How to Earn Money Watching Videos Online: 2025 Guide

Looking for simple ways to earn extra cash online without complicated skills or huge time commitments? One of the easiest side hustles today is getting paid to watch videos. From short ads and trailers to app demos and sponsored clips, there are platforms that reward you with real money, gift cards, or PayPal payouts just for pressing play. While the income won’t replace a full-time job, it’s a fun and effortless way to turn your free time into pocket money. In this guide, we’ll show you the best apps and websites to make money watching videos online, how much you can actually earn, and smart tips to maximize your rewards while avoiding scams.

Why People Get Paid to Watch Videos

Ever wondered why apps and websites actually pay you to watch short clips, ads, or trailers? The answer lies in advertising, engagement, and micro-task platforms that thrive on user participation.

Advertisers Want Your Attention

Brands spend billions each year to get their products in front of potential customers. When you watch a promotional video, trailer, or short ad, you’re giving advertisers exactly what they need—views and engagement. Instead of paying only big media companies, many brands now partner with reward platforms that share a slice of their ad budget directly with you. This makes watching videos a win-win: businesses boost awareness, and you earn rewards for your time.

Micro-Tasks and Reward Platforms

Alongside advertising, there are micro-task platforms designed to pay users for completing small online activities—watching videos, answering surveys, or testing apps. Each task might only earn a few cents, but when combined, it turns into steady pocket money. Platforms like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and WeAre8 use this model to keep users engaged while rewarding them with points, gift cards, or PayPal cash.

In short, you get paid to watch videos because your time and attention have real value in the digital economy. Advertisers need views, platforms need engagement, and you walk away with extra income for doing something simple and accessible.

Top 7 Platforms That Pay You to Watch Videos

If you want to make money watching videos online, you’ll find plenty of apps and websites that pay for your time. These platforms work on reward systems, micro-tasks, or ad revenue sharing, giving you real cash or gift cards just for engaging with short videos, clips, ads, and trailers. Here are the top watch-and-earn apps worth trying.

1. Swagbucks – Watch & Earn Points

Swagbucks is one of the most popular paid video watching websites, known for its flexibility. You earn “SB” points by watching entertainment clips, ads, or sponsored content, and then redeem them for PayPal payouts or gift cards from retailers like Amazon.

• Payout Methods: PayPal, Amazon, Walmart, and dozens of gift card options.
• Earning Example: Users typically make $25–$100 per month; power users have earned thousands by combining tasks.
• Best for: People who want multiple ways to earn, not just watching videos.

Pros

• Multiple Earning Opportunities: Earn through surveys, shopping, watching videos, and more.
• Low Payout Threshold: Start redeeming rewards with as little as $3.
• User-Friendly Mobile App: Access and earn on-the-go with a well-rated app.
• Wide Range of Rewards: Redeem points for PayPal cash, gift cards, or charitable donations.

Cons

• Time-Consuming Tasks: Some activities, like surveys, can be lengthy.
• Variable Video Availability: Not all users have consistent access to video content.
• Survey Disqualifications: Users may be disqualified after spending time on surveys.
• Earnings May Be Slow: Accumulating points can take time, especially for passive activities.

2. WeAre8 — Watch Ads, Earn & Support Charity

WeAre8 takes a unique approach by letting you watch ads for money while also contributing to causes. Each time you view a sponsored video, part of the advertiser’s budget goes to charity, and part goes directly to your digital wallet.

• Unique Feature: Combines earnings with social impact—support global charities while earning.
• Payout Methods: PayPal, mobile wallet transfers, and charitable donations.
• Best for: A great choice if you want to earn small amounts while giving back.

Pros

• Supports Charities: A portion of earnings goes to global causes.
• Simple Interface: Easy-to-use app with straightforward navigation.
• Quick Payouts: Fast processing of earnings to your account.
• Ethical Advertising: Engage with ads that contribute to social good.

Cons

• Limited Ad Availability: Ads may not be available consistently.
• Geographical Restrictions: Some regions may have limited access.
• Low Earnings Per Ad: Each ad watched contributes a small amount.
• App Performance Issues: Some users report bugs or crashes.

3. InboxDollars / InboxPounds – Video Tasks + More

InboxDollars (US) and InboxPounds (UK) are watch ads for money platforms that pay you in cash, not points. You get rewarded for watching movie trailers, news clips, or ad content.

• Payout Methods: PayPal, checks, or gift cards.
• Earning Example: Around $30–$100 per month depending on time invested.
• Best for: users who want real cash instead of a points-to-cash conversion.

Pros

• Real Cash Payments: Earn actual money, not points.
• Diverse Earning Methods: Includes surveys, games, and reading emails.
• $5 Sign-Up Bonus: Start earning immediately with a welcome bonus.
• Reliable Payouts: Consistent and trustworthy payment system.

