Are you looking for ways to make a few extra bucks? If so, you may have come across UserTesting and its promise of easy money. But how legitimate is this opportunity, and is it worth your time?
In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about UserTesting so that you can start making money today. Plus, we'll share some tips on how to maximize your earnings on the platform.
We've seen mixed experiences with UserTesting and its successes and failures. We also looked at official UserTesting sources and read reviews from independent sites like Reddit.
Don't ignore the limitations of UserTesting and get disappointed for not making as much as you expected. Read on to learn the best tip we discovered that could help you make the most money from UserTesting.
What is UserTesting?
UserTesting is a platform that pays people to test out websites and give their feedback. It's a place where companies of all sizes, from small businesses to Fortune 500, can request users to test their websites or apps.
UserTesting follows a business model known as “crowdsourcing,” which involves soliciting work or services from a large group of people, usually online.
While this may seem like a strange business model, it's actually quite common in the tech industry. Many companies rely on user feedback to improve their products and services.
UserTesting is one of the first companies to use crowdsourcing to provide website and app testing services successfully.
The company has been successful because it's able to provide high-quality testing services at a lower cost than traditional testing firms. Plus, they're able to target specific demographics, making them an invaluable tool for market research.
Furthermore, UserTesting has a strong social presence on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
UserTesting was founded by Darrell Benatar and Dave Garr and has been in business since 2007. The company is based in San Francisco, California, and has a strong track record of helping businesses improve their products and reach their target audiences.
Over the years, UserTesting has worked with some big names, including Alaska Airlines, Facebook, Ford, Grammarly, and Samsung. As a result, UserTesting is considered to be one of the leading providers of user feedback.
How do you earn on UserTesting?
UserTesting is like a focus group, only it's done online, and it's not moderated. It provides different types of opportunities to make money, including:
- Testing out an app
- Giving feedback on website functionality, branding, and images
- Sharing your understanding of how a company's website is laid out
- Going through an online shopping experience, from researching a product to checking out
When you take a test on UserTesting, you'll be given a set of prompts to follow. These prompts are designed to help you complete the tasks assigned to you and give you an overall idea of what the user experience should be like.
As a tester, you'll be asked to provide your thoughts and feedback on various aspects of the user experience, such as navigation, design, and overall usability.
One of the great things about UserTesting is that there's no such thing as a wrong answer. The whole point of UserTesting is to gather feedback from real users like you about your experience with a product or service. This means that even the most critical feedback can be useful in identifying areas for improvement.
Of course, not all feedback will be positive, but that's to be expected. The most important thing is to be honest and articulate in your responses. The more detailed your feedback, the more useful it'll be for the company.
UserTesting sends out tests daily, and you should usually receive around one to two tests per day. However, the number of tests you receive will depend on several factors, such as your demographics, the devices you own, and your rating, which companies give you after each completed test.
If you don't have a UserTesting rating yet, don't worry – you'll still get plenty of opportunities to test out new products and services to build up your rating.
You can access UserTesting from your laptop, mobile device, and/or tablet.
How much can you earn on UserTesting?
How much you earn depends on several factors, including the length and type of the test:
- 5-minute recording/test: $4
- 20-minute recording/test: $10
- Live interviews: $30-$120
This may not sound like a lot, but it can add up quickly if you're able to complete multiple tests in a day.
So, if you're able to complete two 20-minute tests in one day, you could earn $20. And if you're able to do this five days per week, you could potentially earn $100 per week – not bad for simply giving your feedback on some websites and apps.
How do you get paid on UserTesting?
UserTesting pays out through PayPal, and there's no minimum threshold. This means that you can cash out your earnings even if you only have $1.
Payments are made within seven days after completing a test.
How do you get started with UserTesting?
UserTesting is open to anyone over the age of 18 and is available in over 40 countries, such as:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Saudi Arabia
- India
- South Africa
Additionally, you must be able to speak English fluently and have stable internet access, as well as an internal or external microphone.
There are no other specific requirements to sign up, although it's recommended that you have some experience testing websites or providing feedback.
To sign up with UserTesting, simply follow the steps we’ve outlined below:
Sign up to be a contributor
Visit the UserTesting website or download the app. On their website, click the “Get paid to test” link.
Enter your email address. Afterward, you'll receive a confirmation email to activate your account.
Install the UserTesting recorder
After signing up successfully, UserTesting will take you through a short video, which will provide more information about how to perform tests and give feedback.
Then, UserTesting will require you to download the UserTesting recorder, which is software that allows you to record your screen and voice while completing the test. This seamless recorder is available on Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge.
Take the sample test
After downloading the recorder, UserTesting will provide a short video, which includes tips on how to perform the tasks well. After watching the video, you may now start the sample test. The UserTesting software will start recording your audio and screen.
Wait for a response from UserTesting. The site will review your sample test, and if it meets its requirements, you'll be selected as a tester.
