Get Paid To Talk to Lonely People [9 Options for 2024]

Can’t stand the 9 to 5 anymore? You and millions of other people are looking for a better and easier way to make an income.

Here’s a thought: why not get paid to talk to lonely people? There are many places where you can sign up and start making someone’s day a little bit better for a fee.

Below, we’ll cover nine great options where you can get paid to talk to lonely people and lots of useful tips on how to get this side hustle started successfully.

Best Places to Get Paid to Talk to Lonely People (Overview)

We’ve included an overview of our top picks above. For a full list and detailed information on each pick, scroll down.

1. Rent a Cyber Friend (Online Platform) – Best Overall
2. Rent a Local Friend (Online Platform) – Runner-Up
3. Texting Factory (Online Platform) – Best for Text Message Chatting
4. Cash Chat App (Chat App) – Best Social Media App
5. Chat Recruit (Chat App) – Best for Adult or Psychic Chat Hosts
6. Text121Chat (Chat App) – Best for Adult Content
7. Papa (Care Platform) – Best for Talking to Older Adults
8. FundMySugarBaby (Sugar Daddy Platform) – Best for Selling Customized Content
9. Fiverr Friendships (Online Platform) – Best for Gig Personalization

Can You Get Paid to Talk to Lonely People?

Yes, you can get paid to talk to lonely people. A variety of different platforms have recently emerged with the sole intention of connecting those looking to talk.

Lonely people tend to use the internet more often than those with a stronger social network, but they’re not always browsing social media or watching videos on YouTube.

Many look for genuine virtual or in-person companionship, not necessarily sexual relationships.

They can ask for relationship advice, want to tell you about their day, or want to form a real friendship with someone new.

Income-wise, most people working gig economy jobs can usually make $7.25-$19.99 per hour, according to a survey by Zety. Around 8% of respondents claimed they earn over $20 per hour.

What You’ll Need to Get Paid to Talk to Lonely People

Before you start building your new career, you’ll need the following:

• To be 18 or older – For several reasons, most companies advertising these services don’t work with minors. But, since the job involves connecting with strangers on the internet, companies prefer to collaborate with adults.
• A laptop or a phone with a camera and high-speed internet – Many companies establish clear expectations regarding how these virtual meetings occur. You may only be able to connect through online calls or text messages.
• A friendly attitude – Remember, these services are about helping people connect with someone and curb their loneliness. Having a friendly attitude is essential, as are compassion and empathy.
• Commitment to the task – These companies value the experience they offer their customer base. Issues like ghosting, being late to meetings, or being rude to an online friend are usually grounds for closing your account.
• To be an English speaker – Most of these services require you to speak English, though some also have a larger, international base.

Where to Get Paid to Talk to Lonely People

The number of online friendship services where you can get paid to offer human companionship is growing.

To help you navigate these waters, we’ve selected nine legitimate companies where you can get started:

1. Rent a Cyber Friend (Online Platform) – Best Overall

Rent a Cyber Friend is the online version of the “pen pal” concept.

It allows you to connect with new people on a global scale based on the users’ specific interests.

People can connect with you based on shared interests and strike up a conversation via the platform’s video-calling feature.

You will need a phone with a camera and a stable internet connection to start using Rent a Cyber Friend.

How Much You Can Make

Rates start as low as $0.01 per minute, but browsing the platform shows that most people charge between $0.10 and $1 per minute.

That means you can make up to a $60 hourly rate on Rent a Cyber Friend.

What Makes This Option Great

Rent a Cyber Friend has its door open to an international audience.

Many multilingual individuals are looking for someone to talk to, so if you speak another language besides English, it’s a great place to brush up on your skills.

Users can search for cyber friends based on specific interests, such as movies, video games, or lifestyles.

Many lonely people use Rent a Cyber Friend because it’s a trustworthy service.

• Typical Fees and Commissions: 20%
• Typical Payment Methods: Bank Transfer

2. Rent a Local Friend (Online Platform) – Runner-Up

Rent a Local Friend is for anyone who’s ever wanted to be a tourist guide.

The platform connects “local friends” with tourists and facilitates real-life meetings.

