To earn money actually watching ads seems like a dream come true for most, especially in an age where passive income streams are all the rage. This method of earning income has been promoted by some platforms and apps, which claim to pay users for the time they spend seeing ads. But how sustainable is this as an income stream? Is it possible that these platforms are just a scam? This write-up will walk you through the actual opportunities, about getting started and also shed some light on whether this market is for real or not.
How Does It Work?
Watching ads for money qualifies as a micro-task, which means that companies pay literal chump change to folks willing to even temporarily engage with their advertising. Plain and simple, advertisers are trying to get in front of audiences, with planned viewership leading the way. Platforms that allow this typically split at least a portion of the ad revenue with users watching those ads.
Real Opportunities: Where Can You Start?
Here are some legitimate platforms where you can start earning money by watching ads:
- Swagbucks
- How It Works: Swagbucks is a popular rewards site that pays users for various online activities, including watching videos and ads. You earn “Swagbucks” (SB) points, which can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.
- How to Start: Sign up for free on Swagbucks, navigate to the “Watch” section, and start viewing content to earn points. It’s a user-friendly platform that also offers other earning opportunities like surveys and online shopping.
- InboxDollars
- How It Works: InboxDollars pays users in cash for watching videos, reading emails, and completing surveys. The platform has a straightforward interface, making it easy to navigate.
- How to Start: Create an account on InboxDollars, log in, and go to the “Videos” section. You’ll earn a small amount for each video you watch. Earnings can be withdrawn via PayPal or check.
- MyPoints
- How It Works: MyPoints is another rewards platform that offers points for watching ads, playing games, and shopping online. The points can be converted into gift cards or cash via PayPal.
- How to Start: Join MyPoints for free, browse the “Watch” category, and start earning points for every video you view.
- PrizeRebel
- How It Works: PrizeRebel allows users to earn points by watching ads, completing surveys, and other tasks. The points can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
- How to Start: Sign up on PrizeRebel, and explore the “Watch Videos” section to begin earning points. You can cash out once you’ve accumulated enough points.
- Viggle
- How It Works: Viggle is an app that rewards users for watching TV shows and listening to music. The more you engage with content, the more points you earn, which can be exchanged for gift cards or other rewards.
- How to Start: Download the Viggle app on your smartphone, sign up, and start earning points by watching content and interacting with ads.
Is This a Legit Income Generating Method?
While you can indeed earn money by watching ads, it’s essential to understand that this is not a way to replace a full-time income. The payouts are typically small, and the time investment required is significant compared to the earnings.
Pros:
- Low Effort: Watching ads requires minimal effort and no special skills.
- Flexible: You can do it anytime, anywhere, making it a convenient side activity.
- Multiple Platforms: There are several legitimate platforms available.
Cons:
- Low Earnings: The earnings per ad are usually very low, often just a few cents.
- Time-Consuming: To make a significant amount, you would need to watch a large number of ads.
- Payment Thresholds: Many platforms have minimum payout thresholds, meaning you need to accumulate a certain amount before you can cash out.
Market Insights: How Big is the Opportunity?
The market for earning money by watching ads is relatively small compared to other gig economy opportunities. However, it is growing as more people look for easy ways to make extra cash online. The availability of these opportunities is also increasing, with more platforms entering the space.
Market Size:
- The online advertising industry is massive, with global ad spending expected to exceed $600 billion by 2024. A small portion of this goes to micro-task platforms that pay users to engage with ads.
- Platforms like Swagbucks and InboxDollars have millions of users, which indicates a significant market for these types of earnings, although it remains niche.
Opportunities:
- The primary opportunities lie in accumulating small amounts over time. For those looking for easy, low-effort ways to earn, this method can be part of a broader income strategy that includes other micro-tasks, like taking surveys or participating in cashback programs.
Is It Worth It?
Earning money by watching ads can be a legitimate way to make a few extra dollars in your spare time. However, it should not be viewed as a substantial or sustainable income source. The low earnings relative to time spent make it more suitable as a minor supplement to other income streams.
If you’re looking for a side hustle that requires little effort and can be done in your spare time, then watching ads can be a decent option. On the other hand, if you’re aiming to generate a significant income, you may want to explore other opportunities that offer better returns on your time investment.
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