Fill out your profile information
This includes your name, the devices you have, your social networks, and your PayPal account details. Keep in mind that having a PayPal account is required to get paid, so be sure to sign up for one if you don't already have a PayPal account.
Signing up for a Paypal account is easy, and it’s free. Just visit their website and click on the sign up button. The entire process shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes.
Start testing
You'll now start seeing tests on your dashboard! Once you've completed the test and given feedback, the company will rate your performance.
Take note that to become a tester, you'll need to take a “pre-test” or a short screener test for every available test to assess your eligibility.
For example, if a company is looking for testers in the United States who own an iPhone 13, you'll need to take a pre-test to confirm that you meet these requirements.
The purpose of the screener test is to make sure that you're the right fit for the test, so be sure to answer all questions truthfully and as accurately as possible. Once you've been accepted as a tester, you'll be able to start taking tests.
You may also receive a special tester panel survey, which is composed of seven to eight questions about your employment. This is an unpaid survey. However, if you get selected to participate, your chances of receiving tests in the future will be higher.
Wondering if UserTesting records your face? The answer is no – only your screen and voice are recorded during the test. If you have any personal information on your screen, such as your address or credit card number, hide it before starting the test.
How to be successful on UserTesting?
Keep in mind that companies rank testers based on overall performance. The higher your rating is, the more tests you're shown and the more money you can earn.
Here are a few key things you can do to improve your chances of success and earnings on UserTesting:
Keep your profile updated
Be sure to keep your profile up-to-date, including any new skills or experience you may have. Additionally, make sure that the PayPal email address you have on file is correct so that you can receive payments.
Complete as many screener tests as possible
The more screener tests you take, the more likely you are to be selected for paid tests. So, if you see a screener test that you're eligible for, be sure to take it!
Check your environment
Before starting a test, check your environment to make sure that you have a strong internet connection and no background noise. You may also use a microphone for excellent audio quality.
Additionally, be sure to close any other tabs or programs that may be running in the background so that you can focus on the task at hand.
Silence your notifications
As mentioned earlier, it's important to minimize distractions while taking a test. So, be sure to silence your phone and any other notifications that may pop up while you're testing.
Provide quality feedback
When taking tests, be sure to pay attention to small details and be as specific as possible in your feedback. The more detailed your feedback is, the higher your rating can be.
In addition, be natural and honest when giving feedback. Companies are looking for your genuine opinion, so there's no need to sugarcoat anything.
Follow instructions carefully
Make sure to read each test's instructions carefully before starting. This will help you understand what the company is looking for and how to best complete the test.
Ask questions and add comments
If you have any questions or comments while taking a test, be sure to ask or add them. This will show the company that you're engaged and interested in the task.
Speak clearly
Be sure to speak clearly and fluently so that your voice can be easily heard and understood. Remember that companies will rate you based on the quality of feedback that you’ve given, not on whether you give them positive feedback.
Speaking as clearly as you can when responding to tests or surveys helps ensure that your feedback is not just heard, but is actually understood. This should ensure that you get a high rating from companies, which in turn, will lead to more tests for you in the future.
UserTesting Pros
Here are the many advantages of UserTesting:
UserTesting is reliable
UserTesting is a legitimate company. It has been in business since 2007 and has a long track record of providing high-quality data.
You can work on it anytime and anywhere
You can work from anywhere in the world as long as you have a computer and an internet connection, making UserTesting perfect for people who want to work from home or who travel often.
You can also choose your schedule, which is great if you have other commitments such as childcare or if you want to work around another job.
Plus, tests are relatively short, typically taking 10-20 minutes to complete. These tests are shorter than many other types of usability testing, which can be a big plus if you have a busy schedule.
You can also choose which tests you want to take, so you can pick and choose the ones that interest you.
It uses a standard mode of payment
UserTesting pays via PayPal, which is one of the most popular and convenient payment methods. Plus, payments are made within 7 days of completing a test, which is fast compared to other companies.
You get to voice out your opinions
UserTesting is a great way to voice your opinions and give feedback on products and websites. If you're someone who likes to give feedback and have a strong opinion, UserTesting is a great way to get paid for it!
As an added bonus, you also gain experience testing products. This can be helpful if you're interested in a career in UX or if you want to learn more about how products are designed and used.
UserTesting is easy to use
The platform is user-friendly. It's simple and easy to use, making it a great option for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
The sign-up process is smooth, quick, and straightforward. You can start taking tests within 48 hours of taking the sample test.
UserTesting also offers tutorials before taking the actual tests so you know exactly what to expect and can be prepared. You don't need an experience or a degree in any particular area to start taking tests. As long as you're over 18 and can follow instructions, you're eligible to become a tester.
It’s accessible
UserTesting is accessible on any device, including your computer, smartphone, or tablet. It's also free to join! Unlike other ways of making money online, UserTesting does not require any upfront investment.
