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Whether annoying or entertaining, the ad industry has always stayed a notch ahead and finds us everywhere. Whether it's the TV, the internet, the radio, the paper, or even at POPs or outdoors, we can't just miss the bombardment of marketing messages. 

What if we told you that you could actually earn money if you simply watch ads? That's right! These ads are not just time-wasters anymore. In this article, we will talk about how and where you can watch ads for money.

How Does Watching Ads for Money Work?

Is it a scam, or can ad-watching really be an excellent hidden side hustle? To understand how it works, let us give you a little idea about the industry in general. 

Many of the links you see in a blog post or on a website besides a video may be sponsored or work via a pay-on-click mechanism. Once you click or sign up on their website, you will make money from it. 

Since the brand meets its objectives of increasing reach and getting its message across, it will pay the platform for the service. In turn, you will get part of the payment for making the mechanism work for them.

Similarly, watching certain ads or videos and letting them play on your computer or other devices while you work is another exciting way to earn rewards on websites like Swagbucks, which we’ll cover later in the article.

So, it's not a new niche, but it has penetrated the market so well that many websites have now launched specific tasks and activities where users can earn money by watching ads in their leisure time. 

One easy way to earn money on the go is by watching ads. You don't have to think about it; you literally don't have to do anything. Just watch the video, and the rewards will fall into your account.

However, note that most of these only pay minimally, so you'll not likely become rich overnight.

Benefits to the Ad Industry

At this point, you may wonder why the ad industry simply pays people to watch ads.

Here are a few benefits they get by showing people their products or getting them exposed to their brand message:

• Ads increase the brand’s engagement with its audience.
• More viewership means more visibility and higher reach.
• Sometimes, they use these ads to collect user information, like their preferences, behaviors, or responses. Later, they can use this data to improve (or launch) their products or services.
• Lastly, it's also an excellent strategy to retain the audience. As the audience makes money, they will likely watch ads by the brand and later become part of their loyal customer base.

But is watching ads enough? Does it really pay that well? Can it ever become an active income stream for a user? The answer is no!

It cannot become a full-time career for anyone unless they want to spend their whole day (and night) staring at screens. Most of these platforms only pay pennies or cents, so you can't really rely on that to build an empire.

Also, remember that watching ads will not pay your bills. It's also quite time-consuming, and your rewards are usually limited to just a few dollars or gift cards.

How Much Can You Make?

Setting realistic standards for how much you can earn would really help set the bar. You will have to put some time and effort aside to earn some cash. Different websites and companies offer different rates.

Who Can Benefit?

Making money by watching ads cannot become a full-time job, but you can still get a kind of steady second stream without putting in much time or effort. Let’s talk about who can benefit from ad-watching.

• First, students with flexible schedules can take time out to watch ads, especially when they are unwinding from their day's hectic schedule. 
• Then, stay-at-home moms or dads can make money online by watching ads instead of spending countless hours watching shorts on YouTube or Instagram reels.
• Tech-savvy individuals or people who love to browse the web can also use their free time to earn by watching ads.
• Lastly, influencers, content creators, YouTubers, or vloggers can also integrate these ads into their videos, increasing their reach and earning money from their content.

Methods to Make Money Watching Ads

So, instead of wasting hours staring into space or chilling out on Netflix, you can make a few bucks by watching ads. A good thing is you don't even have to look at the videos from start to finish (they can play in the background while you work, play some games, browse the web, etc.) 

How can you make money online by watching ads? Here are some top ways to earn money from platforms allowing ad-watching. 

Microtask Platforms

There are some microtask platforms that offer their audience a range of small tasks, including watching ads.

In return, you get a few credits or points, which you can redeem for cash rewards or even gift cards.

GPT Sites

This platform showcases short clips and CAPTCHAs.

They have many activities; you can earn points simultaneously by participating in them or watching their ads. However, the payout is usually lower on GPT sites than on microtask platforms.

Video Platforms

Some platforms are strictly for video ads. Many of them feature extended video versions of these ads, and of course, they also offer higher rewards for watching these extended versions.

Two good examples here are Swagbucks and InboxDollars. These sites also feature surveys, polls, and other small tasks to maximize earnings from different activities.

Mobile Apps

Waiting on a client? Going around town for the next meeting? Standing in line for the kids to come out of school? Instead of scrolling your feed, why not just take out your phone and earn extra cash when you watch ads?

Many of these ad-watching websites have also extended their services by launching apps. Most people, in fact, prefer using the apps instead of their laptops. 

Since mobiles are handy, you can use these apps and earn on the go whenever you have free time or feel like putting your feet up. 

Content Creators or Influencers

Over the last five years, the influencer market has tripled all over the world. By the end of this year, it is expected to reach $24 billion.

