Get Paid to Listen to Music: What Works (And What’s a Scam)

So, there I was, folding laundry, scrolling TikTok, and eating stale Doritos—when I stumbled across a video that said you can get paid to listen to music.

Now, as someone who once tried to turn a side hustle into a full-time job by reselling thrifted dog sweaters (just. don’t. ask. lol.), I’ve heard a lot of bold claims. But this one??? It sounded too good to be true.

Spoiler alert: 70% mostly is. But the other 30% might surprise you.  So if you want to make money listing to music, well, you might just wanna read this one through!

Regardless of how much money you can actually make from listening to tunes, I wanted to test it out for myself.  Because making anything from doing something that you don’t have to put any effort into sounds too good to be true, am I right? 

Plus, if I’m going to waste time on the internet, I might as well waste it in a way that helps you not waste yours. So, I did what I do.  And in this case, is trying to make money listing to music! 

Yup, I actually made money listening to music!  Crazy, right!?  But how much did I earn? Well, that’s the zillion dollar question.

To give you a running start in this weird little corner of the internet—yes, the one where we literally get paid to listen to music (I know, it sounds fake the more I say it)—I did some digging.

I tested out a bunch of platforms, tossed the ones that were straight-up dumpster fires, and flagged the ones where you might actually make a buck or two. Because hey, even a single dollar is still more than what some of these other sites were handing out!

And now I’m here to tell you exactly what happened—and which of these platforms might actually be worth your time.

No sugarcoating. No hype. Just the honest truth about getting paid to listen to music.

Current Rewards (aka Mode Earn)
Looked Good…..Until It Didn’t.

What it is:

Current Rewards—also called Mode Earn—is a free app that promises to pay you to listen to music. With over 100,000 radio stations, a shiny interface, and more than 70,000 reviews on the Google Play Store, it looks like the real deal.

You earn points by streaming music, completing tasks, and watching ads. Sounds dreamy, right? Well… it started off great.

I picked a news station, let it roll, and started collecting points like a rewards-card hoarder. They even give you bonus points just for setting up your profile, adding your email, and inviting a few friends (because of course they want your contacts before anything else).

Then it flopped harder than my 7th-grade Air Band performance—don’t judge, Paula Abdul was a vibe in the 90’s!

Anyways, after listening for about 90 minutes, I had 487 points. Not completely terrible. But then the app hit me with this little gem:

“Earning disabled due to inactivity.”

Ummmm, WTF.

Come on!? I was literally listening! What more do you want from me, Mode? Ughhhhh, if it’s too good to be true it usually is, I thought to myself. But wait. “Watch an ad to re-enable rewards“. Ahh, ok, ok… I can do that! Now we’re getting somewhere, thank you Mode.

Then, the plot twist showed its ugly face……AGAIN.

“No ads available.”

And just like that, my passive income plan took a nap it never woke up from. FML!

How much you earn:

You need 13,500 points to cash out a $6 PayPal card.

• I earned 487 points in 90 minutes before the app gave up on me.
• At that pace, you’d need at least a week of consistent listening—assuming the app actually lets you keep earning.

Let’s just say… you ain’t buying a yacht with this one! Not even the plastic bath toy ones.

Is it Worth It?

That depends:

• If you have an Android phone, lots of patience, and don’t mind jumping through app hoops like you’re in a mobile circus, then maybe. If you wanna make a little extra coffee money sure. Although I wouldn’t go as far as hoping for gas money!

• But if you’re on iPhone? Omg, don’t. Just don’t. Don’t even bother. You’ll have better luck asking Alexa to Venmo you a buck!

Side Hustle Breakdown:

• Ease of Use: 4/10 (easy until it stops working)

• Earnings Potential: 2/10

• Payout Method: PayPal, gift cards

• Maya’s Take: Looked promising, but the tech issues killed the vibe. I mean, by all means, try it if you’re curious, just don’t say I didn’t warn you!  Lol.  And last but not least….don’t set your hopes higher than your phone’s volume.

Slice the Pie

Where You Get Paid to Be a Music Critic (Kinda)

What it is:

If you’ve ever judged someone’s playlist in silence (or out loud—no shame), Slice the Pie wants to pay you for it.

This site gives you new music from up-and-coming artists and asks for your honest feedback—think of it as being a low-budget Simon Cowell from the comfort of your couch.

And yes, you actually get paid to listen to music and write a review. No, it won’t replace your job.  But if you’re the opinionated type who has feelings about bass lines and auto-tune, it might just pay for your next iced oat latte.

How much you Earn:

The pay varies depending on how helpful your review is, how many stars you’ve earned on the phase of the moon (ok, not really—but it feels that way though!!).

Most users earn between $0.02 and $0.20 per review.

At the start, expect to earn closer to 2–5 cents until your account gains credibility. After you build trust (and stop sounding like a robot), your rate can go up.

Here’s the Kicker:

• You must listen to at least 90 seconds of the song before submitting your review.
• The review itself has to be a few sentences long—no lazy “good enough” allowed. They want actual real feedback: vocals, lyrics, instrumentals, vibe.

• You cash out via PayPal once you hit $10 minimum.

Is It Worth it?

Yes—if you love discovering new music and have opinions to share.

No—if you just want to hit play and zone out.

Slice the Pie is active income, not passive. It requires brain cells and typing. But it can be fun, especially if you’re into indie music, fashion reviews (yes, they do that too), or pretending you’re writing for Rolling Stone.

Some users say writing a few reviews before bed helps them wind down and earn a few bucks. Not a bad bedtime routine.

