How can I earn money by watching videos?

There are plenty of fun things you can do with your free time (or really, very little time), but some people want more out of their internet use than just killing time or procrastinating from work. If this sounds like you, here's a list of easy-to-earn cash opportunities for making extra income while sitting at home.

Watching video content isn't always an option if you're trying to save up for something specific — like going to see Star Wars in theaters! So we'll focus on websites where you can make money passively simply by browsing around YouTube and other platforms' channels.

We've broken down the top options below. Keep reading to find out which one earns the most money per hour spent, as well as some tips for maximizing earnings.

Which site pays the most to watch videos?

According to data provided by Mozilla research scientists, there were over 5 billion videos watched across all platforms last year (including mobile devices). That translates into approximately 2 trillion minutes worth of viewing time each day. And since many of us spend hours scrolling through our social media feeds, it means there are literally billions of dollars being wasted on mindless "likes" and rewatching episodes of The Office.

Swagbucks was founded in 1999, long before the existence of smartphones, so it makes sense they'd be among the first companies to recognize the potential value of paying users for streaming services. They offer two methods of payment: Referring friends & family members who sign up under you ("referral link") or completing surveys, tasks, shopping trips, etc. For every action completed, users will receive SBs (membership rewards) -- basically virtual currency used to purchase gift cards to popular retailers such as Amazon, Starbucks, Walmart, Target, Sephora, Macy’s, Best Buy, Kohls, Home Depot, JCPenney, GameStop, Sears, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Expedia, and Priceline. You can also buy SBs directly using real U.S. dollars.

The average amount earned per survey varies from $1-$5 depending on length and difficulty level. The payout rate is roughly $0.65/hour when referring new customers. However, those who refer multiple friends may qualify for higher rates based on individual performance. Users must maintain a minimum balance of $25 to participate in referral programs, otherwise they have to wait until they reach said threshold before getting any referrals. As far as surveys go, the longer the task takes, the better its reward ratio tends to be.

Inbox Dollars operates similarly to Swagbucks, except instead of giving users points for actions taken on certain products or brands, it gives them swagbucks for doing simple online activities. This could include taking quizzes, filling out forms, playing games, signing up for newsletters, downloading apps, searching, visiting web pages, participating in polls, answering questions, writing reviews, testing software, submitting photos, joining groups, uploading photos, posting comments, sending messages, subscribing to RSS feeds, sharing links, voting in elections, and much more. There are currently 30 different types of available offers.

Users can start receiving emails about these offers starting after clicking a link within their email account settings. Some of the highest paying ones include typing information, creating photo albums, rating movies and shows, checking prices, reading news headlines, looking for coupons, and responding to surveys. Earning potential depends heavily upon user activity and number of items purchased. Earnings range from $2-$100+ per item purchased once shipping fees are added. Payments usually take between four weeks and three months for approval. It doesn't hurt to keep track of your progress either. Just enter your tracking code next to “Earned” in the left sidebar menu to check your total earnings.

PayPal has been offering digital payments solutions for years now, allowing consumers to send and request funds electronically. But did you know that you can actually get paid to stream Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, Spotify, Pandora, Google Play Music, iTunes, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, Pinterest, Vine, Tumblr, Reddit, eBay, Tinder, Lyft, Uber, Airbnb, OpenTable, StubHub, Groupon, Etsy, DoorDash, Eaze, Zillow, Fiverr, KAYAK, AirBnB, HotelTonight, Bing Shopping, LinkedIn, Yahoo Mail, ShopRunner, AOL Instant Messenger, Viber, Skype, Steam, Twitch, TripAdvisor, Xbox Live Gold, Apple TV+, Sling TV, Playstation Plus, PlayStation Now, Dropbox Paper, OneDrive, Bloomberg Businessweek Video, Reuters, BuzzFeed News Video, CNN Money Video, and CollegeHumored Videos? Yes, yes, YES!!

