In the evolving world of technology and the gig economy, the ways we can earn money have expanded far beyond traditional jobs. From freelancing to micro-tasks, side hustles have become increasingly popular. One particularly unique and enjoyable way to earn money is through reading. Yes, you heard it right—there are now apps that allow users to earn by simply engaging with written content, such as reading books, articles, news, or even answering questions based on reading material. If you love reading and want to monetize your passion, this article will introduce you to some of the best apps that allow you to earn money while indulging in literature, news, or even e-books.
How Reading Apps Work
Before we dive into specific apps, it’s important to understand how these apps function. Most reading apps allow users to earn points or tokens that can be converted into cash, gift cards, or other rewards. These apps are often supported by advertisers, sponsors, or subscription models.
In some cases, apps incentivize reading as part of promoting education or spreading knowledge, while others engage users through quizzes and other interactive features. The apps might offer a variety of content ranging from fiction, non-fiction, news articles, or even scholarly materials. In exchange for the time spent engaging with their platform, users can earn through a combination of ad revenue, rewards, or even crowdfunding models.
Below is a list of the top apps that allow you to earn by reading. These apps are diverse, so there’s something for everyone, whether you’re into books, articles, or quizzes.
1. InboxDollars
One of the most popular apps for earning money through simple tasks like reading, InboxDollars has garnered a large user base due to its ease of use and diverse earning opportunities. In addition to earning by reading articles, users can make money by taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and even shopping online.
How it Works:
- Sign up for an account and get a $5 welcome bonus.
- Users are sent paid emails that contain articles or newsletters, and reading them earns you cash.
- The app also offers opportunities to engage with sponsored content, and some articles come with quizzes that further increase your earnings.
- Payments are made through PayPal, checks, or gift cards once you hit a minimum threshold of $30.
Pros:
- A variety of earning methods beyond reading.
- Large platform with plenty of tasks.
- Trustworthy with a long-standing reputation.
Cons:
- Relatively high payout threshold.
- Earnings per task are relatively low, so it takes time to accumulate rewards.
2. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a versatile platform where users can earn “Swagbucks” (SB) through various tasks, including reading articles. The platform also allows you to take surveys, watch videos, search the web, shop, and play games for SB, which can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
How it Works:
- You can sign up for free and begin earning SB immediately by completing daily tasks.
- The app curates a selection of articles from partner websites, and reading these can help you rack up SB points.
- Some articles have embedded quizzes or feedback options, which boost your earning potential.
- SB can be exchanged for PayPal cash, or gift cards for popular retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks.
Pros:
- Wide variety of earning options.
- Low payout threshold ($5).
- Engaging content that includes quizzes and reviews.
Cons:
- You may need to wade through a lot of ads and promotional content.
- The SB points system can be confusing for beginners.
3. Perk
Perk is another popular reward-based app that allows users to earn points by engaging in various tasks, including reading. The app works across multiple platforms, including Android and iOS, and has a reputation for providing users with multiple opportunities to accumulate points.
How it Works:
- The Perk platform offers various apps, including Perk TV, Perk Word Search, and Perk Browser, where users can earn by performing simple tasks.
- For readers, the Perk Browser is the go-to app as it lets you read articles, browse news, and even engage with sponsored content to earn Perk Points.
- Points can be redeemed for PayPal cash, gift cards, or sweepstake entries.
Pros:
- Numerous ways to earn, including reading, playing games, and watching videos.
- Daily bonuses for regular users.
- Low payout threshold.
Cons:
- The earning potential is relatively low unless you’re using multiple apps within the Perk system.
- The interface can be cluttered with ads and promotions.
4. BookScouter
For book lovers looking to earn extra income, BookScouter is an app that focuses on selling and buying used books. Though it doesn’t pay you for reading per se, it’s a great app for those who enjoy books and have a collection they are willing to part with.
How it Works:
- Use the app to scan the ISBN of any book you want to sell.
- The app compares the offers from over 30 vendors to give you the best price for your book.
- Once a vendor is selected, you can ship the book to them, and you’ll get paid once it’s received and verified.
Pros:
- Allows you to monetize old books that you no longer need.
- A great option for students who want to sell used textbooks.
- The app is easy to use and provides fast payments.