Cons

• High Minimum Payout: Requires $30 to cash out.
• Survey Disqualifications: Potential to be disqualified after qualifying.
• Limited Availability: Primarily available in the U.S. and U.K.
• Time-Intensive Tasks: Some tasks require significant time investment.

4. JumpTask – Transparent Payout per Task

JumpTask is a blockchain-based micro-tasks platform where you can watch videos for cash payouts in cryptocurrency. Unlike others, it shows you exactly how much you’ll earn per task.

• Payout Methods: Crypto (JMPT, stablecoins), gift cards.
• Earning Example: $0.01–$0.05 per video on average, higher for some ad tasks.
• Best for: if you’re open to crypto rewards and want clear pay rates.

Pros

• Blockchain-Based Payments: Earn in cryptocurrency with transparent transactions.
• Variety of Tasks: Includes watching videos, playing games, and more.
• Low Cash-Out Threshold: Withdraw earnings with minimal requirements.
• Regular Updates: Frequent addition of new tasks and features.

Cons

• Cryptocurrency Volatility: Earnings can fluctuate with crypto market changes.
• Limited Task Availability: Not all users may have access to all tasks.
• Learning Curve: New users may need time to understand the platform.
• Geographical Restrictions: Some regions may have limited access.

5. PrizeRebel – Watch Videos & Complete Micro-Tasks

PrizeRebel is a versatile paid video watching website where you can earn points for watching short ads, trailers, and promotional clips. In addition to videos, the platform offers surveys, product testing, and daily challenges to boost earnings.

• Payout Methods: PayPal, Amazon gift cards, and over 500 other rewards.
• Earning Example: Casual users can earn $10–$30 monthly, while consistent activity across tasks may push earnings higher.
• Best for: if you want flexibility and regular small cash-outs.

Pros

• Low Payout Threshold: Redeem rewards starting at $2.
• Multiple Earning Methods: Surveys, offers, and video watching.
• Referral Program: Earn by inviting friends to join.
• Fast Redemption Processing: Quick processing of reward claims.

Cons

• Survey Disqualifications: Users may be disqualified after qualifying.
• Limited Video Content: Not all users have consistent access to videos.
• Inconsistent Task Availability: Opportunities may vary by region.
• Earnings May Be Slow: Accumulating points can take time.

6. Slicethepie – Get Paid for Detailed Reviews

Unlike most watch ads for money platforms, Slicethepie focuses on quality feedback. You can review short video ads, music tracks, and even fashion products. The more detailed your response, the higher your payout.

• Payout Methods: PayPal once you reach the $10 minimum balance.
• Earning Example: Each review typically pays $0.10–$0.30, but in-depth, high-rated reviews can bring more.
• Best for: users who enjoy giving opinions and want slightly higher payouts than passive viewing.

Pros

• Focus on Quality Feedback: Earn more with detailed and thoughtful reviews.
• Diverse Review Categories: Music, fashion, and commercials.
• Global Access: Available to users worldwide.
• No Investment Required: Start earning without any upfront costs.

Cons

• Low Payouts: Earnings per review can be minimal.
• Time-Consuming: Writing detailed reviews takes time.
• Review Rejections: Incomplete or vague reviews may be rejected.
• High Minimum Payout: Requires $10 to cash out.

7. Vindale Research – Watch & Review Video Ads

Vindale Research blends surveys and video watching tasks to give users multiple ways to earn. You may be asked to watch promotional videos, test products, or review ad campaigns.

• Payout Methods: PayPal direct cash payments.
• Earning Example: Around $0.25–$0.50 per video, with additional income from surveys and product testing.
• Best for: users willing to invest more time for higher-value video reviews.

Pros

• High Payouts for Reviews: Earn more for detailed video reviews.
• Multiple Earning Methods: Surveys, product testing, and reading emails.
• Direct Cash Payments: No points system; earn actual money.
• Referral Program: Earn by inviting friends to join.

Cons

• High Minimum Payout: Requires $50 to cash out.
• Limited Availability: Primarily available in the U.S.
• Survey Disqualifications: Potential to be disqualified after qualifying.
• Time-Intensive Tasks: Some tasks require significant time investment.

Comparison of Top Platforms to Get Paid for Watching Videos

Here is an overview of all the top platforms that pay you for watching videos.

Average Earnings & What to Expect

If you’re hoping to make money watching videos online, it’s important to set realistic expectations. While the idea of getting paid to press play sounds exciting, most platforms offer micro-payments per video rather than large sums. Understanding what you can actually earn will help you decide which paid video watching websites are worth your time.

Typical Rate per Video

On average, reward and micro-task platforms pay between $0.01 and $0.05 per video. This means for every 20–30 short ads or clips, you may earn $1–$2. However, some platforms pay in points (like Swagbucks or InboxDollars), which can be later converted to PayPal cash payouts or gift cards. Others, like JumpTask, offer fixed crypto values per video view.

