If you’ve ever felt like there’s a secret world of online money-making opportunities that only a few lucky people know about, you might be right. But today, we’re going to crack open that world for you. There are countless platforms out there where you can earn extra cash—and not just a few dollars here and there, but potentially hundreds or even thousands of dollars each month. All you need is a little know-how, a touch of curiosity, and access to these lesser-known but highly profitable websites.
1. UserTesting
If you’ve got a knack for giving honest feedback, UserTesting can be a fantastic way to earn some quick cash. The idea is simple: companies need fresh eyes to evaluate their websites and apps, and they’re willing to pay for it. You could be looking at a site, clicking around, and answering questions while providing your honest thoughts—and just like that, you earn about \$10 for each 20-minute test. If you think about it, that’s roughly \$30 an hour just for sharing your opinions.
UserTesting lets you work on your own schedule, and it’s incredibly straightforward to get started. All you need is a device, a reliable internet connection, and an authentic voice—there are no wrong answers here, just honest ones.
To get started, you need to sign up on their website and complete a sample test. This sample test helps UserTesting determine if you can provide valuable feedback in a clear and concise way. Once you’re approved, you’ll start receiving invites to tests via email. The more tests you qualify for, the more you can earn. The tests are varied—you might be asked to test a new app, review an e-commerce checkout process, or explore the usability of a travel website.
Payments are made weekly via PayPal, which makes it convenient and reliable. The key to maximizing your earnings on UserTesting is to stay active and responsive—tests can fill up fast, so the quicker you respond to invitations, the more you’ll be able to earn. It’s a great way to turn your opinions into cash, all from the comfort of your own home.
2. Respondent
Want to get paid for your professional opinions? Respondent connects people like you with researchers from leading brands who need genuine insights. Depending on the study, you could make upwards of \$100 an hour for participating in research interviews and focus groups. What’s great about Respondent is that they cater to all sorts of backgrounds—whether you’re an experienced professional or just an everyday user, there’s usually a project for you.
The flexibility here is a big plus. You can filter the studies by time, pay rate, and topic—making it easy to pick and choose what works best for your schedule and interests.
To get started, create a profile on Respondent’s website, which includes adding details about your job history and expertise. This information helps match you with the right studies. Once selected for a study, you’ll receive a notification, and most interviews are conducted online, making it easy to participate from home. Payment is processed through PayPal, usually within a few days of completing a study.
3. ClearVoice
If writing is your thing, ClearVoice could be the gateway to some serious freelancing gigs. The platform is designed to connect talented writers with clients looking for everything from blog posts to articles to complete content strategies. ClearVoice is different from many freelance platforms in that they prioritize skilled writers—clients come here looking for high-quality content, and they’re willing to pay well for it.
Whether you’re looking to write full-time or part-time, you can expect to make a decent income once you’ve built your portfolio. Plus, the ClearVoice system makes it easy to connect with clients who are the right fit for your style and expertise.
To get started on ClearVoice, you’ll need to create a portfolio called a CV. This portfolio showcases your writing samples and helps potential clients get a sense of your skills and expertise. ClearVoice offers a wide variety of assignments, from one-off articles to long-term content strategies, so you can choose projects that fit your interests and schedule. Payments are processed through PayPal upon assignment approval, and rates can vary depending on your experience and the project scope.
4. Preply
Do you speak a second language? Then Preply might be just the ticket for earning a steady income online. Preply is an online tutoring platform where you can teach languages to students all around the globe. Tutors earn between \$500 and \$2,000 per month working part-time, making this a great opportunity for those who love teaching and enjoy cultural exchanges.
The best part is you don’t need to be a certified teacher—as long as you’re fluent and have a passion for helping others learn, there are students waiting for you.
To get started, you need to create a profile on Preply, including a short video introduction and details about your teaching style. Setting your availability and hourly rate allows you to control your schedule and earnings. Preply also provides tools to help you manage lessons, communicate with students, and receive payments, making it easy to focus on teaching. Tutors often find that building a rapport with students leads to regular lessons, creating a steady income stream.
5. Honeygain
If you’re looking for a truly passive way to make some money, Honeygain might be for you. Honeygain allows you to share your unused internet bandwidth and earn passive income. It’s as simple as installing the app and letting it do its work in the background. Though you won’t get rich overnight, it’s a low-effort way to make use of your excess data and earn cash without doing anything more than you already are.
Honeygain works by allowing companies to use your internet connection for market research and data collection. You’re paid based on the amount of data you share, and earnings accumulate over time. Payments are made through PayPal or Bitcoin once you reach the minimum payout threshold. It’s a great option for anyone looking to add a little extra cash without having to lift a finger.
6. Test.IO
Companies want to know how well their websites and apps work, and Test.IO gives you a chance to test them before the public does. With Test.IO, you’ll earn money just for finding bugs or providing insights that help improve user experiences. It’s a great opportunity for anyone who likes playing around with new websites or apps—and it’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of tech tinkering.
To get started, sign up on Test.IO’s website and complete a qualification test. Once approved, you’ll start receiving invitations to test new websites and apps. The pay depends on the complexity of the test and the issues you find—some tests pay a flat rate, while others pay based on the number of bugs you report. Payments are made monthly via PayPal or bank transfer, and you can work on your own schedule, making it a flexible way to earn extra income.
7. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is all about making the most out of the small tasks we often ignore. From completing surveys to watching videos, searching the web, or even playing games—you can earn gift cards or cash for every activity. While it might not be a massive moneymaker, Swagbucks can add up over time, and many people have found it to be a helpful way to save up for treats or even pay off some bills.
