Making extra money by watching videos on your smartphone is easier than ever.

Big companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple spend billions of dollars on video advertising every year. They need real people to watch their videos and tell them what they think before they spend millions on marketing campaigns.

This creates real opportunities for regular people to earn side income by giving feedback about promotional videos, product demos, and brand commercials. Fortune 500 companies and technology firms pay good money for honest opinions from real consumers.

We tested dozens of apps and found these 12 that actually pay users for watching videos. No scams, no fake promises – just real apps with proven payment history and thousands of satisfied users.

Why Companies Pay You to Watch Videos

Major corporations can’t afford to waste money on bad advertising. Before they launch expensive marketing campaigns, they need to know if people will actually watch and understand their videos.

Banks like Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America test videos about credit cards, loans, and investment products. Tech companies like Microsoft, Samsung, and Intel want feedback on videos about their latest software and gadgets.

Healthcare companies, insurance providers, and car manufacturers also pay well because each customer is worth thousands of dollars to them. Your opinion helps them create better ads that actually work.

The more detailed and honest your feedback, the more money you can make. Companies value people who watch carefully and give thoughtful answers about what they liked or didn’t like.

The Complete List of 12 Paying Apps

1. Swagbucks – The Most Popular Choice

Swagbucks is the biggest name in paid videos with over 20 million users worldwide. The company has paid out more than $600 million since it started, making it the most trusted platform.

You can earn $0.25 to $3.50 per video, with some users making $2-12 daily. The app works great on both iPhone and Android, and you get paid through PayPal in just 1-3 days. You only need $3 to cash out for gift cards or $25 for real money.

The best part about Swagbucks is the variety. You’ll find videos about consumer electronics, financial services, shopping, and entertainment. Business videos usually pay more because companies spend more money advertising to professionals.

2. InboxDollars – Higher Pay for Longer Videos

InboxDollars focuses on quality over quantity. Instead of many short videos, you’ll watch longer sessions that pay $1.50 to $8.00 each. Most sessions take 15-30 minutes and include questions about what you watched.

This app works directly with major companies and research firms, so the videos are usually more professional and interesting. You need $30 to cash out, but the higher payment amounts make it worth waiting.

InboxDollars is perfect if you prefer watching fewer videos but making more money per session. The questions are easy to answer, and they really want to know your honest opinion.

3. UserTesting – The Highest Paying Option

UserTesting pays the most money per video, with earnings from $4 to $30 per test. Some special tests can pay $50 or more. You’ll test websites, mobile apps, and watch product demonstrations while giving your feedback.

The catch is that you need to speak clearly and give detailed opinions. You’ll record your voice while watching, so UserTesting wants people who can explain their thoughts well.

If you’re comfortable talking and giving feedback, this app can be very profitable. Tech companies and startups use UserTesting to improve their products before launching them to the public.

4. Survey Junkie – Mix of Videos and Surveys

Survey Junkie combines video watching with regular surveys, creating opportunities that pay $0.75 to $6.00 each. The videos are usually part of larger research studies about brands and products.

The app is very user-friendly with clear instructions and a simple point system. You can cash out through PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards. Most activities take 10-20 minutes to complete.

Survey Junkie works well for people who like giving opinions about different topics. The video portions are usually short and interesting.

5. MyPoints – Gaming Elements Make It Fun

MyPoints turns video watching into a game with achievement badges, bonus multipliers, and level progression. Videos pay $0.15 to $2.25 each, but you can earn bonus points for watching multiple videos.

Weekend bonuses and special events can double or triple your earnings during certain periods. The app also has a referral program where you earn money when friends join and start watching videos.

MyPoints is owned by the same company as Swagbucks, so it’s completely trustworthy. The gamification makes earning money feel more like playing a mobile game.

6. Toluna – International Research Studies

Toluna conducts research for global companies that want to understand how people in different countries react to their videos. Studies pay $1.25 to $15.00 each and often compare how different cultures view the same brand or product.

The app works in many languages and accepts users from around the world. International companies pay premium rates because they need feedback from diverse audiences.

Toluna is great if you enjoy learning about different cultures and global brands. The studies are usually very interesting and educational.

7. Branded Surveys – Focus on Major Brands

Branded Surveys works exclusively with well-known companies, so you’ll only see videos from major brands you already know. Studies pay $1.00 to $7.50 each and focus on brand recognition and advertising effectiveness.

The app is very selective about which companies it works with, resulting in higher quality videos and better pay. You’ll often see unreleased commercials and product previews before they launch to the public.

Branded Surveys is perfect for people who enjoy seeing new marketing campaigns from their favorite brands.

8. PrizeRebel – Multiple Ways to Earn

PrizeRebel offers video watching along with other earning opportunities. Videos pay $0.50 to $5.00 each, and the app has a level system that increases your earnings as you participate more.

You can get paid through PayPal, Bitcoin, or hundreds of different gift cards. The variety of payment options makes it convenient for users worldwide.

PrizeRebel works well as a secondary app to supplement earnings from other platforms. The level system rewards loyal users with access to higher-paying opportunities.

