7 Legitimate Sites That Pay You To Watch Videos

Last Updated on September 14, 2025 by Full-Time Job From Home

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really get paid just for watching videos?” the answer is yes—but with a catch. This isn’t a full-time income or even a solid side hustle. Watching videos online is one of the lowest-paying ways to earn, but it’s also one of the easiest.

Most of these sites pay just a few cents per video, and even if you’re consistent, you’ll only earn a few extra dollars a day at best. That means you shouldn’t expect to quit your job or pay your rent this way. Instead, watching videos is best treated as an easy “background task” you can run while you’re working on something else, relaxing, or letting playlists autoplay in another tab.

The good news is that all the sites on this list are legit, scam-free, and do pay out—I’ve tested them myself. If you combine video watching with surveys, cashback shopping, or other simple tasks offered on these platforms, your earnings can add up over time.

Below, I’ll share the top sites I recommend for getting paid to watch videos, plus a realistic look at how much you can actually expect to earn!

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How Much Can You Make Watching Videos?

Let’s be upfront—watching videos online is not a big money-maker. Most platforms pay just a few cents per video, and even if you watch consistently, the earnings are small. On average:

• Per video: Around $0.01–$0.03 (usually 1–5 minutes long).
• Per hour: Roughly $0.10–$0.50 if you do nothing but watch videos.
• Per day: Around $1–$3/day, if you max out video opportunities across several sites.

That may not sound like much—and it isn’t compared to other side hustles. But these platforms are designed to give you a simple, low-effort way to earn pocket money. The trick is to let the videos play in the background while you do something else, so you’re not trading your full attention for pennies.

The truth is, watching videos by itself won’t make you much money. Most of the sites I recommend pay just a penny or two per video, which usually works out to $0.10–$0.50 per hour if you only focus on videos. Even if you max out every opportunity, you’re likely looking at just a few dollars per day.

The sites on this list also pay you to take surveys, visit websites, shop online, complete offers, and much more.

The bottom line: videos are the easiest way to earn, but not the best-paying. To really make these sites worth your time, you’ll want to use a mix of all the earning options available.

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7 Sites That Pay You To Watch Videos

SwagBucks – Read Review

Swagbucks is one of the most popular “get-paid-to” (GPT) platforms online, and for good reason. With millions of members and over $900 million paid out since launching, it’s a trusted option for anyone looking to earn extra cash from home.

When it comes to videos, Swagbucks offers short playlists you can watch on your phone or computer. Each time you complete a playlist, you’ll earn SB points (their site currency). Typically, you’ll earn around 1–3 SB per completed playlist, which equals about $0.01–$0.03. While that may not seem like much, you can let the videos run in the background while doing other tasks—making it an easy, low-effort earning option.

The real power of Swagbucks is in its flexibility. In addition to watching videos, you can also:

• Take surveys for higher payouts.
• Earn cashback on online shopping.
• Play games, search the web, and complete special offers.

All of your SB points add up in one account, and you can cash out through multiple payment options. Popular redemptions include:

• PayPal cash (as low as $5)
• Gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks (often discounted gift card deals are available, so you can “stretch” your earnings further)

With so many different ways to earn, Swagbucks is a great choice for beginners who want to dip their toes into earning money online. Videos won’t make you rich on their own, but combined with surveys, cashback, and offers, they can help you hit consistent payouts each month.

JumpTask – Read Review

JumpTask is a newer platform in the “microtask” world, and it’s quickly gaining popularity because it lets you earn in cryptocurrency. Instead of points or gift cards, JumpTask pays you directly in JMPT tokens (their own crypto), which you can hold, trade, or swap into stablecoins like USDT.

One of the easiest ways to earn on JumpTask is by watching short videos and ads. Payouts per video are small—usually just a few cents worth of crypto—but the tasks are quick and can be done while multitasking. Like other platforms, JumpTask doesn’t limit you to only videos. You can also:

• Take surveys
• Try new apps and offers
• Complete simple microtasks (like data labeling or testing)
• Refer friends for bonus rewards

Earnings add up across all activities, and since crypto payments are instant and global, JumpTask appeals to users worldwide—especially those outside the U.S. who may not have access to platforms like Swagbucks or InboxDollars.

When it’s time to cash out, you can either keep your earnings in JMPT or convert them through a crypto wallet into other coins like USDT, BNB, or ETH. For those comfortable with crypto, this can be a fast and flexible way to get paid.

