17 Best Ways to Get Paid to Read News in 2025 (High Paying!)

Do you find yourself glued to the latest headlines, reading news articles on your phone while sipping your morning chai? What if you could earn money just by doing that? The idea may sound too good to be true, but in 2025, there are several real, legitimate ways to get paid to read news.

Whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home parent, or someone looking to turn a daily habit into a side hustle, this guide walks you through the top 17 options that pay well and have been tested by real people.

Let’s break it down, step-by-step.

17 Best Ways to Get Paid to Read News

1. InboxDollars – Get Paid To Read Sponsored News Clips

InboxDollars is one of the most well-known platforms that pays users to do simple tasks like watching videos, taking surveys, and yes—reading news. Once you sign up, you can access a section where short news clips or articles are shown. All you have to do is watch or read, and confirm your engagement to earn a small amount. It may seem like pocket change at first, but if you’re consistent, it adds up over time. You can redeem your earnings through PayPal or gift cards. It’s a great way to earn passively while staying informed.

2. Swagbucks Watch – Stay Informed & Earn Points

Swagbucks is another trusted site where you can earn points, also known as SB, for performing various online tasks, including watching news videos or reading news-based content. The ‘Watch’ section often features short clips covering trending topics, and you can let them run while multitasking. You earn points for each completed playlist, and these can be exchanged for cash or gift cards. It’s ideal for anyone who already spends time browsing headlines and wants to monetize that habit.

3. Slice The Pie – Review News Content

Slice the Pie originally focused on music reviews, but it has since expanded into other media types like branded news content and promotional articles. After signing up, you’ll be asked to read content and provide honest feedback on its quality, clarity, and engagement. Reviews usually take 1–2 minutes and you’re paid for each one you submit. Higher-quality reviews are rated better and earn more. If you’re good at expressing your opinions clearly, this platform can become a steady micro-income stream.

4. NewsBreak Contributor Program

NewsBreak is a news app that allows contributors to write local stories or summarize national events. If you have a flair for writing, you can apply as a contributor and get paid based on how many people view your content. The more engaging your article, the more money you can earn. There are also bonuses for trending and high-performance posts. Writers who specialize in community news or underreported stories often find great success here. It’s flexible and scalable.

5. YouTube Channel – React or Summarize News

If you’re comfortable on camera, starting a YouTube channel focused on news summaries or commentary can be lucrative. You can choose a niche—politics, sports, finance—and deliver updates with your personal analysis. With enough subscribers and consistent uploads, you’ll start earning through AdSense, affiliate links, and sponsorships. Videos that tackle trending topics or breaking news tend to go viral, bringing in passive income. It’s one of the best long-term strategies for turning news-reading into a full business.

6. Start a News Blog

A news blog is perfect if you enjoy writing and want full control over your content. Choose a niche like technology, health, or international affairs, and start publishing regular posts. Monetization options include ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content. With time and effort, your blog can attract a loyal readership. Setting up a blog is easy and low-cost—just a domain, hosting, and a simple layout. This is a great long-term way to get paid for your insights on daily events.

7. Freelance for News Sites

Freelancing is a fantastic option for anyone who has a knack for writing clear, informative news articles. You can pitch stories or offer your services on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or directly to smaller publications. Many sites need content on trending topics, summaries of major events, or even ghostwriters. Rates vary based on experience, but even beginners can earn $20 to $50 per article. As you build a portfolio, your earning potential increases substantially.

8. Appen – News Evaluator Gigs

Appen regularly hires part-time contributors to assess news content and help train artificial intelligence models. These jobs usually involve rating the quality, relevance, and credibility of news articles. You’ll go through some training to understand the evaluation guidelines. The work is flexible and usually pays between $10 to $20 per hour. If you enjoy critically analyzing news stories, this is a great opportunity that you can do from home on your own schedule.

9. TELUS International – Rate News Articles

TELUS International (formerly Lionbridge) hires people to evaluate the usefulness and trustworthiness of online content, including news stories. This work helps improve search engine results and online platforms. You’ll be asked to rate the accuracy and relevance of news based on a given set of standards. The job is typically part-time, remote, and offers consistent pay ranging from $14 to $18 an hour. It’s ideal for people who are analytical and detail-oriented.

10. Medium Partner Program

If you like to write opinion pieces or news-related essays, Medium’s Partner Program allows you to publish and get paid based on how many Medium members read your content. You don’t need to be a professional journalist; what matters is quality writing and reader engagement. You can share your take on current events or even create daily news roundups. With consistent writing and a niche focus, writers can earn hundreds of dollars a month from their articles.

