Ever sat on your couch, binge-watching your favorite shows, and thought, “Man, I wish I could get paid for this”? I know I have. The idea of making money watching videos sounds like a dream—scrolling through clips, laughing at cat videos, or catching up on movie trailers while cash trickles into your account. It’s the kind of side hustle that feels too good to be true, right? Well, I decided to dive headfirst into this world to see if it’s legit or just another internet pipe dream. Spoiler alert: It’s a mixed bag, but there’s real potential if you know where to look and how to play the game.
In this article, I’m spilling the beans on my personal journey to figure out how to make money watching videos. I’ll walk you through the platforms I tried, the tricks I learned, the pitfalls I stumbled into, and how you can actually turn your screen time into a little extra cash. Whether you’re a student looking for pocket money, a stay-at-home parent sneaking in some hustle during nap time, or just someone who loves videos and wants to make a buck, this guide is for you. Let’s get started!
Why Watching Videos for Money Caught My Attention
I’m not gonna lie—when I first heard about earning money by watching videos, I was skeptical. I mean, who pays you to do something you’re already doing for free? But the more I dug into it, the more I realized this is a legit side gig for a lot of people. With streaming platforms, apps, and websites popping up left and right, companies are willing to pay for your eyeballs. Why? Because your attention is valuable. Advertisers, market researchers, and content creators want to know what you’re watching, what you like, and how long you stick around.
For me, the appeal was simple: flexibility. I could do this from my phone while waiting for my coffee to brew or during a lazy Sunday afternoon. No fancy skills required, no huge time commitment—just me, my screen, and a Wi-Fi connection. Plus, in a world where every dollar counts, even a few extra bucks a week can cover a coffee run or chip away at a bill. So, I rolled up my sleeves and started exploring.
The Platforms I Tried to Make Money Watching Videos
Let’s get to the meat of it: the platforms. There are tons of apps and websites claiming you can earn cash watching videos, but not all of them are worth your time. I tested a handful to separate the gems from the duds. Here’s what I found.
1. Swagbucks – The All-Rounder
Swagbucks was my first stop, and it’s probably the most well-known platform out there. It’s not just about watching videos—you can take surveys, shop online, or play games to earn points (called SB). But the video section is where I spent most of my time. They’ve got playlists of everything from cooking tutorials to celebrity gossip clips, and you earn points just for letting them play.
My Experience: At first, I was pumped. I could watch short clips (think 30 seconds to a couple of minutes) and rack up points while multitasking. The catch? You need to keep the app or website active, so no locking your phone and walking away. I made about $5 in a week watching videos for an hour or two a day. Not life-changing, but enough for a fancy latte. The downside is the payout threshold—100 SB equals $1, and you need at least $3 to cash out via PayPal or gift cards.
Pro Tip: Combine video-watching with other Swagbucks tasks like surveys to maximize your earnings. Also, check for bonus SB offers to boost your points faster.
2. InboxDollars – Straight-Up Cash
Next up, I tried InboxDollars, which feels a lot like Swagbucks but with a twist: you earn actual cash instead of points. They’ve got a video section with ads, trailers, and lifestyle content. The setup is simple—watch a playlist, confirm you’re paying attention (usually by clicking a button), and earn a few cents per video.
My Experience: I liked that InboxDollars doesn’t mess around with points; you see your earnings in dollars and cents. I averaged about $0.02 to $0.05 per video, which doesn’t sound like much, but it adds up if you’re consistent. My biggest gripe? The videos sometimes glitch, and you have to restart the playlist. I made around $10 after a couple of weeks, which I cashed out via PayPal. Not bad for something I did while folding laundry.
Pro Tip: Sign up for their email offers to get bonus cash, and don’t skip the “PaidEmails” section—it’s an easy way to pad your earnings.
3. MyPoints – Gift Card Heaven
MyPoints is another points-based platform, but it’s got a great video section and some of the best gift card redemption options. You can watch everything from news snippets to fitness tips and earn points toward gift cards for Amazon, Walmart, or even travel miles.
My Experience: MyPoints was a slow burn for me. The videos are engaging, but the points don’t pile up as fast as Swagbucks. I earned about 10-20 points per playlist, and 1,500 points gets you a $10 gift card. It took me a month to hit that mark, mostly because I wasn’t glued to it every day. Still, I snagged an Amazon gift card, which felt like a win.
Pro Tip: Use MyPoints for shopping and videos together to hit redemption thresholds faster. Also, their app is smoother than the website, so stick to mobile if you can.
4. AppTrailers – Quick and Quirky
AppTrailers is a lesser-known app focused on movie trailers, app previews, and short ads. You earn points for each video, which you can redeem for PayPal cash or gift cards.