You can get paid to show someone new around your hometown, share information on the best places to dine and have fun, and more.

If being a “local friend” isn’t appealing, you can also apply to become a “virtual friend” and connect with people digitally.

How Much You Can Make

Rent a Local Friend claims its users make an average of $20 per hour.

Local and virtual friends can establish their rates based on their popularity.

What Makes This Option Great

Rent a Local Friend provides two great options for talking to people: digitally and live.

It’s great for people who want to share information about their city and meet new people in person.

If you’re a local history buff or know the ins and outs of your city, Rent a Local Friend will be an excellent choice for you.

• Typical Fees and Commissions: 30%
• Typical Payment Methods: PayPal

3. Texting Factory (Online Platform) – Best for Text Message Chatting

Texting Factory is an online workplace where you can send text messages and talk to people.

Users are assigned different roles depending on the customer’s wants, and you must answer messages accordingly.

Texting Factory is different from other similar services because it is based on fiction, so you don’t have to give any of your personal information.

How Much You Can Make

Texting Factory claims their chat operators can make between $300 and $400 a week, which means roughly $1,200 to $1,600 monthly.

What Makes This Option Great

Texting Factory is great if you don’t want to put yourself out there while talking to lonely people.

While other platforms encourage their users to be honest and even create genuine virtual friendships, with Texting Factory, your identity is protected through fantasy messages.

You will only communicate with clients via texts only and receive specific roles.

Texting Factory also doesn’t require any similar previous experience, and you’ll receive training before your chat sessions.

• Typical Fees and Commissions: N/A
• Typical Payment Method: The company only mentions that payments are made weekly through a “reputable online payment provider.”

4. Cash Chat App (Chat App) – Best Social Media App

Cash Chat App is a social media platform with an integrated wallet.

Users can make international payments through the app anywhere and at any time. You can download it on your phone and start connecting with people like on any other social media site.

How Much You Can Make

Cash Chat facilitates easy payments and connections.

It does not impose any minimal or maximum rates, so the generated income will come down to how much you can charge.

What Makes This Option Great

Cash Chat App provides a lot of freedom since you don’t have to abide by the rules of a company per se.

You can decide who you talk to and how much you charge for a conversation.

The app also allows you to create paid ads to promote your chat services to roughly 10 million users.

• Typical Fees and Commissions: Free to download
• Typical Payment Methods: GSM Network Mobile Money Wallet

5. Chat Recruit (Chat App) – Best for Adult or Psychic Chat Hosts

Chat Recruit is a UK-based online chat and earn-money app that accepts applicants worldwide.

They offer both adult and psychic chat services, so you can either sign up to connect with lonely men or share your psychic gifts with a growing community if you don’t like the adult element.

The platform doesn’t require any previous experience and currently doesn’t have any signing fees.

Chat hosts can set their rates.

How Much You Can Make

Chat Recruit doesn’t impose any minimum or maximum fees, so each host is free to set their prices.

What Makes This Option Great

Chat Recruit is a highly versatile service.

You can choose to connect with people via a live webcam or phone, depending on your preference.

You can also remain completely anonymous if you want.

Chat Recruit will not share your real name with users, and even if you become a webcam model, you can conceal your identity.

• Typical Fees and Commissions: The company only mentions that it will deduct a small fee from each chat.
• Typical Payment Methods: Bank Transfer

6. Text121Chat (Chat App) – Best for Adult Content

Text121 Chat is one of the oldest adult entertainment platforms around.

It was established in 2003 and has remained a consistently good service throughout the years.

It primarily focuses on the adult texting market.

They accept operator applications only from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and South Africa.

How Much You Can Make

There isn’t much information about how much you can make on Text121Chat since it generally depends on how much time you spend on the platform.

What Makes This Option Great

Text121Chat allows you to remain completely anonymous while you chat with lonely women and men.

You can make your hours and decide how much time you want to dedicate to this side gig.

The service accepts applicants with no previous experience.

You will receive training on how to use the platform correctly.

However, know that some of their requests may include explicit content.

