Scroll, scroll, tap… what if you got paid for that? Seriously. You’re already spending hours on YouTube, falling down rabbit holes of conspiracy theories, watching epic fails, or learning the latest TikTok dance. But what if I told you that you could actually how to make money watching youtube videos 2023? And I’m not talking about becoming the next MrBeast. I mean literally getting paid to hit play. It sounds like a dream, right? Well, think about it… it’s a bit of both. There are some legit ways to earn free cash online, but there are also a TON of scams out there. I was shocked myself when I dug into it! This isn’t going to be one of those articles promising you’ll get rich overnight. Instead, this is the real, no-BS guide for teens on what actually works, what’s a complete waste of time, and how to stay safe while you do it. We’re going to cover everything from the apps that *actually* pay you to the much more profitable side hustles related to YouTube that don’t involve showing your face. Ready? Let’s get into it.
How to make money watching youtube videos 2023 for free
Okay, let’s get one thing straight right away: you should NEVER have to pay money to make money online, especially with something like this. If a site or app asks for a “membership fee” or “starter kit” to begin watching videos for cash, just close the tab. It’s a scam. 100%. The legitimate ways to how to make money watching youtube videos 2023 for free are all based on a simple trade: you give a platform your time and attention, and they give you a tiny slice of their advertising revenue. You’re the audience they sell to brands. It’s not charity; it’s business. Think of it like this: you’re not just watching a video; you’re watching an ad that comes with it, and that’s what you’re getting paid for.
Paid-to-Watch (PTW) Websites & Apps
The most not unusual technique is through what are referred to as “Get-Paid-To” (GPT) or “Paid-to-Watch” (PTW) structures. These are websites and apps that praise you with points for finishing easy duties. These obligations can consist of taking surveys, playing video games, buying on-line, and, you guessed it, watching videos. Once you collect enough points, you could coins them out for present cards to locations like Amazon, Starbucks, or even for real money through PayPal. It’s super honest, that’s why it is famous for teens searching out a few short cash on-line. However—and this is a big ‘however’—the pay is VERY low. We’re talking fractions of a cent in keeping with video. It’s truly not a get-rich-quick scheme.
I even have a chum, let’s name her Maya, who determined to do that for a month. She signed up for more than one the more famous GPT web sites and devoted to watching films for about an hour every day whilst she turned into doing her homework (on a separate display screen, of path). At the stop of the month, she had earned… wait for it… about $15. Enough for a couple of fancy coffees or a new phone case, however that is it. Her takeaway? “It was easy, for positive,” she said, “however you need to be realistic. It’s pocket money, not a job.” This is a super example of the reality of these systems; they paintings, but they won’t make you rich.
Best paid platform for get paid to watch YouTube videos
So, what’s the single *best* platform out there? Honestly, there isn’t one magic answer. The “best paid platform for get paid to watch YouTube videos” really depends on what you’re looking for, where you live, and how much time you have. Some platforms are better for gift cards, while others are better for cash. Some have a ton of videos available one day and almost none the next. It’s like asking which fast-food place has the best fries—everyone has a different opinion. Instead of naming one platform, it’s smarter to understand the *types* of platforms out there so you can find what works for you. These platforms don’t just magically give you money; they are part of a larger advertising ecosystem where your views count. If you’re looking for more control over your earnings, you might eventually want to explore how to make money with YouTube videos you create yourself.
To help you see the difference, here’s a quick breakdown of the main types of sites where you can earn rewards for watching content. Remember, these are just categories, and the actual earnings can vary a LOT. Before you dive in, remember that your safety and privacy are the most important things. It’s always a good idea to check platform rules and maybe even get your parents’ permission before signing up.
| Platform Type | Earning Potential (Per Hour) | Payout Method | Teen-Friendly? (13+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Get-Paid-To (GPT) Sites | $0.50 – $2.00 | PayPal, Gift Cards | Yes, usually with parental consent. |
| Survey Sites with Video Options | $1.00 – $3.00 | PayPal, Gift Cards, Bank Transfer | Often, but some surveys are 18+. |
| Micro-Task Platforms | $2.00 – $5.00+ (task dependent) | PayPal, Crypto, Bank Transfer | Varies, many are 18+. |
| Mobile Ad Apps | $0.10 – $0.50 | Gift Cards, Small PayPal Deposits | Generally yes. |
How to make money watching youtube videos 2023 without investment
Let’s hammer this point home because it’s the most important safety tip: learning how to make money watching youtube videos 2023 without investment is the ONLY way to do it. The entire model of these platforms is built on you providing your time, not your money. Think of it like this: you are the product. Your eyeballs on their ads are what they sell to other companies. So if a platform asks you to pay them first? It’s a huge red flag waving in your face. It’s the online equivalent of a street scammer. A legit opportunity will never ask for your credit card details just to sign up to earn rewards.