This program allows anyone to complete small microtasks related to entertainment and lifestyle topics. Examples include translating subtitles, transcribing audio clips, summarizing text, proofreading documents, editing podcasts, tagging pictures, correcting typos, reviewing short films, recording voiceovers, captioning videos, and even drawing sketches. Each task comes with a unique ID and is categorized into categories ranging from arts & culture, business, education, health, sports, technology, travel, general, entertainment, politics, science & nature, animals & pets, gaming, music, fashion, food, and romance. Once assigned, you have 28 days to finish the job, after which your submission gets deleted automatically. Rewards depend entirely upon what type of task you choose to complete. Payment ranges from $3 - $10 per assignment, plus monthly bonuses. Payouts are issued weekly via PayPal accounts.

To apply, fill out the form found in this article's source file. Please note that assignments submitted without proper credit verification risk disqualification. Also, please add me to the mailing list for updates about future campaigns. Thanks for applying!

Where can I make money watching videos?

If you prefer not to set up a dedicated website or application, you can still access these streams and browse through them in your browser. A few examples include:

YouTube Premium ($11.99/month): Offers ad-free playback, offline downloads, high-quality uploads, and more.

Hulu With Ads (Free trial, subscription required): Stream full seasons of current hit series and original favorites including 13 Reasons Why, Grey’s Anatomy, Family Guy, How To Get Away With Murder, Scandal, Riverdale, SpongeBob SquarePants, Castle Rock, Succession, Dear White People, Shrill, Jane the Virgin, American Horror Story...and much more.

Cable television providers: Most cable companies allow subscribers to rent several premium movie channels for a reasonable price. Popular ones include AMC+, Cinemax, Disney Channel (+subscription required), ESPN (+subscription required), Fox Movie Channel (+subscription required), Hallmark Movies Extra, STARZ, TubiTV, and Watchmen on Us.

Amazon Prime Video Channels (+$4.99/mo charge): Offers thousands of titles to stream instantly. New releases appear 7 days earlier than DVD release date. Existing library features new arrivals daily.

Netflix Original Content (+$9.99/mo charge): Recently introduced, Netflix Originals feature exclusive programming created exclusively for streaming. Available worldwide.

Once you decide which platform(s) you wish to subscribe to, remember to consider your favorite show's availability. For example, if you live in Canada and would like to watch Stranger Things, you should try watching it on Netflix US. Streaming services often vary in pricing internationally due to regional licensing deals and foreign taxes. Check out Netflix's page detailing international country availability here.

Can I get paid for watching videos online?

Yes! Many companies specialize in compensating viewers for their idle screen time. Here are a couple of examples:

Screen Junkies On Demand [Broken URL Removed] ($19.95/hr): Viewer discretion is encouraged! Subscribers gain instant access to hundreds of professionally produced Screen Junkie shorts. These mini documentaries cover everything from viral trends and memes, to celebrities and pop culture, to classic comedy bits and animated skits.

Viewster (Subscription required, Free Trial available): View millions of videos for free thanks to subscriptions and advertisements. All content creators agree to share revenue generated by advertising with Viewster. Advertisers select which videos they wish to place their ads on. Creators also retain full ownership of their own creations.

VidIQ (from $199/yr): VidIQ provides advertisers with the ability to advertise against relevant audiences, ensuring maximum return on investment. Vidiq works alongside publishers to deliver high quality personalized video experiences to viewers.

For additional ideas, search for "make money watching videos." Companies that compensate users for watching their videos include: Patreon, Tube Cash Machine, Bitchute, RevenueStreams, SocialSpark, Spinner, Revver, iNexus, eRevena, ViralHeat, CASHE, MonetizeMe, MakersPlace, ShareASaleOnlineVideoNetwork, TrafficGeyser, Tubemogul, TezukaPro, MediaSpike, Reelgood, and Brightcove.

There are a lot of people who like to sit in front of their computer screens all day long just because they enjoy it or want something new to look at. If this sounds familiar with your job description then maybe you should consider getting into monetizing online content.  The thing is, many websites don't make it easy enough to understand what's required to get started making money from video viewing. There are several different methods that allow users to earn extra cash by simply sitting back and enjoying some entertainment -- including those that require no skills whatsoever. Let's take a closer look at these different avenues so we know where to start when considering earning an income through internet content consumption.

