Learn How to Make Money on UserTesting
Looking for tips on how to make money on UserTesting? Not sure where to get started?
In this UserTesting earning guide, we'll break down how each opportunity on the platform works, ways to maximize your earnings (and waste less time), and more.
But first:
What is UserTesting?
UsertTesting.com is a crowdtesting platform focused on usability testing. Companies can use the platform to get feedback on their websites, apps, prototypes, and more, while contributors (aka testers) can use it to make money by participating in usability tests. Founded in 2007, the platform has grown to become one of the largest and most well-known in the crowdtesting space. Learn more.
How Much Money Can You Earn on UserTesting?
Before we get into the earning guide, let's set some expectations. What's the overall earning potential of UserTesting? How much can you actually expect to earn? Is it even worth it?
According to our UserTesting Contributor Reviews, hourly earnings on UserTesting range from $4.00-$40.00/hour. Average hourly earnings are $12.56/hour while median hourly earnings are $10.00/hour.
Monthly earnings range from $10.00-$150.00/month. Average monthly earnings are $51.44/month while median monthly earnings are $40.00/month
Read all of our UserTesting Contributor Reviews to learn more.
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Is UserTesting Worth It?
Although UserTesting isn't perfect, it's definitely worth trying out. It's one of the top paid usability testing sites on the web, offering a decently steady stream of testing opportunities and great hourly rates.
The application process is simple and quick as well (as you'll see below), so you don't have much to lose by applying.
Just keep in mind, you won't qualify for every test that comes your way, so don't expect to make a fortune off this site. The income you earn here can be very unpredictable. It's even tougher to qualify for tests if you're not near your phone/computer very often.
Payment Proof
First, just to prove that UserTesting does pay:
How to Get Started as a UserTesting Tester
Getting started with UserTesting is easy. The entire process should only take around 10-20 minutes (and part of it is paid).
Here's a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1. Sign up to become a participant
If you're on a desktop computer, here's the application page. If you're on a mobile phone, you can download the UserTesting app from the App Store or Google Play store to get started.
To sign up, you'll need to provide your first and last name, location, payment info, username, and password.
Step 2. Take the practice test and complete your profile
The practice test is a quick intro test that takes around 10 minutes. It's used by UserTesting to see if you have what it takes to become a fully-fledged tester — and it'll give you a taste of what earning on the platform is like. As a nice little bonus, it pays $10.
Tip: While taking the practice test, be sure to test your mic beforehand, speak clearly, and follow instructions carefully. This test is very important to pass!
Once you're finished the practice test, you'll have to wait for the verdict from the UserTesting team. This usually takes no longer than 48 hours. They'll give you some feedback and a rating, and if your test is approved, you'll start receiving paid tests in your dashboard.
Around this time, you can also complete your UserTesting profile. Here, you'll be asked to provide your gender, birth year, household income, employment info, web browsers you have access to, web expertise level, languages you speak, and devices you have access to.
Tip: The info you provide in your profile will help UserTesting connect you with test opportunities, so be sure to keep it accurate and up to date.
Step 3. Start earning!
Now that you're approved, you can find available tests on the UserTesting site and app.
Look out for tests that you meet the requirements for, take screeners, and wait until you qualify for one. Don't give up right away if you're not qualifying for anything, it can take some time. Good luck!
Tips:
- Don't lie on screeners – While this can be tempting, UserTesting will most likely find out and it could get you banned.
- Keep your profile updated – This will help you receive more relevant testing opportunities.
- Leave the dashboard open at all times – Some tests go very quickly but leaving your dashboard open will allow you to see them as soon as they're posted, giving you a better chance of qualifying.
- Read the test description before trying to qualify – There’s no point in wasting your time taking a test screener that you know you won’t qualify for.
- Don't create multiple accounts – This will get you banned.
- Conduct tests in a quiet room
Ways to Earn Money as a UserTesting Participant
There are two main types of tests you can qualify for and earn money from on UserTesting.com:
1. Regular Unmonitored Tests
These are the most common tests available on UserTesting.com. They pay $10 each and involve completing a specific set of tasks on a website or app while recording your screen, voice, and sometimes even your face.
As an example, if you were testing a new movie theater app, you might be asked to add a movie ticket to your cart. You may also be asked more general questions like “How do you like this page?” or “Is this item where you would expect to find it? Why or why not?”
Once you're finished with the recorded tasks, you may also be asked to answer 1-4 written and/or multiple-choice questions.
Overall, a full test like this should only take around 10-20 minutes.
Tips:
- Follow the instructions/tasks carefully
- Speak all of your thoughts out loud, slowly, and over explain – This is the major tip to be successful with UserTesting (or any usability testing sites). Explain how you expect something to work, explain what you do and don't like, explain everything as clearly as possible.
- Be engaged and interested – The more engaged you are, the better chance of receiving a higher rating. Higher rating = more tests.
2. Live Interview Tests
These tests pay $60/hour and involve speaking live with a client over Zoom or another video conferencing software. Most of them require you to have a face cam.
In some cases, you'll be testing a website or app live. In others, you'll simply be answering a series of interview-like questions such as:
- How knowledgeable are you about insurance?
- What is your biggest concern when choosing an insurance provider?
- Who do you consult with about your Insurance needs?
These tests can take anywhere from 30-120 minutes. When you qualify for one, you'll find the link to join the test on your dashboard, 15 minutes prior to the starting time.
Tip: Show up on time. Showing up late (or not at all) will hurt your rating and you won't get paid. If you need to cancel, do it as far in advance as possible.
How to Cash Out Your UserTesting Earnings
The minimum payout/cash out amount on UserTesting is $0.01. So, you'll need to first earn at least that much before being able to redeem your earnings.
Once you've earned enough and your ready to cash out, you can request a payout via PayPal.
Note: Payments are sent automatically so there's no need to manually request a payout.
After requesting a cash out, you can expect to receive your reward/earnings in 7 days.
Final Thoughts
Hope you found this UserTesting earning guide helpful. You should now have a much better idea of how to start making money on UserTesting.com. Good luck!
- Have any questions or notes? Please send us a message!
- Want more? Learn more about testing websites and apps for cash
