How To Watch Ads for Money As A Side Hustle In 2024
Are you looking for a side hustle that doesn't require entrepreneurial skills? Read our tutorial for how to watch ads for money to start earning fast.
Brett Helling is a gig economy expert who has been running his own small business for over 10 years.
There are different ways to make money, but did you know that you can get paid to watch ads?
In this article, we will discuss how to watch ads for money and the different apps that allow you to do it.
We’ll also talk about why this is a quality side hustle and how you can make the most of it.
So, whether you’re looking for a new way to make some extra cash or just want something fun and easy to do in your spare time, read on for all the details.
How To Watch Ads for Money (Overview)
We’ve included an overview of our top picks below. For detailed information on each pick, scroll down.
- Swagbucks (Gig Company)
- InboxDollars (Gig Company)
- iRazoo (Gig Company)
- MyPoints (Gig Company)
- Prize Rebel (Gig Company)
- App Trailers (Gig Company)
- QuickRewards (Gig Company)
- Earnably (Gig Company)
- Nielsen TV Ratings
Can You Watch Ads for Money?
Yes, you can make money watching ads online.
Some companies pay participants to watch and review videos and ads.
If you’re looking for extra income and have some free time, watching ads could become your beginner-friendly online side hustle.
How Much Can You Make by Watching Ads?
The amount of money you can make watching ads varies.
It depends on the platform and the type of ad.
Generally speaking, most platforms pay small amounts for each ad watched.
Some offer higher rates for longer or more engaging ads.
It’s possible to make a few extra dollars per day with platforms that pay you to watch ads, but it’s not likely to be a source of substantial income.
Use this side hustle as a source of supplemental income.
With the right platform, you can bring in $50 to $200 per month to add to your budget.
Take some time to research the ones that offer the best payouts and terms.
Once you find one you like, you can start earning money whenever you have free time or need some extra cash.
What You’ll Need To Watch Ads for Money
There are a few components needed for making money from your phone.
- A valid and secure internet connection: To watch ads, you need to have access to the internet so that your device can load the ad. It’s also vital that your connection is secure. Many platforms require you to input sensitive information to register and use their service.
- A compatible device: You need a device compatible with the platform you select. Platforms may have different requirements for devices, such as specific operating systems or browsers.
- An account on a pay-to-view ad platform: To get paid for watching advertisements, you must create an account with a platform specifically designed for this purpose. Once registered, you can view available ads and earn money for each ad watched.
Where To Watch Ads for Money
We’ve listed the details below for the best nine sources where you can successfully watch ads for money.
Swagbucks (Gig Company)
Swagbucks is an online rewards program that allows users to earn points by completing small tasks such as watching ads or taking surveys.
You can redeem your points for gift cards or cash.
Swagbucks also offers several promotional offers and bonuses that can increase the amount of Swagbucks earned.
How Much You Can Make
The amount of money you can make using Swagbucks as a side hustle will depend on how much time and effort you put into completing tasks.
Your earnings will also depend on the types of tasks you complete, how often you use the platform, and any additional bonuses or promotions available at any given time.
The company reports that you can earn anywhere from one to five dollars per day.
Swagbucks says that up to $200 per month is possible if you watch plenty of ads.
What Makes This Option Great
Swagbucks provides an easy, effective and fun way to earn extra cash.
The platform is free to join. It is simple and convenient to get paid.
Furthermore, Swagbucks periodically offers double points days and referral rewards.
- Typical Fees/Commission: No fees listed
- Typical Payment Methods: PayPal, Amazon, Walmart, and more
InboxDollars (Gig Company)
InboxDollars is an online rewards program that pays you cash for simple tasks like taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online.
The app offers daily rewards to keep you motivated.
How Much You Can Make
With InboxDollars, you can make up to $50 per ad watched or survey you complete.
Most tasks pay more in the $5 or less range.
The amount of money you earn will depend on the complexity and duration of each task or survey.
Most tasks take about 15-20 minutes to complete.
With regular use, you can expect to make an average of $25-$50 per month from InboxDollars.
What Makes This Option Great
InboxDollars is more than just a rewards program.
It’s a way to make extra money from home.
You can send your payments straight to your PayPal account.
There are no fees or waiting involved.
Plus, you get exclusive discounts and offers from partners that you won’t find anywhere else.
- Typical Fees/Commission: No fees
- Typical Payment Methods: PayPal and Amazon gift card
iRazoo (Gig Company)
iRazoo is a reward and loyalty program that enables members to earn points for engaging in activities.
You can earn points by answering surveys, watching video advertisements, playing games, and more.
How Much You Can Make
With iRazoo, the amount you can expect to earn each month will depend on how much time and effort you put into earning rewards.
Depending on how active you are, you can expect to make anywhere from a few dollars to several dollars each month.
You must reach a minimum of $20 in iRazoo points to cash out.
You have 14 days to redeem your earnings.
What Makes This Option Great
Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and understand.
With iRazoo, there are no long sign-ups or forms.
The app offers simple step-by-step processes.