In certain cases, platforms offering video reviews (like Vindale Research or Slicethepie) may pay slightly more—$0.10 to $0.50 per task. But, these typically require written feedback, making them more effort-intensive than simple video watching.

Realistic Daily and Hourly Expectations

So, how much can you earn watching videos in a day? If you dedicate 1 to 2 hours daily, you might make around $3–$6 per day. This depends on video availability, the platform you use, and whether you combine it with other tasks like surveys.

• Casual users can expect around $50–$100 a month.
• Power users who engage with multiple platforms could earn more, but this is still best seen as side income rather than a full-time job replacement.

How You Actually Get Paid

Knowing how and when you’ll receive your money is just as important as choosing the right watch-and-earn apps. Different platforms use different payout methods, set minimum thresholds, and may even limit availability based on your country. Here’s what you need to know before diving in.

1. PayPal – The Most Popular Payout Option

Most paid video watching websites use PayPal as their go-to payment method. It’s fast, secure, and accessible worldwide. Apps like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and PrizeRebel allow you to cash out directly into your PayPal wallet once you reach the minimum threshold, usually between $3 and $30. For users who want flexibility, this is often the easiest way to watch videos for cash payouts.

2. Bank Transfers – Direct to Your Account

Some platforms, especially international ones, let you withdraw earnings straight to your bank account. While this is convenient, it often requires higher payout thresholds (sometimes $50 or more) and longer processing times—anywhere from 3 to 10 business days. Availability also depends on your region, so always check whether your bank is supported.

3. Gift Cards and Vouchers – Popular Among Shoppers

If cash isn’t essential, you can opt for Amazon, Walmart, or Starbucks gift cards. Many platforms reward points that can be swapped for e-gift vouchers, often with lower minimums than PayPal or bank transfers. For example, you might cash out with just $5 worth of points in the form of a digital gift card. This option works best if you shop online regularly.

4. Cryptocurrency and Alternative Payouts

Newer watch ads for money platforms like JumpTask pay in cryptocurrency. You earn small amounts in tokens (e.g., stablecoins or Bitcoin equivalents) that can be traded or converted to cash. These payouts are often instant and don’t require high thresholds, making them attractive for users in regions where PayPal isn’t supported.

5. Minimum Thresholds and Payout Timelines

Every app has rules about when you can withdraw your earnings:

• Low thresholds (as little as $3–$5): Swagbucks, PrizeRebel, Slicethepie.
• Medium thresholds ($10–$30): InboxDollars, Vindale Research.
• High thresholds ($50+): Some bank transfer or crypto platforms.

Processing times range from 24 hours to 10 business days, depending on the platform and method chosen.

6. Regional Availability

Not all payout methods work in every country. For example, PayPal is widely available but not universal, while certain gift cards are region-specific (like Amazon US vs. Amazon UK). Before committing, check each platform’s payout options in your country to avoid frustration.

Top 4 Tips to Maximize Earnings

While you can make money watching videos online, the key is knowing how to optimize your time and effort. Since most watch ads for money platforms pay small amounts per video, applying smart strategies can help you boost earnings and avoid common pitfalls.

1. Use Multiple Platforms Simultaneously

Don’t rely on a single app. By signing up for several paid video watching websites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and JumpTask, you increase your video availability and earning opportunities. This way, if one platform runs out of content, another can keep you earning. Many users maximize payouts by rotating between top watch-and-earn apps during their free time.

2. Focus on Higher-Paying Tasks

Not all videos pay equally. Some platforms reward more for ad reviews, feedback, or long-form promotional content compared to simple 15-second clips. If you want to know how many cents per video watching get paid, these tasks often pay $0.10–$0.50, compared to the typical $0.01–$0.05. Choosing higher-paying tasks ensures that your time investment is worthwhile.

3. Watch with Auto-Play Tools Legitimately

Some best apps to earn money watching videos allow you to queue up content or use background play. This lets you earn passively while multitasking—like working, cooking, or studying. Be sure to use only legitimate autoplay features provided by the platform, as third-party hacks or bots can result in account bans.

4. Beware of Scams and Low-Payout Schemes

With so many platforms online, it’s easy to fall for scams promising unrealistic earnings. A trustworthy platform usually pays in PayPal cash payouts, bank transfers, or well-known gift cards. If a site asks for upfront payment or promises hundreds per day, it’s a red flag. Stick to reputable watch ads for money platforms and check reviews before signing up.

Final Thoughts

Getting paid to watch videos is a simple way to make money online in your spare time, but it’s best treated as a side hustle rather than a full-time job. With most watch-and-earn apps paying a few cents per video, the real value comes from using multiple platforms and combining tasks. It’s ideal for covering small expenses like subscriptions, coffee, or mobile bills. Think of it as supplemental income—a low-effort option to earn rewards while relaxing, multitasking, or filling idle moments.