Get High Paying Surveys
Earn money online by completing simple surveys. No experience needed.
Start Earning →What if you could get paid for something you already do every day? Apps that pay for watching videos turn your passive screen time into real cash — no special skills, no commute, no boss.
From short ad clips to full-length TV content, a growing number of platforms reward users with points, gift cards, and PayPal cash just for hitting play. But with dozens of apps making bold promises, it can be hard to know which ones genuinely pay and which ones waste your time.
This guide ranks the best, most legitimate video earning apps available in 2026 — with honest earning estimates, payout methods, and everything you need to know before you start.
What are the best apps that pay for watching videos? The top options include Swagbucks, InboxDollars, MyPoints, Perk TV, Viggle, and KashKick. These apps pay users in points, gift cards, or PayPal cash for watching short video clips, ads, and sponsored content. Realistic earnings range from £5 to £50 per month depending on how much time you invest. They work best as passive background earners, not primary income sources.
Do Apps Really Pay You to Watch Videos?
Yes — but the economics are important to understand before you start.
Here’s how it works: advertisers pay platforms to get their video content in front of real human eyes. The platform takes the majority of that fee and passes a small portion on to you as a reward. It is a legitimate advertising model, and many of these platforms have been operating for over a decade.
What you should realistically expect:
- Low pay per video — most clips earn fractions of a penny to a few cents
- Caps on daily earnings — most apps limit how many videos you can monetise per day
- Points-based systems — many don’t pay cash directly but award points that convert to gift cards or PayPal
- Passive potential — some apps run videos in the background with minimal interaction required
The best approach is treating video earning apps as a background supplement — running them while you cook, commute, or relax — rather than an active income strategy.
How We Selected These Apps
Every app on this list was evaluated on:
- Legitimacy — verified payout history and real user reviews
- Video availability — consistent supply of watchable content
- Payout options — PayPal, gift cards, or direct cash
- Earning rate — how much you realistically earn per hour of video
- App store or Trustpilot rating — minimum 3.7/5
- Ease of use — low friction to start earning
12 Best Apps That Pay for Watching Videos (2026)
1. Swagbucks
Best for: Watching videos as part of a broader earning strategy
Swagbucks is the most established rewards platform on this list, with over $700 million paid out to members globally. Its video section — called Swagbucks TV — lets you earn SB points by watching playlists of short clips, news segments, entertainment content, and branded videos. It also runs a dedicated app, SB Watch, that auto-plays video content and earns passively.
- Earning rate: 2–10 SB per video playlist (~$0.02–$0.10)
- Average monthly earnings (videos only): $5–$20
- Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Starbucks)
- Minimum payout: $3 (gift cards), $25 (PayPal)
- Rating: 4.3/5 (App Store)
- 🔗 Join Swagbucks
Pro tip: Swagbucks TV earns more when combined with surveys and shopping. Video alone is a slow earner, but it adds up passively in the background.
2. InboxDollars
Best for: Watching TV clips and sponsored content for actual dollar amounts
InboxDollars is one of the most user-friendly watch ads for money apps because it pays in real dollars — not points you have to convert. Its video section includes TV clips, movie trailers, lifestyle content, and news. New members get a $5 sign-up bonus.
- Earning rate: $0.01–$0.05 per video
- Average monthly earnings (videos only): $5–$15
- Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards, check
- Minimum payout: $30
- Rating: 4.0/5 (Google Play)
- 🔗 Join InboxDollars
Note: The $30 minimum payout is higher than most competitors. Combine videos with surveys to reach it faster.
3. MyPoints
Best for: Video watching combined with shopping cashback
MyPoints — owned by the same parent company as Swagbucks — offers a similar video earning model through its TV section. You earn points per playlist watched, which stack alongside cashback from online shopping to hit payout thresholds faster.
- Earning rate: Similar to Swagbucks TV
- Average monthly earnings (videos only): $5–$15
- Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards
- Minimum payout: $3 (gift cards), $25 (PayPal)
- Rating: 4.1/5 (App Store)
- 🔗 Join MyPoints
4. KashKick
Best for: Video ads alongside surveys and offers
KashKick is a growing US-focused earn by watching platform that pays cash via PayPal for completing video offers, surveys, and sponsored tasks. Its video section features short ad clips that pay more per minute than most pure video apps. Payouts are exclusively in PayPal cash.
- Earning rate: $0.02–$0.15 per offer
- Average monthly earnings: $15–$50 (videos + tasks combined)
- Payout methods: PayPal only
- Minimum payout: $10
- Rating: 4.2/5 (Trustpilot)
- 🔗 Join KashKick
5. Perk TV
Best for: Fully passive video earning on a dedicated device
Perk TV is one of the original passive video income apps. It auto-plays short video clips and earns Perk Points with minimal interaction. Many users dedicate an old tablet or spare phone to running Perk TV continuously in the background, earning around the clock.
