Get Paid to Watch Videos: 9 Ways to Turn Your Screen Time into Extra Cash

emile's avatar
emileDecember 20, 2024

The average American spends about three hours watching TV every day. Why not turn those screen hours into extra income? Below, you’ll find a list of reputable websites, companies, and mobile apps that actually pay you real money for watching videos online.

Plenty of simple side hustles exist that don’t require special skills, fixed schedules, or prior experience, and getting paid to watch videos is one of the easiest among them.

Get Paid to Watch Videos

While you won’t strike it rich overnight, you can reasonably earn a few dollars per hour by letting ads, trailers, TV shows, and even movies play on your smartphone or tablet.

Whether you aim to chip away at debt, save for a big purchase, or just want a flexible way to earn a little extra cash in your spare time, turning your viewing time into income is a proven way to bolster your monthly earnings.

How to Make Money Watching Videos

The simplest way to start earning cash by watching videos is to seek out reputable websites and apps that specialize in paid video content. After signing up, agreeing to their terms, and completing the required tasks, you can begin cashing in. Beyond video watching, many platforms also let you earn money through paid surveys, participation in challenges, or by claiming referral and sign-up bonuses.

To maximize your earnings, explore every available opportunity these sites provide.

Most platforms allow you to collect cash payouts, but some may restrict your rewards to gift cards or similar incentives. By knowing your options upfront, you can choose the best sites that align with your personal payment preferences.

How Much You Can Expect to Earn

Like many online side hustles, the amount you earn from watching videos is directly linked to how often you tune in. By logging in daily and utilizing multiple apps or platforms, you can potentially earn $100 to $200 per month. If you’re less consistent, expect lower earnings. In general, hourly rates range from about $2 to $5, according to our reviewers.

While these numbers may seem modest, remember that you can watch videos while doing other activities. For instance, if you’re relaxing on a Saturday afternoon catching a football game, you could run a video-watching app in the background and earn around $7.50 over the three-hour match. Later, during an hour-long TV episode—say, America’s Got Talent—you might earn an extra $2, bringing your total to $9.50 just for keeping the app running as you enjoy your favorite shows.

Although this isn’t a high-paying gig, it can add up. Repeat this strategy 20 times a month, and you could pocket up to $150 simply by turning your screen time into a steady, low-maintenance income stream.

9 Platforms That Pay

Have your tablet, laptop, or smartphone ready? Open your browser or mobile app store or head to these sites that pay you to watch videos for money.

1. Swagbucks

Since its launch in 2010, Swagbucks has paid out more than $348 million in cash and free gift cards. To start earning money by watching videos, head over to Swagbucks Watch, where you’ll find over 10 categories, such as entertainment, food, or fashion. Each category features playlists of 15 to 30 videos that typically last anywhere from under half an hour to about an hour total.

Each playlist you watch earns you points, which you can redeem for PayPal cash or a variety of gift cards. Looking to boost your income even further? Swagbucks offers multiple other earning opportunities, like taking online surveys, testing products, and even using its search engine. Plus, new users can score a $10 sign-up bonus just for joining.

2. InboxDollars

Founded in 2000, InboxDollars has paid its members a total of $50 million and counting. Much like Swagbucks, it rewards you for viewing videos across multiple categories—ranging from movie trailers to product demos. You can further increase your earnings by playing online games, reading sponsored emails, and downloading coupons to use on everyday purchases.

As a bonus for new members, InboxDollars also offers a $5 sign-up perk, making it easy to get started and start earning right away.

3. MyPoints

MyPoints allows you to earn rewards by watching videos on your computer or through the MyPoints TV mobile app. Simply select a playlist, watch it until the end, and earn points you can later convert into gift cards, cash, or even travel points.

Keep in mind there’s a daily cap of 500 points for watching videos. If you want to boost your earnings, you can print coupons, play online games, or participate in paid surveys. Signing up is straightforward—just provide your name and email address—and as a welcome bonus, MyPoints will give you a $10 Amazon or Visa gift card after you create an account.

Related: 10 Best Online Survey Sites to Make Money in 2024

4. Nielsen

Nielsen, a renowned global data analytics company best known for its TV ratings, offers a simple way to get paid for watching videos online. By joining the Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel, you’ll earn $50 per year simply for browsing the internet and viewing the content you’d watch anyway. Setting it up is easy—just download their app, create your account, and share some basic demographic details.

