Key takeaways:
- Many platforms that offer simple tasks to earn rewards, also allow people to watch YouTube videos for extra cash since advertisers need more views and assurance that people watched entirely instead of just licking or passing by mistakenly.
- Such apps don’t pay a fortune, so prepare to get only a few bucks for hours of watching – after all, you just watch there, not work to earn money.
- Checking the app’s ratings, reviews and a proven record of payouts is the first measure to prevent getting involved in a scam that might be prevalent among other legit apps.
Can you really get paid to watch YouTube videos? You certainly can, however, don’t expect to make a career out of it. If you want YouTube to replace your regular work, you should become a content creator.
You can still make a few extra bucks to boost your income as a spectator of such content created by others, however.
While you can somewhat fill your wallet by watching YouTube videos through specific platforms, the rewards are not that striking. And yet, if you have a few spare moments in your day, they can be used to earn money by watching videos and entertaining yourself without much effort.
As micro-task platforms and reward apps, such as Pawns.app, grow in popularity, watching YouTube videos is becoming one of the easier ways to earn money online.
Whether you are in between classes, on a long trip as a passenger, or unwinding after work, these apps let you make money for simply hitting play.
Best Platforms to Watch YouTube Videos for Money
Here are four of the top-rated, most trusted platforms that actually pay users to watch YouTube videos and complete simple tasks. Each one offers a slightly different experience – so pick the one that suits your time, preferences, and payout needs.
1. TubePay
TubePay is a newer but rising star in the make-money-watching setting. After signing up, you get access to a dashboard filled with short YouTube videos. Watch them, answer a simple question or two afterward, and earn rewards.
TubePay offers the opportunity to create a paid account that will cost you some money, but you will get paid more for the videos you watch. The whole idea is based on advertisers’ wish to get more views on their videos, and TubePay’s users are helping with that.
Pros:
- Clean interface
- Tasks refresh daily
- Fast cashouts
Cons:
- Still in beta (not available in all regions)
- Some videos require longer watch times
Payout: PayPal, Bitcoin, or gift cards.
Average earnings: Around $0.20–$0.80 per day with casual use, increasingly more with paid accounts.
2. Earnably
Earnably is a well-known micro-task site that lets you make money watching videos, taking surveys, and completing offers. They partner with video providers like Hideout.TV, where you can make money watching content and seeing occasional ads.
Expect to watch a lot of videos with this platform since it doesn’t pay much, so you will need more time spent watching to get your rewards, but they are paid consistently.
Pros:
- Low payout threshold
- Multiple earning methods
- Long-term credibility
Cons:
- Video earnings are on the low side
- You will need to link Hideout.TV for video rewards
Payout: PayPal, Amazon, and a wide range of gift cards.
Average earnings: $0.10–$0.70 per hour watching videos.
3. Freecash
Freecash offers a dynamic mix of tasks, including watching videos, where users can earn money through partners like Lootably and AdGem. Watch YouTube-style content, complete a few micro-tasks, and earn money steadily.
It has an almost endless list of available tasks, where you can get paid to watch videos, trying out new platforms or apps, and more.
Pros:
- High-rated mobile app
- Leaderboards and daily bonuses
- Quick cashouts
Cons:
- Videos may require you to leave the app
- Some content providers vary in availability
Payout: PayPal, crypto, gift cards.
Average earnings: Around $1–$3/day with effort and task variety.
4. QuickRewards
As one of the oldest get-paid-to sites, QuickRewards lets users earn money by watching videos, playing games, answering surveys, and shopping online.
The video tasks are simple – watch short clips and collect points that can be later redeemed into real extra cash or free in-store gift cards to nearly 50 national retailers and restaurants.
Pros:
- No minimum payout for PayPal
- Fast processing
- Legit track record
Cons:
- Dated user interface
- Lower video availability compared to others
Payout: PayPal, gift cards.
Average earnings: $0.05–$0.40/day for video watching only.
Is Watching YouTube Videos for Money Worth It?
In terms of raw income, getting paid to watch videos on YouTube won’t pay your rent – but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. Typical users earn money in the range of a few pennies to a couple of dollars per day, depending on time spent and the platform used.
This side hustle is best for:
- Students looking for quick wins
- Part-timers or gig workers
- Anyone wanting earn money online during downtime
To get a realistic approach to how it looks for users, consider this quote by the user who rated the Earnably app 4 stars out of 5:
It’s a great way to earn a little extra, but it does take forever to get enough coins to cash out. I’ve been using this for a year now and I’ve only cashed out once because it does take so long.
There are also users with way better and far worse experiences, so you should prepare yourself for your own experience to earn money.
If you treat it like passive entertainment that gives you something back, it can be a fun way to make money doing almost nothing.
How to Stay Safe and Avoid Scams
As with anything involving online earnings, it’s essential to stick with platforms that have a proven record of legitimacy. Here’s how to protect your time and information:
- Choose apps with real payout proof and positive user reviews
- Opt for trusted payout methods, like PayPal or gift card options
- Look for low payout thresholds to not wait forever for cashing out; focus on those that are under $5
- Avoid apps that ask for bank details or upfront fees
- Always read the Terms of Service and check app store ratings
Never give out personal info that isn’t necessary to earn money, and if an app sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
How to Start Earning by Watching YouTube Videos
Getting started to earn money for watching YouTube is easier than you think. Just follow these steps:
- Pick 1–2 legit apps from the list above (check reviews to make an informed decision when choosing between those or any other apps)
- Register with your email and verify your account
- Choose video tasks from their dashboard or video partner (examine carefully if the content is worth the price you will get paid for your time)
- Watch, earn, and cash out – simple!
Try combining multiple apps like Freecash and Earnably to make money watching videos faster.
If you want to mix watching videos with other easy tasks that are as easy as watching videos, mind the apps that allow answering surveys or trying out games for extra cash.
The more platforms you use, the more opportunities you unlock to earn rewards and get paid to watch videos consistently.
Final Thoughts
So, can you really get paid to watch videos? Absolutely – just don’t expect to make money fast or get rich. If you are someone who already enjoys browsing YouTube or wants to multitask while earning a little something, these platforms can deliver real value.
For best results, combine efforts to earn money by watching videos on YouTube with other micro-tasks like surveys or app downloads on these platforms or go on other platforms, like Pawns.app, to maximize your time and effortless earning potential.
You will earn money, stack up extra cash, and maybe even have fun along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to earn money by watching YouTube videos?
Yes – as long as you are using approved platforms that follow YouTube’s terms and don’t involve click fraud or automation.
How much can you earn by watching YouTube videos?
Most users report between $0.50 to $3 per day, depending on how much time they invest and the app they use. The more time you will invest, the more extra cash you will get.
Do you need to watch the whole video to get paid?
Usually yes. Many platforms track watch time and may require a brief quiz or ad view to confirm full engagement and avoid users who play videos in the background on multiple devices without actually watching them.
Can you automate watching videos to earn more money?
No. Most legit platforms detect automation and may ban accounts that try to cheat the system. To make money, real engagement is required.