Ways to make money with videos online without complications

Anúncios

Want to make money with videos using only your phone?

And you probably see a lot of promises like “Earn $500 a day just watching videos”.

Let’s be clear from the beginning.

There is no magic button where you get rich only pressing play.

But yes, there are real and legal ways to make extra money with videos, some just watching and giving feedback, and others using videos to work or create content.

In this guide, I’ll show you:

Sites and apps where you can earn a little money watching videos and ads.
Platforms that pay for tests and research where you watch videos and give your opinion.
How to make money with videos creating simple content with your phone.
How to earn with transcription and subtitles while watching videos.

All in simple language, step by step, so you can decide what fits your life today.

Notice: this content is independent and has no affiliation, sponsorship, or control from the entities mentioned.

Can you really make money with videos using only your phone?

Yes, you can.

But there are different levels of money and effort.

Think like this:

Easy and fast methods → usually pay very little.
Methods that need more effort and time → can pay much more, but are not “instant money”.

In this article, we’ll talk about four main paths:

Market research and usability tests
You watch videos, ads or product demos and give feedback.
Get-Paid-To (GPT) apps and sites
You watch short videos and ads and earn small rewards.
Creating your own content and monetizing
You use videos (Shorts, Reels, TikTok) to build an audience and earn with ads and brands.
Transcription and subtitles
You watch videos and get paid to type what people say or create captions.

Now let’s go step by step.

1. Make money with videos in market research and usability tests

Here we are talking about platforms that pay you to test experiences.

Sometimes you will watch a video ad, a product demo or a prototype and say what you think.

You are not just “watching”.

You are acting like a tester.

What you do in this kind of work

In most tests you will:

Watch a video (ad, tutorial, prototype, product presentation).
Say what you think while you watch.
Answer a short survey or some questions after.

Some sites also ask you to record your screen and your voice while you react to the video or the page.

It’s like being a “normal user” giving sincere feedback.

Example platform: UserTesting

UserTesting is a well-known platform where companies pay to hear real people.

As a participant, you:

Sign up on the site or app.
Do an example test to show that you can follow instructions.
After approval, you receive invitations to tests, some on desktop, others on mobile.
For each test, you follow tasks and speak your thoughts while using a product, site, app or watching some content.

Sometimes these tasks include reacting to ads or videos, not only websites.

How much can you earn here?

Values change a lot, but you can think of something like:

Short tests (5–10 minutes) → a few dollars.
Longer tests (15–20 minutes or more) → higher pay per test.

Important.

You are not paid per hour with a fixed salary.

You are paid per test, and tests appear only when there is demand.

So this is better as a side income, not as a stable salary.

Simple step-by-step to start with UX / video tests

Go to the platform’s site (for example, UserTesting) and sign up as a tester.
Use a good email that you really check.
Do the qualification test in a quiet place, with clear audio.
After approval, turn notifications on your phone so you don’t miss new tests.
Carefully follow the instructions on each test and speak clearly.
Respect all rules of the platform, especially about confidentiality.

Remember.

Each platform has its own rules, values, and payment methods and can change them at any time.

We have no control over any of these companies.

2. Make money with videos using GPT “Get-Paid-To” apps and websites

Now let’s talk about the most “famous” way to make money with videos for beginners.

These are sites and apps that pay you small amounts to watch videos, ads, trailers or short clips.

You normally earn points or cents, and then you exchange for PayPal money or gift cards.

It is easy.

But the money is small.

How GPT video platforms work

The logic is almost always the same.

You:

Create a free account on the site or app.
Go to the section like “Watch”, “Videos”, “TV” or “Discover”.
Watch ads, clips or sponsored videos.
Earn points or balance for each completed activity.
When you reach a minimum amount, you can redeem for cash (PayPal) or gift cards, depending on the platform.

Let’s see some popular examples.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is one of the most well-known GPT platforms in the world.

You earn points called SB doing things like:

Watching videos and playlists.
Answering surveys.
Playing games.
Shopping online through their links.

These points can be exchanged for PayPal money or gift cards for several stores, depending on your country.

It has website and also app, and you can use your phone to do most tasks.

InboxDollars

InboxDollars is similar, but it usually shows your earnings in real dollars, not points.