- Earning rate: Very low per video — designed for volume
- Average monthly earnings: $5–$15 (passive, always-on device)
- Payout methods: Gift cards (Amazon, Visa, iTunes), PayPal
- Minimum payout: $1 (gift cards)
- Rating: 3.8/5 (Google Play)
- 🔗 Download Perk TV
Best strategy: Install on an old, unused device and let it run. Don’t use your primary phone — it drains battery and data.
6. Viggle
Best for: Earning rewards for TV you’re already watching
Viggle takes a different approach — it checks in to whatever TV show or sporting event you’re already watching live and rewards you for it. You earn points just by having the app listen in the background while you enjoy your regular viewing. Points convert to gift cards.
- Earning rate: Points per check-in and per minute of watching
- Average monthly earnings: $5–$20
- Payout methods: Gift cards (Amazon, Starbucks, iTunes, etc.)
- Minimum payout: Varies by gift card
- Rating: 3.9/5 (App Store)
- 🔗 Download Viggle
7. Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel
Best for: Completely passive background earning — just install and forget
Nielsen pays you simply for having their app installed and running on your device. It monitors general internet and media usage trends — not personal data — and pays you an annual bonus for participation. It is one of the most genuinely passive passive video income apps because you do nothing at all after installation.
- Earning rate: ~$50/year per device (up to 3 devices)
- Average monthly earnings: ~$4–$12/month passively
- Payout methods: Gift cards, sweepstakes entries
- Minimum payout: N/A — annual reward
- Rating: 4.1/5 (Trustpilot)
- 🔗 Join Nielsen Panel
Completely set-and-forget. No daily interaction needed — just install and earn in the background indefinitely.
8. Slidejoy
Best for: Earning from your Android lock screen
Slidejoy turns your Android lock screen into an earning opportunity. Video ads and sponsored content appear each time you unlock your phone, and you earn Carats (points) for each interaction. It requires absolutely no change in your daily behaviour — just unlock your phone as normal.
- Earning rate: Low — based on daily unlock frequency
- Average monthly earnings: $3–$10
- Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards, charity donations
- Minimum payout: $2
- Rating: 3.9/5 (Google Play)
- 🔗 Download Slidejoy (Android only)
9. Pogo (formerly WildTangent)
Best for: Casual gamers who want video ad bonuses
Pogo is a casual gaming platform that rewards users with tokens for playing games and watching short video ads between sessions. It’s a natural earner for anyone who already enjoys browser or mobile games — the videos slot in organically without feeling forced.
- Earning rate: Tokens per ad watched
- Average monthly earnings: $5–$20
- Payout methods: Gift cards, prize draws
- Minimum payout: Varies
- Rating: 4.0/5 (App Store)
- 🔗 Visit Pogo
10. Reward TV (via InboxDollars)
Best for: Watching full TV episodes and quizzes for bonus cash
Reward TV — part of the InboxDollars family — pays users to watch TV show clips and answer quiz questions about the content. The quiz element means it pays slightly more per session than pure passive watching, but it does require your attention.
- Earning rate: $0.02–$0.08 per session
- Average monthly earnings: $5–$15
- Payout methods: Via InboxDollars account — PayPal, gift cards
- Minimum payout: $30 (shared with InboxDollars)
- 🔗 Visit Reward TV
11. Branded Surveys (Video Offers Section)
Best for: Survey users who want video tasks for bonus points
Branded Surveys includes a video and offer section alongside its core survey platform. Completing short sponsored video tasks earns bonus points on top of your survey activity — a useful supplement for users already on the platform.
- Average monthly earnings (video only): $3–$10
- Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards, direct deposit
- Minimum payout: $5
- Rating: 4.2/5 (Trustpilot)
- 🔗 Join Branded Surveys
12. YouTube (via AdSense)
Best for: Creators who want to earn FROM videos, not just watch them
YouTube deserves a mention in its own category. Rather than watching videos for pennies, the YouTube Partner Program allows creators to earn from ads placed on their own content. Once you hit 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, you can monetise your channel through Google AdSense.
- Average earnings: $3–$5 per 1,000 views (RPM varies by niche)
- Potential monthly earnings: $50–$10,000+ (highly variable)
- Payout methods: Bank transfer via Google AdSense
- Minimum payout: $100
- Rating: 4.7/5 (App Store)
- 🔗 Apply for YouTube Partner Program
This is the one app on the list where the earning ceiling is unlimited — but it requires consistent content creation, not passive watching.
Realistic Earning Estimates: What to Expect
| App | Effort Level | Monthly Estimate | Payout Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swagbucks TV | Passive | $5–$20 | PayPal, gift cards |
| InboxDollars | Low | $5–$15 | PayPal, check |
| KashKick | Low–Medium | $15–$50 | PayPal |
| Perk TV | Fully passive | $5–$15 | Gift cards |
| Nielsen Panel | Zero (install only) | $4–$12 | Gift cards |
| Slidejoy | Passive (Android) | $3–$10 | PayPal |
| Viggle | Passive | $5–$20 | Gift cards |
| YouTube (creator) | High | $50–$10,000+ | Bank transfer |
Earnings are estimates and not guaranteed. Individual results vary based on device, location, usage habits, and app availability.
