Introduction
At SurveyBeta, we explore real, low-effort ways for everyday people to earn online. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top platforms, smart tips, and everything else you need to know to start earning while you binge-watch.
1. What Is Passive Income from Watching Videos?
Passive income means earning money with minimal effort, and video platforms have tapped into this by paying users to engage with video content. While not truly “set-it-and-forget-it,” many of these platforms allow you to earn by:
- Letting videos run in the background
- Rating content or answering quick questions
- Watching sponsored playlists or ads
It’s not going to replace your job, but it’s a fantastic way to earn while multitasking or relaxing.
2. Why Companies Pay You to Watch Videos
Why would anyone pay you to watch videos? Here’s the catch—they’re not really paying for you to watch, but for your attention and data. Brands want people to see their ads, and platforms use real user engagement to prove value to advertisers.
You get rewarded for:
- Watching sponsored content
- Interacting with video polls or ads
- Allowing ad-tracking data
- Staying logged into apps that generate ad revenue
You help companies reach real people—and they share a small cut of the profit with you.
3. User Preferences in 2025
Let’s look at where most people are making money from watching videos this year:
| Platform | % of Users in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Swagbucks | 30% |
| InboxDollars | 25% |
| Current Music App | 20% |
| HideoutTV | 15% |
| Others | 10% |
Clearly, Swagbucks and InboxDollars dominate, but smaller platforms also offer solid opportunities.
4. Swagbucks – The All-in-One Video Earner
Swagbucks is the most trusted name in this space, and its watch section pays users to watch short playlists of videos. While payouts per video are small, it adds up over time, especially if you run it in the background.
Pros:
- Offers additional ways to earn: surveys, games, shopping
- Wide range of content: news, entertainment, lifestyle
- Payouts via PayPal or gift cards
💡 Tip: Use their “Watch” feature on a spare device to rack up points passively.
5. InboxDollars – Video Playlists & Cash Rewards
InboxDollars pays you directly in cash (not points) to watch video playlists. Content categories include news, celebrity gossip, food, and more.
Highlights:
- Video playlists auto-play back-to-back
- No points system—clear dollar values
- $5 sign-up bonus
Great for people who want a simple cash-based system with minimal tracking.
6. Current Rewards – Earn While You Listen and Watch
While mainly known as a music app, Current also rewards you for watching short video clips and engaging with ads. It’s perfect for passive background use, especially while commuting or working.
What You Can Earn:
- Points for video + music engagement
- Daily earning caps (around $2–$3/day)
- Gift cards, cash, or crypto as rewards
Many users pair Current with other apps to double their passive earning streams.
7. HideoutTV – Focused on Content Creators
HideoutTV partners with content creators and rewards viewers with points that can be redeemed across partner platforms like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and MyPoints.
Key Features:
- Endless playlists (food, DIY, pets, etc.)
- Earn Hideout Points to convert to your favorite survey site
- Daily bonus opportunities
Great for people who already use Swagbucks or InboxDollars—it plugs right in!
8. PrizeRebel – Extra Points for Watching
While primarily a survey and task site, PrizeRebel includes a video-watching section. The payouts are modest, but if you’re already using the platform for surveys, watching a few videos is an easy way to top up your points.
- Runs HideoutTV video feeds
- Good option for users outside the U.S.
- Low payout thresholds
Combine with surveys for faster cashouts.
9. Tips to Maximize Your Video Earnings
Want to get the most out of video-earning apps? Follow these tips:
- Use a secondary device: Free up your phone or computer by using an old tablet or phone.
- Leave it running while you multitask: Cooking, cleaning, or working? Let videos play in the background.
- Check for bonus offers: Many platforms have streak bonuses or video watch goals.
- Watch during downtime: Lunch breaks, commutes, and TV ads are prime passive moments.
- Stick to 2–3 platforms: Avoid spreading yourself too thin; focus where you earn most.
10. How Much Can You Earn?
Here’s what you can realistically expect from top platforms based on daily usage:
| Platform | Est. Daily Earning | Monthly Est. | Payout Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swagbucks | $0.50–$1.50 | $15–$45 | Points to PayPal/gift cards |
| InboxDollars | $0.75–$2.00 | $20–$60 | Cash |
| Current | $1.00–$3.00 | $30–$90 | Cash/gift cards |
| HideoutTV | $0.25–$1.00 | $7–$30 | Partner points |
| PrizeRebel | $0.25–$0.75 | $7–$20 | Points/cash |
💡 SurveyBeta Reality Check: Video earning is a slow-but-steady passive method. Pair it with survey taking and data-sharing for a more rounded strategy.
11. Are There Risks or Drawbacks?
While video-earning apps are generally safe, there are some things to watch out for:
- Low pay vs. time: Passive income = low effort, but also low earnings.
- Data tracking: Many of these apps track your engagement to target ads. Always read the privacy policy.
- Battery drain: Leaving videos running constantly can heat up your phone or wear down old devices.
Stick to reputable platforms and don’t pay to join any video site—the legit ones are always free.
12. How to Get Started
Here’s a simple plan to get rolling today:
- Create a separate email just for survey and reward apps.
- Sign up for Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and HideoutTV.
- Download Current if you enjoy music and passive listening.
- Use an old device as your dedicated “earning screen.”
- Set a weekly goal (e.g., $10/week) and build from there.
Conclusion
Watching videos to earn passive income isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme—but it’s a totally legit, low-effort way to earn extra money during your downtime. Whether you’re scrolling TikTok or binging content in the background, you could be earning without lifting a finger.
At SurveyBeta, we love tools that reward people for doing what they already enjoy. If you’re looking for an easy way to earn a few extra bucks a week—while chilling out—these video apps are for you.
To get started, pick 2 or 3 platforms from this guide, set your phone up, and let the income trickle in. Combine it with surveys, cashback, and data-sharing for the ultimate passive income combo in 2025.
Want more earning tips and trusted app reviews? Join the SurveyBeta community and earn smarter, not harder.