The internet has opened up countless ways to make money from the comfort of your home, and one of the most intriguing options in 2025 is earning cash by watching new videos online. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a college student, or someone looking to supplement their income, this side hustle has gained traction for its simplicity and accessibility. Imagine getting paid to watch movie trailers, product reviews, or viral TikTok clips—it sounds almost too good to be true, right? But with the right platforms and strategies, it’s a legitimate way to put some extra dollars in your pocket. In this in-depth guide, I’ll break down how to earn money watching new videos online, share expert insights on the best platforms, and offer practical tips to maximize your earnings while avoiding common pitfalls.
Why Watching Videos Online Can Be a Lucrative Side Hustle
The idea of earning money by watching videos might sound like a pipe dream, but it’s rooted in the economics of digital advertising. Companies pay to have their content—ads, trailers, or promotional videos—viewed by real people. Platforms act as middlemen, connecting viewers like you with brands willing to pay for your attention. In 2025, the rise of short-form video content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram has only amplified the demand for viewers, creating a niche market for those willing to watch and engage.
This side hustle appeals to a wide audience because it requires minimal skills, no upfront investment, and can be done on your own schedule. Whether you’re binge-watching music videos or checking out the latest app demos, you’re essentially getting paid for something you might already do for free. However, to make this a worthwhile endeavor, you need to approach it strategically. Let’s dive into how this works and explore the platforms that make it possible.
Top Platforms to Earn Money Watching Videos in 2025
Not all platforms offering payment for watching videos are created equal. Some are well-established with reliable payouts, while others might be less trustworthy or offer minimal rewards. Below, I’ve curated a list of the most reputable platforms in 2025 that allow you to earn money by watching new videos online, based on their user base, payment reliability, and earning potential.
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks remains a household name in the world of online rewards. This platform offers multiple ways to earn, including watching videos, taking surveys, and shopping online. Their video section, often called Swagbucks Watch, features playlists of short clips—think movie trailers, DIY tutorials, or news snippets. You earn “SB points” for each video or playlist you watch, which can be redeemed for gift cards or cash via PayPal.
Pros: Easy to use, diverse video content, and reliable payouts.
Cons: Earnings per video are small (typically 1-3 SB, where 100 SB equals $1).
Earning Potential: Watching videos for an hour might net you $1-$3, but combining this with other Swagbucks tasks can boost your income.
Tip: Focus on high-SB playlists and set up a dedicated time to watch while multitasking to maximize efficiency.
2. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is another veteran in the rewards space, offering a straightforward way to earn money watching videos online. Their video categories range from entertainment and news to health and lifestyle. Unlike Swagbucks, InboxDollars pays directly in cash, not points, which makes tracking your earnings simpler.
Pros: Cash payouts, no conversion math needed, and a user-friendly interface.
Cons: Limited video availability at times, and earnings are modest.
Earning Potential: You can earn around $0.01-$0.05 per video, with daily limits on how many you can watch.
Tip: Check InboxDollars daily for new video playlists and pair this with their survey or cashback offers for better returns.
3. MyPoints
MyPoints operates similarly to Swagbucks, offering points for watching videos, shopping, and completing surveys. Their video section includes short ads, movie trailers, and product demos. Points can be redeemed for gift cards or cash, and MyPoints often runs bonus promotions to boost earnings.
Pros: Flexible redemption options and occasional high-value video playlists.
Cons: Earnings per video are low, and some playlists require active engagement (e.g., clicking to confirm you’re watching).
Earning Potential: Expect $1-$2 per hour of video watching, depending on playlist availability.
Tip: Sign up for MyPoints’ email alerts to catch limited-time video offers with higher payouts.
4. AppTrailers
AppTrailers specializes in paying users to watch app and game trailers, which are typically 15-30 seconds long. This platform is ideal for those who enjoy discovering new mobile apps or games. You earn points for each trailer watched, redeemable for cash or gift cards.
Pros: Short videos mean quick rewards, and the app-focused content is engaging.
Cons: Limited to app-related videos, and payouts are lower than broader platforms.
Earning Potential: Around $0.50-$1 per hour, depending on how many trailers are available.
Tip: Use AppTrailers during downtime, like waiting for a bus, to make the most of short bursts of time.
5. Viggle (Perk TV)
Viggle, formerly known as Perk TV, rewards users for watching live TV, streaming shows, or short video clips. It’s unique because it also offers points for engaging with content you’re already watching on platforms like Netflix or Hulu. You earn “Perk Points” that can be exchanged for gift cards or cash.
Pros: Integrates with your existing streaming habits, offering passive earning opportunities.
Cons: Requires an app download and occasional interaction to confirm you’re watching.
Earning Potential: $1-$3 per hour, with higher earnings if you engage with their live TV feature.
Tip: Use Viggle while watching your favorite shows to earn without changing your routine.
6. PaidViewpoint
PaidViewpoint combines video watching with surveys, focusing on market research clips. These videos are often tied to product testing or consumer feedback, making them slightly longer but more lucrative than typical ad-based platforms.
