Everyone wants to make money online, but the long hours of working to build a portfolio and expertise discourages many. If your goal is becoming rich, then that dream might be closer than you think. The interesting part is, there is a simple, low-effort way to make some extra cash, especially if you’re juggling classes, kids, or just life in general.
Well, let me let you in on something most people don’t talk about. There are online platforms that actually pay you real money; no scams, no nonsense, no shady get-rich-quick stuff. Just genuine ways to earn from watching short videos, clicking ads, answering a few questions, or playing some music in the background while you watch your favorite movie.
In this article, I will share with you 8 lesser-known online platforms that could help you pocket some money. The beauty of these online jobs is that you can work from anywhere. Whether you’re in Nairobi, Kisumu, or chilling in Mombasa, it doesn’t matter.
- EarnHouse
This one is fresh. Not a lot of people know about it yet, which is actually a good thing. You know, less people means less competition and more opportunities. EarnHouse pays up to $25 per survey. No jokes. That’s real money, not points or tokens. The best part? You can cash out anytime via PayPal or bank transfer. No minimums. No funny business.
The platform already has over 36,000 verified reviews on Trustpilot. And while I haven’t tried it personally, the glowing feedback from other users says a lot. So, if you’re fast and accurate, you can turn surveys into quick cash. Pro tip: use tools like ChatGPT to speed up your process of answering surveys. However, it is important that you don’t overdo it because you might be flagged for spamming.
- Mode Earn App (aka Mode Mobile)
This app is sneaky good. It’s sitting pretty with over 2 million five-star reviews on Google Play, and has already paid out $325 million. That’s not small money.
You earn by listening to music, watching banner ads, playing games, reading news, things you probably do daily anyway. Average earnings are around $10 to $25 per day. Doesn’t sound like much? Well, if you’re consistent, that’s up to Ksh 90,000 a month. Not bad at all.
To get started, download the app and choose your preferred activities. Whether it’s music or videos, pick what feels easiest for you and go all in.
- Idol Empire
Here’s another hidden gem. Idol Empire gives you points for surveys, videos, offers, and referring your friends. These points can be converted to cash, crypto, or gift cards like Amazon, Google Play, or Steam. Some people even withdraw through Binance.
The earnings? Roughly $5 to $10 a day. Again, not a full salary, but enough for your lunch or Wi-Fi bill. Pro tip: focus on surveys and referrals, they offer more points compared to simple tasks.
- Star Clicks
This one’s been around for a while and it works. You get paid to click on ads. Simple as that. They offer between 10 to 20 ads daily, and you can earn around $5 to $10 a day depending on how active you are and how many people you refer.
Once you hit $50, you can cash out via PayPal or bank transfer. Pro tip: Share your referral link in online earning Facebook groups to build passive income.
- Clickworker
Clickworker is one of those “do a bit of everything” platforms. You can do surveys, data entry, app testing, even train AI models. They pay through PayPal or SEPA for those in Europe. Africans can also get paid, but yes, the pay per task might be a bit lower based on your country.
Still, with some effort, you can earn around $5 to $12 an hour. Use their app for more convenience, and always pick high-paying tasks. AI tools can also help you work faster.
- PaidWork
If you like doing many small tasks for extra income, PaidWork is worth checking out. You can watch videos, complete microtasks, play games, or even earn through referrals.
They claim you can earn up to $700, but I’d say take that with a pinch of salt. Focus on consistency and high-reward tasks. Referrals here are gold, if someone earns $10, you also get $10. So, inviting 10 people could land you $100 without doing much.
- Qmee
Now this one is lowkey but powerful. Qmee pays for surveys and online activities. What’s unique here is there’s no minimum withdrawal amount. You can cash out anytime, even with $1, through PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards.
Surveys pay from $1.25 to even $15, depending on how long and complex they are. Some users report monthly earnings between $50 to $100, especially those who stay active. Avoid using their desktop app unless you have a fast computer, the mobile browser version is faster and more efficient.
- Inbox Dollars
You’ve probably heard of this one. Inbox Dollars is one of the OG platforms. It gives you $5 just for signing up. You earn by completing surveys, watching videos, playing games, and referring others.
Surveys pay around 50 cents to $5, but some long ones go up to $20. The trick is to focus on the longer, higher-paying surveys. Withdrawals can be made via Visa, PayPal, or gift cards.
Conclusion
I will be lying if I say that this online platforms for making money will make you a millionaire overnight. However, they can make extra money to add on to your savings and slowly build capital for your first or next business.
In the recent past, the economy has been soaring high with less and less opportunities for employment seekers.
These small digital gigs can be a lifeline. So, don’t sleep on them. Test out a few, see what works best for you, and double down on that.
Also, remember — consistency beats luck. The more active you are, the more you earn. And don’t be afraid to mix things up. One day it’s surveys, the next it’s referrals, or music streaming while doing other things that you like doing. That’s the beauty of flexible income.
