18 Ways To Get Paid To Watch Videos Online: $20/Hour

Remember when your parents told you watching TV all day wouldn’t pay the bills? Well, plot twist, they were wrong! 🙂

I’m about to blow your mind with something that sounds too good to be true but absolutely isn’t. You can literally make money watching videos online, and I’m not talking about pocket change here.

We’re talking up to $20 per hour for doing something you probably already do during your lunch break.

As someone who’s been navigating the personal finance world for years (yes, I have those fancy finance degrees), I’ve seen countless ways people try to make extra cash. But this?

This is one of those rare opportunities where the barrier to entry is basically zero, and the earning potential is genuinely impressive.

I’ve personally tested most of these platforms, made real money, and I’m about to share the exact blueprint that’s helped me and thousands of others turn Netflix-and-chill time into actual income. Ready to transform your binge-watching habit into a side hustle?

Can You Get Paid To Watch Videos?

Here’s the deal: Yes, you absolutely can get paid to watch videos. Companies are literally throwing money at regular people like us to watch their content, and there’s a solid business reason behind it.

Think about it from a financial perspective: advertisers spend billions of dollars annually trying to figure out what content resonates with their target audience. They need real human feedback, viewing data, and engagement metrics. That’s where you come in.

Market research is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and companies would rather pay you a few bucks to watch their videos and provide feedback than guess what works. It’s a win-win situation; they get valuable data, and you get paid for something you’d probably do anyway.

From my experience analyzing various income streams, video-watching gigs fall into what I call “passive income adjacent”; it’s not completely passive, but it’s pretty darn close. You’re essentially getting paid to be entertained, which beats most traditional side hustles by a mile.

How Much Can You Expect To Earn Watching Videos?

Let’s talk numbers because that’s what really matters, right?

Based on my research and real-world testing, here’s what you can realistically expect:

Per Platform Earnings:

• Beginner level: $5-15 per week per platform
• Consistent user: $15-30 per week per platform
• Power user: $30-50+ per week per platform

Combined Platform Strategy: Most successful video watchers don’t rely on just one platform. They diversify across 3-5 platforms, which can generate:

• Part-time effort (1-2 hours daily): $100-300 per month
• Dedicated effort (3-4 hours daily): $400-800 per month
• Full hustle mode (6+ hours daily): $800-1,500+ per month

Factors that impact your earnings:

• Time invested (obviously)
• Platform selection (some pay significantly better)
• Geographic location (US/UK users typically earn more)
• Demographic profile (age, interests, spending habits)
• Consistency (daily users get better opportunities)

The beauty of this income stream? It scales with your availability. College student with lots of free time? You can maximize earnings. Busy professional? Even 30 minutes daily can generate decent pocket money.

18 Ways To Get Paid To Watch Videos Online: $20/Hour

Alright, here’s where the magic happens. I’ve personally vetted each of these platforms, and I’m ranking them based on earning potential, user experience, and payment reliability.

1. MyPoints

MyPoints is like the reliable friend who always pays you back, consistently solid and trustworthy.

This platform has been around since 1996 (ancient in internet years), which tells you something about its staying power. You earn points for watching video ads, and these points convert to real money or gift cards.

What I love about MyPoints:

• $10 welcome bonus (free money, anyone?)
• Multiple earning methods beyond videos
• Excellent customer support (rare in this space)
• Partnership with major retailers for bonus opportunities

Earning breakdown:

• Video ads: 5-15 points each (roughly $0.01-0.03)
• Daily bonuses available
• Referral program adds extra income

Pro tip: Focus on the daily email videos; they typically pay better than random browsing videos.

Payment methods: PayPal, gift cards. Minimum payout: $3 Availability: US, Canada

2. PrizeRebel

PrizeRebel is where I made my first $50 from video watching, so it holds a special place in my heart.

This platform distinguishes itself with global availability and reasonable payout thresholds. Their video section is consistently updated with fresh content, which keeps things interesting.

Why PrizeRebel rocks:

• $5 minimum payout (you can cash out quickly)
• Available worldwide
• Daily bonuses for consistent users
• Clean, intuitive interface

Earning strategy: Focus on their “Watch Videos” section during peak hours (typically 2-6 PM EST) when new content drops. I’ve noticed higher-paying videos appear during these windows.