• Typical Fees and Commissions: N/A
• Typical Payment Methods: N/A

7. Papa (Care Platform) – Best for Talking to Older Adults

Papa is a popular platform that helps health providers and families connect with older people to provide essential care and companionship.

Through the Papa Elder Care service, you can access many work opportunities in your area and offer in-person help to older people.

How Much You Can Make

Your income depends on the tasks you perform, the length of your visit, and even the state where you live.

Average earnings can range between $15 and $30 per visit.

What Makes This Option Great

This is an opportunity where you can generate additional income while giving something back to the community.

The platform encourages real connections between Papa Pals and their papas.

Many of the elderly in the Papa network rely on these services to socialize and get certain errands done.

Through this service, you can make real money and feel like you are contributing to something.

• Typical Fees and Commissions: N/A
• Typical Payment Methods: Bank Transfer

8. FundMySugarBaby (Sugar Daddy Platform) – Best for Selling Customized Content

FundMySugarBaby is a funding platform where sugar daddies and sugar babies can safely connect.

As a sugar baby, you set up an account and sell custom content like videos, photos, and messages.

You can also browse through the sugar daddy accounts and choose the people you want to connect with.

How Much You Can Make

Sugar babies are free to establish their rates.

There is a default monthly allowance of $2,000, but you can raise it after you reach this goal.

What Makes This Option Great

FundMySugarBaby is a safe and reliable service to get paid to talk to lonely people, especially men.

It’s ideal for creative individuals, as you’ll be selling your original content.

Once the sugar daddy books your service, the payments are made on the spot and held in escrow, then released after a 14 or 30-day period.

• Typical Fees and Commissions: FundMySugarBaby has three pricing plans, all of which require a one-time payment only. The plans are Basic: $19.99, 80% payout, Premium: $29.99, 90% payout, and Platinum: $49.99, 100% payout.
• Typical Payment Methods: PayPal

9. Fiverr Friendships (Online Platform) – Best for Gig Personalization

Fiverr is a gig economy online marketplace where millions of freelancers advertise their expertise.

You can also use it to talk to lonely people by setting up your gig, meeting rules, and even flat rates.

The biggest benefit of Fiverr is its massive international reach, with millions of buyers browsing their sellers’ lists every month.

How Much You Can Make

You can set your rates between $5 and $10,000 per gig.

The price will depend on the types of services you provide and how popular your gig becomes.

Also, each gig will have three different pricing plans, which may increase your appeal with buyers.

What Makes This Option Great

Fiverr has some general guidelines regarding what types of gigs you can post, but for the most part, you are free to set up the gig any way you want.

For example, you can connect with buyers via video chat and establish more creative meetings, such as playing the customer’s favorite comic book character.

It’s a place where you can let your creativity roam free and generate a good side income.

With enough effort, you may even convert it into a full-time gig.

• Typical Fees and Commissions: 20%
• Typical Payment Methods: Bank Transfer, PayPal, Fiverr Revenue Card, Direct Deposit, Payoneer

Why You Should Consider Talking to Lonely People As a Side Hustle

Side hustle-wise, a virtual chat job has some unique advantages.

Some of them include the following:

• No special skills – Most of the platforms we’ve reviewed require no previous experience. You only have to meet their registration criteria.
• Fits a busy schedule – You can start earning an extra income even if you’re a full-time employee and have a busier daily schedule. These services let you establish your hours.
• Earn from anywhere – All you need is a phone or laptop and an internet connection. With services like text messaging, you can work from anywhere, even during your lunch hour break;
• Meet new people – You can connect with new people from all around the world and genuinely build real relationships.

Problems With Talking to Lonely People

Being an online chat operator isn’t for everyone.

Here are some drawbacks to consider:

• It takes time and effort – Your income will depend on your hourly availability. People who generate higher earnings from these platforms put in much work.
• You depend on customer satisfaction – In a way, these gigs are similar to customer service jobs. Your revenue could take a hit if people are unhappy with their experience.
• It can take a mental and emotional toll – Unfortunately, not everyone keeps things light on these services. Some may turn to you for emotional support, which could be taxing at times.
• You need to fit a profile – This isn’t the best choice for introverted people who cannot hold a conversation. You must be friendly, have good communication skills, and show genuine interest in your virtual friend to perform well.