Log in, select the video ad to watch, and start earning immediately.
- Typical Fees/Commission: No fees
- Typical Payment Methods: PayPal
MyPoints (Gig Company)
MyPoints is a rewards program that lets you earn points by shopping, playing games, watching ads, taking surveys, and more.
Every time you complete an action through MyPoints, you’re rewarded with points to redeem for gift cards or cash.
How Much You Can Make
With MyPoints, it’s possible to earn a couple of hundred dollars every month.
To maximize your earnings, take advantage of all the offers they give you.
Additionally, making purchases through their online store yields more points to redeem for gift cards and cash.
What Makes This Option Great
MyPoints has a quality selection of rewards with competitive rates and excellent customer service.
You can trust that you’re getting the most out of your time when you choose MyPoints as your side hustle.
- Typical Fees/Commission: No fees
- Typical Payment Methods: PayPal or Visa gift cards
Prize Rebel (Gig Company)
Prize Rebel is an online rewards platform that allows you to earn points for completing surveys and watching ads.
You will get exclusive access to some of the best available products and services.
How Much You Can Make
Your monthly earnings will depend on how often and how long you use the site.
The more tasks and surveys you complete, the more points you’ll earn.
Some of the offers may require a purchase, while others are free.
It’s possible to earn a few hundred dollars per month.
What Makes This Option Great
The site features bonus opportunities where you can double your points, sweepstakes entries, and more.
- Typical Fees/Commission: No fees
- Typical Payment Methods: PayPal or Walmart gift cards
App Trailers (Gig Company)
App Trailers is a mobile app that allows you to view and rate videos and ads.
It provides you with an easy way to explore new apps through watching video previews, as well as earning rewards for doing so.
How Much You Can Make
The earning potential of App Trailers depends on the type of video you watch and how long it takes.
Every time you watch a video, you’ll earn points.
Some videos give you five points, while others give you 10 points.
Each point equals about one cent.
You can make over $15 per day if you watch more than 30 minutes of ads.
What Makes This Option Great
App Trailers is unique in that it allows you to customize your experience.
You can choose to watch videos based on your interests and earn rewards tailored to those interests.
It gives you more control over the number of points you earn and the types of rewards you receive.
Additionally, App Trailers offers a range of extras such as daily login bonuses, leveling systems, and leaderboards.
- Typical Fees/Commission: No fees
- Typical Payment Methods: PayPal or Visa gift cards
QuickRewards (Gig Company)
QuickRewards is an online rewards program that pays members for completing simple tasks like filling out surveys, playing games, and shopping online.
It is one of the oldest and most trusted sites in the industry.
With QuickRewards, you can earn points and exchange them for gift cards or cash payments through PayPal.
You will see daily opportunities to participate in ad activities to keep you engaged and motivated to earn points.
How Much You Can Make
Generally speaking, you can make anywhere from a few dollars up to hundreds per month.
It depends on the tasks you complete and how often you do them.
To maximize your earning potential, stay active with the platform and take advantage of all the available ad-watching opportunities.
What Makes This Option Great
QuickRewards stands out amongst similar apps due to its fast and secure payment system, excellent customer service, and wide range of rewards.
Its easy-to-use interface allows you to quickly earn rewards for taking surveys, reading emails, shopping online, playing games, and watching ads.
QuickRewards processes payments quickly, allowing you to cash out your earnings in a matter of days.
- Typical Fees/Commission: No fees
- Typical Payment Methods: PayPal or Amazon gift cards
Earnably (Gig Company)
Earnably is an online rewards program that allows you to earn points for completing various tasks, such as taking surveys, playing games, and watching video ads.
With the points you earn, you can redeem them for gift cards or other rewards.
Earnably provides a safe and secure way to make money without financial risks or commitments.
How Much You Can Make
With Earnably, the amount you can earn each month varies depending on how much time and effort you put in.
The earnings typically tap out at about $50 to $100 per month.
However, there is potential to make even more with bonuses and by referring others to the app.
What Makes This Option Great
One interesting aspect of Earnably is the referral program.
If you get creative, you can increase your ad-watching income by getting others to use your referral link.
Additionally, the contests and giveaways offered by Earnably each month give you a chance to win even more rewards.
- Typical Fees/Commission: No fees
- Typical Payment Methods: PayPal or Best Buy gift cards
Nielsen TV Ratings
Making money with Nielsen TV Ratings is quite simple.
First, you must become a Nielsen panelist.
To become a panelist, you need to meet specific criteria, such as being 18 or older, having access to an internet connection, and having television service in your home.
Once accepted as a panelist, the company gives you a special device that connects to your TV and records the shows watched within your household.
From there, you will receive compensation for participating in each research study.
How Much You Can Make
You aren’t guaranteed any payment with Neilsen.
Instead, you get the chance to win monthly sweepstakes by participating in the program.
Each month, Nielsen spreads a $10,000 prize between 400 winners.
Some people earn varying amounts that range from $25 to $1000 each.