9. Vindale Research – Premium Research Company

Vindale Research specializes in high-value research studies that include video components. Individual studies pay $2.00 to $15.00 each and usually involve watching multiple related videos.

The app works with Fortune 500 companies conducting serious market research about consumer behavior and buying decisions. The videos are professional quality and the questions are thoughtful.

Vindale Research is ideal for people who enjoy participating in legitimate research that helps companies make better products.

10. InstaGC – Instant Gift Cards

InstaGC focuses on quick payouts with gift cards available instantly once you reach the minimum threshold. Videos pay $0.25 to $3.00 each, and you can cash out starting at just $1.

The app partners with retail brands and e-commerce companies to test shopping-related videos and product advertisements. Most videos are short and easy to watch during break times.

InstaGC is perfect for people who want quick access to their earnings through popular gift cards.

11. PointsPrizes – Global Rewards Platform

PointsPrizes accepts users from many countries and offers video opportunities in multiple languages. Videos pay $0.30 to $4.00 each, with higher rates for users in target demographics.

The platform works with international brands testing global marketing campaigns. You’ll see videos from companies around the world launching products in different markets.

PointsPrizes is great for international users who want to participate in global market research.

12. GrabPoints – Mobile-Optimized Experience

GrabPoints is designed specifically for mobile users, with videos optimized for smartphone viewing. Videos pay $0.20 to $2.50 each, and the app includes social features where you can see what other users are earning.

The app focuses on mobile app advertisements, mobile games, and smartphone accessories. Since everything is mobile-first, the videos load quickly and play smoothly on any device.

GrabPoints is perfect for people who do most of their earning on their phone during commutes or waiting periods.

How to Maximize Your Earnings

Getting the most money from these apps requires some strategy. First, fill out your profile completely and honestly. Apps use this information to send you videos that match your demographics and interests.

Age, income, and job type matter a lot. People aged 25-55 with household incomes between $40,000-$100,000 get the most opportunities. Professional jobs in technology, finance, or business also receive higher-paying videos.

List interests in valuable categories like technology, financial services, healthcare, and consumer electronics. These sectors spend the most money on research and pay the highest rates.

Use multiple apps to maximize opportunities. Different apps have different types of videos available at different times. Having 4-5 apps gives you more chances to earn throughout the day.

Best Times to Watch Videos

Morning hours (8 AM – 11 AM) often have business-focused videos that pay more money. Financial companies and B2B businesses release content during business hours.

Lunch time (12 PM – 2 PM) is great for consumer product videos and lifestyle content. Many people check these apps during lunch breaks, so companies time their releases accordingly.

Evening hours (6 PM – 9 PM) feature entertainment, shopping, and family-oriented content. While individual videos may pay less, there are usually more options available.

Weekends often have bonus opportunities and special campaigns that pay extra. Many apps offer multipliers during weekends to encourage participation.

Payment Methods and Processing Times

PayPal is the fastest and most reliable payment method across all apps. Most platforms process PayPal payments within 1-5 business days.

Gift cards are usually available instantly or within 24 hours. Popular options include Amazon, Walmart, Target, and iTunes cards.

Bank transfers and checks take longer (5-10 business days) but work well if you don’t have PayPal.

Cryptocurrency payments are available on some platforms and usually process within 24-48 hours.

Realistic Earning Expectations

Beginners can expect to earn $20-60 per month spending 30-60 minutes daily across multiple apps. This provides nice supplemental income without major time commitment.

Regular users who dedicate 1-2 hours daily typically earn $75-200 per month. This requires using 4-6 apps consistently and focusing on higher-paying opportunities.

Power users who treat video watching as a serious side business can earn $250-500 monthly. This level requires strategic app selection, optimal timing, and consistently high-quality feedback.

Remember that earnings vary based on your demographics, location, and consistency. Users in major cities typically have access to more premium opportunities.

Red Flags to Avoid

Never join apps that ask for money upfront or promise unrealistic earnings like $100+ daily. Legitimate apps make money from their corporate clients, not from users.

Avoid apps with no contact information, poor reviews, or unclear payment terms. Trustworthy platforms are transparent about how they operate.

Be suspicious of new apps without proven track records. Stick to established platforms that have been paying users for years.

Don’t trust apps that guarantee specific earnings or claim you can replace your full-time job. Real earning requires time and effort.

Getting Started Today

Start with 2-3 proven apps like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Survey Junkie. Create accounts with accurate information and complete your profiles thoroughly.

Spend your first week learning how each app works and what types of videos pay the best for your specific profile. Track your earnings to see which apps are most profitable.

Gradually add more apps once you’re comfortable with your initial choices. Don’t try to use all 12 apps immediately as this can be overwhelming.

Set realistic daily time goals. Even 30 minutes per day can generate meaningful extra income over time.

Start today because the best opportunities often have limited spots available. The sooner you begin building your reputation on these platforms, the sooner you’ll access higher-paying opportunities and premium content that can significantly boost your monthly earnings.