In a world where people are constantly seeking new ways to generate income from unconventional activities, reading might not immediately come to mind as a money-making endeavor. However, with the rise of digital platforms and mobile apps, even the simple act of reading can now be monetized. Imagine getting paid while improving your knowledge, catching up on your favorite books, or staying updated on current events. This article will explore some of the best apps that allow users to earn money by reading, showing that there’s more to reading than just enjoyment and personal growth—it can also be a side hustle.
The Concept of Earning by Reading
The idea of earning money by reading may seem too good to be true, but it’s a reality that many people are already tapping into. There are multiple ways to profit from this practice, depending on the platform you use. Some apps reward you for reading articles or news stories, while others offer incentives for engaging with books, eBooks, or even advertisements. The key lies in knowing which platforms are worth your time and how you can maximize your earning potential.
For those who already spend a lot of time reading, this can be a fun and profitable way to capitalize on a hobby or daily habit. Let’s dive into the details of how these apps work, and discover the best ones in the market today.
1. InboxDollars: Read Articles and Earn Cash
InboxDollars is one of the most popular platforms for earning money online, and it offers a wide range of ways to do so. Reading is one of the core activities for which users can be paid. InboxDollars curates news stories, lifestyle articles, and blog posts for its users to read. In exchange for engaging with this content, users are rewarded with cash or gift cards.
How It Works:
- Sign up for an account and start browsing their list of articles.
- Earn points for each article you read or interact with.
- The points can later be converted into cash or redeemed for gift cards to major retailers like Amazon or Walmart.
This platform is great for people who enjoy staying informed and would like to turn that into extra income. However, you’ll need to accumulate a minimum amount before cashing out, so consistency is key.
2. Swagbucks: Get Paid for Reading Online Content
Swagbucks is another versatile platform that offers many earning opportunities, including paid surveys, watching videos, and shopping online. But one lesser-known feature of the platform is the ability to earn rewards through reading. Swagbucks regularly offers points, known as SB, for reading articles, blogs, or even participating in their email reading program.
How It Works:
- Sign up for Swagbucks and visit the “Discover” section.
- Complete reading tasks, such as reviewing articles or staying subscribed to newsletters.
- Earn SB points that can be converted into gift cards or PayPal cash.
While reading is not the main focus of Swagbucks, it’s still a great app for those who want a well-rounded platform that offers multiple ways to make money, with reading being one of the many options.
3. BookScouter: Make Money by Reviewing Books
For book lovers, BookScouter is a unique platform that allows users to earn money through reading and selling books. While the app’s primary function is to help you find the best place to sell your used books, it also offers opportunities for users to make money by reviewing books.
How It Works:
- Sign up for BookScouter and either review books you’ve read or participate in their affiliate programs.
- If you have old books lying around, you can sell them at competitive prices to vendors listed on the app.
- Participate in paid reviews, where publishers or authors might pay you to review their books.
Although BookScouter’s earning potential is more focused on reselling books, their review opportunities can help avid readers make some extra cash while enjoying their favorite hobby.
4. ReaderCoin: Earn Cryptocurrency for Reading
ReaderCoin is an app designed for those who want to earn cryptocurrency while reading. It rewards readers with cryptocurrency tokens like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and its own native coin. You can earn money by reading a variety of content types, including books, articles, and even web pages.
How It Works:
- Download the ReaderCoin app and create an account.
- Start reading from their collection of eBooks or upload your own content.
- Earn tokens based on how long you read and the content you engage with.
- You can cash out these tokens through supported exchanges.
This platform is perfect for tech-savvy readers who want to dip their toes into the world of cryptocurrency while indulging in their favorite books or articles. Since you earn tokens, the actual payout can vary depending on the cryptocurrency’s market value.
5. AppTrailers: Watch and Read for Money
AppTrailers is primarily known for paying users to watch video trailers of mobile games and apps, but the platform also offers payment for reading articles and reviews. Although it doesn’t exclusively focus on reading, it still provides opportunities for those who like to read online content.
