Get Paid to Watch Videos and TV: What You Can Actually Earn
Watching TV and videos is a legitimate way to make money with certain sites and apps. It’s a low-effort way to earn a little extra cash.
It’s not as simple as gluing your eyes to a screen then watching the dough roll in, however. You’re getting paid because:
- You’re watching ads
- Interacting with content
- Sharing your data
Here’s how it works.
Can You Really Get Paid to Watch Videos?
It’s possible to get paid to watch videos, but most platforms offer small rewards in exchange for your time.
These apps and websites don’t pay you just for being entertained. They’re paying you to watch ads, interact with content or share viewing data. That’s why earnings tend to be low.
If you’re wondering which apps you should be using, we gathered a list of popular options that could earn you some extra money.
Although getting paid to watch videos is legitimate, it’s best to treat it as a low-effort side activity rather than a meaningful income stream.
How Much Money Can You Make Watching Videos?
Most people earn between $0.50 and $3 per hour watching videos, with monthly earnings typically under $20.
Here’s what realistic earnings look like:
- Casual use (15–30 min/day): $5–$15 per month
- Consistent use (1 hour/day): $10–$30 per month
- Heavy use + stacking apps: Up to $50/month (rare)
What affects your earnings:
- Whether you combine videos with surveys or offers
- How often new video content is available
- Payout thresholds and availability in your region
This is not passive income in most cases. Many apps require some actions in return like clicking on ads, giving feedback or sharing your data.
Best Apps and Sites That Pay You to Watch Videos
The best apps that pay you to watch videos combine low-effort tasks with rewards, but earnings vary widely by platform.
Quick Comparison Table
| App | Best For | Effort | Earnings | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
InboxDollars |
Simple tasks |
Medium |
$5–$20/mo |
Cash |
MyPoints |
Gift cards |
Medium |
$5–$20/mo |
PayPal, gift cards |
PrizeRebel |
Flexible rewards |
Medium |
$5–$20/mo |
PayPal, Gift cards, Crypto |
KashKick |
Cash payouts |
Medium |
$5–$20/mo |
PayPal cash, gift cards |
Swagbucks |
Beginners |
Medium |
$5–$25/mo |
PayPal/gift cards |
Nielsen Panel |
Passive |
Low |
~$50/year |
Rewards |
MobileXpression |
Passive mobile |
Low |
~$5/mo |
Gift cards |
UserTesting |
Higher pay |
High |
~$10/test |
Paypal cash |
Best Overall Apps
The most popular apps combine video watching with other small tasks to increase your earnings.
- InboxDollars
- Pay type: Cash
- Effort: Medium
- Estimated earnings: $5–$20/month
Best for users who want straightforward cash rewards.
- MyPoints
- Pay type: Points
- Effort: Medium
- Estimated earnings: $5–$20/month
Best for earning gift cards from everyday activities, like online shopping.
- PrizeRebel
- Pay type: Points
- Effort: Medium
- Estimated earnings: $5–$20/month
Best for users who want flexible reward options.
- KashKick
- Pay type: Cash
- Effort: Medium
- Estimated earnings: $5–$20/month
Best for users who prefer direct cash payouts.
- Swagbucks
- Pay type: Points
- Effort: Medium
- Estimated earnings: $5–$25/month
Best for beginners who want multiple ways to earn.
These platforms often pay for watching short clips, ads or sponsored content — but you’ll earn more by combining tasks.
Passive Income Options (Set-It-and-Forget-It)
Some apps pay you to share your viewing data rather than actively watch videos.
- Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel
- Pay type: Sweepstakes + rewards
- Effort: Low
- Estimated earnings: $0–$50/year
Best for hands-off, passive earning.
- MobileXpression
- Pay type: Gift cards
- Effort: Low
- Estimated earnings: ~$5/month
Best for earning small rewards in the background (it collects your data through its software).
These apps run in the background or allow continuous video playback with occasional interaction.