Spotting Scams 101
The number one rule is simple: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You’ll see ads on TikTok or Instagram with some influencer shouting, “I made $500 in a DAY just watching videos! Link in bio!” That’s a classic bait-and-switch. They are usually promoting a scam or, at best, a platform where they earn a referral bonus for signing you up, while you end up earning pennies. It’s like that “It’s a trap!” meme from Star Wars—that’s exactly what you should be thinking. Any site promising high returns for low effort is lying. The real platforms are very upfront about the fact that you’re earning small rewards, not a full-time income. For more ideas on earning without a big upfront cost, check out our guide on how to make money with a small start.
Data Privacy & You
So how do these “free” sites make money? Two ways: ads and your data. When you sign up, you’re often agreeing to share demographic information (like your age and interests) so they can show you more targeted ads. This isn’t necessarily evil—it’s how most of the internet works—but you need to be smart about it. Pro tip: create a separate email address just for these kinds of sites. This keeps your main inbox clean and protects your personal information from being sold or spammed. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of headaches later on. Your privacy is worth more than the few dollars you’ll earn.
Daily watch video and earn money
The idea to “daily watch video and earn money” is super appealing. You picture yourself chilling on the couch, phone in hand, and the dollars just rolling in. The reality is a little less glamorous. As we saw with Maya’s story, the daily earnings are usually quite small. It’s more of a slow trickle than a flood of cash. You might earn enough in a week to buy yourself a pizza or some V-Bucks, but you won’t be paying for your family’s groceries. This is an important expectation to set. Thinking of it as a “job” will only lead to disappointment. Instead, think of it as a way to monetize time you were already wasting. Waiting for the bus? Watch a few videos. Bored during a commercial break on TV? Watch a few more. It’s about filling the empty moments with a tiny bit of productivity. But it’s not a substitute for a real part-time job or developing a valuable skill.
How to make money on YouTube without making videos
Wait a moment… what if I told you the *real* money isn’t in watching the videos, but in helping the people who *make* them? This is where you can turn your love for YouTube into a legitimate, skill-building side hustle. This is the ultimate guide on how to make money on YouTube without making videos yourself. So many creators, especially smaller ones, are overwhelmed with work. They need help! And if you have the skills, you can be the one to provide it. This is a much more valuable way to get paid because of YouTube.
Becoming a YouTube Video Editor for Creators
Do you love how your favorite YouTubers edit their videos with quick cuts, funny memes, and cool sound effects? That’s a skill! And it’s one you can learn for free. Programs like DaVinci Resolve have incredibly powerful free versions that are used by professionals. You can start by downloading the software and just playing around with it. Edit some gaming clips for fun or make a highlight reel for your favorite creator. Once you get the hang of it, you can start reaching out to small YouTubers (think 1,000-10,000 subscribers) and offer to edit a video for free or for a very low price to build your portfolio. Once you have a few examples of your work, you can start charging real money. This is a fantastic way to make money with your skills.
Creating Thumbnails or Writing Video Descriptions
Ever clicked on a video just because the thumbnail was super eye-catching? That’s the power of good design. Many YouTubers are great on camera but have no idea how to make a compelling thumbnail. You can use free tools like Canva to design amazing-looking thumbnails in minutes. Similarly, writing good, keyword-rich video descriptions helps videos get found in search. If you’re a good writer, you can offer your services to creators to help them optimize their videos. These are real freelance services you can offer on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork once you’re old enough (or with a parent’s help).
Navigating Age Restrictions and Staying Safe Online
This is SUPER important, so listen up. As a teen, the internet can be a weird place. Most legitimate GPT sites and freelance platforms require you to be at least 13 years old, and many require you to be 18 or have parental permission to sign up and cash out. Do not lie about your age. If a platform finds out you’ve used a fake birthdate, they can delete your account and you’ll lose all your earnings. It’s just not worth it. Always, always, *always* read the Terms of Service (TOS). I know, it’s the most boring document on the planet, but it contains the rules. Think of it like the rulebook for a new video game; you need to know it to play properly. And if you’re ever unsure, ask a parent or a trusted adult for help.