My Experience: This one was fun because I love movie trailers, but the earnings were meh. I made about $2 in a week, and the app felt a bit clunky. It’s not a primary hustle, but it’s great if you’re killing time at the airport or in a waiting room.
Pro Tip: Watch for high-point videos (they’re marked) and cash out as soon as you hit the minimum to avoid wasting time.
5. Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel – Passive Income Vibes
Nielsen’s platform is different—it’s not about actively watching videos but letting their app track your viewing habits (like Netflix or YouTube). In return, you earn points for gift cards or cash.
My Experience: This was the easiest of the bunch. I installed the app on my phone and laptop, let it run in the background, and earned about $50 in gift cards over a few months. It’s not quick cash, but it’s truly passive. The only downside is privacy—if you’re not cool with tracking, this isn’t for you.
Pro Tip: Install it on multiple devices (with permission) to maximize your points. Also, check their sweepstakes for a chance at bigger rewards.
Read more: Get Paid to Do Surveys Online – Your Ultimate Guide to Earning Through Feedback
The Reality of Earning Money Watching Videos
Okay, let’s get real for a second. Making money watching videos isn’t going to make you rich. If you’re dreaming of quitting your day job to watch TikTok all day, you’re in for a rude awakening. Most platforms pay pennies per video, and even the best ones require patience and consistency to see decent returns. My first month, I probably made $25 across all platforms combined, and that was with a fair amount of effort.
But here’s the flip side: it’s low-effort, low-risk, and legit. You don’t need to invest money upfront, and you can do it on your terms. For me, it was less about the dollars and more about the thrill of turning something I already do—watching videos—into a small income stream. There’s something satisfying about seeing those PayPal notifications pop up, even if it’s just enough for a pizza.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings Watching Videos
Through trial and error, I picked up some hacks to make the most of this side hustle. Here’s what worked for me:
Multitask Smartly: Watch videos while doing mindless tasks like cooking or cleaning. Just make sure the app stays active to count your views.
Use Multiple Platforms: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. I rotated between Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and MyPoints to keep things fresh and maximize earnings.
Set a Schedule: Dedicate 30 minutes to an hour a day to watching videos. Consistency is key to hitting payout thresholds.
Cash Out Often: Don’t let your points or cash sit there—redeem as soon as you hit the minimum to keep the motivation going.
Avoid Scams: Stick to reputable platforms like the ones I mentioned. If a site asks for payment or sensitive info upfront, run the other way.
Use a Good Internet Connection: Buffering videos are the worst and can mess with your earnings. Make sure your Wi-Fi is solid.
Read more: Top 10 Surveys That Pay Good Money – Earn Cash Easily From Home
The Emotional Rollercoaster of This Side Hustle
I’ll be honest—this journey had its ups and downs. There were days when I felt like a genius, racking up points while watching funny ads. Other days, I’d stare at my $0.03 earnings and wonder why I bothered. But over time, I learned to enjoy the process. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the small wins, the flexibility, and the fact that I’m earning something for doing something I love.
One of my favorite moments was cashing out my first $10 from InboxDollars. It wasn’t much, but it felt like a trophy. I used it to buy a book I’d been eyeing, and that little purchase made the hours of video-watching worth it. It’s these moments that keep me going, even when the payouts feel slow.
Who Should Try Making Money Watching Videos?
This side hustle isn’t for everyone, but it’s a great fit if:
You love watching videos and already spend hours on YouTube or TikTok.
You’re looking for a no-pressure way to earn extra cash.
You have small pockets of time to spare (like during commutes or breaks).
You’re patient and don’t expect to get rich overnight.
If you’re someone who needs instant gratification or hates repetitive tasks, you might find this frustrating. But if you’re like me—someone who enjoys a low-key hustle with a side of entertainment—it’s worth a shot.
Read more: Legit Online Surveys for Money – Your Path to Earnings
Final Thoughts on Earning Cash Watching Videos
After months of experimenting, I can say that making money watching videos is legit, but it’s not a goldmine. It’s a fun, flexible way to earn a little extra on the side, perfect for those of us who are already glued to our screens. Platforms like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and MyPoints make it easy to get started, and with a bit of strategy, you can turn your downtime into dollars.
For me, this side hustle is about more than the money. It’s about proving to myself that I can find creative ways to make my time work for me. Whether I’m saving up for a small treat or just padding my PayPal account, every cent feels like a win. So, if you’re curious about how to make money watching videos, give it a try. You might not strike it rich, but you’ll have fun, learn a thing or two, and maybe even score a free coffee along the way.
Got a favorite platform or tip for earning cash watching videos? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your story! And if you’re ready to start, grab your phone, pick a platform, and let those videos roll. Happy watching, and happy earning!