What Makes This Option Great
Nielsen TV Ratings offers an easy and fairly passive way to watch ads for money.
All you have to do is watch your regular shows, and the data collected from it helps companies better understand their audiences’ viewing habits.
- Typical Fees/Commission: No fees
- Typical Payment Methods: A mailed check
Why You Should Consider Watching Ads as a Side Hustle
Ready to make some cash?
Check out these four persuasive reasons why you should watch ads for money.
- Earn easy money: Watching ads for money can help you quickly earn extra cash in your spare time without needing to commit to a long-term job or task.
- Flexible hours: Ads for money often offer flexible hours. You can decide how much and when you want to work.
- Variety of ads: You can watch ads from different companies. There’s always something new and interesting to explore.
- Social impact: By watching ads, you are helping the company reach more people, which can create positive changes in society.
Problems With Watching Ads
Even though many positives exist when you choose to watch ads for money, there are a few challenges to deal with as well.
- Tedious work: Watching ads can become repetitive and tedious. You may even need to watch the same ad multiple times for it to count.
- Low payout: Ads often offer low payouts for users’ time, not providing much incentive for viewers. Other side hustles often provide a more rewarding payment structure.
- Limited availability: Not all types of ads are available to watch. Certain ads may require specific demographics or interests to watch.
- Ad length: Some ads can become long, making them difficult to complete without losing focus or interest.
How To Watch Ads for Money: Step-by-Step Instructions
Our comprehensive guide will empower you to start earning money by watching ads.
Use it to begin your money-making endeavor sooner than later.
Step 1. Research and Select the Right App or Website
Before you start watching ads, choose a website or app that will best suit your needs.
Research and compare programs so you can find one that pays you the most and is easy to use.
Step 2. Create an Account
Once you have found the right app or website, create an account to start collecting payments when you watch ads.
Step 3. Download the App (If Necessary)
If you are using a mobile app, download the compatible version for your device before continuing.
Step 4. Read the Terms and Conditions
Make sure you read all of the terms and conditions associated with your chosen platform.
It will help avoid any confusion or disappointment later on.
Step 5. View Ad Campaigns Available for Watching
Ads will usually show in the form of a list revealing how much each ad earns when watched all the way through.
Step 6. Choose Your Ad Campaigns & Begin Watching Ads
Select from the list those campaigns which interest you most.
Begin watching ads until completion to receive full payment for each.
Watch them fairly, and don’t click bomb the ads.
Step 7. Check Your Balance/Payout Status
After completing each ad campaign, check your balance/payout status to ensure payments go out as you expected (this varies depending on the provider).
Step 8. Withdraw Earnings as Desired
Most payment platforms have multiple withdrawal methods, such as PayPal and gift cards to various stores.
Select whichever suits your needs best.
Things To Consider When Watching Ads for Money
Before watching ads for money, think about the following factors.
Consider Availability
Check to make sure the website or app you want to use remains available in your country/region.
Some platforms may limit availability in specific locations.
Consider Your Financial Situation
Is this side hustle your best option based on how much money you need to make every month?
If you need to make more than a few hundred dollars per month, you might want to look at other options with higher profit margins.
Ensure You Have Enough Time
Ad viewing requires a time commitment.
Make sure you have enough free time available before beginning.
It is especially crucial if you plan on taking on multiple ad campaigns at once.
Read Company Reviews
Check out company reviews to find the most reputable platforms.
You want to use platforms that do not make you wonder about whether they release payments on time.
Understand Payment Schedule
Take time to understand the payment schedule of your chosen app or website.
Some may require you to view more ads than you want to before issuing payments.
Become Familiar With Ad Formatting
Get familiar with how each platform presents ads to you.
The format they use should feel comfortable so you know what to expect during each viewing session.
Identify Ad Frequency
Understand how often ads will show up so you can feel confident that enough available ads will work for your schedule.
Ad frequency will also affect how much money you can earn.
Look Out for Changes
Stay up-to-date with any changes made to the platform or payment structure.
These adjustments can affect your earning potential and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about how to watch ads for money?
Read the following answers to commonly asked questions.
What is the best-earning video-watching app?
The best-earning video-watching app will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
The two best on our above list include Swagbucks and InboxDollars.
Can I earn money by watching Google Ads?
No, the Google AdSense program pays website owners to display ads on their websites.
It does not pay people to watch ads.
Similar Tutorials To Check Out
Before you start watching ads for money, consider other ways to earn money.
- Get Paid To Test Products: Instead of watching ads, you can test products and services at home, in the store, or online.
- Get Paid To Watch Videos: If you watch videos online, why not get paid for them? Many platforms offer users rewards for watching sponsored content.
- Get Paid To Take Surveys: Participate in surveys and polls that allow you to provide your opinion about different topics.
Wrapping Up
If you’re seeking a profitable way to make an income in your spare time, then watching ads for money may work well for you.
While you won’t turn it into a six-figure income, the activity can help pay off your car or credit card payments.
Do you have additional thoughts about watching ads for income?
If so, let us know in the comments below.