If you’re looking for a simple way to make extra money in your spare time, taking surveys and watching videos could be a perfect option. These tasks are easy to do, don’t require special skills, and can be done from the comfort of your home. Many companies are willing to pay for your opinions and attention to their ads, and with the right platforms, you can start earning passive income without much effort.
Here’s how you can get paid for taking surveys and watching videos:
1. Sign Up for Legitimate Survey and Video Platforms
The first step to earning money by taking surveys and watching videos is finding legitimate platforms that offer these opportunities. Here are some of the top platforms where you can start earning right away:
1.1 Survey Platforms
These websites and apps are designed for people who enjoy sharing their opinions and feedback on a variety of topics.
- Swagbucks: Swagbucks is one of the most popular rewards sites. You can earn points (called SB) by completing surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online. These points can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.
- InboxDollars: This platform offers a wide range of ways to earn money, including taking surveys, watching videos, and even reading emails. You can receive payments via check or gift cards once you’ve reached a minimum payout threshold.
- Pinecone Research: A well-known survey site that rewards users for completing short surveys. Pinecone Research often offers higher payouts compared to other platforms, but it can be harder to get into as they invite members selectively.
- Toluna: Toluna offers paid surveys and other activities such as testing products. It’s easy to use and allows users to redeem their points for cash or gift cards.
- LifePoints: Another reliable platform where you can earn points by taking surveys. These points can be exchanged for PayPal money, gift cards, or even donations to charity.
1.2 Video-Watching Platforms
Watching videos is another easy way to earn money. Here are a few platforms that offer compensation for watching ads or short clips:
- Swagbucks (again): Swagbucks lets you earn SB points by watching short video ads, trailers, and other types of videos. You can watch these videos while multitasking, and you’ll earn rewards for each video you watch.
- MyPoints: Similar to Swagbucks, MyPoints gives you the chance to earn points by watching video ads, as well as through surveys, shopping, and playing games. These points can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards to popular retailers.
- InboxDollars (again): InboxDollars also allows you to earn money by watching videos. You’ll typically watch short video clips or slideshows on topics like entertainment, food, or health, and you’ll earn a small reward for each video you view.
- Slidejoy: Slidejoy is a mobile app that pays you to watch ads on your phone’s lock screen. You can earn cash or gift cards for simply swiping through ads on your phone.
- Vindale Research: This platform offers a combination of paid surveys and video-watching opportunities. The videos are typically advertisements, and you can earn cash after completing them.
2. Maximize Your Earnings
To make the most money from surveys and videos, there are several strategies you can use.
2.1 Sign Up for Multiple Platforms
Since each survey or video platform has its own set of offers, signing up for multiple sites will give you access to more opportunities. It increases the number of surveys and videos you can participate in, giving you more chances to earn money. However, be careful not to spread yourself too thin — make sure you can realistically manage the time you spend on each platform.
2.2 Fill Out Your Profile Completely
Many survey platforms ask for detailed information about your interests, demographics, and habits. Completing your profile ensures that you’ll be matched with relevant surveys and videos, increasing your chances of qualifying for high-paying opportunities. The more specific you are about your interests, the more personalized the surveys and videos you’ll receive.
2.3 Check for Mobile Apps
Some platforms, such as Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and MyPoints, have mobile apps that allow you to take surveys and watch videos on the go. This can be a convenient way to earn money while you’re commuting, waiting in line, or relaxing at home.
2.4 Be Consistent
To maximize your earnings, you need to stay consistent. Regularly check the platforms you’re signed up for to see new survey or video opportunities. Many sites offer limited-time offers, and being proactive can help you grab these before they expire.
2.5 Take Advantage of Sign-Up Bonuses and Referral Programs
Many survey and video-watching platforms offer sign-up bonuses when you first join or refer friends to the platform. These bonuses can give you a head start on earning money. Referral programs are great because they allow you to earn a percentage of the money your friends make when they sign up using your link.
3. How Much Can You Earn?
The amount of money you can earn from taking surveys and watching videos depends on several factors, such as the platform, the number of opportunities available, and how much time you dedicate to the tasks. Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect:
- Surveys: Each survey can pay anywhere from $0.50 to $5, although longer or more specialized surveys might pay more. Some platforms may offer higher payouts if you complete a survey panel or a group of tasks.
- Videos: Watching videos typically pays less than surveys, but it’s more passive. You might earn anywhere from a few cents to $0.50 per video, depending on the length and type of video. If you’re watching a lot of videos, your earnings can add up over time.
4. Be Aware of Scams
While there are plenty of legitimate platforms that pay you for taking surveys and watching videos, the internet is also filled with scams. Here’s how to avoid falling for them:
- Never pay to join: Legitimate survey sites and video platforms will never require you to pay a membership fee. If a site asks for money upfront, it’s likely a scam.
- Look for reviews: Before signing up, check for reviews and testimonials from other users. Trusted review sites and forums can help you determine if a platform is legitimate.
- Avoid sites with no contact information: Reputable platforms will have clear contact details, including a customer support email or phone number. If you can’t find this information, proceed with caution.
- Too-good-to-be-true promises: If a platform promises you massive amounts of money for very little work, it’s likely a scam. Earning money from surveys and videos is possible, but it’s not going to make you rich overnight.
5. Final Thoughts
Getting paid for taking surveys and watching videos is a simple way to make extra money in your spare time. It’s a low-barrier-to-entry activity that anyone can do without special skills or experience. By signing up for legitimate platforms, staying consistent, and maximizing your opportunities, you can steadily earn a passive income without much effort.
Keep in mind, though, that while these tasks are easy and flexible, they’re not likely to replace a full-time income. But for side money, paying bills, or even saving for a vacation, it’s a simple and enjoyable way to earn.
