It sounds like a scam to get paid to view ads.

This side hustle has been tested by us. What’s the verdict? The verdict? This is a great way to make a few extra bucks each month, provided you have realistic expectations.

How can you make a living watching ads?

Here’s how it works

Many money-making websites and apps will pay you for viewing online content. Many of these websites also offer ways to make money online by participating in paid surveys, completing tasks and redeeming coupons.

You don’t have to spend a lot of time and can watch ads during lunch breaks or when the kids are sleeping. You can also earn more by watching the videos on your tablet or phone and letting them run in the background, while you continue your normal tasks. This will ensure that you don’t spend hours staring at the screen.

How much can you make by watching ads?

The amount you make will depend on how much you invest. However, it is reasonable to expect to receive between $5-20 per monthly in rewards and payouts. Earnings will vary depending on the platform you choose, so be sure to check out some of the suggestions below.

Many of the websites and apps on our list offer bonus categories which can increase your payout. Although payout methods vary, many offer the option of redeeming your rewards for gift cards and PayPal.

Five Top-Rated Apps to Get Paid To Watch Ads

Here are seven ways to get paid for watching ads.

1. InboxDollars

InboxDollars is a fast and easy way to earn money by watching ads and videos. Watching short videos every day can help you earn rewards. You can find new videos every day and other money-making opportunities, such as conducting web searches and playing games.

InboxDollars offers many ways to make money. You get $5 for signing up.

Before you can get paid, you must earn at least $30 Your cash payout will be sent to you in the following ways: PayPal cash, ePayment, PayPal cash (merchant gift cards or prepaid Visa card), check in the mail, or a check in postal mail. Checks can take up to 16 business days to arrive.

Related to InboxDollars Review

2. Swagbucks

Screenshot from Swagbucks showing videos you can watch to earn money.

Swagbucks is an online reward site. Swagbucks (SBs) are points that you can earn for watching various videos, both short and long. Videos can be classified as entertainment, fashion and food, or home and garden.

You can also earn SBs watching videos and answering surveys. You can cash out your points to get gift cards and PayPal cash.

For a $1 Amazon gift certificate, you can redeem as little as 160 SBs. PayPal payout threshold is $5, 500 points for cash.

Related: Is Swagbucks worth it? Here’s our official Swagbucks review

3. Ibotta

Ibotta is one of the most popular ways you can get cash back on groceries. You may need to watch advertisements in order to claim your rebates. If you do, you may be eligible to receive up to $1 off the item if your receipt is scanned.

You can get more money back on your purchases with Ibotta’s quick and easy way. Ads typically last less than 30 seconds. Don’t forget to redeem eligible offers within 30 days after you sign up if Ibotta is not used.

Related to Ibotta 2021 Review: Pros and Cons of the Grocery Cash Back App

4. iRazoo

According to its website, iRazoo paid out more $55 million in cash rewards for its users. You can join for free and get paid to view ads and videos on the phone.

You can also comment on the latest ads and movie trailers, or watch short films, trailers for apps, cooking tips, and many other things. You can find more than 50 channels and the inventory is updated daily.

Each activity that you do on iRazoo will earn you points. You can also earn points by entering promo codes, viewing videos , and completing other offers. You can redeem 3,000 iRazoo Points for gift cards to Amazon and AMC theatres or cash via PayPal once you have earned them.

5. Nielsen TV Ratings

Nielsen is best known for its TV ratings system. Nielsen measures how many people are watching TV shows, then collects data which is sold to advertisers, television networks and media.

Each U.S. household that owns a TV can be considered for a Nielsen Family. Participation is only by invitation. You can’t sign-up to join. Keep an eye out for your invitation in your mailbox.

You will be compensated for participating in the program if you are invited and accept. Although it isn’t much, usually around $200 per annum, it’s still a way for you to make money by watching TV.

Related: You can sign up for today

Keep the big picture in mind

While watching ads is not a substitute for your full-time work, it is a way to make money online in order to afford a luxury purchase.

There are better ways to spend your time in the long-term. You can learn a new skill, take on a more lucrative job or work longer hours at your current job. This will allow you to make more money and feel fulfilled.

There is nothing wrong in taking a little time to do this. Each little bit counts!