Have you ever thought about turning your Netflix binge-watching sessions into a profitable side hustle? As someone who has dabbled in various types of side hustles, I can tell you that getting paid to watch Netflix is not only possible but also a smart way to monetize your downtime.
From leveraging rewards sites that pay you for your viewing habits to participating as a paid panelist in market research studies, these methods cater to different interests and skills. Whether you’re looking for a passive income stream or a more engaging opportunity, there’s something here for everyone.
In this article, we’ll explore 8 ways to get paid to watch Netflix, offering you insights into how you can maximize your earnings while enjoying your favorite shows and movies.
Table of Contents
1. Netflix Tagger
A Netflix Tagger, officially known as an Editorial Insights Content Analyst, is responsible for watching Netflix content and tagging it with relevant metadata. This helps improve Netflix’s recommendation algorithms by categorizing content based on genre, theme, language, and more. The role requires analytical skills, a good understanding of film and TV, and often a background in the entertainment industry.
How to Get Started
- Check Netflix Careers: Regularly visit the Netflix careers website to find openings for Editorial Insights Content Analysts. These positions are highly competitive and not always available.
- Prepare Your Application: Highlight any relevant experience in film or TV, analytical skills, and any relevant education, such as a degree in film studies.
- Apply: Submit your application through Netflix’s official job portal, ensuring your resume is tailored to the job requirements.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Engaging Work: If you love movies and TV, this role allows you to turn your passion into a job.
- Remote Work: Many tagging positions offer the flexibility to work from home.
- Competitive Salary: Although exact figures vary, some sources suggest competitive pay rates.
Cons:
- High Competition: The job is highly sought after, making it difficult to secure a position.
- Not Just Watching: The role involves significant analysis and data entry, not just passive viewing.
- Experience Required: Often requires a background in the entertainment industry, limiting accessibility for some.
2. Viggle Tracking
Viggle is an app that rewards users for watching TV shows and movies. By tracking what you watch, Viggle provides data to brands and networks, which is valuable for market research. Users earn points for every minute of content watched, which can be redeemed for gift cards or other rewards.
How to Get Started
- Download the Viggle App: Install the app on your device and create an account.
- Start Watching: Log into Viggle before you begin watching Netflix. The app will verify your viewing and track your activity.
- Earn Points: Accumulate points for each minute watched, with bonus points available for featured content.
Redeem Rewards: Exchange your points for gift cards or other rewards through the app.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Easy to Start: Simply download the app and start earning points.
- Flexible Rewards: Points can be redeemed for a variety of gift cards, offering flexibility in rewards.
Cons:
- Limited Earnings: The points system may not translate to substantial monetary rewards.
- Data Privacy: Using the app involves sharing your viewing habits, which may be a concern for some.
3. Review Blog
Starting a Netflix-focused review blog allows you to share your insights and opinions on Netflix content while earning money through various monetization strategies. This can include affiliate marketing, display advertising, and sponsored posts. By creating engaging content, you can attract a dedicated audience and generate income from your blog.
How to Get Started
- Choose a Niche: Decide on a specific angle for your blog, such as focusing on Netflix originals, specific genres, or TV series.
- Set Up Your Blog: Use platforms like WordPress to create your blog. Ensure you have a domain name and hosting service.
- Create Content: Write engaging, SEO-optimized reviews and articles about Netflix content. Use keyword research tools to target less competitive keywords.
- Monetize Your Blog: Implement monetization strategies such as affiliate marketing, ads, and sponsored content.
Promote Your Blog: Use social media and SEO techniques to drive traffic to your blog.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Creative Outlet: Share your passion for Netflix content with a wide audience.
- Potential for High Earnings: Successful blogs can generate significant income through various monetization strategies.
- Flexibility: Work on your own schedule and choose your content focus.
Cons:
- Initial Investment: Requires time and possibly financial investment to set up and grow.
- Competitive Market: High competition from established blogs can make it challenging to gain traction.
- Requires Consistent Effort: Regular content creation and promotion are necessary to maintain and grow your audience.
Learn more: How to Make Money Blogging
4. Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel
The Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel is a market research program that pays participants for sharing their internet usage data. By installing the Nielsen app on your devices, you allow Nielsen to collect data on your viewing habits, which is used for market research purposes. In return, you earn rewards such as gift cards or cash.
How to Get Started
- Sign Up: Register for the Nielsen panel through their website. You need to be 18 or older and reside in eligible countries like the U.S., U.K., or Australia.
- Install the App: Download the Nielsen app on your computer or mobile device.
- Share Data: Allow the app to collect data on your internet usage, including Netflix viewing habits.
- Earn Rewards: Collect points that can be redeemed for gift cards or cash.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Passive Income: Earn rewards without actively working, simply by sharing your data.
- No Cost to Join: Free to sign up and participate.
- Safe and Secure: Nielsen is a reputable company with strong data privacy measures.
Cons:
- Limited Earnings: Maximum earnings are relatively low, around $50-$60 per year.
- Data Sharing: Requires comfort with sharing your internet usage data with Nielsen.
- Eligibility Restrictions: Only available in certain countries and to individuals who meet specific demographic criteria.
5. Closed Captioning
Closed captioning involves creating subtitles for Netflix content to make it accessible to a wider audience, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. This job requires a keen ear for transcription and familiarity with captioning software. Netflix outsources most of its captioning work to freelancers through various platforms.