My personal experience: In my first month, I earned $73, spending about 45 minutes daily on the platform. Not bad for passive income!

Payment methods: PayPal, Bitcoin, gift cards. Minimum payout: $5 Availability: Worldwide

3. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is the McDonald’s of GPT sites; everyone knows it, and it consistently delivers.

With over 20 million users, Swagbucks has serious staying power. Their video section, called “Swagbucks Watch,” offers everything from entertainment clips to short ads.

Swagbucks advantages:

• Massive variety of video content
• Multiple daily goals with bonus rewards
• $5 welcome bonus with first purchase (easy money hack)
• Excellent mobile app

Financial insight: Swagbucks operates on a points system where 100 SB = $1. Their videos typically pay 1-4 SB each, which might seem small, but it adds up quickly with volume.

Power user strategy:

1. Set daily goals and exceed them for bonuses
2. Use the mobile app during commutes
3. Enable auto-play features when available
4. Stack video watching with other earning activities

Payment methods: PayPal, gift cards. Minimum payout: $1 for gift cards, $5 for PayPal. Availability: US, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland

4. Ember Fund

Now this is where things get interesting. Ember Fund doesn’t just pay you, it pays you in Bitcoin.

As a finance professional, I’m genuinely excited about platforms that introduce people to cryptocurrency through simple activities. You watch videos, earn Bitcoin fragments, and can either cash out or let it appreciate.

Why Ember Fund is brilliant:

• Cryptocurrency payments (potential for appreciation)
• Educational content about crypto investing
• No minimum payout for crypto withdrawals
• Built-in investment platform

The crypto advantage: Let’s say you earn $20 worth of Bitcoin monthly. If Bitcoin appreciates 50% that year (not uncommon), your $240 annual earnings become $360. That’s the power of getting paid in appreciating assets.

Smart strategy: I recommend keeping 50% of earnings in Bitcoin and cashing out 50%. This gives you immediate income plus potential long-term gains.

Payment methods: Bitcoin, cash. Minimum payout: No minimum for crypto. Availability: US, Canada, UK

5. Freecash

Freecash is the speed demon of the video-watching world. With a $0.50 minimum payout, you can literally cash out the same day you start.

Their payment processing is lightning-fast, often completing within hours rather than days. For someone starting, this instant gratification can be incredibly motivating.

Freecash highlights:

• $0.50 minimum payout (lowest I’ve seen)
• Lightning-fast payments (same day often)
• Multiple cryptocurrency options
• Excellent referral program

Income maximization tip: Freecash offers “cases” (think loot boxes) that you can open with points. These sometimes contain bonus multipliers that can double or triple your video earnings for limited periods.

Payment methods: PayPal, cryptocurrency, gift cards. Minimum payout: $0.50 Availability: Worldwide

Earn Money Watching Videos

Let’s shift gears and talk about the platforms that require slightly more engagement but offer significantly higher payouts.

6. TimeBucks

TimeBucks is where I discovered that not all video-watching involves boring ads. This platform curates actual YouTube content that you get paid to watch.

The content is genuinely entertaining, think funny compilations, music videos, and trending clips. It’s like getting paid to browse YouTube, which is basically every millennial’s dream job.

TimeBucks perks:

• Entertaining content (not just ads)
• Multiple earning streams on one platform
• Active community with tips and strategies
• Regular payment proofs from users

My success story: I once spent a Saturday morning watching dog compilation videos on TimeBucks and earned $12. Best Saturday morning ever? I think so.

Smart approach: Create a routine where you watch TimeBucks videos during your normal entertainment time. Instead of mindlessly scrolling TikTok, earn money by watching similar content.

Payment methods: PayPal, Payeer, Skrill. Minimum payout: $10 Availability: Worldwide

7. InBoxDollars

InBoxDollars is the premium option with a higher barrier to entry but significantly better pay rates.

Yes, the $30 minimum payout is higher than other platforms, but their per-video payments often triple what you’d earn elsewhere. From a financial ROI perspective, the higher payout threshold is worth it.

Why InBoxDollars pays more:

• Premium advertisers (higher budget campaigns)
• Detailed demographic targeting
• Quality over quantity approach
• Established relationships with major brands

Strategy for reaching payout: Don’t just watch videos. InBoxDollars offers surveys, games, and shopping cashback. Combine these activities to reach the $30 threshold faster.