How to Maximise Passive Video Income
Getting more from video earning apps is about working smarter, not harder. Here is what actually moves the needle:
1. Stack multiple apps at once. Run Swagbucks TV on your phone while Perk TV runs on an old tablet in the background. Two streams earning simultaneously doubles your passive output for the same amount of time.
2. Dedicate an old device to passive apps. Apps like Perk TV and Nielsen work best when left running on a spare phone or tablet plugged into a charger. This protects your primary device’s battery and data allowance.
3. Combine video with higher-paying activities. Video alone will rarely pay more than $20–$30 a month. Use it as a background earner alongside surveys on Survey Junkie or Branded Surveys for a more meaningful total.
4. Watch during dead time. Commutes, lunch breaks, and TV evenings are perfect windows for passive video apps. You are not sacrificing productive time — you are monetising time you were spending anyway.
5. Hit payout thresholds strategically. On apps with high minimum payouts like InboxDollars ($30), mix video with surveys and offers to reach the threshold faster rather than relying on video alone.
6. Check for bonus opportunities. Many platforms offer daily bonus multipliers or goal bonuses. On Swagbucks, completing a daily video goal can earn an extra 3–10 SB. Small bonuses compound over a month.
Pros and Cons of Video Earning Apps
✅ Pros
- Truly passive — many apps require zero active attention
- No skills or experience required — anyone can use them
- Free to join — no upfront investment on any platform listed
- Stackable — run multiple apps simultaneously for compounding returns
- Low effort — the lowest friction earning method available on a smartphone
❌ Cons
- Very low pay rates — video alone rarely exceeds $20–$30/month
- Daily earning caps — most platforms limit how much you can earn per day from video
- Battery and data drain — passive apps running in the background consume resources
- High payout thresholds on some apps slow access to your earnings
- Ad availability varies — some days have fewer videos than others
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Expecting significant income from video alone. This is the most important thing to understand. Even dedicated users of the best watch ads for money apps rarely exceed $30–$40 a month from video content alone. These apps work best as background earners stacked with surveys, cashback, and other activities.
Using your primary phone for always-on apps. Running Perk TV or Nielsen on your main device all day drains your battery, heats up the phone, and eats into your data plan. Use a spare or old device instead.
Ignoring the payout terms. Some apps expire unused points after a period of inactivity. Check each platform’s terms so your earned balance does not disappear before you cash out.
Chasing new or unknown apps. Stick to established platforms with verifiable payment histories. The FTC has warned consumers about apps that promise unrealistic earnings for passive activity. If an app promises $50/hour to watch videos, it is a scam.
Not using a dedicated email. Sign up with a secondary email address to keep promotional messages out of your main inbox.
Read also: The Highest Paying Apps in the UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best app that pays for watching videos? A: Swagbucks offers the most reliable and varied video earning experience with a proven payout history. For the most passive option, Nielsen Panel requires zero interaction after installation. For the highest possible ceiling, YouTube Partner Program is unmatched — but requires content creation, not passive watching.
Q: Can I really earn money just by watching videos on my phone? A: Yes, but the amounts are modest. Most users earn between $5 and $30 per month from video-focused activity. These apps are legitimate but are best treated as a way to monetise idle screen time rather than a meaningful income source.
Q: Which video earning apps pay via PayPal? A: Swagbucks, InboxDollars, KashKick, Slidejoy, Branded Surveys, and MyPoints all offer PayPal as a payout option.
Q: Are there any completely passive video earning apps? A: Yes. Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel requires nothing after installation. Slidejoy earns every time you unlock your Android phone with zero extra steps. Perk TV auto-plays video on a spare device with no manual interaction required.
Q: Do I need to pay tax on earnings from video apps? A: In the US, the IRS requires all income to be reported. If a single platform pays you more than $600 in a year, they may issue a 1099 form. Visit the IRS Gig Economy Tax Center for current guidance. UK users should check their obligations at GOV.UK Self Assessment.
Conclusion
Apps that pay for watching videos are real, legitimate, and genuinely useful — as long as your expectations are grounded. You will not replace your income by watching short clips. But you can absolutely earn an extra $20–$50 a month by letting these apps run passively in the background of your everyday life.
Start with Swagbucks for variety, KashKick for PayPal cash, and Nielsen Panel for pure zero-effort passive income. Add Perk TV on a spare device and you have a solid, stacked video earning setup running around the clock.
It will never be life-changing money. But for doing something you were already doing anyway? It is hard to argue with getting paid for it.
Read also:
