Get Paid to Watch Videos: 16 Legit Apps That Actually Pay in 2026

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Watch videos for money on Swagbucks Swagbucks used to have a 'Watch' feature that paid you to watch videos. Make money watching videos on InboxPounds InboxPounds lets you earn cash for simple tasks like watching videos and taking surveys.

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Getting paid to watch videos online is one of the easiest ways to earn extra money in your spare time. Many apps and websites reward users for watching ads, movie trailers, promotional videos, and other content, no special skills or experience required.

However, not every platform is worth your time. Some offer very low rewards or make it difficult to cash out. To help you avoid those, we reviewed dozens of platforms based on payout reliability, earning potential, withdrawal options, and user experience, selecting only the legitimate apps that consistently pay.

How to get paid to watch videos?

Getting started usually takes just a few minutes:

1. Sign up for a legitimate video rewards platform.
2. Complete your profile to receive relevant video opportunities.
3. Watch each video until it finishes to qualify for the reward.
4. Earn points or cash after completing eligible videos.
5. Cash out once you reach the platform’s minimum withdrawal threshold.

To maximize your earnings, use multiple trusted platforms instead of relying on just one. While this won’t replace a full-time income, it’s an easy way to earn extra money during your free time with little effort.

Related post: Get Paid to Read Books

16 Legit Apps to Watch Videos and Earn Money

1. Watch videos for money on Swagbucks

Swagbucks used to have a ‘Watch’ feature that paid you to watch videos. Unfortunately, this is no longer available on the app, but there are other options.

Some of the quick and easy tasks which earn you points on the app involve watching videos. For example, we’ve previously seen an offer on Swagbucks that lets you earn 250 SB for installing and opening TikTok, and another that earns you 150 SB for getting a free trial and streaming shows on discovery+.

You can also make money surfing the web on Swagbucks, including video searches. So, rather than searching for videos directly on YouTube, you could instead search through the Swagbucks app.

This means you can watch the same videos you would have otherwise, but get paid for it.

Other ways to earn points on Swagbucks include playing games and doing paid online surveys.

2. Make money watching videos on InboxPounds

InboxPounds lets you earn cash for simple tasks like watching videos and taking surveys.

You might not make big money on here, but the more tasks you do beyond watching videos, the more money you can make.

Even reading InboxPounds’s deals emails or searching the internet on their search page can earn you cash.

We’ve previously seen a task paying you £2.00 to sign up for a free trial of Paramount+ (new customers only). This means you could stream top films and shows for free – and earn money in the process. The dream.

You can also get a £1 bonus for signing up to InboxPounds.

3. Watch video ads on WeAre8 for earnings or charity

Hoping to watch ads for money and make a positive impact? WeAre8 could be the app for you.

Like some others on this list, WeAre8 is an app that lets you earn cash from watching videos. But it has a slight difference. As well as making money to boost your bank balance, you also have the chance to contribute to charity.

It’s a social media app focused on social and environmental causes that pays you to watch videos.

When we tried and tested WeAre8, one of the ads we saw was by McCain. All we had to do was watch a short clip and answer a few multiple-choice questions to earn 8p.

This might not sound like much, but it’s an advert we’d also seen on TV, so to get paid anything to watch it was great.

As an added bonus, when you get paid to watch ads on WeAre8, a donation is also made to charity.

There are two ways that you can have the money paid out. It can either be paid to you through PayPal (minimum withdrawal of £1) or it can be paid to a charity of your choice.

4. Watch ads, TV trailers and more for money on Slicethepie

Slicethepie is a review site that lets you earn points for doing loads oftasks like watching interesting videos, listening to music and answering survey questions.

The videos can include commercials and clips, such as trailers for films and TV shows.

The minimum withdrawal is $20 (around £15), which is paid into your PayPal account. As they read through all the reviews before making payments, you might need to wait up to five working days for the withdrawal request to be processed.

We have found the payouts to be very small per task, and it’s not always an option to review videos for money (although music and fashion reviews might be available). With that in mind, this site probably isn’t the quickest way to get paid to watch videos.

However, it’s an option. And even when we’ve been unable to review videos on Slicethepie, we’ve discovered new music we liked instead, so it didn’t feel like a complete waste of time.

5. Make money watching videos on PrizeRebel

PrizeRebel is another site to consider. If you head to the ‘Offer Walls’ section of their website, you’ll find some of their partners offer videos which you can watch in exchange for points.

However, although it is possible to watch videos on PrizeRebel, you might actually find it better for paid online surveys.

There are some more ways to boost your earnings. For example, if you refer friends to the site, you can earn a 15% bonus based on their earnings. And on PrizeRebel’s social media pages, they often share opportunities to get bonus points, so look out for these.

You can request the money you’ve earned through the site as PayPal money or as gift cards. When withdrawing the money via PayPal, there’s a minimum payout of $5 (around £3.70).

6. Write subtitles for films as a freelancer via Fiverr

To add more film-related experience to your CV (and make money in the process), you could start writing subtitles for online videos as a freelancer.

Subtitles and transcripts can be very time-consuming to write. So, to save time, some content creators hire freelancers to write video subtitles for them.

On sites like Fiverr, you can find freelancers offering to write video subtitles for a fee. To get an idea of prices, have a look at what other freelancers charge for similar services. Then, post rates that you think are fair but competitive.

As a guideline, we’ve seen some freelancers on Fiverr start their rates at around £5 to write subtitles.

If you speak another language, this is a bonus. It means you’d be able to charge a bit extra to translate videos on a freelance basis. Not to mention it’s bound to impress future employers.

7. Make money from film and TV reviews

Hoping to make a living from watching videos? Becoming a film or TV reviewer is one of the best, most established ways of doing so.

It’s by no means easy to reach the point of writing about videos as a full-time job. But, with hard work, dedication and strong writing skills, you can do it.

Film and TV criticism are very competitive lines of work. So if you’re thinking about writing on a freelance basis, you’ll need to start by charging lower rates to reflect your level of experience.

But remember, you deserve to get paid for your writing. You shouldn’t have to accept payments that are lower than you think is fair, just because you’re starting out.

To prepare for a full-time job as a film or TV critic, it’s worth looking into internships to boost your CV. Unfortunately, not all journalism internships pay well (or at all, in some cases). If you do find yourself on an unpaid internship, our guide to supporting yourself financially during the placement can help.

Once you build up a portfolio of reviews and make a name for yourself, you can increase your rates and take on bigger commissions.

Pitching article ideas about films and TV shows to editors

To start getting commissioned for film or TV reviews as a freelancer, it’s worth setting up a blog. There, you can showcase your writing style and talent.

Then, look for commissioning editors of relevant publications. Reach out to them directly (addressing them by their name in emails) and pitch your idea to them.

At the end of your pitch, link to your portfolio or blog website so they can see your work.

Be confident with your article ideas, keep pitches concise and don’t be disheartened by rejections. Keep going, and hopefully, in time, you’ll be able to make money from writing about your favourite films and TV shows.

8. Become a Netflix Tagger

Fancy getting paid to watch Netflix shows in bed all day? Sounds ideal, right? Well, a Netflix Tagger is one job you probably never knew existed, and it pays you to do just that.

Netflix Taggers are paid to watch Netflix shows and films and categorise the content based on genre, theme and other relevant criteria.

You’ll need good analytical skills and be expected to tag shows with keywords to make it easy for viewers to find the films and shows to match their particular tastes.

These roles are advertised as freelance, remote positions, but as you may expect, they’re not easy to come by. You’ll need to keep a constant eye on the official Netflix careers page to have a chance of snapping up any openings when they’re advertised.

9. Get paid to watch videos and ads on JumpTask

JumpTask is another site that offers users the opportunity to earn money (or $JMPT) for watching ads or videos online.

JumpTask’s ‘vision’ is to help people earn money online from anywhere by completing simple tasks. Follow the guidelines for each task, and you’ll be rewarded with $JMPT. These rewards can then be transferred to your crypto wallet to convert into money or can be used to trade or exchange for gift cards.

When we checked out JumpTask, there were only a few opportunities to earn money by watching YouTube videos. Though the tasks were simple, most only earned you the equivalent of $0.03.

However, similarly to Slicethepie and PrizeRebel, there are loads of other tasks you can complete to add money to your crypto wallet. It won’t make you a millionaire, but it’s definitely an easy way to make some money.