How To Get Paid to Talk to Lonely People: Step-By-Step Instructions

Getting started is easy and only involves four key steps:

Step 1: Choose a Platform

Take another look at the nine legitimate companies we’ve reviewed and see which one suits you best.

To make the best choice, you should consider the types of chat services you’re comfortable offering (texts, phone calls, video calls, etc.) and to who the platform provides its services.

Step 2: Create an Account

Each company had a personalized application process, which can include:

• Application form
• Submitting an ID
• Financial information, etc.

Other steps may be required.

For instance, Papa runs a background check on its Papa Pals applicants to ensure their elderly users’ safety.

Note that your account might not be approved right away.

Companies may manually verify your information, which can take a few days.

Step 3: Set Up Your Profile

With some services, you might need to create a profile with a description, photos, and a list of your interests and hobbies.

Take your time with this because it could be the deciding factor for whether or not potential customers want to connect with you.

It’s also the perfect opportunity to set your niche and establish the topics you want to discuss or the types of people you want to befriend.

Step 4: Start Connecting with Lonely People and Get Paid

Once your account and profile are approved, you can start connecting with potential payers.

Some platforms may even match you with a customer directly.

You may request payments weekly or monthly, depending on the platform.

Usually, you can find all this information in the FAQ sections.

Things to Consider When Talking to Lonely People

Here are some extra factors to consider before starting to talk to lonely people for money:

1. Scams and Fake Websites

Most of these services involve connecting strangers online, so there is a real risk of coming across scammers and fake websites.

We recommend checking out our guide on Care-related scams for some useful tips on how to protect yourself.

2. Your Employment Status

In most cases, you will be considered an independent contractor or freelancer when using these services.

This provides lots of flexibility but may have some drawbacks.

You will have to file your taxes on your extra money, and your accounts may be more easily terminated in case of poor performance.

3. Hidden Fees

While most companies are upfront regarding how much they charge for using their services, there may be some additional fees to take into account.

The most common are transfer fees.

Whether you are paid through PayPal or bank transfer, a percentage of your revenue or a flat fee may be deducted from your earnings.

You should also consider the conversion rates if you get paid in another country’s currency.

Most platforms pay in US dollars, and you might have to cover higher fees if your account is set in another currency.

4. Your Safety

Unless the service you sign up for facilitates real-life meetings, you should never share your personal information with the people you’re talking to.

This can include information about where you live and work, financial details, social security numbers, or things about your friends and family.

Companies might not vet people as thoroughly when only offering digital services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Can a Shy Person Make Money?

Even if you’re shy, you can still make money by talking to lonely people.

Many people use these platforms to improve their social and communication skills because they are introverted.

You can do the same and get paid for it.

There are many other ways to generate extra income when you’re shy.

From making money on your phone to getting paid to sleep or listening to music, our site provides lots of helpful guides that can help.

We recommend checking out our beginner-friendly online side hustle guide to find many opportunities for side gigs.

2. Why Do People Pay to Talk to Others Online?

There can be many reasons for this.

Some people might not have many friends in real life or might look to connect with someone new.

Others might feel they cannot openly discuss certain topics with their friends and family, so they look for these services online.

Whatever the reason, these services can provide lonely people with virtual companionship that improves their quality of life.

Wrapping Up

If you want to get this chat operator job, these nine platforms are the top places to start your new side hustle and connect with lonely individuals.

As long as you have a good internet connection, a mobile phone or laptop, and great conversational skills, you can help make someone’s day a little less lonely and get paid in the meantime.

What do you think of our review?

Share your thoughts with us in the comments, and let us know if you’d give this gig a shot.

Similar Ways to Get Paid

If talking to lonely people isn’t the right fit for you, maybe you’d enjoy some other side-job opportunities:

• Get Paid to Take Care of a Family Member With a Disability: Earn an extra income while offering care to a family member living with a disability.
• Get Paid to Chat: Want to chat, but not with lonely individuals specifically? These platforms can help you connect with a diverse group of people.
• Get Paid to Type: Use your impressive typing skills to generate an extra income every month.