How to Earn Money By Watching Reels: 5 Apps You Should Know

Learn how to earn money by watching reels through 5 of the best apps. Turn your time on Instagram into a profitable activity with these tools. However, for making reels for your Instagram profile, use the advanced tools in CapCut.

CapCut
CapCut
Mar 31, 2025
58 min(s)

Many people spend hours watching short videos on social media for fun, but few realize they can turn this habit into income. Various platforms now reward users for engaging with content, making it possible to earn money by simply watching reels. Whether through reward-based apps, influencer programs, or ad-sharing models, there are multiple ways to benefit financially.

Therefore, in this article, you will learn how to earn money by watching reels with the 5 best apps.

Table of content
  1. How does earning money by watching videos work
  2. Can you make money by watching Instagram reels
  3. How to earn money by watching reels: 5 must-try apps
  4. How to earn money by watching reels: Proven tips
  5. Bonus tip: Earn more by creating Instagram Reels with CapCut
  6. Conclusion
  7. FAQs

How does earning money by watching videos work

Earning money by watching videos works through apps and websites that pay users for views, engagement, or ad interactions. Some platforms give points or cash for watching reels, while others share ad revenue with viewers. Brands also pay users to watch and review content for promotions. In some cases, referral programs let users earn extra by inviting friends. Payments are usually made through digital wallets, gift cards, or bank transfers. Choosing trusted platforms and being consistent helps maximize earnings.

How does earning money by watching videos work

Can you make money by watching Instagram reels

You can make money by watching Instagram Reels, but not directly from Instagram. Some apps and websites pay users to watch and engage with reels as part of their reward programs. Brands and influencers also hire people to watch, like, and comment on their content to boost engagement. Referral programs on certain platforms give extra earnings for inviting friends. Some websites give points or cash for watching ads that appear in reels.

How to earn money by watching reels: 5 must-try apps

Watching reels is a fun way to pass the time, but it can also help you earn extra cash. Several apps reward users for watching short videos, including reels, ads, and promotions. Here's how to earn money by watching Instagram Reels with the 5 best apps:

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a popular rewards app where you can earn points (SBs) by watching videos, including reels, news, and entertainment clips. The number of SBs you earn depends on the video length and category. Besides watching videos, you can earn by playing games, shopping, and completing surveys. It lets you redeem points for gift cards or cash via PayPal. This app is a great option for those looking for flexible ways to earn.

Pros
  • Multiple earning options
  • Trusted payout system
  • Works worldwide
  • Low minimum withdrawal
Cons
  • Limited video availability
  • SB points take time to add up
Interface of Swagbucks - the best way to earn money by watching reels

InboxDollars

InboxDollars pays users to watch short video ads, including reels about news, tech, and entertainment. You can make up to 25 cents per video and have the option to watch 30 videos daily. The app also rewards users for reading emails, browsing the web, and completing offers. Unlike some platforms, InboxDollars pays in actual cash, not points.

Pros
  • Cash payments, no points
  • Daily earning opportunities
  • $5 bonus for new users
  • Various earning tasks
Cons
  • Minimum withdrawal limit
  • Some offers require sign-ups
Interface of InboxDollar - an easy way to make money by watching reels

App trailers

App Trailers lets users earn money by watching short video clips, including reels, movie trailers, and DIY content. It also uses Nielsen's software for market research, making it a unique platform. You can earn points that are redeemed from gifts, PayPal cash, or even bank transfers. Videos range from 30 seconds to a few minutes, making it a quick-earning method.

Pros
  • Short video clips
  • Variety of payout options
  • Quick earnings per video
  • Simple user interface
Cons
  • Low earnings per video
  • Limited availability in some regions
Interface of App trailers - another way to earn money by watching reels

TashBucks

TaskBucks is an app that lets users earn money by watching reels and other videos. In addition to video watching, users can complete surveys, install apps, and play quizzes to boost their earnings. The app pays through Paytm and MobiKwik, making it ideal for mobile users. It also has a referral system, where you earn extra for inviting friends.

Pros
  • Multiple payout methods
  • Referral program for extra income
  • Simple sign-up process
  • Works well on mobile
Cons
  • Only available in select countries
  • Earnings depend on task availability
Showing how to make money by watching reels on TashBucks

Pocket money

Pocket Money is another great app for earning money by watching short videos and reels. You can also make money by playing games, installing apps, and referring friends. Users can transfer earnings through Paytm, use them for shopping, or get mobile recharges. The app is easy to use and provides daily earning opportunities.

Pros
  • Quick Paytm transfers
  • Daily earning options
  • Offers for shopping and recharges
  • Easy-to-use app
Cons
  • Earnings can be low
  • Some offers require extra steps
Interface of Pocket money - a quick way to earn money by watching reels

How to earn money by watching reels: Proven tips

Many people enjoy watching reels, but not everyone knows they can earn money from it. By using good apps and strategies, you can turn this habit into extra income. Here are some proven tips on how to earn by watching reels and making the most of your screen time:

  • Use reward-based apps

Some apps pay users for watching reels, short videos, and ad-based content. Platforms like Swagbucks and InboxDollars reward users with points, gift cards, or cash for video engagement. Choosing trusted and reliable apps is a great way to start earning extra income.