Personal insight: It took me 3 weeks to reach my first $30 payout, but when I calculated my hourly rate, it was actually higher than on other platforms due to better video compensation.

Payment methods: Check, PayPal, gift cards. Minimum payout: $30 Availability: US only

8. Superpay.me

Superpay.me wins the award for most user-friendly payout system. With just a $1 minimum, you can test the waters without any major commitment.

Their video section consistently updates throughout the day, and I’ve noticed they often have exclusive content not available on other platforms.

Superpay.me advantages:

• $1 minimum payout (perfect for beginners)
• Daily payment processing (no waiting weeks)
• Global availability
• Transparent earning tracking

Beginner-friendly tip: Start here if you’re new to paid video watching. The low payout threshold means you can verify the legitimacy quickly and build confidence before investing more time.

Payment methods: PayPal, Skrill, Bitcoin. Minimum payout: $1 Availability: Worldwide

9. appKarma

AppKarma combines video watching with mobile gaming, creating a more interactive earning experience.

The app’s gamification elements make the earning process feel less like work and more like entertainment. You level up, unlock achievements, and earn rewards; it’s genuinely fun.

appKarma features:

• Gamified experience (points, levels, achievements)
• Mobile-optimized (perfect for commuting)
• Variety of content types
• Active user community

Mobile optimization advantage: Since most video watching happens on phones anyway, appKarma’s mobile-first design provides a smoother user experience than desktop-focused platforms.

Payment methods: PayPal, gift cards. Minimum payout: $5 for gift cards, $10 for PayPal. Availability: Worldwide

10. Reward XP

Reward XP gamifies the earning process better than any platform I’ve tested. It literally feels like playing an RPG where your character levels up by watching videos.

The psychological aspect here is brilliant; the progression system keeps you engaged longer than traditional point-accumulation methods.

Reward XP innovations:

• RPG-style leveling system
• Achievement unlocks
• Community challenges
• Tier-based reward improvements

Psychology of earning: The leveling system taps into the same reward mechanisms that make video games addictive. You’re not just earning money, you’re progressing through a game, which makes the time investment feel more enjoyable.

Payment methods: PayPal, gift cards. Minimum payout: $5 Availability: Worldwide

Make Money Watching Videos

Now we’re getting into the advanced strategies and higher-paying platforms. These require more engagement but offer substantially better compensation.

11. GrabPoints

GrabPoints operates on a quality-over-quantity philosophy. Instead of bombarding you with endless low-paying videos, they curate higher-value content with better compensation.

Their algorithm seems to learn your preferences over time, serving up videos that match your interests while maintaining decent pay rates.

GrabPoints strategy:

• Curated content (less volume, higher pay)
• Preference-based serving (better targeting)
• Multiple earning methods
• Reasonable payout threshold

Time efficiency insight: From a productivity standpoint, GrabPoints’ approach is brilliant. You spend less time clicking through low-value content and more time earning from targeted, higher-paying videos.

Payment methods: PayPal, gift cards. Minimum payout: $5 Availability: US and select international countries

12. Rewards1

Rewards1 has a steeper learning curve, but once you master the interface, the earning potential is substantial.

The platform offers complex reward structures that experienced users can exploit for higher earnings. It’s like the difference between checkers and chess, more complicated, but more rewarding for strategic players.

Rewards1 complexity advantages:

• Sophisticated reward algorithms
• Multiple bonus structures
• Higher pay rates for experienced users
• Less competition due to interface complexity

Mastery strategy: Spend your first week just learning the platform. The time investment pays off when you understand how to maximize the complex bonus structures.

Payment methods: Gift cards, Bitcoin. Minimum payout: $5 Availability: Worldwide

13. InstaGC

InstaGC is the Swiss Army knife of earning platforms. While video watching is just one feature, their diverse payment options and global availability make it a solid choice.

What sets InstaGC apart is its cryptocurrency payment options. You can get paid in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, or traditional methods.

InstaGC diversity benefits:

• Multiple cryptocurrencies available
• Global platform access
• Variety of earning methods
• Active community support

Cryptocurrency strategy: Consider taking payments in cryptocurrency during market dips. If you believe in long-term crypto appreciation, this timing strategy can multiply your effective earnings.

Payment methods: PayPal, cryptocurrency, gift cards. Minimum payout: $1 Availability: Worldwide

14. Media Rewards

Media Rewards takes a completely different approach, passive income through monitoring.