Which app pays the most for views?

One way to start thinking about how to earn money by watching videos that doesn't involve any sort of technical proficiency or talent is by looking through popular mobile applications. The best way to find out which app offers the highest payout per view is by using Google Play reviews or Apple App Store ratings. This will tell you whether there have been complaints regarding low-quality streams, poor customer service, etc. While not every complaint may be justified, if customers feel as though they're being taken advantage of then they'll likely stop paying attention much less continue streaming. It also helps to keep an eye on negative comments -- although the majority of them probably aren't legit -- but anyone who has had a bad experience should be able to use it against the company to get financial compensation.

If you've found one app that seems promising based on its rating/reviews, you can try downloading it yourself to see if it works well for you personally. However, if you find multiple apps that seem to offer higher payouts than others then you might want to think about becoming an affiliate marketer. Affiliates promote other companies' products while receiving commissions based upon successful sales. You could literally sign up for dozens (or hundreds) of different services without ever having to leave home!

How can I earn money by watching videos?

Another way to earn money by watching videos would be by creating original content. Many platforms now reward creators for coming up with unique ideas that appeal to viewers across age groups. For example, Snapchat allows users to post Snaps -- short moving pictures -- of themselves doing whatever they please within certain parameters. They can choose between sending a Snap directly to someone else or posting it publicly. When posted publicly, each user gets a random selection of snaps sent only to him or her until everyone receives one eventually. Users can save these Snaps inside "stories" which feature special effects and transitions. Once saved, stories disappear forever unless shared elsewhere. As more and more people share these Snaps, they accumulate likes and comments which provide additional revenue for both the creator and platform owner. These type of programs tend to work very similar to social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter except with shorter posts instead of lengthy updates.

Another site that rewards creativity is Buffer. With this website, writers can create interesting articles that help readers learn specific things faster. Writers can pick topics related to business, technology, health, parenting, relationships, travel, careers, music, food, fitness, sports, beauty, fashion, and more. After submitting their article, writers receive points depending on how relevant and engaging the piece was. Points range anywhere from 1 point (for garbage) to 10 points (for great). Readers can comment on submitted pieces and rate them as highly favorable, mildly pleasing, or boring. Creators can redeem their earned points for gift cards ranging from $5-$25 towards Amazon purchases. So it's possible to earn free items worth tens of dollars even if you write crappy material. What makes this program really cool is that the better you become at writing compelling articles, the more points you'll collect. Eventually, you could end up with thousands of points under your belt and never once needing to buy anything again.

How do I earn money off of YouTube?

YouTube is another huge contributor when it comes to monetized online content. Although the main goal of this platform is to show amateur clips to attract advertisers, it does contain millions of original uploads created by individuals interested in sharing their own personal experiences and opinions. Most of these channels consist of funny or entertaining clips meant to entertain rather than inform. Advertisers often prefer these types of shows since they tend to grab people's attention quickly while leaving lasting memories. Even if you're not particularly creative, chances are you can come up with something worthwhile to record and generate tons of engagement from viewers.

Some people opt to turn their channel into a full-time career after successfully building a loyal following. Others maintain separate accounts specifically designed to showcase their talents exclusively. Either way, the possibilities are endless. Just remember to stay consistent in order to grow your audience base and build trust among fans.

What apps give you money for watching videos?

As mentioned above, the easiest way to begin generating passive income is by signing up for various affiliate marketing campaigns. One of the biggest names in this field is ClickBank. Here, marketers can sell other people's digital products and services while collecting commission fees along the way. Commission percentages vary widely, but typically hover around 50 percent. Some of the top affiliates include Robert Kiyosaki, James Clear, Mike Filsaime, John Assaraf, Anthony Robins, Doryeol Kim, Steve Pavlina, Ryan Deiss, Darren Rowse, Michael Cheney, Brian Clark, Pat Flynn, Andy Beal, David Wood, Bob Biddulph, Seth Godin, Chris Guillebeau, Dr. Joe Vitale, Jazzy Jeff Williams, Jim Edwards, Leo Widrich, Scott Britton, Dave LeClair, Simon Warner, Steven Hoober, and many more.

