12 Ways to Get Paid to Watch Ads in Your Spare Time

Typically, we can’t wait to skip ahead on videos to avoid lengthy advertisements that delay the viewing experience. Getting paid to watch ads is possible as companies want your feedback to improve their marketing campaigns.

While you won’t get rich from this income stream, earning a few extra dollars is easy. You can also see ads relevant to your interests, which means you can have fun while watching.

How to Watch Ads for Money

Several legit rewards platforms offer cash or gift cards that you can consider. These recommendations are listed alphabetically, and many offer multiple ways to make money for short tasks along with small redemption minimums.

1. AdWallet

AdWallet specializes in serving up paid ads so you can earn from $0.50 to $3.00 per offer. Once your balance reaches $10, you can redeem your balance for gift cards, a Mastercard prepaid debit card or charity donations.

After joining, you download the Android or iOS mobile app and will receive text messages when it’s time to view an ad. However, the platform matches you with relevant ads matching your background and interests, so paid opportunities may not always be available.

As a tradeoff for not watching ads on demand or other ways to earn rewards, you can earn more per offer. It’s an excellent way to make money if you’re a casual user that doesn’t have time for daily interactions. 

You can be as young as 13 years old to join and only need a valid email and phone number.

2. Dabbl

If you prefer watching personalized ads, Dabbl deserves a look as you will see short videos for groceries and personal care products. You must download the Android or iOS app to create your account and set your shopping preferences.

After joining, you can log into your account and search for relevant ads. The app only serves ads relevant to your interests so you won’t see as many but can earn more per view.

You watch and interact with the ad when you find a participating brand. There can be a short opinion survey or activity afterward so you and the company can learn more about each other.

Gift card redemptions start with a $5 minimum balance. There are many options for merchandise, restaurants and family-friendly entertainment. Unfortunately, PayPal or cash rewards are not offered. 

The minimum age to join is 18 years old.

3. Earnably

You can discover several ways to earn rewards with micro-tasks on Earnably. This get-paid-to site offers paid videos, apps, surveys, and product trials. Most offers don’t require making a purchase to earn rewards.

PayPal Cash redemptions start at $1 and gift cards start with a $5 minimum. 

Consider this site if you prefer multiple ways to earn rewards. New opportunities are available daily. These additional activities can pay more than watching ads with a similar time commitment.
 

You can join by connecting your email, Facebook or Paypal account when you’re at least 18 years old. Next, you can start earning points immediately. 

4. GrabPoints

Using GrabPoints to watch ads, play games, answer surveys, and earn points. You can convert your points into cash or gift cards with a minimum $2 balance.

Regarding watching videos for cash, you must view three at a time to earn reward points. There are two video providers, and checking both can help you find the best available offers. The income potential varies by channel, so it’s worth checking out.

In addition, it’s possible to earn rewards every day, and visiting the leaderboard is one of the quickest ways to find the highest-paying offers. 

New members can be at least 13 years old to enroll.

5. Ibotta

It’s possible to save money at the supermarket by using Ibotta. This rewards shopping app provides cashback when you buy participating groceries and merchandise. You can withdraw your earnings as a bank deposit, PayPal, or gift card with a minimum $20 balance.

Some in-store offers require watching a short ad when activating in the app. These cashback offers typically earn from $0.50 to $5, depending on the product. After completing your shopping trip, you scan your grocery receipt and receive instant credit.

Online shopping orders at over 750 retailers earn a percentage back. These shopping sessions don’t require viewing ads to earn rewards. Further, you can use a browser extension to initiate a rewards shopping trip directly from a retailer’s website.    

You must be at least 18 to join and have a phone to activate in-store offers. Buying name-brand groceries will help you earn the most cash.   

6. InboxDollars

InboxDollars primarily pays you to try out new services and answer surveys, with most not requiring a purchase. There is a rewards shopping portal to earn cash back on participating items with local or online purchases. 

Games and watching videos are secondary ways to earn income, although the earning potential isn’t as high.

The redemption minimum is $15 for your first time and then $30 for subsequent withdrawals. After that, your withdrawal methods are PayPal or gift cards.

New members receive an instant $5 signup bonus and must be 18 years old to join.

7. InstaGC

Many panelists like InstaGC since the redemption minimum is $1 (100 points) for gift card rewards. Amazon gift cards are one of the eligible brands that you can quickly exchange points through several paid activities. Over 300 retailers offer gift card rewards.

You can make money by watching videos, answering surveys, shopping online, and searching the internet. Most activities award points instantly, but you must complete several to reach the minimum redemption threshold.  

The minimum age to join is 13 years. New members receive ten bonus points which is the equivalent of $0.10 in rewards.

8. LifePoints

Consider LifePoints when taking short surveys and watching ads in your free time. You can complete several studies each day. Redemptions start at $5 for gift cards and PayPal (550 points). 