Cons:
- Not directly a reading-to-earn app.
- Payments are contingent on the condition and demand for your books.
5. Instaread
Instaread allows users to earn rewards by reading and reviewing book summaries. This app is ideal for readers who love staying updated with the latest trends in business, self-development, or even fiction, but don’t have the time to read entire books.
How it Works:
- Instaread offers summaries of popular books, which you can read in less than 15 minutes.
- Users can also listen to audio summaries, making it flexible for multitasking.
- You earn points by providing feedback or completing quizzes based on the summaries you’ve read.
- Points can be redeemed for cash, discounts, or free access to more content.
Pros:
- Great for busy readers who want to stay informed.
- Rewards are easily accumulated through interactive features like quizzes and reviews.
- It’s a productive way to consume content without having to read full-length books.
Cons:
- Limited to summaries; you don’t earn from reading full books.
- Points are worth less than other apps unless you’re very active on the platform.
6. The Washington Post News App
While reading news articles from The Washington Post doesn’t directly give you cash, they have a unique model where premium users can access exclusive content and occasionally be rewarded with gift cards or other perks for long-term engagement with the app.
How it Works:
- Users can sign up for the premium version, which unlocks more content and features.
- By participating in reading challenges or contests, users can earn perks such as gift cards.
- The app offers a seamless way to stay updated with news while getting rewarded for your engagement.
Pros:
- Reliable, high-quality content.
- Regular rewards and promotions for engaged users.
- A great option for readers who enjoy staying informed with global news.
Cons:
- Not a direct pay-to-read app.
- Requires a premium subscription for more earning opportunities.
7. Wattpad Paid Stories
For fiction lovers and aspiring writers, Wattpad offers a unique way to earn money through both reading and writing. Wattpad has a program called “Wattpad Paid Stories” that allows readers to support authors by purchasing stories. In turn, writers are compensated for their work.
How it Works:
- Readers can browse thousands of stories, some of which are part of the Paid Stories program.
- By reading these premium stories, users indirectly support authors and the platform.
- Wattpad also occasionally runs contests where readers can win rewards for engagement and reviews.
- Writers can earn directly from their stories if they are part of the Paid Stories program.
Pros:
- Great for readers who love fiction and want to support indie authors.
- The app offers a unique model that benefits both readers and writers.
- Regular contests and opportunities for users to earn gift cards and prizes.
Cons:
- Only a limited number of stories are part of the Paid Stories program.
- Earnings for readers are indirect.
8. GetPaidToRead.com
GetPaidToRead.com is another platform that allows users to earn cash by reading paid emails and newsletters. Like InboxDollars, this website sends users emails, and for each one you read, you get paid.
How it Works:
- Users sign up and receive regular emails filled with articles and newsletters.
- By clicking on and reading these emails, you earn points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
- You can also participate in other activities like surveys or offer walls to maximize earnings.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Direct cash payments for reading content.
- Additional ways to earn through surveys and offers.
Cons:
- Limited earning potential.
- The volume of paid emails may not be consistent.
9. Scribd
Scribd is a subscription service that offers access to a huge library of books, audiobooks, and documents. While Scribd itself doesn’t pay you for reading, there are occasional promotions and offers where long-term subscribers can earn discounts, gift cards, and other rewards.
How it Works:
- Subscribe to Scribd to access millions of books and audiobooks.
- Participate in occasional contests and challenges that reward subscribers with gift cards or discounts.
- The app encourages reading and offers personalized recommendations.
Pros:
- High-quality, vast library of reading material.
- Regularly runs promotions and contests for rewards.
- A great app for voracious readers.
Cons:
- Not a direct reading-for-money app.
- Requires a subscription fee.
Conclusion
Earning money from reading may sound too good to be true, but with the rise of various apps and platforms, it’s entirely possible. From reading emails on InboxDollars to reviewing book summaries on Instaread, there are a plethora of ways to monetize your love for reading. The key to maximizing your earnings is to find the app that suits your interests and offers the best rewards for your reading habits. Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction, news articles, or scholarly materials, the apps mentioned above offer plenty of opportunities to earn while engaging with content you love.
While none of these apps will make you rich overnight, they provide a fun and rewarding way to supplement your income or score some useful perks—just by reading!