How to Get Started
- Develop Skills: Gain proficiency in transcription and closed captioning. Familiarize yourself with captioning software and tools.
- Find Opportunities: Look for captioning jobs on freelancing platforms such as Rev, Fiverr, and FlexJobs, or through agencies that provide services to Netflix.
- Apply for Jobs: Create a profile on these platforms, showcasing your skills and experience. Complete any required assessments to demonstrate your capabilities.
- Start Captioning: Once hired, begin working on captioning projects, ensuring accuracy and adherence to Netflix’s guidelines.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Remote Work: Offers the flexibility to work from home.
- Steady Demand: High demand for captioning services due to the popularity of streaming platforms.
- Skill Development: Enhances transcription and language skills.
Cons:
- Competitive Market: High competition for jobs, especially for Netflix-related projects.
- Freelance Nature: Often requires finding work through third-party platforms, which may involve fees.
- Technical Requirements: Requires specific software and equipment.
6. YouTube Channel or Podcast
Starting a YouTube channel or podcast allows you to share your thoughts and reviews on Netflix content with a broader audience. Through monetization strategies like advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing, you can earn money by providing engaging and insightful content about Netflix shows and movies.
How to Get Started
- Choose a Niche: Decide on a specific focus for your channel or podcast, such as reviews of Netflix originals, specific genres, or thematic analyses.
- Set Up Your Channel/Podcast: Create a YouTube channel or podcast platform account. Invest in basic equipment like a good microphone and camera.
- Create Content: Develop engaging, high-quality content that offers unique insights or entertainment value. Use fair use guidelines when incorporating Netflix clips.
- Monetize Your Content: Enable monetization options like Google AdSense for YouTube, seek sponsorships, and explore affiliate marketing opportunities.
- Promote Your Channel/Podcast: Use social media and SEO strategies to grow your audience and increase visibility.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Creative Freedom: Allows you to express your opinions and creativity.
- Potential for High Earnings: Successful channels can generate significant revenue through various monetization strategies.
- Engagement with Audience: Opportunity to build a community of followers and engage with them.
Cons:
- Initial Investment: Requires time and possibly financial investment in equipment and promotion.
- Copyright Challenges: Risk of content being flagged for copyright infringement if not handled carefully.
- Consistency Needed: Requires regular content creation and audience engagement to maintain growth.
7. Rewards Sites
Rewards sites, such as Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Survey Junkie, offer users the opportunity to earn points or cash by completing various online activities, including watching videos, taking surveys, and playing games. These platforms allow you to multitask and earn while enjoying Netflix.
How to Get Started
- Sign Up: Register for an account on popular rewards sites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, or Survey Junkie.
- Complete Your Profile: Provide necessary demographic information to receive relevant tasks and surveys.
- Engage with Content: Watch videos, complete surveys, and perform other tasks while watching Netflix.
- Earn and Redeem Rewards: Accumulate points or cash and redeem them for gift cards or PayPal cash.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Flexibility: Earn rewards while multitasking with Netflix.
- Variety of Tasks: Offers multiple ways to earn, including surveys and games.
- Low Barrier to Entry: Easy to sign up and start earning.
Cons:
- Limited Earnings: Typically offers small rewards, requiring significant time to accumulate substantial earnings.
- Active Engagement Required: Must actively participate in tasks to earn rewards.
- Become a Paid Panelist
8. Become a Paid Panelist
Becoming a paid panelist involves participating in market research studies conducted by companies like Nielsen. By allowing these companies to track your viewing habits, you contribute valuable data for research purposes and, in return, receive compensation or rewards.
How to Get Started
- Register with a Panel: Sign up for panels like Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel or other market research companies.
- Install Software: Download any necessary software or apps that track your viewing habits.
- Participate in Studies: Allow the panel to monitor your Netflix usage and participate in additional surveys if offered.
- Receive Compensation: Earn rewards such as gift cards or cash for your participation.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Passive Income: Earn rewards with minimal active participation.
- Reputable Companies: Often associated with well-known research firms like Nielsen.
- Additional Opportunities: May offer surveys or other tasks for extra rewards.
Cons:
- Limited Availability: Not all users may qualify for panel participation.
- Privacy Concerns: Requires sharing personal viewing data with third parties.
- Modest Earnings: Compensation is generally modest, with potential earnings around $50-$60 annually.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, turning your Netflix habit into a source of income is not only feasible but can also be a rewarding way to make the most of your leisure time.
By exploring these diverse opportunities, you can find a method that aligns with your skills and lifestyle, whether it’s through the analytical work of closed captioning, the creative outlet of a YouTube channel, or the simplicity of rewards sites and panelist roles.
Remember, the key to maximizing your earnings lies in understanding the requirements and potential of each option. With a bit of effort and creativity, you can transform your Netflix sessions into a productive side hustle.
Anthony Smith is an internet entrepreneur. He created the Side Hustle Ideas Database to help people find side hustles for making extra money, with the potential of turning into a full-time income.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a business degree, he gained business experience at a consulting firm. At the same time, he tried various side hustles including freelance writing, blogging, and eCommerce. He managed to turn his side hustles into a full-time business, earning over $3 million. Now, he enjoys financial freedom and travels around the world as a digital nomad.