In addition to Clickbank, there are numerous other opportunities available for aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to join the ranks of big earners. One opportunity that stands apart from almost everything else is Peerflix. Essentially, Peerflix provides distributors with access to movies and TV series for distribution purposes. Distributors are responsible for acquiring subscribers and promoting the product while keeping track of statistics and reporting earnings accordingly. Subscribers essentially receive unlimited monthly access to pre-selected episodes of television shows and films. Since Peerflix targets a younger demographic group with a focus on fun and entertainment, most of the programming featured tends to lean toward lighthearted and comedic fare.

For those seeking to expand their knowledge base, there are countless informational interviews waiting to happen. Simply search for terms relating to your area of expertise and send emails requesting information. Chances are high that interviewees will agree to answer inquiries provided they deem the request worthy. Interview subjects can either compensate you financially or provide links to your preferred reading materials. All you need to do is reach out to potential sources and ask politely. Keep in mind that most people won't respond right away, especially if they didn't expect such contact. Therefore, patience and persistence are vital qualities to cultivate before expecting results.

If you're a regular watcher of YouTube (or any other video site), then you might be able to cash in on your viewing habits -- by making some extra income from it! There are several different programs out there that offer the opportunity to earn money just for sitting around and consuming content online.

Most require you to sign up for an account before they'll start paying you. The easiest way to do this is with Facebook or Google accounts, since those already have an established record of what you like and don't like. We've collected together all of the most popular options here so you know which one's right for you.

Is there an app that pays you for watching ads?

Yes! One of the simplest methods is through apps such as Swagbucks. This company offers users a chance to earn points for watching short advertisements called "Swags." These ad breaks will usually consist of about two minutes worth of clips. You won't see anything but a simple white screen and audio during these times, but once finished, you can redeem your Swag Bucks at checkout where applicable.

The amount of Swag Bucks earned per hour depends upon how much time you spend watching each advertisement. Each advert has its own point value, so it may take awhile to accumulate enough points to buy something cool. It's also important to note that if you choose not to accept free products when given them, you won't receive any Swag Bucks whatsoever. So if you enjoy getting stuff for free anyway, this isn't going to work for you.

This method probably works best for people who want to use their spare moments to browse the web or check social media while waiting at home or school for class to begin. If you prefer more active hobbies, however, you could try using Swagbucks' mobile app to search coupons instead.

Download: Swagbucks for Android | iOS

What kind of things does Swagbucks let me purchase?

There are literally hundreds of items available through Swagbucks, including gift cards and e-books. However, we recommend starting off small because many of the rewards only allow you to redeem for specific types of currency. For example, you can purchase $5 Amazon gift cards directly from the Swagbucks homepage. Or, if you'd rather avoid dealing with credit card companies, you can opt to collect your reward funds through PayPal.

You can even earn additional Swag Bucks simply by searching the Web. Simply search for whatever topic interests you the most and look for relevant results. When you come across them, click on the Swag button next to the link. Then select whether you want to view it now or add it to your Favorites list. Once you've done that, you should notice your browser tab change color slightly and display a new icon indicating you've viewed the page.

A good rule of thumb is to keep tabs open until they turn red, since doing so earns you bonus Swag Bucks. And speaking of browsers...

Which website is best for earning money by watching ads?

Inbox Dollars was created specifically for this purpose. Signing up takes less than five minutes, and after selecting the option to join, you'll need to provide basic information like your name, email address, phone number and birthday. Afterward, you'll instantly gain access to a personalized dashboard where you can find opportunities to generate revenue passively.

Once signed up, you'll receive emails whenever you qualify for a payout. Typically, you'll hear back within 24 hours, though sometimes it can take longer depending on your situation. Payouts arrive either weekly or monthly, with varying amounts ranging anywhere between $10-$1,000.

Unlike SwagBucks, you cannot send your earnings to a bank account -- you must wait until you reach the threshold needed to complete the transaction. As mentioned earlier, you can always request payment via PayPal.

Payment requests typically take 48 hours to process, although again, they can vary based off your location. Keep in mind that you can withdraw your balance at any time without having to fulfill any remaining obligations.