High-Effort, Higher-Pay Options
Some platforms require more interaction but may pay slightly more.
- UserTesting
- Pay type: Cash
- Effort: High
- Estimated earnings: ~$10 per test
Best for users comfortable speaking their opinions, as you test websites and record your feedback.
This option requires more engagement, such as speaking your thoughts or completing tasks alongside watching.
How Getting Paid to Watch Videos Works
You can get paid to watch videos because companies pay platforms to deliver ads, gather data or collect user feedback. They get all three of those things from you watching videos, interacting with content and sharing data. Your opinions and habits as a consumer are valuable to them.
There are three main models:
- Ad-based rewards: You watch ads and earn points
- Task-based rewards: You interact with content
- Data-sharing apps: You share usage data for passive rewards
This means you’re not really being paid for entertainment — you’re part of a marketing or research system.
Reality Check: Is Watching Videos for Money Worth It?
Watching videos for money is only worth it if you’re OK with how little money it gets you. Mostly, all you need is a phone and a few minutes of spare time, but here’s the reality:
- Most platforms pay under $3/hour
- Video availability is inconsistent
- Some apps stop offering video rewards over time
- Payout minimum thresholds can delay cashouts
You’d likely earn more from surveys than watching videos. However, if the amount of money doesn’t concern you and you’re just happy to get paid for watching videos, it can be worth it.
Pros and Cons of Watching Videos for Money
Watching videos for money sounds like a dream, but there are some limitations.
Pros:
- Easy to do
- No special skills required
- You can do it on your phone
- Flexible and low commitment
Cons:
- Extremely low pay
- Often requires active participation
- Limited availability of tasks
- The apps could shut down or change rewards
How to Maximize Your Earnings
You can maximize your earnings by using multiple apps and combining watching videos with higher-paying tasks.
Try these strategies:
- Use multiple apps at the same time
- Combine videos with surveys and other offers
- Cash out as soon as you hit minimum thresholds
- Check daily for new content and tasks
If a side hustle is what you’re looking for, we have other recommendations for those. You can use these apps in your downtime then have a higher-paying side hustle to up your earnings.
Better Alternatives to Watching Videos for Money
There are better alternatives to watching videos for money if your goal is to earn more in less time.
Consider these options:
- Online surveys (higher payouts per task)
- Website and app testing
- Freelance microtasks through websites like Fiverr and TaskRabbit.
These options typically offer better returns for the same amount of time.
FAQs About Getting Paid to Watch Videos
Yes, you can really get paid to watch videos. However, the earnings are small and often require you to click on ads or complete other tasks. Plus, most users earn only a few dollars per week.
It depends on the app, the other tasks you do and how often you use the apps, so it’s tough to identify hourly or weekly earnings. You’re likely to make a few extra bucks per week.
Most well-known apps like Swagbucks and InboxDollars are legitimate, but you should check reviews and avoid apps that require upfront payments.
The best apps are usually platforms like InboxDollars because it offers multiple earning options beyond videos, making it easier to reach payout thresholds.
No legitimate apps pay you to watch Netflix specifically, and claims suggesting otherwise are usually misleading or scams.
Watching videos would not be passive income because it will require some effort on your end. Passive income is when you set up an income stream that you don’t have to be consistently involved in to earn.
You can cash out more quickly if you use apps with lower payout thresholds and have your preferred payout method set up. For example, have a PayPal account ready to go if that’s how a platform pays users.
Final Verdict
Getting paid to watch videos is a legitimate but low-paying way to earn extra money, so we recommend treating it as a small side activity rather than a serious income source.
If easily making a few extra dollars appeals to you, then this is a decent route to take. Lower effort usually means lower pay. But if your goal is higher income, you’ll likely get better results from surveys or freelance work.
It’s also important to remember that earnings vary based on how much time you spend on it, the offers available and sometimes your location — so keep expectations realistic.