To get started, sign up for a free account on Swagbucks and start earning points (called SB) for completing different activities. These points can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers or PayPal cash. The key to maximizing your earnings is consistency—spending just a few minutes each day on Swagbucks can lead to meaningful rewards over time.
8. Prolific
Have you ever wondered how researchers gather data from everyday people? Prolific is the answer. It’s an academic research platform where researchers conduct studies and pay participants for their time. The pay is generally pretty good, with many users earning \$10 to \$30 a day depending on the availability of studies. The best part? The studies are often interesting—you might find yourself contributing to real, published research while earning extra cash.
To get started, create a profile on Prolific’s website, including demographic information that helps match you with relevant studies. Once approved, you’ll receive notifications when studies are available. Payments are processed via PayPal, and the studies often take just a few minutes to complete, making it an easy way to earn money in your spare time while contributing to important research.
9. Rumble
If you’ve got a knack for creating videos—whether they’re funny, informative, or just plain entertaining—Rumble offers a chance to make money off your content. The platform pays you for every approved video, with some creators earning up to \$50 per video. If your video makes it to the homepage, you can earn an additional \$100. It’s an excellent alternative to more mainstream platforms like YouTube and a great way to get your content in front of a wider audience.
To get started, create a Rumble account and upload your videos. You retain the rights to your content, and Rumble works to distribute your videos to different platforms, maximizing your earning potential. The more views your video gets, the more you can earn, making it a great way for content creators to diversify their income streams.
10. BestMark
Fancy yourself a secret agent—but for shopping? BestMark is one of the largest mystery shopping companies in the United States, allowing you to become a secret shopper and get paid for your time. You’ll be tasked with visiting specific stores, restaurants, or service providers, evaluating customer service and cleanliness, and getting reimbursed for purchases along with payment—which can be up to \$35 per hour.
To get started, sign up on BestMark’s website and complete an application to become a mystery shopper. Once approved, you’ll receive assignments that match your location and preferences. Each assignment includes detailed instructions on what to look for, ensuring that your evaluations are thorough and helpful. Payments are made via check or direct deposit, and you can choose assignments that fit your schedule.
11. Shutterstock
If you’ve got a creative eye, Shutterstock could be a perfect way to turn your photography, video, or even music into a reliable source of income. Shutterstock is a massive marketplace for stock content, and they are always looking for new contributors. Every time someone purchases one of your photos or clips, you earn a royalty—meaning a single great shot can keep making money for years to come.
To get started, sign up as a contributor on Shutterstock’s website. Upload your best work, and once approved, it will be available for sale on their platform. The more content you upload, the greater your chances of making consistent income. Shutterstock also provides insights into which types of content are in high demand, allowing you to tailor your submissions to maximize earnings.
12. Qmee
Qmee is one of those platforms that’s almost too easy to be true. It pays you for clicking on sponsored search results and taking surveys. Whenever you search online, Qmee may display results that you can click on to earn extra cash—it’s as simple as that. They even have an extension that makes it seamless. While you won’t make a fortune, it’s a fun way to earn a bit of spending money in your spare time.
To get started, install the Qmee browser extension or mobile app and create an account. As you search the web, sponsored results will appear alongside your usual search engine results. Clicking on these results earns you small amounts of money, which are added directly to your Qmee account. There’s no minimum payout, so you can cash out to PayPal whenever you want.
13. ClickWorker
If you enjoy completing small tasks and getting paid for it, ClickWorker might be worth checking out. The platform is full of micro-jobs like data entry, content creation, and translation. Each task might not pay much on its own, but as you keep working through them, the income adds up. It’s an ideal way to use your spare moments productively, especially if you enjoy tasks that don’t require a lot of deep focus.
To get started, sign up on ClickWorker’s website and complete a few assessments to determine your qualifications for different types of tasks. Once approved, you’ll be able to browse available jobs and start working immediately. Payments are made weekly through PayPal or SEPA bank transfers, and the more tasks you complete, the more you can earn.
14. Rakuten
Who doesn’t love getting some of their money back after shopping online? Rakuten is one of the easiest ways to do just that. Whenever you make a purchase through their network of partner stores, you get a percentage back in cash. It’s a brilliant way to put a bit of money back into your pocket—especially since it works with popular retailers you likely already shop with.
To get started, create an account on Rakuten’s website and install their browser extension or mobile app. When you shop online, Rakuten will notify you of cashback opportunities, and you’ll earn a percentage of your purchase back. Cashback is paid out quarterly via check or PayPal, making it a great way to save money effortlessly.
15. Fiverr and Upwork
Fiverr and Upwork are well-known in the freelance community, but they remain two of the best platforms to offer services across a range of skills—from graphic design to digital marketing to programming. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced pro, there’s a place for you. The best thing about these platforms is that they allow you to build a portfolio, connect with clients from all over the world, and choose projects that align with your expertise and interests.
To get started on Fiverr, create a profile highlighting your skills and set up “gigs” that potential clients can purchase. On Upwork, you’ll need to create a profile and start bidding on projects that match your expertise. Both platforms offer ways to build up your reputation through client reviews, which can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Payments are processed through the platform, making it easy to keep track of your earnings and withdraw funds when needed.
Final Thoughts
The internet is a massive landscape full of opportunities, and these “secret” websites can be powerful tools for anyone looking to make a bit of extra income—or even transform their finances altogether. Whether you’re interested in testing apps, teaching languages, writing, or just earning passive income with almost no effort, there’s something here for everyone.
The key is to get started, explore different opportunities, and see what works best for you. Not every site will be a perfect fit, but each one represents a chance to do something different, fun, and profitable. So why not take a chance? Start with one of these options today, and you might just be surprised at how much you can make.