Overall Best Get Paid Apps to Watch Videos

10. VISU Network

Video type: Short brand content after scanning QR codes at partner locations.

Pay per video: Varies by campaign and location availability.

Hourly equivalent: Varies — engagement is brief (seconds, not minutes).

Payout: Rewards accumulate in-app with payout options varying by region.

How it works: You scan partner QR codes when you’re already out. The value comes from verified real-world presence, which advertisers pay more for than anonymous views.

Why it’s here: Location-verified attention is more valuable to advertisers than anonymous video views. The model pays for real-world presence, not just screen time.

Best for: People who eat out, shop, or attend events regularly.

11. Nielsen

Video type: None required — you earn passively by having the app installed.

Pay: $50/year in gift cards plus sweepstakes entries.

Hourly equivalent: Infinite (zero active time required).

Payout: Gift cards mailed quarterly.

How it works: Install the app, let it run in background collecting anonymous usage data. That’s it. While not strictly “watching videos,” it’s the most passive video-adjacent earning since Nielsen tracks what you watch and pays for that data.

Why it’s here: Truly zero effort.

Best for: Anyone willing to share viewing habits for passive income.

12. iRazoo

Video type: Short promotional videos and trailers.

Pay per video: 1-3 points per video (3,000 points = $5).

Hourly equivalent: $0.50 to $1.00.

Payout: PayPal, gift cards with $5 minimum.

How it works: Watch videos, complete occasional surveys, earn points. Videos play automatically in sequence.

Why we like it: Lower payout threshold than many competitors with a clean interface.

Best for: Users who want quick access to rewards.

13. Take part in paid psychological studies

If you’re interested in taking part in psychological and behavioural studies, this could be a good way to make money from watching videos.

The amount you can get paid in compensation for doing psychological studies will vary massively depending on the type of trial and how long it lasts, but you could receive as much as £100+ for your time.

But please note – we recommend only signing up for studies if you genuinely want to do them, rather than simply as a way of making money. Depending on the nature of the study, there’s a potential for them to be emotionally or mentally challenging. So, it’s best to only take part in ones you’re fully comfortable with.

How to find psychological trials

As with all clinical trials, it’s important to focus on trusted organisations when signing up for psychological studies.

When looking for legitimate paid psychology trials, we recommend focusing on studies at universities.

First, contact the psychology department at your uni to see if there are any upcoming studies you could get involved in. This would be the best and easiest way to take part in one. But if that’s not possible, you could look into studies at other universities.

To focus your search, try typing ‘[university name] psychological trials‘ into Google. This should come up with the relevant page on the uni’s website.

There, you’ll find call-outs for study trial participants and guidance on how to apply.

Or, you could contact a university’s psychology department directly, either on the phone or by email, to find out more about their upcoming studies.

Often, universities will say that they are looking for “volunteers” for the studies. But, these opportunities will typically still include some form of compensation (either in cash or vouchers) for your time and expenses.

For example, you can register as a participant in research studies on the University of Cambridge’s website. Although they ask for volunteers, they list getting paid as a reason to become a volunteer.

Not all studies are guaranteed to include videos, but keep an eye out for ones that suit you and your interests.

14. Promote videos for companies online

As well as getting paid to watch videos, you could consider charging companies to promote their clips and ads online.

Sponsored posts are a common way to make money for online influencers. While you don’t necessarily need a huge online following to do this, it would help if you have a reasonable number of followers on social media and/or your own blog.

The bigger your audience, the more you can charge companies to share their content.

Of course, it’s important to make sure the videos you’re promoting are useful and relevant to your audience. Sharing content that your followers don’t engage with could negatively impact your online brand.

Try reaching out to the influencer marketing departments of brands you’re interested in to discuss working together on a sponsored video post.

You could also use freelance sites like Fiverr to find companies that’d be happy to pay you a fee to share their video content online. This could be especially effective if you have a smaller online following.

But if you do get paid to share a post online, remember to clearly state that it’s an advert or sponsored post.

15. Get paid to take part in focus groups

You can get paid for your opinion on TV shows or films if you take part in focus groups. There are a number of companies that match viewers with TV companies that want feedback on certain shows.

