The digital economy has opened up diverse ways to earn money online, and watching videos is among the simplest. For Nigerians, this income stream is both flexible and accessible, requiring just a smartphone, internet connection, and some free time. While this method won’t make you rich overnight, it offers a legitimate way to supplement your income with minimal effort.
This guide explores everything you need to know about earning money in Nigeria by watching videos, including the platforms, earnings potential, challenges, and practical tips for success.
Can You Really Make Money By Watching Videos?
Yes, you can! Watching videos for money involves signing up on platforms that reward users for completing simple tasks such as viewing advertisements, movie trailers, or promotional clips. These platforms monetize your views by partnering with advertisers and sharing a portion of their revenue with you.
While the payouts per task are relatively small, your earnings can accumulate over time. It’s an ideal option for students, stay-at-home parents, or anyone looking for a low-effort side hustle.
Top Platforms That Pay You To Watch Videos
Numerous platforms cater to users worldwide, including Nigerians. Below are some of the most reliable and user-friendly options:
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a leading platform for earning rewards through tasks like watching videos, completing surveys, and shopping online. It is user-friendly and offers diverse content ranging from entertainment to news and advertisements.
Features:
- Earn SB points for each video watched.
- Redeem points for PayPal cash or gift cards.
- Tasks are updated regularly.
How To Get Started:
- Visit the Swagbucks website or download the app.
- Sign up with your email address.
- Browse and start watching videos to earn points.
2. InboxDollars
InboxDollars allows users to make money by watching video ads, TV shows, and movie trailers. The platform offers a cash-based reward system, which means you see exactly how much you’re earning per task.
Features:
- Cash payouts via PayPal.
- Opportunities to earn through surveys and games.
- Referral bonuses available.
How To Get Started:
- Register on InboxDollars.
- Select video-watching tasks from the dashboard.
- Accumulate rewards and withdraw once you hit the minimum threshold (usually $30).
3. Toluna
Toluna is a survey platform that also rewards users for watching promotional content. The platform is accessible in Nigeria, and rewards are redeemable for cash or gift cards.
Features:
- Points-based reward system.
- Videos are short, usually less than 5 minutes.
- User-friendly mobile app.
How To Get Started:
- Sign up on Toluna’s website or app.
- Complete your profile to access video tasks.
- Accumulate points and cash out when you reach the redemption threshold.
4. ClipClaps
ClipClaps combines entertainment and earning, making it one of the most engaging platforms. Users can watch funny or trending videos and earn rewards in the form of coins, which can be converted into cash.
Features:
- A vast library of entertaining content.
- Coins can be redeemed via PayPal.
- Daily bonuses for consistent users.
How To Get Started:
- Download the ClipClaps app from the Play Store or App Store.
- Create an account.
- Watch videos, earn coins, and convert them to cash.
5. Earnably
Earnably is a rewards platform offering users opportunities to watch videos, complete surveys, and perform other simple tasks. While it is more popular in Western countries, Nigerians with PayPal accounts can participate.
Features:
- Flexible payout options (PayPal and gift cards).
- Access to a variety of video categories.
- Low payout threshold starting at $1.
How To Get Started:
- Sign up on the Earnably website.
- Select and complete video-watching tasks.
- Redeem rewards once you reach the minimum threshold.
Additional Platforms To Explore
iRazoo: Earn points by watching videos, which can be redeemed for PayPal cash.
FusionCash: Offers a variety of video tasks and other earning opportunities.
MyPoints: Similar to Swagbucks, allowing you to earn points for watching videos and shopping online.
How Much Can You Earn By Watching Videos?
Earnings depend on the platform, the number of videos you watch, and the time you invest. On average:
Daily Earnings: ₦500–₦1,500 ($1–$3)
Monthly Earnings: ₦15,000–₦45,000 ($30–$90)
While these figures may seem modest, they can make a significant difference when combined with other income sources.
Tips To Maximize Your Earnings
Use Multiple Platforms: Diversify your efforts by signing up on several platforms. This increases the availability of tasks and boosts your income.
Take Advantage of Referrals: Most platforms offer referral bonuses. Invite friends to join and earn extra rewards.
Set Goals: Allocate a specific number of hours daily to video-watching activities to ensure consistency.
Monitor Internet Usage: Video streaming consumes data, so use affordable data plans to maximize profitability.
Cash Out Regularly: Withdraw your earnings as soon as you reach the minimum payout to avoid potential losses from platform policy changes.
Common Challenges
Low Payouts: The earnings from watching videos are minimal, so this method is best suited as a supplementary income source.
Time-Consuming: Tasks can take time, especially when working across multiple platforms.
Scams: Be wary of fraudulent websites that promise large payouts but fail to deliver. Stick to trusted platforms like Swagbucks and InboxDollars.
VPN Requirements: Some platforms may require VPN access for Nigerians to participate in tasks.
FAQs
1. Is it free to join video-watching platforms?
Yes, most platforms are free to join. However, ensure you sign up only on legitimate sites to avoid scams.
2. Can I earn without a PayPal account?
While many platforms use PayPal for payments, some offer alternative methods like gift cards or mobile airtime top-ups.
3. Are there age restrictions?
Yes, most platforms require users to be at least 18 years old.
4. How long do video tasks take?
Tasks vary in duration, typically lasting 30 seconds to 10 minutes.
5. Can I do this full-time?
Video-watching is not a full-time income option. It is better suited for earning supplemental income in your free time.
Conclusion
Making money in Nigeria by watching videos is an easy and accessible way to earn extra cash. Although the payouts are small, consistency and strategic use of multiple platforms can make this a worthwhile side hustle. Whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home parent, or just looking for passive income opportunities, this method allows you to monetize your screen time.
Start exploring the platforms mentioned in this article, and turn your video-watching hobby into a source of income today!