How It Works:
- Download the app and browse the available trailers and articles.
- Earn points for each video you watch or article you read.
- Redeem points for PayPal cash, gift cards, or use them to enter sweepstakes.
AppTrailers doesn’t offer large payouts, but it’s a fun way to pass the time and earn small amounts of money while reading or watching content. The platform is best suited for people who enjoy casual reading and watching as a form of entertainment.
6. Wattpad: Get Paid for Writing and Reading
Wattpad is widely known as a creative writing community where budding writers can publish their works and connect with readers worldwide. However, Wattpad’s Paid Stories program offers readers the opportunity to earn rewards for participating in the community, whether through reading or writing.
How It Works:
- Join Wattpad and become an active reader or writer.
- Earn through Wattpad’s Paid Stories program, where certain stories can only be unlocked with coins (which are earned through various activities or purchased).
- Readers can accumulate coins by engaging with promoted content or purchasing them.
- As a reader, you can also contribute by promoting books and becoming part of the Wattpad Stars program.
Although the primary way to earn on Wattpad is through writing, avid readers may still find opportunities to make money by actively participating in the community, reviewing, or promoting stories.
7. Kirkus Reviews: Get Paid to Read and Review Books
If you’re looking for a more professional way to earn money through reading, Kirkus Reviews offers opportunities to become a freelance reviewer. Kirkus is a respected book review magazine, and they regularly seek out readers who can provide honest and insightful reviews of books, especially self-published titles.
How It Works:
- Apply to become a book reviewer for Kirkus by submitting writing samples.
- If accepted, you’ll be assigned books to read and review.
- Earn payments for each review you complete (usually around $50 to $100 per review).
This platform is ideal for serious readers who enjoy analyzing books and have the skills to write comprehensive, thoughtful reviews. Although this is more of a freelance opportunity than a passive income source, it’s perfect for those who want to turn their love for reading into a career.
8. Online Book Club: Paid Book Reviews
Online Book Club offers readers the chance to get paid for reading and reviewing books. This platform connects authors with readers who are willing to review their books. Readers are compensated for their reviews, and it’s a great way to discover new titles while making extra cash.
How It Works:
- Sign up for Online Book Club and start receiving books to review.
- Write and submit reviews within the specified timeframe.
- Earn between $5 and $60 per review, depending on the book and the depth of the review.
This platform is excellent for readers who enjoy discovering new indie books and want to get paid for their feedback. It’s also a flexible side hustle that you can do on your own time.
9. Instaread: Earn Through Reading Summaries
Instaread is an app that allows you to read summaries of bestselling books in various genres. While it primarily serves as a service for readers looking for quick insights, it also offers an affiliate program through which you can earn money by promoting the platform.
How It Works:
- Read summaries of nonfiction and fiction books across multiple genres.
- Share your reading activity or refer new users to the platform via your affiliate link.
- Earn commissions for each successful referral or action taken by your referred users.
Though this isn’t a direct way to get paid for reading, it’s a smart option for those who are already enthusiastic about reading summaries and want to earn through referrals.
Maximizing Your Earnings
Although none of these platforms will make you rich overnight, they offer valuable opportunities to supplement your income in ways that suit your lifestyle. To maximize your earnings from reading apps:
- Diversify Your Platforms – Sign up for multiple apps to create more earning opportunities.
- Be Consistent – Small earnings add up over time, so make it a daily habit to read.
- Engage with Different Content – Many apps offer a variety of ways to earn, from reading articles to reviewing books or referring others.
- Take Advantage of Bonuses – Keep an eye out for special offers, promotions, and bonuses that can increase your earnings.
Conclusion
In today’s digital age, getting paid for reading is not just a dream but a reality that more people are beginning to explore. From reviewing books to reading articles, these platforms offer various ways for individuals to earn while they read. Whether you’re an avid bookworm, a news junkie, or someone who enjoys exploring new content, there’s an app out there for you. By using these apps, you can turn your love for reading into a profitable side hustle, making money from an activity that you already enjoy.
