Get Paid to Watch Ads for Money: 10 Ways to Earn Extra Cash

Fact-checked by Laurynas Cesnys
Editor
Updated on: July 7, 2024

Have you ever considered if you could get paid to watch ads? Yes, it's possible: the concept of watching ads for money has been gaining popularity and people are using this opportunity to boost their income.

Essentially, the idea is that you can watch ads and get paid for your time and attention. Companies are willing to compensate individuals who view their advertisements, providing a chance for you to earn money by simply watching ads.

In this article, I'll explain how you can take advantage of this opportunity. We'll explore the potential earnings, the best platforms to use, and tips to maximize your income from watching ads.

Top 10 Legit Ways to Watch Ads for Money

1. Swagbucks

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Swagbucks is one of the most popular platforms that allows you to watch ads for money. By creating an account on Swagbucks, you gain access to a variety of ways to earn points, known as SB, which can be redeemed for cash or gift cards via PayPal.

One of the primary methods to get paid to watch ads on Swagbucks is through their "Watch" feature. Here, you can view sponsored video content, app trailers, and advertisements to earn points. The videos are divided into categories such as entertainment, food, health, and more, making it easy to find content that interests you.

In addition to watching ads, Swagbucks offers other ways to earn, such as completing surveys, shopping online, and playing games. 

2. InboxDollars

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InboxDollars is a popular rewards site that pays you real cash for completing various online activities. One of the ways to earn money on InboxDollars is by watching ads. 

To start earning, simply create a free account on InboxDollars. You'll receive a $5 bonus just for signing up. Once you're logged in, you can access the "Watch" section to find available video ads to view. The ads are categorized by topic, making it easy to choose content that interests you.

For each video ad you watch, you'll earn a small amount, typically a few cents. While the earnings per ad may seem low, they can add up over time, especially if you consistently engage with the platform. 

One of the advantages of InboxDollars is that it pays in real cash, not points or gift cards. Once your account balance reaches $30, you can request a payout via check, PayPal, or electronic gift card. With over $80 million paid out to members since 2000, InboxDollars has a strong track record of rewarding its users.

3. MyPoints

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MyPoints is another legitimate platform that allows you to watch ads for money. Once you're logged in, you can access the "Watch" section to find available video ads. MyPoints offers a variety of video content, including advertisements, movie trailers, and sponsored videos.

For each video ad you watch, you'll earn points. The number of points you earn per ad varies, but typically ranges from 1 to 5 points. These points can be redeemed for cash via PayPal or gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks.

In addition to watching ads, MyPoints offers several other ways to earn points. You can take surveys, shop online through their portal, play games, and more. By combining these activities with watching ads, you can boost your earnings on the platform.

4. AdWallet

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AdWallet is a mobile app that pays users for watching video ads. The concept is simple, you watch short video advertisements on your phone, and in return, you earn cash rewards.

However, there are some important things to note about AdWallet based on user reviews and experiences:

  • Earning potential is quite low, with most ads paying around $0.50 each. It can take a long time to reach the $10 minimum payout threshold.
  • Ad opportunities are limited. You can't just watch an unlimited number of ads. The app will send you specific video ads to watch periodically.
  • The app is only available to users in the United States who are over 13 years old.

5. iRazoo

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iRazoo is a rewards site that pays users for completing various online activities, such as watching videos, taking surveys, and playing games. The platform uses a points system, where users earn iRazoo points for each task completed. These points can then be redeemed for rewards like gift cards or PayPal cash.

While iRazoo is a legitimate site, there are some important things to note based on user reviews and experiences:

  • Earning potential is quite low. It can take a long time to accumulate enough points to reach the minimum payout threshold of $5 or 3000 points.
  • The number of ad-watching opportunities available may be limited. Users report not receiving a consistent supply of videos to watch for points.
  • iRazoo only allows you to accumulate points for 60 days before they expire, which many users feel is too short of a timeframe.

6. PrizeRebel

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PrizeRebel is a legitimate "get-paid-to" website that rewards users for completing online tasks. Launched in 2007, PrizeRebel has over 13 million members worldwide and has paid out more than $30 million in rewards.

The site is free to join and offers points that can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, or cash via PayPal, with rewards starting as low as $2-$5. To earn on PrizeRebel, members complete market research surveys, watch sponsored video ads, complete partner offers, and refer friends. 

PrizeRebel has mixed online reviews, with a 3.2/5 star TrustPilot rating. Many praise the site's low minimum cashout threshold, variety of gift card options, and reliable payments. 

7. QuickRewards

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QuickRewards is another platform that allows you to watch ads for money. With over $30 million paid out to date and a 4.2/5 star rating on review sites like Trustpilot, QuickRewards has a solid reputation in the rewards space.

One of the standout features of QuickRewards is its low payout threshold. There is no minimum cashout amount for PayPal, meaning you can request your earnings as soon as you reach just $0.01. For gift cards, the minimum is a reasonable $5. Payments are processed quickly, usually within 72 hours. The site also offers good customer support, with prompt responses to inquiries.

However, it's important to have realistic expectations about earning potential on QuickRewards. Like most GPT sites, the pay rate is quite low. Surveys typically award around $0.75-$1.50 on average, and other tasks pay even less. 

8. JumpTask

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JumpTask is a legitimate microtask platform that pays users in cryptocurrency ($JMPT tokens) for completing simple online tasks. These tasks include playing mobile games, answering surveys, watching videos, testing apps/websites, and more. It's free to join and available worldwide to anyone looking for a flexible side hustle to earn extra income online.

