The idea sounds like a dream, right? Earning extra cash just by chilling on your couch and watching videos on your phone. It’s a real thing, and dozens of apps promise to pay you for your screen time.
But let’s be clear from the start: this isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. You won’t be paying your rent with this side hustle. What you can do is turn your downtime into a little extra “coffee money” or fund your favorite subscription service. If you’re looking for an easy, low-effort way to earn a few extra bucks, here’s the real scoop on how it works.
Why Would Anyone Pay You to Watch Videos?
It’s simple: companies need eyeballs. They want people to watch their movie trailers, see their new product ads, or engage with their content. You have eyeballs and time. These apps are just the middlemen that connect the two of you, and they give you a small cut of the money for your attention.
The Legit Apps Worth Your Time
A lot of apps make big promises, but only a few are reliable and have stood the test of time. If you’re going to start anywhere, start with these:
- Swagbucks: This is one of the biggest players in the game. You watch videos (and do other things like take surveys or shop online) to earn “SB points.” You can then cash these points in for PayPal cash or gift cards to places like Amazon and Target.
- InboxDollars: Their big selling point is that you earn actual cash, not points, which feels more straightforward. They have a huge variety of video content, from news and celebrity gossip to food and tech.
- MyPoints: Similar to Swagbucks, you watch playlists of videos to earn points. It’s a great option if you’re already using it for its other money-saving features, like cash back on shopping.
The Big Question: How Much Can You Actually Make?
This is the most important part, so let’s be realistic. You are not going to get rich. The payout for watching videos is very low. Most consistent users report earning anywhere from $5 to $25 a month.
It’s best to think of this as a completely mindless way to earn a little extra something while you’re doing other things—like waiting in line, sitting on the bus, or watching TV.
Pro Tips to Maximize Your Couch Cash
If you decide to give it a try, you might as well be smart about it. Here’s how to make it worth your while:
- Use a Spare Device. If you have an old phone or tablet lying around, use that. Let the videos run on that device while you use your main phone for other things.
- Find the “Passive” Playlists. Some apps have video playlists that will run continuously without you having to click “next.” These are your best friends. Let them run in the background.
- Hit Your Daily Bonuses. Many apps offer a small bonus for hitting a daily goal. It’s not much, but these little bonuses are what add up over time.
- Cash Out ASAP. As soon as you hit the minimum withdrawal amount (usually $5, $10, or $25), cash out your earnings. There’s no reason to let your money sit in the app.
The Stuff to Watch Out For
Before you start, just keep these things in mind:
- Withdrawal Minimums: You can’t cash out until you hit a certain amount. This can sometimes take a while, which can be frustrating.
- Your Time’s Value: Remember that your time is valuable. If you find the process annoying, it might not be worth the few extra dollars.
- Data Privacy: You’re sharing data about your viewing habits. Stick to reputable apps that have clear privacy policies.
So, if you’re looking for a simple way to make your downtime a little more profitable, give one of these apps a try. Just think of it as a way to fund your next pizza night, not your retirement.
