How to make money with user testing

Can you make money from user testing? The answer is a resounding yes. Being a user tester is a flexible way to earn some extra money—a true side hustle that anyone can do. Companies are always looking for ways to improve their websites, apps, products and online user experience, and they’re willing to pay for feedback from real people who test out their products in the real world.

What exactly is user testing?

User testing lets you make money by testing out products and platforms in the real world. It typically involves evaluating websites, platforms, checkout processes, user interfaces (UIs), products and more.

After testing a product or service, user testers provide their feedback and get paid for their insights. This first-hand feedback from testers helps businesses identify issues or optimize their interfaces for the best user experience.

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Popular user testing platforms that pay real money

User testing plays a vital role in a company’s success. Companies often go through third-party platforms to find testers and pay for this valuable feedback.

If you want to make money with user testing, you’ll need to create an account on a user testing platform. Here are six popular user testing platforms in Canada where you can earn extra money.

1. UserTesting

How much you can make: Users report earning anywhere from $4 to $120 depending on the length and type of test. Your pay can also depend on your personal ratings, so you may get paid more or earn bonuses if companies rate you well as a tester.
How it works: UserTesting is one of the most popular platforms. Becoming a contributor doesn’t cost anything, and it only requires a simple demographic application.
Required devices: For most of the tests, you’ll need a microphone and a Windows or Mac computer or an iOS or Android phone. If you use a mobile device, you’ll need to download the UserTesting app. A desktop user isn’t required to download anything.
How to become a participant: Complete a 15- to 20-minute practice test and fill out basic information about yourself.
How to get paid: UserTesting pays through PayPal.

2. TryMata (formerly TryMyUI)

How much you can make: Trymata pays $5 to $30 per test.
How it works: Trymata tests involve user experience testing, app interface testing, e-commerce testing and remote usability testing. The platform requires a video recording of your screen and voice during testing, along with a written response that summarizes your experience. There’s no limit to how many tests you can take, but Trymata specifies it isn’t designed for full-time work.
Required devices: You don’t need to download anything to test on your computer. You’ll need to download the Trymata Android or iOS app to test on your mobile.
How to become a participant: Answer a questionnaire to provide details of your demographic profile and interests. Then complete a practice test to show that you know what is required of a user tester.
How to get paid: TryMata pays through PayPal.

3. Userlytics

How much you can make: Users report earning around $10 to $20 per test.
How it works: Userlytics offers website and mobile app testing with no limits on the number of tests you can take. Testers are selected randomly from its user base to perform website usability tests, mobile app tests and more.
Required devices: Some tests require a webcam, and most require a microphone as you’ll need to talk about your experience as you test. You will need a PC with Windows 7 or higher or a Mac with OSX 10.11 or higher. High-speed internet access, a web browser and headphones are also required, and you’ll need to download the Userlytics Recorder software.
How to become a participant: Complete your profile and then answer a series of screening questions to receive tests that match your skills.
How to get paid: Userlytics pays every two weeks via PayPal.

4. UserPeek

How much you can make: US$10 for every 15 to 20 minutes of testing. It also offers higher pay if you become a “certified tester,” although the exact increase isn’t listed.
How it works: UserPeek offers user testing on desktop and mobile apps. You can get paid to test the user experience for money on websites, apps and digital products.
Required devices: It requires a PC or Mac or an iOS or Android device with the UserPeek app, Chrome browser access and a microphone to record your experience.
How to become a participant: Fill out an application with your personal information and profile details, then record an example user test.
How to get paid: UserPeek pays via PayPal.

5. Userbrain

How much you can make: Tests last between 5 to 20 minutes long, and the pay is $5 per test.
How it works: Userbrain focuses on website testing. You can get paid for recording your thoughts while completing a series of tasks on a specific website.
Required devices: Userbrain offers user testing on Google Chrome, iOS and Android devices, and you’ll need to download the Userbrain Recorder to your device.
How to become a participant: Sign up for an account and complete a qualification test to get approved as a Userbrain tester.
How to get paid: Userbrain pays via PayPal.

6. Dscout

How much you can make: Express missions reportedly pay between $5 to $25 for short, quick user testing. Live missions require video meetings and reportedly pay around $75 to $100. Finally, Diary Missions typically last around a week, requiring multiple recordings while testing a product, and can pay around $100 to $300, according to users.
How it works: Dscout is a user-testing platform where you provide feedback on products and services by applying for “missions,” and it bases your eligibility on your skills and experience. There are three mission types: Express, Live and Diary.
Required devices: Most tests are completed on your mobile device using the Dscout iOS or Android app. However, some tests require a desktop or laptop computer with a working camera and microphone along with a web browser.
How to become a participant: Download the Dscout app and provide your personal details to create an account. You can then browse available missions and choose which one to apply for.
How to get paid: Dscout pays via PayPal.

How to make money from user testing

Ready to test user experiences for money? Here’s what you need to do.