JumpTask is a strong option if you’re looking for an international, crypto-friendly alternative to the traditional rewards sites. Watching videos won’t make you much on its own, but paired with surveys, offers, and microtasks, it’s a legit way to stack small amounts of crypto on the side.

InstaGC – Read Review

InstaGC no longer pays

InstaGC (short for Instant Gift Cards) has been around for years and is known for its fast payouts—often within minutes of cashing out. Like other GPT sites, InstaGC offers several ways to earn, but watching videos is one of the simplest.

On InstaGC, you’ll earn 1 point (about $0.01) for every 5 videos you watch. Videos are typically short (1–2 minutes each), and there are hundreds available daily through third-party video partners. That means you can let them run in the background to steadily earn points while you do other things online. It’s not a big earner by itself, but it’s one of the easiest ways to keep points trickling in.

In addition to videos, InstaGC has:

• Surveys and offers – usually the quickest way to rack up points.
• Tasks – simple online microtasks.
• Referral bonuses – earn extra when friends sign up.

As the name suggests, InstaGC shines when it comes to rewards. You can redeem your points for instant e-gift cards to stores like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. PayPal cash is also available, usually with very quick turnaround compared to some other platforms.

Overall, InstaGC is a reliable option if you’re looking for steady, no-frills ways to earn. Watching videos won’t make you much, but paired with surveys and offers, it’s a straightforward way to reach cash-out thresholds quickly—sometimes even the same day you sign up.

ySense – Read Review

ySense (formerly known as ClixSense) is another long-standing rewards platform that’s especially popular because it’s available worldwide. Unlike some GPT sites that limit opportunities to U.S. or Canadian users, ySense offers tasks and payouts for members across dozens of countries, making it a great option no matter where you live.

When it comes to videos, ySense partners with third-party video providers, so you’ll find plenty of short ads, trailers, and entertainment clips to watch. Each video typically pays a fraction of a cent up to a couple of cents, and the more consistently you engage, the more you can earn. While the payout per video isn’t huge, it’s one of the easiest ways to keep your balance moving upward without much effort.

Of course, like most GPT sites, videos aren’t the main money-maker here. ySense also offers:

• Paid surveys – often the highest-paying activity.
• Cashback offers and app installs – quick ways to earn larger chunks.
• Microtasks – small online tasks powered by partners like Figure Eight.
• Referral program – ongoing commissions when your friends sign up and stay active.

When it’s time to cash out, ySense gives you flexible payment options, including PayPal cash, Payoneer, and popular gift cards like Amazon.

Since it works in so many countries, ySense is one of the best choices if you’re outside the U.S. and still want legit ways to earn online.

Earnably – Read Review

Earnably is a user-friendly rewards site that lets you earn points for completing simple online activities, including watching videos. It’s smaller than giants like Swagbucks, but many users like it because of its clean interface, quick payouts, and straightforward earning system.

With videos, Earnably partners with third-party providers to give you access to short clips, ads, and trailers. You’ll typically earn 0.5–1 point per video (roughly equal to $0.005–$0.01), and the site often lets you autoplay playlists so you can earn passively while doing other things. As with most platforms, the payouts are small for video-only use, but it’s a steady background option.

Where Earnably really stands out is in its fast cash-out system. You can redeem your points for:

• PayPal cash (as low as $2)
• Gift cards (Amazon, Starbucks, Walmart, and many more)

In addition to videos, you can also earn points by:

• Completing surveys
• Downloading and testing apps
• Trying special offers
• Referring friends for lifetime bonuses

For anyone looking for a sleek, modern rewards site with low payout thresholds and quick redemptions, Earnably is a solid choice. Videos alone won’t add up fast, but when combined with surveys and offers, it’s one of the easier platforms to cash out on regularly.

PrizeRebel – Read Review

PrizeRebel has been around since 2007 and is one of the more established GPT (get-paid-to) sites, with millions of users and a solid track record of paying out. It offers several different ways to earn, and watching videos is one of the simplest options for getting started.

With videos, PrizeRebel partners with third-party providers to supply short ads, trailers, and entertainment clips. Each completed video or playlist earns you points (usually 0.5–2 points per video, equal to about $0.005–$0.02). While not a huge earner by itself, it’s a steady way to add points in the background while you work on other tasks.

