Apps That Pay You to Watch Videos, Listen to Music and Read

5. Current Rewards (Mode Earn on Android)

Earns points while you listen to its music player. Reviews say it pays out, but earning rates are low and ads are heavy. Reported payout minimums vary by platform and version; one review cites 8,000 points, another reports about 25,000 points for a PayPal card (The Budget Diet review, checked October 2026). The Android version is now called Mode Earn.

6. Music Review Platforms

Some platforms pay listeners to review new songs for artists. Pay per review is small, and acceptance varies. See Money Pantry's music review roundup for options to research.

Apps and Sites That Pay You to Read Books

Reading-based gigs pay more per task, because you're writing a review, not just reading.

7. OnlineBookClub

Pays reviewers per review, with a widely quoted range of $5 to $60. Your first review is an unpaid test, reviews run around 400 to 500 words, and payment is via PayPal; some reviewers report low pay relative to the work (The Budget Diet, checked October 2026).

8. Kirkus Reviews

Hires freelance reviewers, mostly for self-published books. Kirkus doesn't publish pay rates; reviewers report roughly $50 per review of about 350 words (Rat Race Rebellion). Applicants submit writing samples and a sample review.

9. Reading Aloud and Narration

Narrating audiobooks pays far more than reading for points. See sites that pay you to read books aloud.

10. Proofreading

If you love reading carefully, proofreading pays real rates. See how to become a proofreader.

How to Spot Fake "Watch and Earn" Apps

Many apps in app stores promise big earnings for watching ads and short videos. Red flags:

• Huge balances fast, with a cashout minimum you can never quite reach

• Withdrawal requires watching more ads, inviting friends or paying a fee

• No company information or terms of use

• Reviews mention "never paid" or "balance reset"

Stick with established platforms and check recent one-star reviews about cashing out before you invest time.

How to Get the Most From Rewards Apps

If you use these apps, a few habits make the time worth more:

• Stack tasks: let videos play while you do something else (where the app allows it).

• Cash out at the minimum rather than letting points sit; balances can expire or terms can change.

• Prefer cash or gift cards you'd use anyway, like grocery or Amazon cards.

• Track your time. If an hour of tasks earns less than a coffee, switch to something with better returns, like website testing or online surveys.

• Protect your privacy: read what data an app collects before you install it.

Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Do apps really pay you to watch videos?

Some established rewards apps do, like Swagbucks and InboxDollars, but the amounts are small. Many newer "watch and earn" apps never pay out.

What app pays you to listen to music?

Current Rewards (Mode Earn on Android) pays points for listening, which you redeem for gift cards or PayPal. Reviews describe the earnings as low.

Can you get paid to read books?

Yes, mostly by writing reviews (OnlineBookClub, Kirkus) or narrating audiobooks. Reading alone rarely pays.

What's a better way to earn from watching or reading?

Turn it into a skill: captioning, transcription, proofreading or narration pay real rates.

The Bottom Line

Apps that pay you to watch videos or listen to music are fine for spare change, but they won't move your budget. Use established apps, check payout rules first, and if you enjoy the activity, turn it into a paid skill like captioning or proofreading. More ideas: money-making apps for your smartphone.