11. Quora Spaces

Quora Spaces allows you to curate and share content on specific topics, including news. If you create a Space focused on current events or a particular area like politics or tech, you can build a following and earn ad revenue. You don’t even have to write original content—you can summarize, discuss, and comment on existing news stories. Once your Space gains traction, Quora shares a portion of the ad revenue with you. It’s a simple and scalable way to earn.

12. Fiverr – Offer News Digest Services

Fiverr is a freelancing platform where you can offer niche gigs like daily or weekly news digests. Clients who are too busy to follow the news may pay you to create custom summaries in areas like finance, entertainment, or world news. You can package your service as a weekly newsletter or one-time summary. Rates vary, but many freelancers charge $25–$100 for regular updates. It’s a smart option if you already read the news and can write concisely.

13. TaskRabbit – Personalized News Alerts

On TaskRabbit, you can offer custom services like sending timely news alerts to busy professionals or organizations. This could involve tracking a specific topic, monitoring headlines, and sending short reports or links. It’s a unique and practical service, especially for local politics or business-related news. TaskRabbit allows you to set your own hourly rate, and many freelancers earn between $20–$40 per hour. If you’re proactive and responsive, you can build long-term client relationships.

14. Transcribe News Videos

Many journalists and media houses need transcripts of interviews, speeches, and news segments. If you’re a good listener and fast typist, this could be the gig for you. Platforms like Rev and GoTranscript offer regular transcription work. You’re paid per audio minute, and once you get fast, the hourly rate becomes quite decent—often around $15 to $25 an hour. You’ll learn a lot while working and help make news more accessible.

15. Launch a News Podcast

If you prefer speaking over writing, consider starting a podcast that delivers daily or weekly news recaps. You can monetize your podcast through sponsorships, affiliate links, or listener donations using platforms like Patreon. Choose a niche (like business news or world events), write a short script, and start recording. Keep episodes under 10 minutes for daily delivery. As your audience grows, so does your income. It’s perfect for those with a strong voice and consistency.

16. Paid Surveys About News Habits

Research companies love hearing about how people consume media, including news. Sites like YouGov, Pinecone Research, and Branded Surveys pay users to complete short questionnaires about their habits and preferences. Most surveys take 5–10 minutes and pay $1–$3. While it’s not a full income source, it’s an easy, no-skill way to earn a few bucks while sharing your thoughts on news consumption.

17. Proofread News Stories

News outlets, blogs, and small publishers often need freelance proofreaders to check articles for grammar, spelling, and readability before publishing. If you’re detail-oriented and love the written word, this is a great way to stay close to news content while earning well. You can find proofreading jobs on FlexJobs or ProBlogger. Rates typically range from $15 to $35 per hour, depending on the client and complexity of work. It’s quiet, focused work that suits introverts and language lovers.

Requirements To Get Paid To Read News

To get started, you just need a stable internet connection and a smartphone or laptop. Most platforms require a valid email and a PayPal account for payments.

You should have basic reading and writing skills, especially if you’re summarizing or reviewing articles.

Being detail-oriented helps with proofreading or evaluation tasks. While not necessary, knowing specific topics like finance or politics can help you earn more on platforms like Medium or YouTube. That’s it—no fancy degrees needed!

How To Choose The Best Fit

To find your best fit, ask yourself: do you prefer writing, speaking, or simple tasks? If you’re just getting started and want fast cash, Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and paid surveys are great. For long-term income, start a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast. If you’re good at editing or reviewing, try proofreading or evaluator roles with Appen or TELUS. Mix and match options based on your skillset and free time.

Tools That Help

Use Google Alerts to track trending stories in your niche. Apps like Notion or Trello help you stay organized with deadlines or posting schedules. For writing, tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor polish your content to professional standards. As you grow, consider email tools like ConvertKit to start a newsletter and build a personal brand around your news content.

How To Avoid Getting Scammed?

When looking for ways to get paid to read news, be cautious of fake websites or job offers that ask for money upfront. Never pay to apply or “unlock” opportunities legit platforms like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, or Medium are always free to join.

Double-check company reviews on trusted sites like Trustpilot, and avoid sharing sensitive personal info like your ID or bank details unless it’s a verified platform. If it sounds too good to be true (like $500 for one article), it probably is. Stick with well-known platforms and always trust your gut.

FAQs – Get Paid To Read News

Final Thoughts

Reading news is something many of us do every day without thinking. But with the right approach, you can turn that habit into a stream of income. Whether it’s through blogging, reviewing, rating, or summarizing news, there’s an option for everyone. Try out a few of these 17 legit ways, stay consistent, and soon enough, you’ll be getting paid to do what you already enjoy—staying informed.