Definition

The digital landscape has transformed the way businesses promote their products and services, and display advertising has become a crucial revenue stream for many publishers. A publisher is any entity that owns a platform—be it a website, blog, or app—where ads can be displayed to an audience. With display ads, publishers can earn income by providing advertising spaces on their digital properties, but how exactly does this system work? Let’s dive into the mechanics of display ads and the opportunities they create for both publishers and viewers.

Display Ads: A Core Revenue Model for Publishers

Publishers rely on display ads as a primary source of revenue, often alongside other monetization models such as subscription fees or sponsored content. Display ads are visual-based advertisements that appear in predefined areas on a publisher’s platform. These ads can be in the form of banners, videos, or interactive media.

Publishers partner with ad networks like Google AdSense, Media.net, or Taboola to connect their ad spaces with advertisers. These ad networks act as middlemen, delivering relevant ads to the publisher’s audience. When visitors view or interact with these ads, publishers earn revenue in various ways:

• Pay-per-click (PPC): The publisher earns money each time a viewer clicks on an ad.
• Pay-per-impression (PPI): Revenue is generated based on the number of times an ad is displayed, typically per thousand impressions (CPM—cost per mille).
• Pay-per-action (PPA): In this model, the publisher is paid when a user takes a specific action after clicking on the ad, such as signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase.

The amount of money a publisher can make from display ads depends on several factors, including the niche of their platform, audience demographics, website traffic, and ad placement. Higher traffic and engagement mean more opportunities for ad impressions, clicks, and revenue.

How Do You Get Paid for Viewing Ads?

While publishers earn money by displaying ads, viewers themselves can also get paid for watching ads through various platforms. The concept of earning money by watching ads has grown in popularity, especially as people look for ways to monetize their screen time.

How Ad-Viewing Platforms Work

Platforms and apps that pay users to watch ads typically work in partnership with advertisers looking to engage directly with consumers. These platforms present ads to users, often in the form of video commercials, interactive ads, or survey-based ads. The user earns a small amount of money for each ad they view, ranging from a few cents to a dollar, depending on the ad length and type.

Here’s a typical process for earning money by watching ads:

1. Sign up for an ad-viewing platform: First, users create an account on a platform that offers rewards for watching ads. Some popular apps include Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and AppTrailers.
2. View ads: Once the account is set up, users can start watching ads. Some platforms allow users to choose the types of ads they prefer, while others may automatically select ads based on user data and preferences.
3. Earn points or cash: Users are rewarded for their time spent viewing ads. The rewards may come in the form of cash, points, or other types of currency that can be redeemed later.
4. Redeem rewards: After accumulating enough points or reaching a certain payout threshold, users can redeem their earnings through PayPal, gift cards, or direct bank transfers.

While these earnings are often modest, ad-viewing platforms offer an easy way for people to earn a bit of extra cash during their spare time. However, it’s important to note that this is not a sustainable full-time income; instead, it’s more of a way to earn a few extra dollars here and there.

Earning Money for Watching Ads: The Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy to participate: Viewing ads requires no special skills or training, making it accessible to almost anyone.
• No upfront investment: Users can start earning without paying any fees or making a financial commitment.
• Flexible: Users can watch ads at any time, making it a convenient way to earn during breaks or downtime.

Cons:

• Low earnings: The amount of money earned from watching ads is often very small, with only a few cents or dollars per session.
• Time-consuming: To make any substantial amount of money, users may need to spend hours watching ads.
• Limited availability: Some regions may not have access to high-paying ad-viewing platforms or a wide variety of ads.

Which App is Best for Earning Money by Watching Ads?

There are many apps that allow users to earn money by watching ads, each with its own unique features, payout structures, and benefits. Below are some of the top apps that have gained popularity for helping users earn money through ad viewing.

1. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is one of the most well-known and versatile rewards platforms that pays users to watch ads, answer surveys, shop online, and complete other tasks. Users earn points called “SB” that can be redeemed for cash via PayPal or for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks.

• Pros: Multiple ways to earn beyond just watching ads.
• Cons: Some tasks offer higher rewards than ad viewing, so ad-based earnings may seem lower in comparison.

2. InboxDollars

InboxDollars is another popular app that allows users to earn money by watching ads, reading emails, completing surveys, and shopping online. Unlike Swagbucks, InboxDollars pays users in cash rather than points, which can make it more appealing to those who prefer straightforward monetary rewards.

• Pros: Cash payouts without needing to convert points.
• Cons: A high minimum payout threshold ($30) can make it take longer to cash out.

3. AppTrailers

AppTrailers is an app specifically focused on watching video trailers for apps, games, and products. Users earn points for each video they watch, which can then be exchanged for cash through PayPal or gift cards. The videos are usually short, which makes it easy to accumulate points quickly.

• Pros: Short, engaging video ads.
• Cons: Limited earning potential compared to other apps with more varied earning opportunities.

4. FeaturePoints

FeaturePoints is a rewards platform that lets users earn points by watching ads, trying out new apps, completing surveys, and shopping online. One unique feature of FeaturePoints is its referral program, which allows users to earn a percentage of what their friends earn when they sign up using a referral link.

• Pros: Various earning methods, including referrals.
• Cons: Some offers may require app downloads or more time than just watching ads.

5. Perk TV

Perk TV is an app that pays users to watch movie trailers, commercials, and app advertisements. Users earn Perk Points that can be exchanged for gift cards or PayPal cash. The platform is known for its wide variety of video content, which keeps ad viewing interesting.

• Pros: A large selection of videos and ads to choose from.
• Cons: The amount earned per ad is relatively small, requiring significant time to reach a payout threshold.

Conclusion

Display ads provide publishers with a lucrative source of income, leveraging their digital platforms to deliver advertising to targeted audiences. While the major earners in the ad ecosystem are often the publishers themselves, regular users can also make some extra money by watching ads through various platforms and apps. While earnings from watching ads tend to be small, apps like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and AppTrailers offer users a way to capitalize on their free time and make some extra cash. Ultimately, the best app for you will depend on your preferences, the types of ads you’re willing to watch, and the additional earning opportunities offered by each platform.