Hi there! It’s Anu from team Duo Thrivers.
On this blog, we’ve discussed several ways to earn online. And if you’re a regular reader, you probably already know that my top recommendation is usually Blogging, with Pinterest as the main traffic source.
But today’s topic is a little different.
We’re going to explore how you can earn online as a virtual friend or online friend. I’ll walk you through all the platforms where you can offer this unique service and actually get paid for it.
And at the end, I’ll share my final thoughts and conclusion on whether it’s worth giving a try.
What is an Online Friend Job?
It is exactly what it sounds like- a job where you get paid to be a friend, especially an online friend.
The service you provide is simple: offering friendship through online platforms to people who may be feeling lonely, need emotional support, or are just looking for someone to talk to or get advice from.
It’s important to note that this has nothing to do with dating. You can clearly set your boundaries from the start and keep the relationship completely platonic.
Some platforms even focus solely on connecting travel buddies or people with shared interests.
As an online friend, your role is to be available, willing to chat, listen, and engage with genuine interest, just like a real friend would.
Why is there demand of Online Friends?
Well, in this internet era, there are plenty of reasons people seek virtual friends beyond the obvious ones.
Some might have just moved to a new country for work and need someone to talk to during the transition. Others may find it difficult to make friends in real life and feel more comfortable connecting with someone online someone who doesn’t judge.
Sometimes, people are just looking for fun conversations, a bit of emotional support, or even someone to help them through a rough patch.
If you think you can offer your time, empathy, and a listening ear, this could be a great opportunity for you.
There are several platforms that pay you on an hourly basis, depending on the type of interaction, whether it’s video chat, voice chat, or even just text-based conversations.
Let’s take a look at some of the popular platforms below:
1. RentAFriend
I didn’t think I’d say it either, but yes, even though RentAFriend has a pretty outdated website design, it’s still one of the most popular and genuine platforms to earn money as an online friend.
Launched back in 2009, RentAFriend was created to help people form platonic friendships, whether it’s to hang out, explore the city, attend events, or just have a conversation about life.
Getting started is simple. You can easily set up your profile by adding your details, and since there’s no special skill requirement, you don’t need to upload any specific documents or certifications.
One of the best parts?
It’s free to apply, and you keep 100% of what you earn, unlike platforms like Upwork, which continue to raise fees and take a 10% cut from freelancers’ earnings (I totally feel that rant, by the way).
When setting up your profile, you can choose your hourly rate, typically between $10 to $50 per hour. Once someone books your time, you settle payments directly with the user.
Is it safe?
Yes, the platform is legit, and many people are already using it to earn a steady side income. Virtual meetups are generally safe, but if you ever decide to offer in-person meetings, always prioritize your safety.
Smart choices go a long way. Meet in public places, and make sure to inform a friend or family member about your location and plans.
So if you’re friendly, a good listener, and have time to offer, RentAFriend can definitely be a unique and safe way to earn online.
2. Rent a Cyber Friend
If you’re looking for a more modern platform to earn as a virtual friend, RentACyberFriend is a great option to consider.
Aside from having a sleek and updated website, the main feature that sets it apart from RentAFriend is that it’s strictly virtual there are no in-person meetups allowed. All interactions happen through video chat, which makes it a safer option for many.
Creating an account is simple. Just fill in details like your hobbies, interests, skills, and location, and you’re good to go.
You don’t need to submit any special documents, but you must be at least 18 years old to join the platform.
The platform pays by the minute, and unlike RentAFriend, RentACyberFriend takes a 20% platform fee. So, if you set your rate at $50 per hour, you’ll earn $40 after an hour-long video chat.
You can set your charges anywhere between $0.10 to $1.00 per minute, which works out to $4.80 to $48 per hour, depending on how you price your time.
Your earning potential depends on how well you set up your profile and how engaging your conversations are with clients.
Is it safe?
Yes, since all interactions are virtual, RentACyberFriend is considered safe.
But always remember to protect your privacy. Never share personal information like your address, phone number, or financial details with users on the platform.
3. FriendPC
One more platform that’s gaining popularity is FriendPC.
FriendPC is quite similar to RentACyberFriend, it has a modern look, appeals to a younger audience, and focuses on virtual-only interactions. But what makes it stand out is the variety of interaction options.
If you’re not comfortable with video chats, you can still offer voice calls or text-based conversations, which makes it more flexible for different comfort levels.
FriendPC also feels more like a community. It connects people with shared interests and hobbies, and you’ll even find users bonding over things like video games. Pretty cool if that’s your vibe.
One handy feature on FriendPC is the availability calendar. It shows up on your profile, making it easier for others to book a session with you for a later date.
You can earn anywhere from $5 to $50 per hour by offering various types of interactions like text, voice, or video.
Is it safe?
Yes, since all interactions are virtual only, it’s considered safe.
Still, always follow basic online safety guidelines. Like never share personal details like your phone number, address, or anything that could be used to scam or harm you.
4. RentaLocalFriend
RentaLocalFriend is a bit different from the other platforms, it’s entirely focused on travel and tourism.
The idea is simple: imagine visiting a brand-new city and being able to connect with a local friend who shares insider tips, helps you with the language, and makes your trip more enjoyable.
Rent a Local Friend is designed to help travelers find local buddies who can make their experience more authentic and fun.
If you love traveling and know your city or hometown inside out, you can earn around $10 to $40 per hour by offering your services on the platform.
Setting up your profile is easy, but to increase your chances of getting hired, make sure to fill out your profile with as many details as possible, highlighting your knowledge of local culture, places to visit, and any unique experiences you can offer.
You can also set different rates for online and in-person services, and receive payments securely via PayPal.
Is it safe?
If you’re offering in-person meetups, it’s important to take proper precautions. Always meet in public places, plan ahead, and let someone close to you know your schedule.
With the right planning, Rent a Local Friend can be a great way to turn your love for travel and local knowledge into a fun, rewarding side income.
Conclusion
Well, earning as an online friend definitely sounds like a fun and flexible option. You can make up to $50 per hour, which is great for a side hustle. But keep in mind, it completely depends on demand and availability on these platforms.
Also, relying solely on these platforms makes you highly dependent on them, and there aren’t many ways to diversify your income.
For example, if you start blogging today on a niche like Gardening, once you begin getting traction, you’ll have multiple ways to monetize. Plus, platforms like Pinterest can help drive traffic to your blog consistently.
So, if you’re looking for a side hustle that doesn’t require much effort, being an online friend can be a good place to start.
But if you’re ready to invest time in learning a skill and want to build something more sustainable, check out our ‘Make Money Online’ section.
You’ll find a dozen ways to kickstart your online income journey.
Hope this article helped you. Thanks for reading!