UserTesting Cons
UserTesting is a great way to make some extra cash from home, but there are also some cons to consider:
1. You might not qualify for every test
UserTesting tests are based on specific demographics, and you need to pass a screener test to be eligible for paid tests. This can be frustrating, especially if you don't have any other work commitments and are looking to UserTesting as your primary source of income.
UserTesting also isn’t available in all countries. There are lesser opportunities if you're not based near or in the United States.
2. Technical issues are quite common
As with any online platform, there can be technical issues from time to time, which can be frustrating if you're in the middle of taking a test. The mobile version of the platform, specifically, can be slow and buggy.
Plus, you have to be logged in all the time to check for new tests. You can't just log in whenever you want and expect to have tests available.
3. The pay is relatively low.Â
UserTesting pays $10 for most tests, which take around 20 minutes to complete. That works out to be around $30 an hour, which is on the low end for paid online work. It's also not a great way to earn a full-time income.
4. The tests can be repetitive
If you take a lot of UserTesting tests, you might find them to be repetitive. While the tasks vary, you might find yourself doing similar types of tasks (such as testing search functionality or giving feedback on a website's home page) on different tests.
5. You’ll need to share some personal information
This includes details such as your full name, email address, and date of birth, to sign up. While UserTesting is a legitimate company, sharing this information can be risky.
UserTesting reviews and complaints
On Trustpilot, UserTesting has a 4.6/5 rating, with over 900 reviews. The vast majority of reviews are positive, with many users praising the platform for its ease of use and timely payments.
In addition, reviewers had a great experience testing sites of top companies, such as Netflix, Amazon, and Google. Plus, they find the overall experience a rewarding way to make a few extra bucks.
There are, however, some complaints. The most common complaint is that users don't always qualify for tests, which can be frustrating. There are also some complaints about customer service and reliability.
Additionally, some users have said that the time you spend taking the screener test isn't worth it. Others have also complained that the site is just misleading people.
UserTesting alternatives
If you're looking for other ways to make money online, there are a few alternatives to consider:
Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a rewards site where you can earn points (called SB). The site offers a wider variety of tasks, including taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, shopping online, and more. UserTesting, on the other hand, pays users to test websites and provide feedback.
You can then redeem your Swagbucks points or SB for cash (through PayPal) or gift cards to popular retailers, such as Amazon and Walmart.
InboxDollars
InboxDollars is another online platform that allows you to take surveys, watch videos, play games, and more to earn cash. InboxDollars pays out through PayPal, gift card, or Visa.
One of the main differences between InboxDollars and UserTesting is that InboxDollars pays new users a $5 cash bonus upon signing up, while UserTesting does not.
In addition, InboxDollars offers more opportunities to earn cashback on your purchases, while UserTesting focuses primarily on paid surveys and testing opportunities.
Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel
Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel is a program that tracks your internet usage in exchange for rewards. This program provides information to companies to help them better understand consumer behavior.
With Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel, you can earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards or sweepstakes entries.
Essentially, UserTesting is more focused on the user experience, while Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel provides more general data about usage. Both are useful for companies, but UserTesting is more concerned with how people feel about using a product, while Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel is more concerned with how people use the product.
Moreover, Nielsen's panel tracks your internet usage anonymously, while UserTesting requires you to provide your name and contact information. Additionally, Nielsen only collects data about your web browsing habits, while UserTesting also asks for your opinion on various aspects of the website or app you're testing.
Amazon Mechanical Turk
Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is an online platform and a crowdsourcing marketplace owned by Amazon. You can sign up as a worker and complete a variety of tasks, usually simple and repetitive, such as object identification in a video or photo, data de-duplication, research, transcription, and more.
Amazon Mechanical Turk pays out through Amazon Payments.
MTurk is primarily used for tasks that can be completed by anyone with an internet connection, such as data entry or transcription. In contrast, UserTesting requires its users to have access to a webcam and microphone so they can complete usability testing tasks.
Ipsos iSay
This online survey platform is owned by Ipsos, one of the world's largest market research companies. The site allows you to take surveys and earn points, which can then be redeemed for cash (through PayPal) or gift cards.
In terms of the types of research activities offered, UserTesting tends to focus on usability testing and customer satisfaction surveys, while Ipsos iSay offers a wider range of activities including brand awareness studies and product concept testing.
Final verdict
UserTesting is a legitimate way to earn money online. The platform offers a variety of tasks, including website and app testing, and pays users for their feedback.
While there are other ways to make money online, such as taking surveys or playing games, UserTesting is a good option if you're interested in usability testing.
Just remember that you'll need to have access to a webcam and microphone so you can complete the tasks. In addition, UserTesting doesn't offer a sign-up bonus like some other platforms, but it's still a great way to earn extra cash.
Also, the amount of money you can earn will depend on the number of tests you're able to complete and the quality of your feedback.
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.