Pros: Higher payouts per video (up to $0.10-$0.50) and a focus on user privacy.
Cons: Fewer videos available compared to Swagbucks or InboxDollars.
Earning Potential: $2-$5 per hour if videos are available, though consistency varies.
Tip: Complete PaidViewpoint’s profile questions to unlock more video-watching opportunities.
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How Much Can You Realistically Earn?
Let’s be honest: watching videos online isn’t going to make you rich. Most platforms pay a few cents per video, translating to $1-$5 per hour depending on the platform and your efficiency. However, the beauty of this side hustle lies in its flexibility and low barrier to entry. If you dedicate a couple of hours daily and combine video watching with other tasks (like surveys or cashback shopping), you could realistically earn $50-$100 per month. For students or those with limited time, this can cover small expenses like coffee, subscriptions, or even a phone bill.
To put this in perspective, let’s say you spend two hours daily on Swagbucks, earning $2 per hour. That’s $4 per day, or $120 per month. Add in occasional bonuses or higher-paying tasks, and you could push that closer to $150-$200. The key is consistency and using multiple platforms to diversify your income streams.
Strategies to Maximize Your Earnings
Earning money watching new videos online requires more than just hitting play and zoning out. Here are expert strategies to make the most of your time and boost your income:
1. Multitask Efficiently
Video-watching platforms are perfect for multitasking. Set up your device to play videos while you do household chores, work on a side project, or even exercise. For example, keep Swagbucks running on your phone while cooking dinner or use InboxDollars during your commute if you’re a passenger. Just ensure the platform doesn’t require active clicks to confirm you’re watching.
2. Combine Platforms
Don’t rely on a single platform. Sign up for at least three—say, Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and MyPoints—to diversify your opportunities. Each platform has different video availability, so rotating between them ensures you’re always earning. Plus, many offer sign-up bonuses, which can give you a quick $5-$10 boost.
3. Prioritize High-Value Videos
Not all videos pay the same. Some playlists on Swagbucks or MyPoints offer higher points for longer videos or specific categories (e.g., tech reviews vs. movie trailers). Check each platform daily for high-value opportunities and focus on those to increase your hourly rate.
4. Redeem Rewards Wisely
Most platforms offer multiple redemption options, like gift cards, PayPal cash, or even cryptocurrency in some cases. Opt for cash whenever possible to maintain flexibility, or choose gift cards for retailers you already use (e.g., Amazon or Walmart) to stretch their value. Avoid redeeming for low-value rewards like sweepstakes entries, which rarely pay off.
5. Stay Consistent
Like any side hustle, consistency is key. Set aside a specific time each day—say, 30 minutes in the morning and an hour at night—to watch videos. Even small daily earnings add up over time. Create a schedule and treat it like a part-time job to see meaningful results.
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Avoiding Common Pitfalls
While earning money watching videos is straightforward, there are pitfalls to watch out for. Here’s how to stay safe and make the most of your time:
1. Beware of Scams
The internet is rife with shady platforms promising big payouts for minimal effort. Stick to well-known sites like the ones listed above, which have established reputations and user reviews. If a platform asks for payment upfront or personal information beyond basic signup details, steer clear.
2. Manage Time Wisely
It’s easy to get sucked into watching videos for hours, only to realize you’ve earned just a few bucks. Set a timer or daily goal (e.g., $2 per session) to avoid wasting time on low-paying tasks. If a platform’s videos are consistently low-value, move on to another.
3. Check Payout Thresholds
Some platforms require you to hit a minimum balance (e.g., $10 or $25) before cashing out. Read the fine print to avoid frustration, and prioritize platforms with low or no payout thresholds, like InboxDollars, which often allows withdrawals at $5.
4. Watch for Burnout
Watching repetitive ads or trailers can get tedious. Mix up your routine by alternating between platforms or combining video watching with other tasks like surveys or online shopping. This keeps the process engaging and sustainable.
The Bigger Picture: Is It Worth It?
Earning money watching new videos online won’t replace a full-time job, but it’s a legitimate way to make extra cash with minimal effort. For those who enjoy consuming content or need a low-stress side hustle, it’s a perfect fit. The key is to approach it with realistic expectations and a strategic mindset. By choosing reputable platforms, multitasking efficiently, and staying consistent, you can turn your screen time into a small but steady income stream.
In 2025, the gig economy continues to evolve, and opportunities like video watching are just one piece of the puzzle. If you’re looking to expand your earnings, consider pairing this with other online hustles like freelance writing, online tutoring, or selling digital products. The beauty of the digital age is that you can mix and match these opportunities to fit your lifestyle and financial goals.
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Final Thoughts
Getting paid to watch videos online is a fun, flexible way to earn extra money in 2025. Whether you’re saving for a vacation, paying off a small bill, or just want some pocket cash, platforms like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and MyPoints make it possible. By following the strategies outlined above—multitasking, diversifying platforms, and prioritizing high-value videos—you can maximize your earnings and make the most of your time. So, grab your phone or laptop, sign up for a few trusted platforms, and start turning your love for videos into a rewarding side hustle. Happy watching—and earning!
