Did you know you can make real money just by watching Instagram Reels?🚀 You don’t need to be an influencer or create content—many apps and websites pay users for watching short videos like Reels.
In this complete 1000+ word guide, you’ll learn:
✅ 5 proven ways to earn money by watching Reels
✅ Step-by-step instructions for each method
✅ How much you can realistically earn
✅ Tips to maximize your earnings
✅ How to avoid scams
Let’s get started!
1. What You Need to Get Started
Before we dive into the methods, here’s what you’ll need:
- A smartphone (Android or iPhone)
- Instagram account (to watch Reels)
- Stable internet connection
- PayPal or bank account (for cashing out earnings)
Note: All methods are free to join. Never pay to sign up!
2. 5 Real Ways to Earn Money Watching Instagram Reels
Method 1: Get Paid with Reward Apps
Best for: Small, steady earnings (5–5–50/month)
How it works: Apps like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and ClipClaps pay you for watching short videos (including Reels).
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Download the app (e.g., Swagbucks from the App Store/Google Play).
- Sign up for free (use email or Facebook).
- Go to the “Watch Videos” section.
- Select “Short Videos” or “Social Media Clips”.
- Watch Reels (or similar videos) and earn points.
- Redeem points for PayPal cash or gift cards.
💰 Earnings: 0.10–0.10–0.50 per hour.
⏳ Time required: 10–30 mins/day.
Pro Tip: Some apps let you run videos in the background while doing other tasks!
Method 2: Earn with Paid Surveys
Best for: Extra cash (10–10–100/month)
How it works: Companies pay for your opinion on social media trends, including Instagram Reels.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Sign up on survey sites (Toluna, YouGov, LifePoints).
- Complete your profile (helps get more surveys).
- Look for surveys about “social media” or “video watching.”
- Answer honestly (e.g., “How often do you watch Reels?”).
- Get paid via PayPal or gift cards.
💰 Earnings: 1–1–5 per survey.
⏳ Time required: 5–15 mins per survey.
Pro Tip: Check your survey dashboard daily for new opportunities.
Method 3: Test Apps & Websites
Best for: High payouts (50–50–200 per test)
How it works: Companies pay you to test apps (some include Reels-like features).
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Join testing platforms (UserTesting, Testbirds).
- Apply for tests (look for “social media” or “video” tests).
- Follow instructions (e.g., “Watch 10 Reels and review them”).
- Record your feedback (some tests require screen recording).
- Get paid 10–10–50 per test.
💰 Earnings: 10–10–50 per hour.
⏳ Time required: 15–60 mins per test.
Pro Tip: New users get more test invites—sign up early!
Method 4: Refer Friends & Earn
Best for: Passive income (5–5–50/month)
How it works: Some apps pay you for inviting friends who watch Reels.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Use apps like Current or Mode Earn.
- Share your referral link (e.g., on WhatsApp, Instagram).
- Friends sign up and watch videos.
- Earn a commission (e.g., $0.50 per referral).
- Cash out via PayPal.
💰 Earnings: 0.50–0.50–5 per referral.
⏳ Time required: 5 mins to share your link.
Pro Tip: Post your link in Facebook groups about making money online.
Method 5: Join Instagram’s Beta Testing Program
Best for: Rare but high-paying (50–50–200/month)
How it works: Instagram sometimes pays users to test new Reels features.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Search “Instagram Beta Tester Program” on Google.
- Apply if available (not always open).
- Complete tasks (e.g., “Watch 20 Reels daily and report bugs”).
- Get paid in cash or gift cards.
💰 Earnings: 50–50–200 per month (if selected).
⏳ Time required: 10–20 mins/day.
Pro Tip: Follow Instagram’s official blog for beta program updates.
3. How Much Can You Really Earn?
| Method | Earnings Per Month | Time Required | Payout Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reward Apps | 5–5–50 | 10–30 mins/day | PayPal/Gift Cards |
| Surveys | 10–10–100 | 5–15 mins/survey | PayPal/Vouchers |
| App Testing | 50–50–200 | 15–60 mins/test | PayPal |
| Referrals | 5–5–50 | 5 mins/day | PayPal |
| Beta Testing | 50–50–200 | 10–20 mins/day | PayPal/Gifts |
Tip: Combine 2–3 methods to earn $100+/month!
4. How to Avoid Scams
🚨 Red Flags to Watch For:
❌ “Pay to join” schemes (legit apps are free).
❌ Promises of “$100/day for watching Reels” (unrealistic).
❌ No PayPal/bank payout options (could be fake).
✅ Safe Practices:
✔ Read reviews before signing up.
✔ Start with small cashouts to test legitimacy.
✔ Stick to well-known apps (Swagbucks, YouGov, etc.).
5. Tips to Maximize Earnings
💡 Set a daily goal (e.g., “Earn $1/day”).
💡 Use multiple devices (phone + tablet = more earnings).
💡 Join Facebook groups for money-making tips.
💡 Cash out early (avoid losing earnings if an app shuts down).
6. Final Step-by-Step Plan
- Pick 1–2 methods (start with reward apps + surveys).
- Spend 15–30 mins/day watching Reels.
- Track earnings in a notebook or app.
- Cash out every 5–5–10 (to stay motivated).
Example Routine:
- Morning: Complete 1 survey ($1).
- Afternoon: Watch videos on Swagbucks ($0.50).
- Evening: Refer a friend (0.50).=∗∗0.50).=∗∗2/day → $60/month!**
7. Ready to Start?
Now you know exactly how to earn money by watching Instagram Reels—no scams, just real methods.
Next Steps:
- Download Swagbucks or InboxDollars (easiest for beginners).
- Spend 15 mins today testing it out.
- Reply “NEXT” for your second article!