PrizeRebel is more than just videos; you’ll also find:

• Surveys – usually the highest-paying option.
• Offers & trials – bigger, one-time payouts.
• Tasks – small microtasks for extra points.
• Referral program – earn a percentage of your referrals’ earnings.

Once you’re ready to cash out, PrizeRebel gives you a variety of payout choices:

• PayPal cash (minimum $5)
• Gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, etc.)
• Direct deposits in some countries

Overall, PrizeRebel is a flexible site with lots of ways to earn, and the low cash-out minimum makes it easy to get paid quickly. Videos alone won’t earn much, but when combined with surveys and offers, PrizeRebel becomes one of the more rewarding platforms on this list.

Inbox Dollars – Read Review

InboxDollars is one of the most well-known rewards sites in the U.S., and it’s been paying members since 2000. With over $80 million paid out, it’s a trusted platform that rewards you for doing everyday online activities—including watching videos.

On InboxDollars, you’ll find video playlists that include short ads, trailers, and news clips. Each video typically pays $0.01–$0.02, and you can usually watch a handful per day. While the earnings from videos alone are small, you can let them run while multitasking to build up a little extra.

What makes InboxDollars stand out is the variety of other ways to earn, such as:

• Paid surveys – often the quickest way to hit cash-out.
• Reading emails – get paid just to open and click through offers.
• Cashback shopping & coupons – save money while earning rewards.
• Offers and trials – earn larger payouts by signing up for new apps or services.

When it comes time to cash out, InboxDollars pays in real money (not just points). You can redeem your balance for:

• PayPal cash
• Checks mailed to you
• Gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and more

With a user-friendly mobile app and multiple earning options, InboxDollars is a solid choice if you’re looking for a site that pays in actual dollars instead of points. Videos won’t make you much on their own, but combined with surveys, emails, and cashback offers, it’s a reliable way to earn a little extra each month.

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Avoiding “Paid To Watch Video” Scams

Whenever money is involved online, there will be scams—and the “get paid to watch videos” niche is no exception. While the sites I’ve listed in this post are legitimate and have a proven track record of paying their members, there are plenty of shady offers out there that you’ll want to avoid.

Here are a few red flags to watch for:

• Upfront fees or membership costs – Legit sites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and ySense are 100% free to use. If a site asks you to pay to join, it’s almost always a scam.
• Unrealistic earnings claims – If a website promises you’ll make “$500 a day watching videos,” that’s a lie. The reality is just a few dollars per day at most.
• Crypto “watch to earn” schemes – Some shady platforms promise free Bitcoin or tokens for watching YouTube videos, but then require deposits or wallet connections that put your money at risk. Stick with trusted, well-reviewed apps.
• Lack of payment proof – Legit platforms usually showcase payment history, testimonials, or have long-standing reputations. If you can’t find any real user reviews or proof they pay, steer clear.

Pro Tip: A good rule of thumb is that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stick with well-known, established platforms that have been around for years and always pay out (like the 7 I listed above).

At the end of the day, watching videos online can be a fun, low-effort way to earn a little extra—but only if you’re doing it through trusted, legitimate sites. Protect your time and your wallet by avoiding the scams and focusing on platforms that are proven to work.

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Can You Really Get Paid to Watch Videos?

Getting paid to watch videos online is a fun and easy way to earn a little extra cash, but it’s important to set realistic expectations. Most sites only pay a penny or two per video, so even if you’re consistent, you’ll only earn a few dollars a day at best. Watching videos is best treated as a background activity—something you let run while you’re working, relaxing, or doing other things online.

If you want to maximize your earnings on these platforms, you’ll need to take advantage of their other earning options—like surveys, cashback shopping, offers, and referrals. This is where you’ll see your balance grow faster and make it possible to cash out more frequently.

That said, if your goal is to build something more substantial, you may want to look beyond watching videos. Consider other side hustles like:

• Cashback and rewards apps
• Survey and product testing sites
• Freelance gigs
• Building passive income streams

These alternatives take more effort than hitting play on a video, but they also offer much higher earning potential over time.

In short: watching videos online won’t make you rich, but it’s an easy, legit way to earn a little pocket money. Use it as a supplement to other online side hustles or as a simple way to cover small expenses—and if you’re serious about making more, explore the bigger opportunities out there.