If you love making content, why not monetize it, too? You are, in fact, in a much better position to earn some as you'll have a pre-built audience that you can use to lure ad companies.

YouTube

Just last year, YouTube’s ad revenue reached an all-time high of $31.51 billion. 

Of course, being the best platform for videos makes YouTube one of the best ways to make money online with your videos. If you have an active YouTube channel, why not see if you meet YouTube's eligibility criteria for ads? 

This way, you can not only watch ads for money but also run ads in your videos before and after, and depending on how much engagement you get, you can earn a bit of revenue while sitting at home.

Other Streaming Lines

Then there are places like Twitch and Facebook. You can show video ads during your live-stream videos, and your audience can interact with them. There, you have yet another option to monetize your reach!

Blogging

Many blogging platforms, such as Blogger, WordPress, etc., also allow integration in content. You can also get your audience to interact with or watch ads and earn money like you do.

Top Platforms for Watching Ads for Money

Now, we'll talk about some of the best places to earn money while watching videos.

Put your doubts aside. These solid, legitimate options will pay you for watching their ad videos. Some of these also have other options, like taking surveys, polls, online trailers, etc., that you can opt for as you watch ads to maximize your earnings.

1. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is hands down the best platform for making extra cash online on the go. 

The website features surveys and polls, deals and coupons, and much more that you can benefit from. As you earn, you can also use your rewards in exchange for gift cards, retail vouchers, and much more—all legit and doable as you enjoy your leisure time. 

2. JumpTask

JumpTask is a platform that connects advertisers and companies with freelancing individuals. Today, the platform boasts over 6 million freelancers and a broad base of advertising companies and businesses.

Once you create an account on this platform, you can immediately start attempting mini-tasks as you watch ads. You can also play games, complete surveys, translate, and find many other activities you’d like.

You will get JumpTokens (JMPT), a cryptocurrency for each activity. You can later convert them into real cash. 

If you’re still worried about the website's legitimacy and whether your earned tokens are safe, JumpTask has a perfect customer support center to help. The best part is that it's not AI-based; there are actual people who will listen to your concerns and inquiries and respond promptly.

3. InboxDollars

Yet another platform for earning ‘cents’ round the clock is InboxDollars. It's a famous name in the world of passive income streams. You can do so much on this website, like playing games, shopping, filing surveys, etc. 

There’s so much to do that you can’t get tired.

Of course, you earn when you watch ads, as well. It is a free platform; every sign-up gives you $5. 

On this site, you can earn coffee vouchers, movie tickets, and other rewards or simply cash out your earnings.

The only catch is that you need at least 30 dollars in your account for encashment. This is the minimum baseline for withdrawals.

Once you get that much, you can quickly transfer the money to your bank account or use the Visa or Paypal options. If you want, you can also exchange them for an electronic gift card.

Another good thing about this website is that you can win lottery cards as you watch ads. Depending on how lucky you are, it's a win-win!

There is also an app for the same website, so you can watch ads on the go whenever you get a few minutes to unwind.

4. iRazoo

Another platform is iRazoo. Here, you don't earn from watching ads only; there are also movie and app trailers. Some other activities you will find here are online surveys, games, etc.

For every video, you can earn 0.082 to 1 point. 

The minimum payout is 3000 points, and once you reach that level, you can draw out $5 rewards. You can later use these points and encash them on PayPal and as gift cards.

5. AdWallet

AdWallet is a platform solely dedicated to earning by watching videos. Once you watch a complete video, you will be given a short survey. Usually, it has just a few questions, so it only takes a little time to complete the task. (Each video is approximately 30 seconds long.)

This site has engaging and interactive ads or videos for you. The videos feature certain places where you have to click on some options, and that's how you can earn points. Also, it has a referral program that gives you a 10% lifetime bonus on your friend’s earnings.

You can earn points worth $0.5 to $3 for each video. However, the downside is you only get to watch a few ads. 

Since this platform is about market research, the supply is limited. Companies looking for market intel only post videos and related questions, so your earnings will be limited.

So you may only get one ad a week. Moreover, the ads are screened based on user statistics. This means that if you meet the company’s target audience criterion, only then will you be shown ads. The ads visible to you also depend on your demographics and other details.

The minimum payout threshold is $10. You can transfer the amount to your bank account or exchange it for gift cards when you reach it. 

You can also explore other mobile wallet apps like Almaz. 

Almaz App

This mobile wallet allows users to make deposits in their accounts or other P2P transactions.

You can download the app to transfer money to your account. 

The fun thing is you can also act as a guarantor for the transactions on the platform and earn money online on each transaction by ensuring it is completed. 

Almaz also has an excellent referral program; you get a bonus on every signup and transaction.

