Make Money Watching Ads and Videos on Your Phone (2025 Guide)

We’re bombarded with video content every day — YouTube ads, social reels, video game promos, and more. But what if you could get paid to watch these?

In this guide, we’ll explore legit apps that pay you real money or rewards for watching ads and videos in 2025. Some of these apps allow semi-passive earning, meaning you can set them to run in the background while you multitask.

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📺 How Does Watching Videos for Money Work?

These apps typically generate income from advertisers who pay to promote their products. A portion of that ad revenue is then shared with you, the viewer.

You earn by:

• Watching promotional videos

• Rating or interacting with video ads

• Streaming music or curated video feeds

• Participating in short surveys or tasks tied to video content

You won’t get rich, but when combined with other passive income streams, it adds up.

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🏆 Best Apps to Make Money Watching Ads & Videos

Let’s get into the top apps that pay in 2025, complete with pros, cons, and earning strategies.

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🥇 1. Swagbucks – The OG Rewards Platform

Swagbucks is one of the most trusted apps for earning through various micro-tasks, including watching videos.

📱 How It Works:

• Watch short video playlists via “Watch” section

• Earn SB points, which can be converted into gift cards or PayPal cash

💰 Earnings:

• 1 SB = ~$0.01

• Earn 50–150 SB daily from videos with effort

✅ Features:

• Over 25+ ways to earn (surveys, shopping, games)

• Daily goals and streak bonuses

• Excellent referral program (300 SB per referral)

🔻 Cons:

• Low earnings from videos alone

• Repetitive content

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🥈 2. InboxDollars – Watch Videos, Earn Cash (No Points)

Unlike Swagbucks, InboxDollars pays in real dollars, not points.

📱 How It Works:

• Watch movie trailers, ads, and short segments

• Engage by rating or answering basic questions

💰 Earnings:

• $0.01 to $0.03 per video

• Daily watch limit applies

✅ Features:

• $5 sign-up bonus

• Real cash payouts (PayPal, gift cards)

• Option to multitask during video playback

🔻 Cons:

• Slower earning rate

• U.S. only

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🥉 3. Mode Earn App – Watch, Listen, and Earn

Formerly called “Current,” Mode Earn App is a music and video streaming app that rewards users with points for consumption.

📱 How It Works:

• Earn while listening to music or watching curated content

• Bonus tasks: Charge your phone, complete surveys, refer friends

💰 Earnings:

• ~500–1,000 points/day (varies)

• 10,000 points = ~$1

✅ Features:

• Great multitasking potential (plays while you work)

• Mobile-focused design

• Consistent payouts

🔻 Cons:

• Heavy on ads

• Requires frequent interaction to maintain points flow

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🧠 4. PrizeRebel – Watch + Do Tasks for Gift Cards

PrizeRebel has a robust “Engage” section where users watch ad-supported content.

📱 How It Works:

• Watch 10- to 30-second clips (news, entertainment, etc.)

• Earn points for each view or completion

💰 Earnings:

• 100 points = $1

• Cashout starts at $5 (500 points)

✅ Features:

• 24/7 live content loops

• Global access

• PayPal, Amazon, and crypto payouts

🔻 Cons:

• Not 100% passive (must interact)

• Points sometimes take time to register

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🎯 5. FeaturePoints – Watch Videos and Complete Offers

FeaturePoints offers cash rewards for downloading apps, completing surveys, and watching videos.

📱 How It Works:

• Use their “video wall” powered by partners like AdGate or HideoutTV

• Earn points passively by letting video loops run

💰 Earnings:

• 100 points = $1

• Minimum payout: $5

✅ Features:

• Pays via PayPal or Bitcoin

• App download bonuses

• Lifetime referral commissions (50%)

🔻 Cons:

• Only select users have video access

• Region-based availability

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🎞️ 6. HideoutTV – Dedicated Video Platform That Pays

HideoutTV is a video streaming site where users earn points for every few videos watched — often used in tandem with other apps like Swagbucks.

📱 How It Works:

• Watch curated content (lifestyle, DIY, food, etc.)

• Earn “Hideout Points” → Redeem via partnered sites (Swagbucks, InboxDollars, etc.)

💰 Earnings:

• 9–12 points per 3-video loop

• Must redeem via third-party platform

✅ Features:

• Passive loops possible

• Several niche video channels

• Compatible with various GPT sites

🔻 Cons:

• Can’t redeem directly (needs linked app)

• Heavy ads between videos

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📊 Comparison Table

App	Video Earnings	Payout Method	Passive Potential	Bonus
Swagbucks	~$0.01/video	PayPal, Gift Cards	Semi-passive	$5 Bonus
InboxDollars	~$0.01–$0.03	PayPal, Check	Medium	$5 Bonus
Mode Earn App	Points System	Gift Cards, PayPal	High	$1 Daily Bonus
PrizeRebel	Points System	PayPal, Crypto	Semi-passive	Referral Points
FeaturePoints	Points System	PayPal, BTC	Medium	50% Referrals
HideoutTV	Partner App	Swagbucks/InboxDollars	Passive	N/A

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🛠️ How to Maximize Earnings

1. Run Loops While You Work or Sleep
   Use a spare device to run Mode Earn or HideoutTV on low volume.

2. Stack Apps Together
   Example: Watch HideoutTV on PrizeRebel, then redeem points on Swagbucks.

3. Join Referral Programs
   Most apps offer lifetime bonuses for people you invite.

4. Complete Bonus Tasks
   Some apps offer extra rewards for streaks or viewing multiple categories.

5. Use Wi-Fi
   Save your mobile data — especially if you’re running video loops daily.

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🔒 Are These Apps Safe?

Yes — all the apps listed are:

• Verified with millions of downloads

• Feature real user payout proofs

• Offer PayPal or gift card options (no shady crypto-only payouts)

However, avoid apps that:

• Ask for banking info

• Have no user reviews or payout records

• Are not listed in app stores

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📥 Step-by-Step Getting Started (Example with Swagbucks):

1. Go to https://www.swagbucks.com

2. Sign up and verify your email

3. Navigate to “Watch” under the “Earn” tab

4. Choose a video playlist (e.g., Lifestyle, News)

5. Start earning SB points

6. Redeem once you hit 500 SB (minimum $5)

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💬 Real User Reviews

“Swagbucks was my first side hustle. I just let it run while I made dinner. Cashed out $30 in a month.” – Lina M., U.S.

“Mode Earn App is great for music and videos. I made $45 in two months, passively.” – Brian C., U.K.

“I run HideoutTV on my tablet while working on my PC. Easy passive stream.” – Rajiv N., India

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📦 Extra Tip: Use a “Passive Phone”

If you have an old phone or tablet, repurpose it to:

• Run video apps 24/7

• Watch without interrupting your daily life

• Stack rewards passively across multiple apps

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📉 Don’t Expect to Get Rich

These apps are meant for small, supplemental income. On average:

• Watching videos earns $10–$50/month

• Referrals can boost earnings significantly

• Passive stacking across apps can reach ~$100/month for consistent users

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🧠 Final Thoughts: Watch. Earn. Repeat.

If you're already spending time scrolling TikTok, watching trailers, or bingeing on YouTube, why not get paid for your screen time?

By using apps like Swagbucks, Mode Earn, InboxDollars, and HideoutTV, you can turn casual viewing into a small but steady income stream.

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✅ Your Action Plan Today

1. Download Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Mode Earn

2. Set up video playlists or music streams

3. Let them run during downtime