeRebel has a 3.1 rating on SiteJabber and 4.0 on TrustPilot. 

6. Nielsen Computer and Mobile

Nielsen is a market research company that collects information about what consumers watch, listen to, buy, or do online. It was launched in 1923 and has research participants from more than 100 countries. It pays users for their honest feedback and opinions on various products and services.

When you install Nielsen Computer and Mobile, the app runs in the background and won’t interfere with your daily activities whenever you use your mobile phone. You can watch videos, search the next, or shop online.

As it runs in the background, the app measures your online behavior, messaging apps, and website usage. But it doesn’t collect your IDs, passwords, and other personal information. You must be 18 years old to sign up.

How much you'll earn:

You can earn up to $50 per year just by installing the app and letting it run on your mobile device. You can also earn sweepstake entries and win up to $500 per month if you install it on your computer.  

How to redeem earnings:

You can redeem your rewards through gift cards from brands, such as Target and Starbucks. Your reward will be shipped via USA mail so you can expect to receive it within a few weeks.

Pros of Nielsen Computer and Mobile:

• Earn up to $50 per year.
• Available for laptop and mobile users
• A wide range of gift card options are available
• Easy way to earn extra cash

Cons of Nielsen Computer and Mobile:

• You can’t redeem your rewards for cash.
• Privacy concerns since the app run in the background and collect information
• Available only for US residents.
• Some users complained about not being able to redeem their rewards.

Nielsen Computer and Mobile have an A+ rating in the Better Business Bureau, 1.8 on TrustPilot, 3.2 on the App Store, and 3.4 on Google Play. It’s a legitimate app that’s been around for nearly a century.

Just let it run on your computer or mobile device and continue doing your online activities. It’s a hassle-free option that gives you an extra $50 per year.

How Much Can You Earn By Watching Videos?

You won’t get rich just by watching videos online through the apps listed above. But it can provide you with the extra money you need for personal purchases or for small bills you need to settle.

Not only that, you can monetize your free time just by watching videos and earn up to $100. Remember, they can’t replace your full-time job but they can serve as an easy and lucrative side hustle.  

Tips For Maximizing Your Income With Video Watching Apps

As you can see, there are several ways to earn money online and that includes using video watching apps. You can maximize your earning potential by following these tips:

• Use different apps.
• Complete as many tasks as you can per app.
• Use multiple phones from friends or family members.
• Refer apps to your friends for bonus rewards
• Use the apps as part of your daily habit.

How To Avoid Scams

There may be several legitimate ways to earn money but you’ll also find a lot of scams online. Here are a few things you need to remember when choosing websites or apps that promise rewards or extra money.

• Check ratings on BBB, TrustPilot, Google Play, App store
• Read reviews
• Research about the company
• If the offer is too good to be true, then it’s probably a scam

Conclusion

Watching videos and getting paid through the apps listed above is an excellent way to earn extra cash. Make money just by watching videos during your free time. It’s a fun and creative way of utilizing and investing your free time by doing something that’s productive.

Aidan Kang, CFA

Aidan has been writing about personal finance for over 6 years. Prior to this, he worked as a Corporate Finance Analyst where he specialized in Due Diligence, Company Valuations and more. He is a CFA charterholder.