In today’s digital age, the quest for side hustles that seamlessly blend leisure with income generation has never been more exciting. As an internet entrepreneur who has navigated the diverse landscape of online earning opportunities, I understand the allure of turning everyday activities into profitable ventures.
Watching videos is a pastime many of us indulge in, but did you know it can also be a source of income? Whether you’re a film buff, a casual viewer, or someone looking to make the most of their screen time, there are platforms and methods designed to pay you for simply watching videos.
In this article, I’ll share eight effective ways to monetize your video-watching habits, drawing from my own experiences and insights to help you maximize your earnings while enjoying your favorite content.
Let’s dive into the world where entertainment meets entrepreneurship.
Table of Contents
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is an international platform that pays users in “Swagbucks” points, which can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. It offers a variety of video categories, including entertainment, food, and tech, allowing users to earn about $5 per day if they are committed.
How to Get Started
- Sign-Up: Visit the Swagbucks website or download the app. Register for an account.
- Profile Completion: Verify your email and complete your profile to start earning.
- Watch Videos: Navigate to the video section and start watching to earn Swagbucks points.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Variety of Earning Methods: Offers multiple ways to earn, including surveys, shopping, and watching videos.
- User-Friendly: Easy to navigate and use.
- Large User Base: Consistent opportunities due to a large number of users.
Cons:
- Low Payouts: The payouts for watching videos and other tasks are often low.
- Time-Consuming: Some tasks, like surveys, can be time-consuming with limited earning potential.
- Limited Availability: Not available in all countries.
2. InboxPounds
InboxPounds is a UK-focused platform that pays users directly in cash rather than points. It operates similarly to Swagbucks, offering tasks like watching videos, taking surveys, and more. Users can earn a £1 welcome bonus upon signing up and need to accumulate a minimum of £10 to cash out.
How to Get Started
- Sign-Up: Go to the InboxPounds website and register for an account.
- Profile Setup: Complete your profile setup to begin earning.
- Watch Videos: Log in and start watching videos to earn cash. You can also explore other earning opportunities like surveys and offers.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Cash Payments: Direct cash payments instead of points.
- Easy to Navigate: User-friendly interface.
- Higher Payouts: Often offers higher payouts compared to similar platforms like Swagbucks.
Cons:
- Limited to the UK: Primarily available for UK users.
- Minimum Withdrawal Threshold: Requires a minimum of £10 to cash out.
- Time and Effort: Like Swagbucks, earning significant amounts requires time and effort.
3. Slicethepie
Slicethepie is a platform that pays users to write reviews on various content, primarily focusing on music, fashion, and commercials. Users provide feedback that helps artists, brands, and designers make informed decisions before launching their products. While it is a legitimate way to earn some extra cash, the earnings are relatively low, often ranging from $0.02 to $0.20 per review.
How to Get Started
- Sign-Up: Visit the Slicethepie website and create an account using your email, which should match your PayPal account for payouts.
- Profile Setup: Complete your profile by providing demographic information such as location and music preferences.
- Start Reviewing: Access available review categories like music, fashion, and commercials. Listen to or view the content and submit your reviews to earn.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Legitimate Platform: Offers a genuine way to earn money by providing feedback.
- Variety of Content: Users can review different types of content, including music and fashion.
- No Points System: Direct cash payments to PayPal.
Cons:
- Low Earnings: Users typically earn less than $2 per hour, making it a low-income opportunity.
- Repetitive Work: Reviewing content can become tedious over time.
- High Cash-Out Threshold: Requires a minimum of $10 to cash out.
4. WeAre8
WeAre8 is an app that allows users to earn money by watching advertisements. The platform positions itself as a socially responsible alternative to traditional ad models, enabling users to earn between 6p and 25p per video watched. Additionally, a portion of the ad revenue is donated to charity, allowing users to contribute to social causes while earning.
How to Get Started
- Download the App: Install the WeAre8 app on your mobile device.
- Create a Profile: Set up your profile and join the ‘8Community’.
- Watch Videos: Begin watching ads and answering follow-up questions to earn money. You can also choose to donate a portion of your earnings to charity.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Social Impact: A portion of earnings is donated to charity, allowing users to contribute to social causes.
- Low Minimum Payout: Users can cash out with as little as £1 in their account.
- User-Friendly: Simple app interface and easy-to-complete tasks.
Cons:
- Limited Earnings: The number of ads available to watch is limited, which caps potential earnings.
- Payment Delay: Earnings can take up to 30 days to be credited to the user’s wallet.
- Repetitive Content: Users may encounter the same ads repeatedly.
5. Freelancing on Fiverr
Fiverr is an online marketplace that connects freelancers with clients looking for various services, including watching videos. Freelancers can offer gigs to review or provide feedback on video content, such as YouTube videos, for a fee. This platform allows freelancers to earn money by leveraging their skills and interests in video content.