  • Join referral programs

Many apps give extra rewards when you invite friends or family members to join. Referral programs help you earn additional bonuses or commissions, making them an easy way to increase your total income. This is a smart approach for those looking to maximize their overall earnings.

  • Engage with monetized content

Certain platforms share ad revenue with users who watch and interact with reels, short videos, and advertisements. Liking videos, leaving thoughtful comments, or watching branded content can sometimes lead to direct earnings.

  • Complete in-app challenges

Some apps provide special tasks, daily missions, or challenges for watching a set number of reels. Completing these engaging challenges can unlock bonus points, extra rewards, or direct cash incentives. This is a great way to stay active and earn extra money without much additional effort.

  • Cash-out earnings wisely

Earnings can be withdrawn through platforms like PayPal, gift cards, direct bank transfers, or digital wallets. Some apps have higher withdrawal limits, so it's best to save up points before cashing out earnings. Managing withdrawals properly ensures steady and reliable income without any hassle.

Bonus tip: Earn more by creating Instagram Reels with CapCut

The CapCut desktop video editor helps you craft engaging, professional-quality reels that attract views, boost engagement, and increase monetization opportunities. With AI-powered tools, seamless editing, and automatic captions, creating viral content has never been easier.

Interface of the CapCut desktop video editor - a quick way to edit and enhance Instagram Reels

Key features

CapCut has diverse tools to enhance Instagram Reels, making content more engaging and professional. Here are some key features that help creators produce high-quality videos effortlessly:

  • Advanced AI video resizer

Use CapCut's video resizer to adjust video dimensions automatically for different social media platforms, ensuring reels fit perfectly without losing quality.

  • Instant video stabilization

Reduces shakiness in footage instantly, making handheld, motion-heavy, or action shots smoother and more visually appealing.

  • Accurate caption generation

CapCut's auto caption generator helps you add precise subtitles to videos, improving accessibility, clarity, and engagement for a wider audience.

  • Diverse AI voice changer

Modifies voiceovers with various realistic effects, helping creators match different tones, moods, and unique styles easily.

  • Customizable video templates

Provides ready-made professional templates that speed up editing while ensuring personalization for creative and unique content.

How to create engaging reels for Instagram in CapCut

Download and install CapCut easily by visiting the official website. Click the download button, follow the installation steps, and start creating engaging Instagram Reels instantly. Users can download it by clicking the button below.

    STEP 1
  1. Import the video

Begin by adding your video to the CapCut desktop video editor. Click "Import" or drag and drop the file into the workspace, then move it to the timeline for editing.

Importing a video into the CapCut desktop video editor
    STEP 2
  1. Edit and enhance the video

Click "Auto reframe" in the basic video editing tab to resize your video for Instagram. Go to "AI Stylize" to create and apply custom effects. Enhance keynotes by adding text with versatile AI fonts. To improve accessibility, generate captions by selecting "Captions" > "Auto captions" > Choose the "Spoken language" > "Generate."

Editing and enhancing a video in the CapCut desktop video editor
    STEP 3
  1. Export and share

After finishing your edits, click "Export" and adjust settings like resolution, bitrate, and codec. Then, press "Export" again to save or upload it to Instagram.

Exporting a video from the CapCut desktop video editor

Conclusion

Learning how to earn money by watching reels is a good way to make extra income with the right apps and strategies. Using reward-based platforms, completing tasks, and engaging with monetized content can help maximize earnings. Choosing trusted apps and cashing out wisely ensures a smooth experience. For those who want to go further, creating reels can be another great way to earn. CapCut makes this easier with advanced editing tools that help create high-quality Instagram Reels that stand out.

FAQs

    1
  1. How to earn money by watching reels on Instagram through affiliate links?

Affiliate marketing lets you earn by sharing product links in Reel descriptions or captions. Commissions are earned when viewers click and purchase through your link. Choosing trending products and engaging content increases conversions. You can use tools like CapCut to create eye-catching reels that attract more clicks and sales.

    2
  1. How much can I earn from Instagram reels per view on average?

Earnings per view depend on engagement, location, and follower count. On average, creators make $0.01 to $0.05 per 1,000 views, while top influencers earn more. Consistently posting high-quality content improves reach and monetization. However, if you want to make engaging reels with high-quality visuals to attract viewers, use the CapCut desktop video editor.

    3
  1. How do reward-based apps track Reel engagement for payouts?

Reward-based apps monitor user interactions with Reels by tracking metrics such as watch time, likes, shares, and comments. These metrics help determine user engagement levels, which are then used to calculate payouts. To ensure your Reels meet the criteria set by these apps, it's essential to create compelling and high-quality content. Leveraging editing tools like CapCut can assist in producing professional and engaging reels.