Another perk of signing up for Inbox Dollars is that you receive access to special deals exclusively reserved for members. You can discover great savings on everything from travel packages to electronics.

So what kinds of deals can you expect? Here are a few examples:

$100 off hotels worldwide

75% off iTunes movie rentals

Free shipping codes

And yes, according to InboxDollars representatives, you can actually get paid to watch TV shows! Just head over to https://www.inboxdollars.com/shows/watch_tv to learn more.

Note: Some deals may apply to both memberships simultaneously.

Other advantages include being eligible for multiple promotions throughout the year, unlimited bill payments, and priority customer service support.

InboxPounds is another program similar to InboxDollars, except that it focuses solely on video advertising. Users who register with the service receive credits every time they watch a commercial. Credits aren't transferable, meaning you can't stack them up to boost your total compensation later. Instead, you must wait until you meet the minimum required to redeem your reward.

Earnings range approximately $10 - $250 per month, depending on how long you stay subscribed. Payments are sent via PayPal, and it typically takes 3-7 days for processing.

While Inbox Dollars allows users to redeem their receipts straight into their personal bank accounts, InboxPounds requires you to mail in completed redemption forms along with your checks.

An advantage of InboxPounds is that you're not limited to redeeming your earnings for physical goods. You can use the platform to shop for clothes, household essentials, jewelry, books, toys and tech gadgets. With InboxDollars, however, you're restricted to redeeming your rewards towards purchases made outside the app.

One drawback is that InboxPounds doesn't currently offer international customers the ability to participate in its promotional efforts.

As far as fees go, neither InboxDollars nor InboxPounds charge annual membership dues. They also don't ask for upfront capital contributions, so you're welcome to stick with your existing banking services.

Which AAP is best?

Advance America PayDirect, formerly known as Adelinelife, is yet another video marketing network offering passive residual income. Although registration is optional, it's recommended if you plan to actively seek out jobs within the system.

Signup involves providing personal details, submitting references, filling out background and education paperwork, and completing a criminal reference verification form. Afterwards, you'll automatically be added to the database of advertisers.

When matching prospective employers with job seekers, the company uses proprietary software that evaluates applicants' skills against openings posted within the network. Results are delivered daily via text message.

Typically, employment agencies post openings to AdvanceAmerica first, allowing candidates to submit applications immediately. Those who pass initial screening are invited to connect with potential managers via chat sessions.

Residual income differs from traditional hourly wages, because it provides steady paychecks regardless of performance. Earning potentials depend entirely upon the particular position you apply for, but generally fall somewhere in the range of $15 - $150 per week. Earned advances are credited to your member account after reaching certain thresholds.

Similar to Swagbucks and InboxDollars, you can redeem your earnings for real world products through PayPal. Since advance payments often exceed $500, you can use your earnings to cover expenses related to car loans, rent, groceries, gas and utilities.

Some perks of working with Advance America include discounts on health insurance plans, life insurance policies, 401(k) plans and student loan refinancing.

On top of that, unlike other platforms, you don't have to be present during a live interview to fill out applications. According to reps at the office, interviews occur virtually via webcam.

Since Advance America has recently launched operations in Canada, residents of Quebec can enroll in the video marketing network beginning February 2017.

Overall, Advanced American seems to cater primarily towards people looking to work full-time positions. If you're interested in part-time gigs, you may want to consider other options listed below.

How can I make money by showing ads?

Videoswap lets viewers watch prerecorded commercials in exchange for swipes or clicks on banners displayed alongside the clip. Viewers are compensated for their participation by receiving virtual coins called Vidswips that can be redeemed for product samples, retail vouchers, sweepstakes entries, etc.

To join Videoswaps, create a profile, upload photos, verify your age, and complete the application. Next, you can swipe left or right on banner ads shown within the videos you watched. A percentage of these swipes convert into Coins, which can be exchanged for gift cards, merchandise, digital downloads, and more.

Although Videoswaps compensates users monetarily, they also promote a community feel among participants. Members share insights, experiences and tips regarding various topics, and you can easily interact with fellow Video Swapters.