Keep in mind that by participating, you’ll be granting Nielsen access to certain browsing information, such as which sites you visit and the duration of your visits. In return, you not only receive a guaranteed annual payout, but you could also become eligible for monthly sweepstakes. Each month, Nielsen awards a total of $10,000 distributed among 400 lucky winners. You can even register multiple devices, potentially unlocking additional, though somewhat unspecified, rewards.

Note that this opportunity is separate from becoming part of a “Nielsen TV family.” Unlike that program, which requires selection, the Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel is open to anyone 18 years or older looking for a no-hassle way to earn money online.

5. KashKick

KashKick primarily focuses on paying users to take online surveys, but it also includes options to earn money by watching short videos and ads. While these video-watching opportunities are less frequent compared to surveys, they can still provide a convenient way to boost your earnings.

After signing up and completing your profile survey—an easy step that immediately adds $1 to your balance—you can check the “Offers” tab in your account dashboard for available video-related tasks. Payment varies per video, typically ranging from $0.25 up to a few dollars, depending on the specific promotion.

If you find KashKick to be a good fit, consider sharing it with others. By referring friends and family, you’ll earn a 25% commission on everything they make, helping you grow your earnings without extra effort.

6. Earnably

Earnably is another user-friendly platform that enables you to earn money by watching videos online. By partnering with Hideout.tv, Earnably requires you to view both video content and accompanying ads, granting you credits you can later redeem for cash or a variety of e-gift cards. The ads are designed to look like regular TV commercials, making it easy to spot and view them as part of your normal watching routine.

To cash out your earnings, first ensure your Hideout.tv and Earnably accounts are properly linked. This is usually automatic, but you’ll still need to manually transfer any points from Hideout.tv over to Earnably before making a withdrawal.

You can also boost your income by inviting friends and family to join through your unique referral link. Whenever they complete offers, you’ll earn 10% of their rewards. Your extra points never expire, and you can find even more ways to increase your earnings through promo codes and various bonuses.

7. FusionCash

FusionCash, having awarded users more than $3 million over the past 12 years, is another reliable option for those looking to earn money by watching videos online. Unlike many similar platforms, FusionCash stands out by offering a variety of payment methods, including checks, direct deposits, and PayPal.

New members receive a $5 bonus simply for joining, giving you a head start on your earnings. The site also provides an online help center to answer any questions you may have about maximizing your income. Plus, if you become an active participant on the platform’s forums, you can score an additional $3 each month, adding yet another layer of earning potential.

8. CreationRewards

CreationsRewards is another rewards platform that allows you to earn money by watching videos online. Head over to the video section, pick from the available clips, and watch them in full to score points. The exact points per video remain hidden until you finish watching, but there’s no limit on how many videos you can view each day, so the earning potential is virtually unlimited.

Beyond video watching, CreationsRewards provides multiple ways to increase your point balance. You can take paid surveys, claim daily bonuses, and try out various products and services. Referrals also pay off—invite friends and family, and you’ll earn 10% of everything they make. Plus, you can earn additional rewards through their shopping portal, which offers cash back and rebates at popular stores like Walmart, Dunkin’ Donuts, Shutterfly, and online learning platforms like Udemy.

Once you’ve amassed enough points, you can redeem them for e-gift cards. Just remember you need to earn at least 100 points every six months to keep your account active, ensuring you maintain steady progress toward your next reward.

9. Netflix Tagger

While it’s a rare find, some people actually land jobs that pay them to watch Netflix. Known informally as “Netflix Taggers,” these professionals view a wide range of shows and movies in the Netflix catalog, categorizing each title with descriptive metadata. This process involves noting objective details, such as the cast and presence of violence, as well as providing more subjective, engaging information that encourages viewers to explore the content.

However, be aware that Netflix Tagger roles are typically full-time and on-site, not flexible remote gigs. If earning money to watch streaming content sounds like a dream job, it’s worth periodically checking the official Netflix careers page or job boards to see if these coveted positions become available.


If you’re looking to earn extra cash during downtime—like on your commute or while waiting at the doctor’s office—getting paid to watch videos can be a hassle-free side hustle. One effective tactic is setting a daily reminder on your phone to check for newly available videos, ensuring you never miss an opportunity. Another strategy is to focus on the platforms that offer the best pay-to-time ratio, helping you maximize your earnings.

Don’t be afraid to test multiple apps and websites to see which ones provide the highest payouts. And remember, there’s no limit to how many services you can use at once, so signing up for several platforms can significantly boost your overall monthly income. For more ideas on how to earn money online, check out our list of remote gigs that we're constantly updating and discover new ways to make money from the comfort of your home.




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