Skip to main content

I Made $25 Watching YouTube Shorts — Beginner Friendly & No Investment

 

I Thought It Was a Scam — But Then I Got Paid

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across a TikTok video claiming you could earn money just by watching YouTube Shorts. Skeptical but curious, I decided to try it out. I didn’t expect much—maybe a few cents or a bunch of surveys—but I ended up making $25 in just three days, using only my phone and some spare time.

If you're someone who's tired of “get-rich-quick” schemes, this article will give you real, tested methods to earn a few extra dollars by simply watching short videos.

Why YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts is YouTube’s answer to TikTok and Instagram Reels. With billions of views daily, it's no surprise that some platforms are now paying users to watch and engage with short-form content.

But here's the thing: YouTube itself doesn’t pay you to watch Shorts—but several third-party GPT (Get-Paid-To) platforms do. These platforms connect advertisers, content creators, and viewers like us. They get paid for delivering traffic or attention, and we get a small share of that payment.

SEO keywords to rank for:
get paid to watch YouTube, make money with YouTube Shorts, watch videos for money, passive income apps, side hustle ideas for beginners

1. The Platform I Used: Swagbucks

Swagbucks is one of the oldest and most reliable GPT platforms out there. They have a “Watch” section where you can watch a series of short videos (including YouTube Shorts-style clips) and earn SB points. Each 100 SB = $1.

Here's how I did it:

  • Signed up for free at Swagbucks

  • Went to the “Watch” tab under “Discover”

  • Watched playlists with 10–15 short videos

  • Earned about 20–30 SB per day, just for keeping my phone on

Pro tip: Leave the videos playing while you cook, clean, or scroll Instagram. As long as they’re running in the background, you're earning.

2. InboxDollars — More Than Just Surveys

InboxDollars works similarly to Swagbucks but often has higher payouts for video playlists.

How I used it:

  • Signed up at InboxDollars

  • Navigated to the “Videos” section

  • Chose "Short Clips" playlists

  • Watched them for about 20 minutes per day

  • Earned about $0.60–$1/day

SEO keywords:
apps that pay you to watch videos, how to make money watching videos, InboxDollars review, Swagbucks vs InboxDollars

3. My Results After 3 Days

Here's a quick breakdown of how I made $25:

PlatformDaily Time SpentDaily EarningsTotal After 3 Days
Swagbucks30 mins$3.50$10.50
InboxDollars20 mins$0.80$2.40
Other Offers (bonus tasks)1 hour$4/day$12
Total: $10.50 + $2.40 + $12 = $24.90

And I didn’t even do it full-time—just on the side while watching Netflix.

4. Withdrawal & Payment Proof

Both platforms let you withdraw to PayPal or redeem gift cards. I chose PayPal and received the funds within 48 hours.

5. Tips for New Users

  • Use a separate email for GPT sites to avoid clutter

  • Stack earnings from multiple platforms

  • Don’t expect to get rich—this is a side hustle, not a salary

  • Avoid scams: Only use legit platforms with a long-standing reputation

  • Be consistent: 20–30 mins a day can add up to $50–$100/month

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you're a student, stay-at-home parent, or just someone with a few minutes to spare daily, watching YouTube Shorts for cash is a real, easy way to earn a little side money. You won’t retire off of it, but it’s better than endless scrolling with zero return.

There are dozens of apps out there that claim to pay users, but Swagbucks and InboxDollars have consistently delivered. It’s 100% beginner-friendly, requires no investment, and can be done from anywhere.

Ready to try it?
Start by signing up here:

SEO Summary:

  • Keywords Used: watch videos for money, YouTube Shorts money, passive income with apps, GPT platforms, earn money online 2025, make money watching ads

  • Target Country: US, UK, CA, AU

  • Target Audience: Beginners, mobile users, side hustlers, stay-at-home workers

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Turn Your Smartphone Into a Money Machine: 10 Best Earning Apps

 Are you glued to your smartphone all day? What if you could turn that screen time into actual income? In 2025, your phone is more than just a communication device—it's a powerful money-making machine. In this article, you'll discover 10 of the best earning apps that allow you to make real money directly from your smartphone , without needing any special skills or upfront investment. These apps are perfect for beginners and available in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and beyond. Let’s dive in and help you start earning today! 1. Streetbees App Store & Google Play Streetbees pays you for sharing insights about your daily habits through short mobile surveys and photos. It’s conversational and fun—almost like chatting with a friend. You get paid via PayPal for each completed story. Best For: Everyday users Earning Potential: $3 - $50/day SEO Keywords: mobile survey app, get paid for opinions, earn money on phone 2. Qmee App Store & Google Play Qmee rewards you for sear...
Read more

Earn Money as a Tester: Top 12 Websites to Get Paid for Testing

 If you are looking for ways to make money online and earn extra income from home, becoming a tester could be an excellent opportunity. Many companies pay individuals to test websites, apps, software, and even AI data. If you want to get paid to test websites , check out these top 12 websites to make money as a tester . 1. UserTesting UserTesting is one of the most popular platforms where you can earn money testing websites and apps . Testers provide video feedback while completing simple tasks. How You Earn: $10 for a 20-minute test; some tests pay up to $60 Payment Method: PayPal Best For: English speakers with clear verbal communication skills Join UserTesting ๐Ÿ“Œ  2. Testbirds Testbirds focuses on usability and functionality testing for software and apps. You can earn by finding bugs and giving detailed feedback. How You Earn: €20 per standard usability test; more for complex tasks Payment Method: PayPal or direct bank transfer Best For: Tech-savvy users Visit Testbi...
Read more

Monetizing Hyper-Niche Printables on Etsy: A Hidden Goldmine for Passive Income (2025 Guide)

 In the era of digital side hustles, selling printables on Etsy has quietly become one of the most underrated ways to generate passive income. But here’s the real kicker: the real money isn’t in the broad categories — it’s in the hyper-niche . While the mainstream is saturated with generic planners and to-do lists, there's a growing demand for super-specific, personalized, and problem-solving printables. In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you exactly how to tap into this digital goldmine — even if you’re not a designer or marketing expert. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore how hyper-niche printables can turn into a consistent income stream in 2025. ๐Ÿง What Are "Hyper-Niche" Printables? Hyper-niche printables are digital files that solve very specific problems for very specific audiences. Unlike general-purpose planners or checklists, these products are tailored to micro-communities or unique use cases. ✨ Examples of hyper-niche printables: A “Senior Dog Me...
Read more