Some opportunities have you watching ads and providing your feedback. For example, you may need to enable your webcam so the marketer can view your reaction, but these promotions can pay more than get-paid-to sites that don’t require as much feedback.

To be clear, most paid surveys don’t include videos but simply require answering multiple choice questions to gather your opinion on products and household habits. It takes up to 20 minutes to complete most surveys.  

You must be at least 14 years old to join and will earn 10 bonus points instantly. 

9. Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel

The Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel is an intuitive way to make money by installing an app on your phone and computer instead of tapping each paid ad. After installation, you use your devices like usual and automatically receive credit. 

During the signup process, you share your household details, and the app tracks how you use your devices and which ads you see. For peace of mind, the software keeps your identity private and doesn’t log your usernames or passwords for websites or streaming services.

You can receive up to $60 per year in PayPal or gift cards by keeping the apps installed on your devices and regularly using them. Computer users are also entered into the $10,000 monthly sweepstakes.

All users can also receive instant win tickets for virtual scratch-offs for various prizes. The various ways to win bonus cash help make this program exciting. Being able to earn income effortlessly also makes this program interesting.

You will need to be at least 18 years old to join, but you can earn more by connecting multiple devices.  

10. PrizeRebel

PrizeRebel is a micro-task rewards site with paid ads, surveys, and product offers. Completing daily challenges and participating in limited-time competitions can help you earn bonus points. Like most platforms, referring friends is another way to scoop up more rewards.

Cash and gift card redemptions start at $5 for many stores and restaurants. Your cash redemption options include PayPal cash, Dwolla, and prepaid Visa cards.

The minimum age to join is 16, making this a great survey site for teens.

11. QuickRewards

Watching ads on QuickRewards can be more rewarding as the redemption minimum is $0.01 for PayPal. In comparison, most platforms have a $5 minimum for cash withdrawals. Gift card redemptions still start at $5.

You can watch videos about various topics that also include ads. The platform awards payment after finishing the video series, which usually requires viewing several. Look for sponsored ads that may only need to watch one ad to get paid.

In addition to videos, surveys, games, product offers, shopping, and earning rewards. While this platform is ideal for earning cash payouts, Amazon gift cards are another favorite redemption option.  

You must be at least 18 years old to join this rewards platform. 

Read our QuickRewards review.

12. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a well-respected survey platform as it’s easy to use, and you can request gift cards or PayPal with a $5 minimum. You can participate in multiple surveys each day, and some may ask you to watch ads.

A second way to earn income from ads is by installing the SJ Pulse app to receive extra rewards effortlessly. This app anonymously monitors which ads you use as you browse the internet, and you receive several extra dollars per year based on your usage. 

Surveys are still the best way to earn consistent income. However, the automatic data sharing awards if you don’t have the time to manually watch videos and share your opinion. 

You must be at least 18 years old to become a panelist with one of the best survey apps. 

How to Avoid Scams Related To Watching Ads

Unfortunately, there are many scams when it comes to watching ads and earning rewards.

There are multiple fraudulent platforms that don’t pay out or want to sell your personal information. Our recommendations above are trustworthy with verified payouts.

Using a rewards site with many positive customer reviews is one way to prevent getting scammed.

Many survey sites and get-paid-to sites are safe, although you should review the redemption minimum and available activities to ensure you can easily receive payment. 

If unsure about a specific site, think twice about providing your personal information. For example, don’t provide your date of birth, banking details, or Social Security number.

Using a secondary email can protect your privacy and avoid getting spam emails.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are a handful of ways to get paid to watch ads, and these questions can help optimize your income potential.

Can I really earn money watching ads?

It’s possible to earn cash rewards or gift cards through micro-task sites and survey apps. These platforms partner with advertisers seeking viewer feedback.

Some rewards programs also pay you for passively viewing advertisements instead of requiring you to interact with a sponsored offer. In this case, the research company sees which ads are served to you based on your browsing activity and how you interact with the ad.

How much does watching ads pay?

It’s possible to earn a few dollars per month if you actively watch ads several days per week or on a daily basis. Most ads only pay a few cents as they don’t require as much effort as other activities like surveys or playing games. 

Most platforms provide several ways to make money, so it’s a good use of your time to try several to reach the withdrawal minimum sooner.

How do you click on ads and make money?

Usually, you will need to join a rewards site and visit the videos page or look for sponsored ads. The program may even send you emails or texts about new paid offers. 

Other apps and browser extensions passively track your internet browsing activity and notate the ads you see while surfing the web. You will automatically earn rewards points for using a connected device.   

Summary

Watching ads is an excellent alternative to answering surveys and other micro-tasks that have a longer time requirement. You may only need to watch a few short videos and provide brief feedback to earn rewards points. 

You earn a few extra dollars to cover small expenses. However, you may also pursue other money-making ideas that require more effort but earn more with a consistent schedule.