1. Compare user testing platforms and choose where you’d like to sign up.
2. Enter your email address and create a password.
3. Sign up by providing your personal information and contact details.
4. Complete the application process by providing details of your demographic profile, your interests and skills.
5. Complete a sample user test to demonstrate your testing and recording skills.
6. Once your application is approved, you’ll be notified when new testing opportunities become available.

How much money can you make with user testing?

The biggest factor in how much you can earn from user testing is the time you’re willing to spend on it. The second-biggest factor is actually luck.

Pay varies based on the type of test and how long it takes. For example, you might only earn $3 to $5 per 5-minute survey or test. Longer, more involved tests typically pay more. Live conversation tests or interviews may offer $30 to $100+ per assignment.

Testers report earning anywhere from $10 to $300 per week, though some say it takes a month or two to make that amount. Work can be very sporadic. You may get lucky one month and not so lucky the next month.

Related: Explore 20+ ways to make money online

Types of tests you may encounter

If you’re searching for ways to make money online, user experience feedback is typically provided through the following types of tests:

• Live interviews. You’ll participate in a video call to provide your thoughts and feedback on a particular product or user experience. You may be required to perform specific tasks, such as registering for an account or shopping for a particular product.
• Recordings. These tests require you to perform specific tasks on your computer or mobile device and record your thoughts about the user experience as you go. Some require a microphone only, while others require you to record audio and video.
• Surveys. You’ll need to try out a product or task and then fill out a questionnaire about the experience, what worked well and what could be improved.

How long do tests take?

It depends on the type of test you’re completing. Short and simple tests generally range from around 5 to 20 minutes in length, while longer interview-style tests may last 1 to 2 hours.

But some platforms also offer longer diary-style tests, which may require you to complete tasks across multiple days, so you’ll need to allow extra time to complete these.

Pros and cons of user testing

Tips for user testing

If you want to maximize your earnings when you test user experiences for money, consider these tactics:

• Sign up for multiple platforms. Veteran user testers often sign up for multiple user-testing platforms to increase their chances of getting regular work and tests that fit their profile.
• Check requests often. Most user-testing platforms have dashboards to track your test requests. If you don’t check your dashboard or emails often, you might miss out on potential tests. If you’re serious about being a user tester, consider enabling push notifications to stay on top of assignments.
• Consider live tests. Users often say the highest-paying tests require a live interview or live recording of testing a product. Short surveys and summaries are easy but tend to pay the least.
• Get used to talking. Most user testers are expected to record videos or even have live conversations in interviews. If you’re uncomfortable being on camera or doing voice recordings, you may want to consider another side hustle or practice recording yourself to ease your nerves.
• Make connections. There are forums and subreddits dedicated to user testing. For tips, tricks and first-hand feedback from other testers, consider joining a community, such as the subreddit r/usertesting.

Related: Compare high-interest savings accounts to grow your earnings

How to avoid user tester scams

User testing as a side hustle isn’t a scam, but you may run into mediocre assignments from time to time.

Companies that use user-testing platforms may break platform rules or falsely advertise the details of a specific test. For example, a test may claim it only takes 10 minutes, but it actually takes an hour.

However, most user-testing platforms let you report tests that are misleading or break platform rules, such as underestimating the time required or lying about the pay. If you’re suspicious about a platform’s legitimacy, check review sites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau.

For example, the platform UserTesting has confirmed its Trustpilot profile and has a 4.4-star rating based on more than 1,600 reviews. Fraudulent user-testing platforms aren’t likely to have verified profiles on review platforms—or exist on those review sites.

Bottom line

At the end of the day, user testing probably won’t replace a full-time job. User testing is considered a side hustle, albeit a pretty easy and flexible one, since you can do it from home.

However, the amount you can earn depends on how much time you can invest, how many platforms you sign up for and, ultimately, luck. User testing assignments can be random and sporadic, so don’t count on it for steady and regular income.

Frequently asked questions

• Is UserTesting real or fake?

  UserTesting is a legitimate platform. Users sign up as contributors and are paid to test websites and apps. UserTesting requires its testers to submit audio and/or video recordings of their experiences. The platform also has an average rating of 4.4/5 from over 1,600 reviews on Trustpilot.

• How do user-testing platforms pay?

  In nearly every case, user testing platforms pay contributors through PayPal. Just keep in mind that you'll have to figure out tax withholdings, as these platforms don't calculate your withholdings for you.

• What equipment do I need for user testing?

  In most cases, you need an internet connection, computer and/or smartphone, webcam and microphone. Many tests require video and voice recordings to record your first-hand experience. In some cases, you may need to create a selfie video of you reviewing a physical product (such as a vacuum, hairbrush, speaker, etc.).

• Is there a user testing app?

  Many user testing platforms offer Android and iOS mobile apps you can use to complete tests. Check with your chosen platform to find out whether you need to download an app to start testing.