You can earn by:

Watching video ads and short content.
Taking surveys.
Reading emails and doing offers.

It also lets you cash out via PayPal or gift cards, once you reach the minimum.

PrizeRebel

PrizeRebel is another GPT site where you earn points to exchange for PayPal, gift cards or sometimes other rewards.

You earn by:

Answering surveys.
Completing offers.
Watching short videos in a special video section.

Again, you can use your phone browser to do many tasks.

How much can you make watching videos on GPT sites?

Here is the honest part.

Each video or playlist usually pays very little, often just a few cents.
If you use only one platform, you may need a lot of time to reach a payment.

So what is the best way to use these apps?

See them as extra money, like coffee or mobile credit, not as your main job.
Use dead time: in line, on public transport, waiting somewhere.
Combine 2–3 platforms to increase the total.

Step-by-step to start with GPT video platforms

Choose 1 or 2 trusted platforms like Swagbucks, InboxDollars or PrizeRebel.
Create a free account with your email.
Confirm your email and complete your profile honestly.
On your phone, go to the “Watch” or “Videos” section.
Start with short tasks and see how payment works.
Set a simple goal, like “$5 or first gift card”, to stay motivated.
When you reach the minimum, request your first payment to test if everything works well in your country.

And again.

These companies can change rules, values and availability per country.

Always read the terms on the official website and remember: we are not affiliated with them and do not control how they work.

3. Make money with videos creating your own content (the most powerful way)

Now we go to the method with more potential to change your financial life.

Here you do not earn by watching other people’s videos.

You watch to study, and then you create your own videos to make money.

It is not “easy money”.

But it is one of the best long-term ways to make money with videos using only your phone.

How this method works in practice

The idea is simple.

You watch Shorts, Reels, TikToks and other short videos to learn what works.
You pay attention to:
- Topics that get many views.
- Hooks (first 3 seconds).
- Styles, formats, and trends.
- Music and sounds that repeat a lot.
You create similar content, but with your own style and voice, without copying exactly.
You grow your audience.
You activate ways to earn money from your content.

Main platforms to make money with videos as a creator

YouTube (long videos and Shorts)

You can post long videos and also YouTube Shorts (vertical short videos).

To earn with ads, you usually need to enter the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

Today, the main requirements to apply normally include:

Around 1,000 subscribers, plus
Either around 4,000 hours of public watch time in the last 12 months, or a large number of public Shorts views in a recent period.

The exact numbers and rules can change over time, so it is important to always check the official information inside YouTube Studio.

After approval, you can earn money with ads on your videos and Shorts, and also with extra tools like channel memberships and other features.

TikTok

TikTok has its own programs to reward creators, depending on country and period.

In some regions, there is a focus on longer and high-quality content, and also other ways to earn like:

Live gifts.
Brand partnerships.
Shopping tools to sell products directly in videos.

The rules may include minimum numbers of followers, views and content standards, and these details can change.

Most creators on TikTok earn better when they mix:

Payments from TikTok programs (when available).
Brand deals and sponsorships.
Selling products or services (courses, digital products, physical products, services).

Instagram Reels, Snapchat, Kwai and others

Other platforms like Instagram Reels, Snapchat and Kwai also have programs and opportunities to earn with short videos, sometimes through bonuses, sometimes through creator funds or monetization tools.

The problem is that these programs change a lot by country and time.

That’s why many creators use a smart strategy.

Create videos once in vertical format.
Post the same content (adapted) on TikTok, Reels and Shorts.
Watch where the audience grows faster and focus more energy there.

How you actually earn money with your own videos

When you start to grow, you can combine several ways to make money with videos as a creator.

Ad revenue
Payments when platforms show ads on your videos (YouTube, programs on other platforms, etc).
Brand deals
Companies pay you to show or talk about their products in your videos.
Affiliate links
You indicate products and earn a percentage when someone buys through your link.
Your own products or services
E-books, courses, consulting, digital products, physical products, memberships.