Most JumpTask users report making around $1-5 per day on average with consistent usage. Microtasks typically pay very small amounts, like $0.01-0.50 per task. Offers like trying out Binance can pay more, around $10-20. Another way to earn passively is by sharing your unused internet bandwidth or by staking the $JMPT tokens you earn. Staking can yield anywhere from 0.05 to 5 $JMPT per day depending on the number of tokens staked. 

JumpTask has mostly positive reviews from users, with a 4.4/5 rating on the Google Play Store. Many praise the variety of earning options, prompt payments in crypto, and the ability to cash out with no minimum.

9. WeAre8

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WeAre8 is a revolutionary social media platform that aims to shift power from big tech to the people. Unlike traditional social media that has fueled isolation and division, WeAre8 focuses on uniting people to make a positive impact on the world. 

One of the standout features of WeAre8 is its approach to advertising. Users can choose to watch ads on their own terms and get rewarded for their time. The money earned from watching ads can be kept by the user or donated to various charities and community groups supported by WeAre8. 

WeAre8 has received positive reviews from users who appreciate its clean, user-friendly design and meaningful content that inspires positive action. The app is available on both iOS and Android. If you're looking for a social media platform that empowers you to make a difference while engaging with inspiring content, WeAre8 is definitely worth checking out.

10. Toluna

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Toluna is a survey site that also offers opportunities to watch ads for money. Here are some key details about Toluna:

  • Toluna is a well-established market research company that has been around since 2000. They have over 10 million members worldwide.
  • You can earn points on Toluna by completing surveys, watching ads/videos, participating in polls, referring friends, and more.
  • The points you earn are called "Toluna Points". These can be redeemed for cash via PayPal or for various gift cards once you reach the minimum payout threshold.
  • Toluna has a relatively low minimum payout of just $10 for some rewards. This makes it easy to cash out your earnings.
  • Payment processing can take up to 8 weeks according to Toluna's terms, which is longer than some other sites. But they are known to pay reliably.
  • The amount you can earn per ad view or survey is relatively low, often just a few cents. But the opportunities are plentiful if you check the site regularly.

How Does Watching Ads for Money Work?

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The concept of watching ads for money is based on a simple business model. Companies are willing to pay people to watch video ads in order to increase engagement, collect data, and retain users on their platforms.

When you watch ads, you're helping businesses in several ways:

  • By watching their video ad, you're boosting their visibility and reach. This is crucial for advertisers who want to get their message in front of as many eyes as possible. 
  • As you watch ads, the platforms can gather valuable data on your preferences, behaviors, and responses to different types of advertising. This information helps them improve ad targeting and effectiveness. 
  • Apps that reward users for watching ads tend to have higher user retention rates. People are more likely to keep using an app if they feel they're getting something in return, even if it's a small monetary incentive.

So, what kind of ads might you encounter when you watch ads for money? It can vary, but typically you'll come across short video ads, ranging from a few seconds to a couple of minutes in length. These could be commercials, promotional videos, or sponsored content.

It's important to have realistic expectations about the earning potential when you watch video ads for money. While you won't get rich quick, watching ads can be an easy way to earn a little extra cash in your spare time. The amount you can make usually depends on the platform, the length of the video ad, and the time you're willing to invest.

How to Avoid Scams When Watching Ads for Money

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One common red flag is a platform that promises unrealistic earnings for minimal effort. If a site claims you can make hundreds of dollars a day just by watching a few ads, it's likely too good to be true. Legitimate sites typically offer modest rewards for your time.

Another warning sign is a platform that asks for excessive personal information or upfront payments. Reputable sites should only require basic details to create an account. If a site demands sensitive data like your Social Security number or bank account information, or asks you to pay a fee to start earning, steer clear.

To protect yourself, always research a platform thoroughly before signing up. Look for user reviews and ratings on trusted third-party sites. Check if the company has a professional website and clear contact information. The best sites to make money watching ads will have a solid reputation and a transparent rewards system.

When creating an account, use a strong, unique password and avoid oversharing personal details. Opt out of any unnecessary permissions, like location tracking or access to your contacts. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity, like unauthorized charges or changes to your account settings.

Remember, while watching ads can be an easy way to earn a little extra cash, it's not a path to quick riches. Stick with reputable platforms, protect your personal information, and have realistic expectations about your earning potential. 

Conclusion: Watch ads for money

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While watching ads won't replace your full-time income, it can be a simple way to boost your earnings and earn rewards like gift cards or PayPal cash. The key is to find legitimate platforms that offer a variety of ways to earn, such as completing surveys, playing games, and shopping online in addition to watching ads.

As you start testing apps to watch ads for money, remember to stay vigilant and protect yourself from scams. Stick with reputable platforms, read reviews from other users, and never share sensitive personal information or pay upfront fees.

In conclusion, while watching ads may not make you rich, it can be a fun and easy way to earn a little extra cash in your spare time. So why not give it a try? Explore the best ways to watch ads, sign up for a few legitimate platforms, and start earning rewards.

About Author:
Paula is an accomplished content strategist and journalist with over 7 years of experience creating compelling, well-researched materials for business and finance audiences. Drawing on her background in journalism and brand messaging, Paula develops informative content that engages readers across diverse platforms, distilling complex financial topics into accessible, authoritative articles. Her ability to deliver valuable insights helps brands connect with their target audiences and empowers professionals navigating the ever-evolving business landscape.
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