The idea of making money online can sound intimidating, especially if you don’t have tech skills or experience. But what if I told you that an everyday person—someone who just loves playing video games—managed to pull in $15,000 in a year using simple online platforms? No coding, no advanced knowledge, just smart use of time and effort.
This case study breaks down exactly how they did it and how you can do the same.
Turning Free Time Into Cash
This person wasn’t working around the clock or sacrificing sleep to make money. They were already spending long hours online, around 12 to 14 hours a day, mostly playing games and watching videos. Instead of letting that time go to waste, they found ways to earn extra cash while still doing what they loved.
The key was using platforms that allowed them to make money passively or by doing simple tasks in between gaming sessions. Over time, they developed a system that brought in a steady stream of income.
The Power of User Testing: $6,000 Earned
The highest-earning platform for them was UserTesting, where they made over $6,000 in a year. UserTesting pays people to give feedback on websites and apps. Companies need real users to test their platforms, and you get paid for your thoughts.
The biggest tip here? Keeping a high rating. The better your feedback, the more opportunities you get. This person saw slow earnings at first, but after a few months, they were making up to $2,000 a month before things leveled off.
The Worst Platform: Amazon MTurk ($1,600 Earned)
Not all platforms were winners. Amazon MTurk turned out to be the least rewarding, bringing in only $1,600 for the whole year. The pay was low, and competition was fierce. Many users had automated bots doing tasks faster than any human could, which made it tough to earn decent money. They only averaged around $5 a day, which wasn’t worth the effort.
A Better Alternative: Connect ($2,000 Earned)
A more rewarding platform was Connect, which is similar to MTurk but offers better pay and more enjoyable tasks. They earned over $2,000 here and liked that the tasks were more professional and engaging.
The King of Surveys: Prolific ($4,000 Earned)
Prolific was another major money-maker, bringing in nearly $4,000 in a year. Unlike many survey sites that pay pennies, Prolific is known for high-quality research studies that actually pay well. There’s a waitlist to join, but it’s worth the patience.
Swagbucks: A Small but Easy Earner ($440 Earned)
Swagbucks didn’t bring in a fortune, but it was the gateway that introduced them to online money-making. It paid just $440 for the year, mostly through watching videos and taking surveys. While not a huge earner, it’s a good starting point for beginners who want to dip their toes into this world.
The Most “Job-Like” Platform: Telus International AI ($800 Earned)
For those looking for something more stable, Telus International AI was the closest thing to a traditional job. It offers hourly-paid work, and they made about $800, working a maximum of 10 hours per week. While it’s not as flexible as other platforms, it’s a great way to earn a steady paycheck from home.
Key Lessons for Making Money Online
After a year of experimenting, here’s what they learned:
- Time Investment Matters – You don’t have to work full-time, but the more effort you put in, the more you’ll earn.
- Start Early on Good Platforms – If they had joined Prolific and Telus sooner, they could have made even more.
- Efficiency is Key – Minimizing distractions and working smart can increase earnings.
- Building a Reputation Pays Off – Many platforms reward high ratings and consistency with better opportunities.
Is This a Sustainable Side Hustle?
Making money online like this isn’t a guaranteed paycheck, and task availability can be unpredictable. However, if you treat it as extra income rather than a full-time job, it can be an excellent way to pay off debt, save for a trip, or just add financial flexibility.
Some platforms, like UserTesting and Prolific, can be solid long-term options, while others may only be good for short-term cash. It all depends on what fits your lifestyle best.
Final Thoughts
This story proves that making money online isn’t just for tech experts or business owners. With the right approach, even everyday gamers can turn their free time into a steady stream of income.
Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or just curious about online earning, these platforms offer real opportunities. Start small, experiment with different options, and see what works best for you. Who knows? A year from now, you might have your own success story to share.
