Get Paid to Watch Videos: Make Money Online Viewing Content in 2022

Watching videos online has become one of the most popular internet pastimes. According to statistics from YouTube, over 2 billion logged-in users visit YouTube each month, viewing over a billion hours of video daily. With online video consumption at an all-time high, many companies are leveraging this massive viewership and paying people to watch videos and engage with video ads.

This opens up an intriguing opportunity to earn money online by simply viewing content. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various ways to get paid to watch videos and maximize your video viewing income.

Overview of Getting Paid to Watch Videos

The basic concept of getting paid to watch videos is simple – you watch videos, engage with ads, complete tasks like surveys, and then earn cash rewards, gift cards or other incentives. It’s an increasingly popular way to make extra money in your spare time from home.

Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:

• Companies need viewership: Brands, content creators and market researchers want their videos seen and need feedback. To incentivize this, they pay viewers small amounts.
• You watch videos: By viewing videos, engaging with ads, taking surveys, etc. you provide value to these companies.
• You earn rewards: For your time and actions, you’ll earn cash payouts, points, gift cards and other benefits.
• Cash out your earnings: Once you hit minimum payout thresholds, you can cash out your earnings via PayPal, check, gift cards and other methods.

While the base concept is simple, optimizing your video watching income takes some strategy. Let’s dive into the various opportunities available and how to maximize your earnings potential.

Video Viewing Money Making Opportunities

Many platforms and programs allow you to earn money watching videos. Here are some of the most popular and profitable options:

1. InboxDollars

InboxDollars is one of the most well-known “get paid to” sites, offering a wide variety of ways to earn cash online.

One of their options is getting paid to watch videos. You can earn by:

• Watching videos
• Engaging with video ads
• Completing video-related surveys, offers and tasks

For every 2-3 minute video you watch, you’ll typically earn 1 cent. For 30-60 second ads, you’ll usually earn 2 cents. Complete related surveys and offers to boost your earnings.

You can cash out your balance once you hit $30 via check or gift card. InboxDollars also offers a bonus $5 just for signing up.

2. Swagbucks

Another popular rewards platform, Swagbucks offers multiple ways to earn money watching videos, including:

• Watch: Earn SB points (100 SB = $1) for watching videos.
• EngageMe: Earn for watching monetized video content.
• Promo Offers: Cash bonuses for signing up for streaming services.

Swagbucks offers a $10 bonus when you earn 300 SB within your first 30 days. You can cash out starting at just 300 SB via PayPal or gift cards.

3. Nielsen

Nielsen operates the Nielsen Digital Voice panel, allowing you to earn rewards for sharing your opinion on the videos you watch.

To qualify, you’ll need to install the Digital Voice app on your devices. This will share data on the videos you watch. You’ll then get compensated with points redeemable for gift cards.

You likely won’t get rich with Nielsen, but it provides some passive earnings just for sharing your viewing data.

4. Branded Surveys

Many survey panels like Survey Junkie, InboxDollars and Swagbucks offer surveys on branded video content.

These involve watching a video ad or branded content, then answering some questions about it. Each survey may pay from 10 cents to $1+. By taking lots of video-focused surveys, you can rack up a nice chunk of change.

5. Video Testing

Companies like UserTesting and TryMyUI pay people to provide feedback on their video content.

You’ll watch videos, then give your thoughts by speaking aloud or answering onscreen questions. Tests take 5-20 minutes and pay $5-$10 each. The more tests you complete, the more you earn.

6. Product Testing

Sites like UserCrowd, Userlytics and TestingTime offer product testing opportunities, some involving videos.

Tests may include watching an explainer video or testing video streaming services. Each test can pay $5-$30. Sign up for multiple panels to open up lots of testing options.

7. Microtasks

Microtask sites like MTurk, Clickworker and Microworkers offer all kinds of quick online tasks.

Some common video microtasks include:

• Watching videos
• Tagging or transcribing video content
• Validating video metadata

While each microtask only pays a few cents, doing many can add up over time. Make this a nice side hustle by regularly checking for video microtasks.

8. Paid-to-Click Sites

On “PTC” (paid-to-click) sites like AdBTC, BonusBitcoin and LaCrypto, you can earn cash by watching ads and engaging with video content.

You’ll view videos, image ads and regular ads, then click to confirm you watched. Each view earns a very small amount, but doing this daily on multiple sites can generate $5-$15/month in passive earnings.

9. Streaming Service Trials

Many streaming platforms like Hulu, Sling TV, YouTube TV and more offer free trial periods for new users.

You can sign up, enjoy free video streaming for several days or weeks, then cancel before getting charged. By cycling through different platforms, you can potentially get months of free video entertainment.

Just be sure to track trial periods and cancel subscriptions before you get billed!

10. Video Streaming Apps

Newer apps like Current Rewards, Premise and Pluto TV reward you cash or points for streaming content through their app.

Premise pays 5-10 cents for watching branded videos. Pluto TV rewards points for viewing on their free streaming service. Install multiple apps to maximize earnings.