You may be asked to take part in group discussions or online communities and get paid for the hours you contribute. Or it could be as simple as filling out a survey regarding the TV programme you watch.

Research panels such as The Viewers will pay you up to £150 for six hours of work, taking part in an online community. The Barb panel also offers rewards for becoming a panel member.

16. Get a job at the cinema

One of the great perks of working at a cinema or theatre is that you can often view films while you’re working. So essentially, you’re getting paid to watch a film!

This may not work if your job is selling popcorn at the front counter, but if you get a job as a cinema usher, collecting tickets and showing people to their seats, you’ll more than likely be able to sit in on the films.

If you have a local Odeon Cinema, that could be a good place to start, as on top of watching films for free, they offer some of the best employee benefits.

How to Maximize Video Watching Earnings

If you want to earn money by watching videos, your success depends more on your strategy than on any single app. Most people who consistently make money watching videos combine multiple platforms instead of relying on just one.

Stack Multiple Apps

The easiest way to watch videos and earn money is by using several legitimate apps at the same time. For example, you can let one app play video playlists in the background while another rewards you for watching ads or completing simple offers. Combining different earning methods helps increase your monthly income without adding much extra effort.

Dedicate an Old Device

If you regularly watch video and earn money, consider using an old smartphone or tablet for video reward apps. Keeping a dedicated device connected to Wi-Fi allows supported apps to run longer without interrupting your daily activities.

Use Dead Time

Instead of scrolling through social media, use spare moments to watch videos for money. Whether you’re commuting, waiting for an appointment, or taking a break, these short sessions can gradually increase your earnings over time.

Let Videos Run in the Background

The most effective way to earn money watching videos is to treat it as passive income whenever possible. Many platforms allow eligible playlists or promotional videos to play while you work, study, or do other tasks. Always follow each platform’s rules to avoid losing rewards.

Combine Other Earning Methods

Video rewards alone won’t generate a full-time income. To make money by watching videos more effectively, combine video tasks with paid surveys, cashback offers, receipt scanning, or product testing available on the same platforms. This creates multiple income streams from a single account.

If you enjoy entertainment, you can also get paid to watch movies, trailers, or promotional content on selected reward platforms. Some services even allow you to watch ads for money, making it possible to earn from content you already consume online.

Track Your Hourly Earnings

To determine whether an app is worth using, calculate your real hourly rate. Some apps promise you’ll earn money by watching video ads, but the actual payout may be too low to justify your time. Focus on platforms that pay reliably and can run passively.

Sample Earning Setup: $50–$100 Per Month

A realistic strategy to earn money by watching videos is to combine several trusted apps.

Passive earnings

• Keep passive video apps running on your primary or secondary device.
• Use lock screen rewards where available.
• Run supported video playlists on an older phone or tablet.

Background earnings

• Start video playlists while working or studying.
• Check for new opportunities to get paid to watch videos throughout the day.

Location-based rewards

• Add location-based reward apps if they’re available in your country to increase your monthly earnings.

By combining passive video apps with surveys, cashback offers, and receipt rewards, many users can make money watching videos while building additional income streams.

Video Apps to Avoid

Not every app that claims you can get paid to watch YouTube videos or promotional content is legitimate. Watch out for these warning signs before signing up.

Apps That Rarely Pay

Some platforms advertise that you can earn money watching videos, but frequently fail to credit completed tasks or delay withdrawals for months.

Unrealistic Cash-Out Requirements

Avoid apps with extremely high payout thresholds. If you need weeks or months to reach the minimum withdrawal amount, it’s probably not worth your time.

More Ads Than Rewards

Some apps require you to watch ads for money, yet display excessive advertisements while paying only a fraction of a cent. These platforms often generate more revenue for themselves than for their users.

High Battery and Data Usage

If an app drains your battery, consumes excessive mobile data, or overheats your device while you watch videos for money, your operating costs may outweigh your earnings.

Constant User Interaction

The best apps that pay you to watch videos require minimal interaction. If you’re forced to tap the screen every few seconds, you’re no longer earning passively, you’re doing repetitive work for very little pay.

FAQ: Get Paid to Watch Videos

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