Simple step-by-step to start creating videos only with your phone

Choose a simple niche that you like and know a little about
Examples: money-saving tips, basic English, fitness at home, recipes, motivational phrases, jokes, curiosities.
Create a new profile or channel only for this niche
Use a clear name and simple photo (can be you or a logo).
Spend 2–3 days only studying videos in that niche
Save videos that have many views and that you liked.
Write very simple scripts for 15–30 second videos
Example structure:
- Big problem or question in the first 3 seconds.
- 3 quick tips or a short story.
- Call to action: “follow for more”, “save this video”, “share with a friend”.
Record with your phone in vertical mode (9:16)
Use daylight or a simple ring light.
Post at least 1 video per day for 30 days
Your first 20 videos will probably not be perfect, and that is normal.
Watch your own videos and the best videos in your niche every week
Ask yourself:
- What made this video interesting.
- What you can copy in structure (not in content) to improve your next video.
When you start getting consistent views, study the requirements to monetize on each platform
Apply for the Partner Program or reward programs when you reach the minimum.

Content creation is not fast money.

But if you stay consistent, it can become the most profitable way to make money with videos.

4. Make money with videos doing transcription and subtitles

Here you still use videos, but in a more “professional” way.

You get paid to transform audio and video into text.

There are two main types of work.

Transcription
You listen to the audio and write exactly what people say.
Subtitles / captions
You do transcription and also sync text with the video, sometimes including sounds or descriptions.

It is a real online job.

And many clients want people who speak Portuguese and English, which can be a plus for you.

The only “but”.

Doing this only on the phone is possible for small things, but much easier with a computer and a keyboard.

Example platforms for transcription and subtitles

Rev

Rev is a popular platform for transcription and caption work in English.

They offer jobs such as:

Transcriptionist
Listen to audio or video and type what is said.
Captioner
Watch videos and add synced captions and sound descriptions.

Rev usually pays per audio or video minute, and the rate depends on the type of work and sometimes the language.

Payments are normally made via digital methods such as PayPal and similar services, following their internal rules and schedules.

GoTranscript

GoTranscript is another company that works with human transcription, captions and translation in many languages.

They also pay per audio or video minute, and the total you earn depends on the project, the language and your speed and quality.

They often have demand for different languages, including Portuguese in some periods.

Freelance marketplaces (Upwork, Workana and others)

Besides these specialized sites, you can find video-related jobs on freelance platforms like Upwork and Workana.

People post jobs for:

Transcription of YouTube videos.
Subtitling in .srt files.
Translation with subtitles (for example, English → Portuguese).

You create a profile and apply to the projects that make sense for you.

How much can you earn with transcription / subtitles

Earnings depend on several factors.

Language you work with.
Speed and accuracy of your typing.
Platform or private clients.

In general, beginners in English transcription start with modest values but can increase income as they get faster, make fewer mistakes and build a good reputation.

This is not passive.

You are really working while you watch and listen.

Step-by-step to start with transcription and subtitles

Take a free typing test online to see your speed and accuracy.
Practice transcribing short parts of YouTube videos to train your ear.
Choose one platform to start (for example, a transcription company or a freelance site).
Read the rules carefully and do their sample test with maximum focus.
If you are accepted, start with easier jobs and increase difficulty later.
After some experience, create a profile on Upwork or Workana and offer your transcription / subtitles services directly to clients.

If today you only have a phone, you can start learning and training.

When possible, try to use or borrow a computer to work faster and increase your earnings.

Which method is best for you right now

To make it easier, let’s compare.

If you want something very simple and light

Start with GPT apps and sites (Swagbucks, InboxDollars, PrizeRebel and others).
Use them to make a few extra dollars in your free time watching videos and ads.
Do not expect big money, but use them to learn how online rewards and digital payments work.

If you want a little more money and you like to give opinions

Try market research and usability tests like UserTesting.
Here you may earn more per task, but you need to speak clearly and follow instructions.

If you want to build something big for the future

Focus on creating your own content on YouTube Shorts, TikTok and Reels.
Watch videos to study what works, not just for fun.
Be ready to post many videos and improve over months.

If you are willing to work more seriously with video

Learn transcription and subtitles.
Start on transcription platforms or freelance marketplaces.
This can become a real remote job or a more consistent side income.

Important safety and expectation notes

Always check if each platform is available and allowed in your country before using.
Read the terms of use and respect all rules of the company.
Payments, minimum amounts, bonuses and programs can change at any time.
We do not have any relationship, partnership or control over these companies.
Never pay to “unlock” secret earnings or “VIP access” that looks suspicious.

Use your common sense.

If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.