Hi there! It’s Anu from team Duo Thrivers.
We’ve shared tons of articles in our ‘Make Money Online’ section about how you can start a side hustle and earn from the comfort of your home.
If you’ve been following us for a while, you probably already know that our top recommendation is Blogging, we’ve been doing it since 2017 and can confidently vouch for its potential.
But if you’re looking for other ways to earn online, here’s an interesting one, you can actually get paid to talk to people online.
In this post, we’ve listed the best platforms where you can sign up as an online friend and start earning. We’ve also shared our final conclusion at the end, so make sure you read the entire post.
Let’s dive right into the details.
Platforms that pay to to Talk to Lonely People
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I didn’t think I’d say it either, but yes, even though RentAFriend has a pretty outdated website design, it’s still one of the most popular and genuine platforms to earn money as an online friend.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. Papa.com
If you think you can talk to senior citizens and offer companionship, Papa.com could be a great platform for you.
When you join, you’ll be called a Papa Pal, and you can choose from a variety of tasks to earn money, one of them is simply talking to those who need someone to connect with.
According to the official website, you can earn between $22 to $41 per hour, depending on the type of task and your location.
They also have a well-designed mobile app that sends reminders for your upcoming tasks, making it easy to stay on schedule.
Is it safe?
Yes, Papa.com is considered safe and trustworthy. They perform thorough background checks and identity verification to protect both the companions and the users.
Still, we always recommend being cautious, never share personal details, and make sure to follow the company’s guidelines for every interaction.
Conclusion
You have several options if you are looking for a side hustle that pay you for your time and lets you work from home.
But, to be able to earn well, more than just a side hustle, you might need to learn a new skill and try earning from it.
When you learn a new skill, that is in demand, you can not only earn well from it but there is a possibility to earning sustainably from it. Check out our ‘Make Money Online’ section to learn more.
You’ll find a dozen ways to kickstart your online income journey.
Hope this article helped you. Thanks for reading!