How to make money watching youtube videos 2023 reddit
So, where does Reddit fit into all this? If you’re searching for how to make money watching youtube videos 2023 reddit, you’re on the right track, but not for the reason you might think. Reddit itself won’t pay you to watch videos. However, communities like r/beermoney are absolute gold mines for finding out which platforms are legit and which are scams. Users on these subreddits post detailed reviews, payment proofs (screenshots showing they actually got paid), and warnings about sites that have gone downhill. Before you sign up for any GPT or micro-task site, do a quick search for it on Reddit. You’ll get honest, unfiltered feedback from real users. It’s like having a huge team of detectives helping you avoid getting ripped off.
The Reality Check: Is This a Real Job?
Let’s bring it all together for a final reality check. Can you make money watching YouTube videos? Yes, technically. Will it be a lot of money? Absolutely not. The methods we’ve discussed are, at best, a way to earn some “snack money” or a small gift card every now and then. It’s not a reliable income stream, and it’s certainly not a job. The real value might not even be the money you earn but the lessons you learn about how online businesses work, the importance of data privacy, and how to spot a scam from a mile away. These are valuable skills! But if you are serious about making money online, you’re much better off investing your time in developing a real skill like video editing, graphic design, or writing, as we explored in the section on how to make money with YouTube in a more active way.
Ultimately, the journey to how to make money watching youtube videos 2023 is less about getting rich and more about getting smart. Be curious, be cautious, and be realistic. And hey, if you earn enough for a free pizza along the way, that’s a win! Last updated: June 2025.
Conclusion
So there you have it—the complete, no-fluff guide to how to make money watching youtube videos 2023. We’ve seen that while you *can* earn a little extra cash through Get-Paid-To sites, the real opportunity lies in leveling up your skills. Instead of just being a viewer, you can become a creator’s secret weapon by offering services like video editing or thumbnail design. This is a much more sustainable and rewarding path. The most important takeaways are to always be safe, never pay to earn, and keep your expectations realistic. This is pocket money, not a career path.
What’s the wildest ‘get paid to watch’ ad you’ve seen? Drop it in the comments below, I’d love to hear it! And if you found this guide helpful, do me a favor and share this with a friend on TikTok who needs a reality check!
We’re always updating our guides with the latest info. Check back with zana.website for new platforms and changes in the online earning world!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I earn money by watching YouTube videos?
Yes, you can earn small amounts of money by watching videos, but it’s not through YouTube directly. You use third-party “Get-Paid-To” (GPT) websites or apps that reward you with points for watching videos (which usually contain ads). These points can then be redeemed for cash or gift cards. However, the earnings are very low, often just a few dollars for many hours of watching.
2. How much money is 1 million views on YouTube in 2023?
For creators, 1 million views on YouTube doesn’t translate to a fixed amount of money. The earnings, or RPM (Revenue Per Mille), can range from $1,000 to over $10,000. This depends heavily on the video’s topic, the audience’s location, the types of ads shown, and whether the creator uses other income sources like affiliate marketing or sponsorships. Finance and business content typically earns the most.
3. Do YouTubers get paid when you watch their videos?
Yes, but only if their channel is monetized through the YouTube Partner Program and if you watch or click on the ads that play before or during their videos. They earn a portion of the ad revenue from Google. If you use an ad blocker or skip the ads, the creator typically earns little to nothing from your view. They also earn from YouTube Premium subscribers watching their content.
4. How to make a YouTube video viral in 2023?
Going viral involves a mix of strategy and luck. Key factors include creating highly engaging and shareable content that triggers a strong emotional response (like humor or shock). Using a compelling title and thumbnail, tapping into current trends or challenges, and promoting the video across other social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram can significantly increase its chances of getting picked up by the algorithm.
5. How can I make money on YouTube for beginners?
As a beginner creator, the first step is to join the YouTube Partner Program once you meet the requirements (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours). Beyond ads, you can use affiliate links in your descriptions, sell your own merchandise or digital products, or seek small brand sponsorships once you have a dedicated audience. Focus on building a community first.