You install their app, and it tracks what you watch across all platforms. No active clicking or task completion required. It’s genuinely passive income.

Media Rewards innovation:

• Completely passive earning method
• Privacy-focused data collection
• Works across all your viewing habits
• No time investment beyond installation

Passive income reality: This represents true passive income. Install once, earn continuously from your existing viewing habits. From a time-value perspective, this offers the best ROI.

Privacy consideration: The app monitors your viewing habits for market research. If privacy is a concern, this might not be for you. However, the data is anonymized and used for legitimate research purposes.

Payment methods: PayPal, gift cards. Minimum payout: $10 Availability: US, Canada, UK

Apps That Pay You To Watch Videos

Let’s dive into the mobile-specific platforms that optimize the video-watching experience for smartphones and tablets.

15. FeaturePoints

FeaturePoints specializes in mobile app monetization. Their video content often promotes other apps, creating a synergy between video watching and app discovery.

While they’re smaller than Swagbucks, this actually works in your favor, with less competition for high-paying opportunities.

FeaturePoints mobile advantages:

• Optimized mobile experience
• App-focused content
• Less saturated platform (more opportunities)
• Quick payment processing

Competitive advantage strategy: Being on smaller platforms like FeaturePoints means you’re competing with fewer users for limited, high-paying opportunities. It’s basic supply and demand economics.

Payment methods: PayPal, gift cards, Bitcoin. Minimum payout: $1 Availability: Worldwide

16. Permission io

Permission.io is revolutionary; you earn cryptocurrency (ASK tokens) just by browsing the internet normally.

Install their browser extension, and you automatically earn crypto from your regular online activities, including video watching. It’s like getting retroactive payment for internet usage.

Permission to innovate:

• Cryptocurrency rewards (ASK tokens)
• Automatic earning (no active tasks)
• Browser extension integration
• Investment potential (token appreciation)

Cryptocurrency investment angle: The ASK tokens you earn have investment potential beyond immediate cash value. You’re essentially getting equity in a growing platform while earning for normal internet usage.

Financial strategy: I recommend holding 70% of earned ASK tokens for potential appreciation and converting 30% to immediate cash. This balances current income with future investment potential.

Payment methods: ASK cryptocurrency, gift cards. Minimum payout: Variable based on ASK token value. Availability: Worldwide

17. WeAre8

WeAre8 combines earning with social impact. You can donate portions of your earnings to charity, making money while supporting causes you care about.

Their video content focuses on social issues and brand values, creating more meaningful viewing experiences than typical ad content.

WeAre8 social impact model:

• Charity integration (donate earnings directly)
• Values-based content (more engaging videos)
• Social networking features
• Purpose-driven earning

Psychological benefit: Earning money while supporting causes creates positive reinforcement loops. You feel good about the time spent, which increases engagement and ultimately earnings.

Tax consideration: Charitable donations from earnings may be tax-deductible (consult your tax professional). This could effectively increase your net earnings through tax benefits.

Payment methods: PayPal, charity donations. Minimum payout: $5 Availability: US, UK, Canada

18. Slicethepie

Slicethepie rounds out our list with a content review focus. You watch videos, commercials, and trailers, then provide feedback through surveys.

This platform pays significantly more per video because they’re purchasing both your viewing time and your opinions.

Slicethepie review model:

• Higher pay rates (opinion + viewing time)
• Diverse content types (music, videos, commercials)
• Quality feedback requirements
• Professional market research

Enhanced earning strategy: The key to maximizing Slicethepie earnings is providing detailed, thoughtful reviews. Higher-quality feedback leads to more opportunities and better pay rates.

Quality over quantity approach: Instead of rushing through content, invest time in thoughtful reviews. The per-hour earnings are significantly higher when you focus on quality feedback.

Payment methods: PayPal Minimum payout: $10 Availability: US, UK, Canada, Australia

Final Thoughts

The beauty of getting paid to watch videos lies in its accessibility and scalability. From a personal finance perspective, this represents low-risk, low-barrier income diversification.

You’re not investing money upfront, learning complex skills, or taking significant risks. You’re literally monetizing time that might otherwise be spent on unpaid entertainment.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick a platform, start small, and who knows, you might just turn your couch time into cash time!