By combining multiple platforms, you can generate $10 – $30+ per month in fairly passive video watching income. Dedicate more time to maximize your earnings potential.

Tips for Earning More Money Watching Videos

Now that you know the main ways to get paid for viewing videos, let’s look at some proven tips to optimize your earnings:

Choose reputable platforms

Stick to established, legit platforms like InboxDollars and Nielsen that offer fair pay for your time. Avoid shady apps that try to scam free views or collect data. Vet any new opportunities thoroughly first.

Multitask

Watch videos while doing other online tasks like microtasks or surveys to maximize your productivity. Just ensure you actually watch each video fully. Don’t try cheating!

Use multiple sites

Each platform has limited video inventory that resets slowly. Using 5+ legit video watching sites ensures you always have fresh content to view and earn from.

Check for new videos frequently

Earnings dry up quick if you don’t watch new videos as they’re posted. Check your platforms for fresh content at least 2-3 times per day to maintain earnings.

Engage fully

Don’t just passively watch videos. Engage fully until the end, click ads, take surveys – this shows you paid attention and maximizes earnings.

Meet minimums

Don’t let your earnings sit unclaimed! Cash out via PayPal, gift cards, etc as soon as you meet a site’s minimum threshold to avoid losing rewards.

Refer friends

Most platforms offer referral bonuses. Share your link so friends can sign up and boost your income.

Follow these tips consistently and you can easily make an extra $100-$200+ per month watching videos, without too much ongoing effort.

Maximizing Your Earnings: Setting a Video Viewing Schedule

To earn the most possible from your video viewing time, it helps to be organized.

Set up a schedule detailing which platforms you’ll use at specific times each day and week.

Here’s an example 2 hour per day schedule that ensures you maximize earnings:

Monday

• 9am – 10am: Swagbucks Watch playlist
• 10am – 11am: InboxDollars EngageMe

Tuesday

• 9am – 10am: Nielsen Digital Voice app
• 10am – 11am: Branded video surveys

Wednesday

• 9am – 10am: Premise app
• 10am – 11am: Pluto TV viewing

Thursday

• 9am – 10am: Microtask video transcription
• 10am – 11am: UserTesting video test

Friday

• 9am – 10am: AdBTC and other PTC sites
• 10am – 11am: Product testing videos

Saturday

• 10am – 12pm: Streaming service free trials

Sunday

• Day off!

This schedule ensures you rotate through the top paying platforms throughout the week. Sticking to a routine makes it a habit so your earnings add up automatically.

The more time you can devote each day, the faster your earnings will grow. But even an hour a day can net $10-$20 extra per week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Money Watching Videos

Many people have questions about the legitimacy, pay rates, cash out process and more when it comes to getting paid for watching videos. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Is it really possible to get paid for watching videos?

Yes, there are many legitimate ways to earn money viewing online video content as outlined above. Companies are willing to pay people small amounts in exchange for their viewership, ads engagement, feedback and information.

How much money can you make watching videos?

Most people earn $10 – $40 per month by watching videos an hour per day. Dedicate more time and you could make up to $100 – $200+ extra per month. Profits depend on how many platforms you use, content availability and time spent.

Is giving my data safe when earning?

As with any online activity, it’s smart to use precautions when sharing any personal data. Avoid questionable apps. Stick to transparent, reputable platforms that clearly explain how your data is used and protected.

When can I cash out my earnings?

Each platform has their own minimum threshold before you can cash out your earnings, typically $10 – $30. Redeem your rewards as soon as you hit these minimums via PayPal, check, gift cards or other offered methods. Don’t let rewards accumulate unclaimed.

How do I know ads and videos are trackable?

Legit platforms use tracking links, pixels, phone sensors, etc to ensure you actually watch videos fully. Don’t try to cheat and just open videos in new tabs. You must view fully in order for earnings to track.

Is this a sustainable way to make money long term?

For most people, watching videos for pay is more of a side hustle vs primary income stream. But with enough time dedicated, you can earn consistent video viewing income month after month from multiple changing platforms.

Are there risks or downsides?

Other than potential eyestrain from screen time, there’s not much risk as long as you use trusted platforms. Just beware shady apps that try to steal data or download malware. As always, use good security practices online.

Start Making Money Watching Videos

As this guide has shown, you really can generate extra cash and gift cards just by watching videos online.

It’s an easy way to monetize the time you already spend viewing content. The key is using multiple legit platforms consistently to maximize your profits.

Try out sites like InboxDollars, Swagbucks and Nielsen. Install video apps like Current Rewards and Premise. Take branded video surveys. Complete paid product tests. Check for video microtasks daily.

Follow the tips above to optimize your efforts. With some consistent effort, you can make $100 or more each month.

And perhaps best of all is that you’ll earn while doing something you enjoy – watching entertaining, interesting or informative video content.

So start watching more videos today – and get paid for it! Just be sure to track your earnings and cash out regularly to keep that side income streaming in.