How to Get Started
- Create an Account: Sign up on Fiverr and set up your profile.
- Create Gigs: Offer gigs related to watching and reviewing videos. Clearly describe your services and set competitive pricing.
- Promote Your Services: Share your Fiverr profile and gigs on social media or other platforms to attract clients.
- Deliver Quality Work: Ensure timely delivery and high-quality feedback to build a strong reputation and gain repeat clients.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Flexibility: Set your own rates and choose the projects you want to work on.
- Diverse Opportunities: Access to a wide range of gigs beyond just watching videos.
- Global Reach: Connect with clients from around the world.
Cons:
- High Competition: Many freelancers offer similar services, making it challenging to stand out.
- Platform Fees: Fiverr takes a 20% commission on earnings.
- Inconsistent Work: Freelance work can be sporadic, leading to variable income.
6. PrizeRebel
PrizeRebel is a rewards platform where users can earn points by completing various tasks, including watching videos. These points can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or other rewards. The platform is popular for its flexibility and ease of use, allowing users to earn extra money in their spare time.
How to Get Started
- Sign Up: Visit the PrizeRebel website and create a free account.
- Complete Profile: Fill out your profile to access more earning opportunities.
- Start Watching Videos: Navigate to the video section and start watching to earn points.
- Redeem Rewards: Accumulate points and redeem them for PayPal cash, gift cards, or other prizes.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Easy to Use: User-friendly interface with straightforward tasks.
- Multiple Reward Options: Redeem points for a variety of rewards, including cash and gift cards.
- Low Minimum Cash-Out: Users can cash out with a relatively low point threshold.
Cons:
- Limited Earnings: Watching videos yields low points compared to other tasks like surveys.
- Disqualification from Surveys: Users may not qualify for all surveys, affecting earning potential.
- Language Limitation: Primarily available in English, limiting access for non-English speakers.
7. Film and TV Reviews
Getting paid to review films and TV shows involves writing critiques or analyses for various platforms, such as blogs, magazines, or websites. This can be a lucrative side hustle for movie enthusiasts who have a knack for writing. Several platforms, including Animation Arena and Taste of Cinema, offer payment for movie reviews, allowing writers to share their opinions and insights with a broader audience.
How to Get Started
- Build a Portfolio: Start by writing sample reviews to showcase your writing style and analytical skills.
- Identify Platforms: Research and apply to platforms that pay for movie reviews, such as Animation Arena or Taste of Cinema.
- Submit Applications: Follow the application process for each platform, often requiring writing samples and a brief introduction about your interests and expertise.
- Create Your Own Blog: Alternatively, consider starting a movie review blog to publish your work and monetize through ads and affiliate marketing.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Creative Outlet: Provides an opportunity to express opinions and engage with a community of film enthusiasts.
- Flexible Schedule: Can be done at your own pace and from anywhere.
- Potential for Growth: Successful reviewers can build a following and potentially earn significant income through blogs or YouTube channels.
Cons:
- High Competition: Many aspiring writers compete for limited paid opportunities.
- Variable Income: Earnings can fluctuate based on the number of reviews and the platform’s pay rate.
- Time-Consuming: Watching and analyzing films can be time-intensive.
8. Paid Psychological Studies
Participating in paid psychological studies involves taking part in research projects conducted by universities or research organizations. These studies often explore various aspects of human behavior and decision-making. Participants are typically compensated for their time, either with cash or gift cards, and many studies can be completed online, making it a convenient option for earning extra money.
How to Get Started
- Sign Up for Research Panels: Register with research platforms like the Virtual Lab at Chicago Booth or other university-affiliated programs.
- Complete Prescreening: Fill out initial surveys to determine eligibility for various studies.
- Participate in Studies: Choose studies that match your profile and schedule, often conducted via online surveys or video calls.
- Receive Compensation: After completing studies, receive payment through methods like PayPal or gift cards.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Good Compensation: Some studies offer competitive pay rates, especially for more involved research.
- Convenience: Many studies can be completed online, offering flexibility in participation.
- Contributing to Research: Participants help advance scientific understanding in psychology and related fields.
Cons:
- Eligibility Requirements: Not everyone qualifies for every study, which can limit opportunities.
- Limited Availability: Studies may not always be available, leading to inconsistent earning potential.
- Time Constraints: Some studies require scheduled participation, which may not fit everyone’s schedule.
Final Thoughts
After exploring how you can make money watching videos, it’s clear that the digital landscape offers a lot of opportunities if you think creatively.
If you’re looking for opportunities to write film reviews, participate in psychological studies, or explore other video-related gigs, you should approach them with an entrepreneurial mindset.
By understanding each platform’s nuances and aligning them with your interests and skills, you can turn a simple pastime into a side hustle.
It’s often a combination of passion and strategy that makes the most successful ventures. As you explore new ways to earn more, stay curious, adaptable, and proactive. Have fun watching and earning!

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.