6. MyPoints

MyPoints is a fun and exciting site for earning via ad watching and attempting other tasks.

The website conducts online quizzes following the ad - more like trivia. To date, it has paid its users about $230 million. There’s also a MyPoints app that enlists several simple tasks users can do on the go to earn money.

The platform has everything from surveys and games to other tasks and watching ads.

The rewards for watching ads are small, so you can always look up other options, such as surveys, to maximize your earnings.

You can also earn points by shopping online on the platform. It also has a referral system; you can earn 25 for each referral.

Moreover, you also get a $10 signup bonus. The minimum payout is 700 points or $5 on MyPoints.

You can exchange the points for gift cards on Amazon or Walmart or cash the amount via Paypal, but you need at least 25 dollars in your account for that. 

7. PrizeRebel

PrizeRebel is another legitimate name in the realm of websites for generating passive income. It has an active base of 15 million users. The website features ads, surveys, and other challenges to boost your earnings. You can also get discounts and other online shopping offers here.

The best thing about the platform is that its cash withdrawal rate is relatively low compared to other websites. You can withdraw your earnings once you reach the minimal threshold of $2.

Again, just like the others, you can get gift cards or encash your income on PayPal.

8. QuickRewards

QuickRewards has the best minimal payout so far, and you can withdraw every 0.01$ you make here.

You also get many earning options like ad watching, video watching, games, surveys, etc.

9. You-Cubez

Yet another platform for earning via ads is You-Cubez. You can also advertise your brand on this site as you earn money. There are different membership plans here, and depending on your plan, you can earn anywhere from $2 to $8 to qualify for the payouts. 

Also, there's a 15% commission for every referral you make.

You can also request that the payouts be made in cryptocurrencies or through PayPal.

10. Branded Surveys

Branded Surveys is rather limited in offering users activities to earn. 

Of course, you can watch videos or take surveys on the website. Then, there are quizzes that you can attempt to earn. The site also features the ‘Instant Win’ option, which gives you instant cash rewards for participating in the surveys or watching ads.

11. GPTPlanet

GPTPlanet (GPT: Get Paid To) is another website that offers various fun activities, such as surveys, videos, ads, and other tasks for completion.

Advertisers can register to showcase their ads, and users can come here and get paid to watch ads in return. The registration process is simple. All you need to do is select the ad campaign you want to participate in, and you can start.

The ad duration is 5-30 seconds only, and you can use the site as many times as you want a day to maximize your rewards.

You can later, of course, redeem the cash rewards.

A Word of Caution

It is very easy to get carried away with false promises and scams. Always practice caution and do your due diligence before you trust any site. Here are a few ways you can practice caution and stay safe.

• Keep realistic expectations. Although it's an excellent way to earn supplemental income, never think you can make millions here.
• Time is money; before your minutes turn to hours, keep tabs on the time and allocate it so your work doesn't get affected.
• Only go for legitimate websites; always check reviews. Beware of scams and websites that are there just to steal your private information.
• If it seems too good to be accurate, trust your instinct: it probably is!!

Conclusion

Watching ads for money is a good side hustle, but it won't pay your bills or build a home.

But again, it is better than idle doodling or reel-watching on Instagram. So, if you have a 9-5 job, stick to that! 

So just log into either of these websites or download their apps on your phone to enjoy. We hope this little guide to earning helps you make some extra cash with ease.
Enjoy, and keep earning!

FAQs

Q: How can I get paid to watch ads?

When you watch ads on a platform, it increases their reach. Many platforms also offer shared revenues. The participants earn cash as the number of clicks or views increases. Some other ways to get paid from ads include:

• Promoting the ad message or product to other clients or viewers (referrals)
• Sponsoring content
• Joining the YouTube Partner Program
• Displaying social media ads on Facebook, Insta, and Twitter
• Integrating ads in your mobile apps

You can withdraw your earnings through PayPal, direct account transfer, or gift cards. You can also use the Almaz mobile wallet app to make a transaction in your account.

Q: What are the best apps to watch ads for money?

JumpTask, InboxDollars, PrizeRebel, Swagbucks, and iRazoo are the best apps for watching ads for money. All these platforms are top-rated and legit for making money online.

Q: Which Pakistani earning app is real?

Many apps in Pakistan pay to watch ads. Some good examples include Almaz, Roz Dhan, SnackVideo, CashKaro, Slide, MooCash, SlideJoy, Pocket Money, and Mcent Browser. All these websites feature ads, surveys, and other tasks that allow users to earn money upon completing each task.

Q: What are other ways to earn money on these platforms?

Yes! Many apps and websites have fun activities and exciting offers to make money. You can take surveys, play games, verify transactions, take quizzes and polls, and even find coupons or gift cards you can use at different retailers.