Side Hustle Breakdown

• Ease of Use: 6/10 (easy to start, harder to earn well)

• Earnings Potential: 4/10

• Payout Method: PayPal (minimum $10)

• Maya’s Take: Great if you’re the kind of person who always has something to say about a song.  Not great if you’re looking for a mindless moneymaker.

Slice the Pie has been around for over a decade, so it’s legit. But the payout is slow, and you’ll need a decent attention span (and decent grammar) to make it worth your time.

That said, if you’re trying to make money listening to music and don’t mind doing a little work for it, this is one of the more legit options out there.

Music Xray

Easy Money—If You Can Catch a Track in Time

What it is:

Music Xray is one of those rare platforms that actually pays you just to listen to songs—no lengthy reviews, no pop-up circus, no fluff. You sign up, verify your profile, and get matched with tracks based on your musical taste. When a match pops up, you listen for 30 seconds, and boom, you’re paid!

Sounds like the holy grail of “how to make money listening to music,” right?

Well… kinda.

How much can you earn:

Each song pays $0.10 USD—flat, easy, clean.

• No points system.
• No guessing game.

But (and unfortunately this is a big but………

There are very few tracks available, especially when you’re just starting out ☹.

The platform uses an algorithm to match music to your taste profile, so if there’s nothing new that fits your “vibe,” you’ll be stuck waiting. And waiting.  And waiting.  Yup.  You get my drift. 

Kinda sucks, not gonna lie.  Which is too bad, as it legit had potential TBH!  Some people go days (or even weeks) without a new track to review. Others get a few here and there. It’s hit or miss—mostly miss unless you’re in a super popular genre.

Is it Worth it?

Honestly?  YES—but only as a passive add-on, not a main hustle.

Music Xray wins points for:

• Paying $$$ (not just gift cards and/or weird wannabe coins)
• Not wasting your time with surveys or bonus hoops
• Giving your ears a break from mainstream Top 40

But it Loses steam because:

• The earning cap is painfully low
• There’s no consistent flow of music unless your profile is perfectly matched
• The 30-second listen rule is strict—no skipping early or you won’t get paid

Side Hustle Breakdown:

• Ease of Use: 9/10 (literally hit play and wait 30 seconds)

• Earnings Potential: 3/10

• Payout Method: PayPal (minimum $20 cashout)

• May Take: Great when it works, frustrating when it doesn’t. Keep it on your radar, but don’t depend on it unless they suddenly drop a Beyoncé album for review.

Worth Noting:

• Only available in certain countries (works in the U.S., Canada, UK, etc.)
• Make sure your profile is detailed—better matches = more tracks
• Music Xray also has artist opportunities for submitting your own music if you are a musician

Raztune

A $90 Lesson in Patience

What it is:

Raztune is one of those “get paid to listen to music” platforms that technically works… if you have the stamina of a monk and the patience of someone waiting for a dial-up connection to load.

Here’s the pitch:

You sign up, get a $5 bonus just for breathing, and earn around $0.66 per song you review. The first few songs even pay more, which feels generous… until you realize it’s just a honeymoon phase.

After that?

You get a couple of songs per day, and then it slams the door until tomorrow. Oh—and you can’t cash out until you hit $90. Yep. Ninety fat ones. You’d have to listen to and review 150+ songs (without skipping a single day) just to see your first payout.

Also? The pop-ups. OMG, ok don’t get me started or I will lose my mind just thinking about it. I think I got “Pop-up PTSD” after this one. I’m talking about the kind of aggressive, spammy energy that makes you double-check your antivirus software.

Some users say it feels like they’re being held hostage by ads. I respectfully……..AGREE.

How much you earn:

Let’s break it down:

• $0.66 per song
• Daily song limit (usually 2–3/day)
• $90 cashout minimum
• Realistically takes months to reach payout if you’re consistent

So, it’s possible. But it’s kind of like trying to fill a swimming pool with an eyedropper.

Is it Worth it?

Only if you’re extremely patient, oddly motivated by slow progress, and immune to rage-clicking when pop-ups take over your screen.

If you’re just trying to make a few bucks on the side while discovering new music? Razune will test your soul.

Side Hustle Breakdown:

• Ease of Use: 4/10 (frustrating design + constant ads)
• Earnings Potential: 3/10 (the payout sounds good, but the cap ruins it)
• Payout Method: Cash (via PayPal once you hit $90)
• My Take: There are better ways to earn a quick buck. This one is more like slow torture with a playlist.

Worth Noting:

• Minimum cashout is way higher than most platforms
• You do get paid for listening, but it’s very limited daily
• Pop-ups galore—definitely don’t use it on a work computer
• Could be worth it if you’re consistent for a few months—but that’s a big if.

PrizeRebel

Survey City, Population: YOU.

What it is:

PrizeRebel is your typical “get-paid-to” site that pays you to complete surveys, watch videos, sign up for offers, and occasionally—very occasionally—listen to music.

Think of it as the all-you-can-eat buffet of microtasks, except most of the dishes are stale and the music section is hiding behind the dessert table.

Here’s how it works:

• You sign up and get access to a dashboard full of paid tasks
• Surveys are the main focus, though there are some music-related ones sprinkled in (if you can find them that is!)
• You earn points for each task completed
• 1,000 points = $10 (PayPal cash or gift cards)

Not the worst setup. And they have been around awhile, so they’re pretty trustworthy.

How much you earn:

• Surveys pay 10–100 points (most hover on the lower end)
• Disqualified? You earn nothing (not even pity points)
• You’ll need to complete dozens of surveys to reach $10

So yes, it’s technically money. But it’s the kind of money that makes you question your life choices.  But you will earn it.

My experience:

• I clicked on multiple music-related surveys and got booted mid-way through
• Sometimes I made it 10 questions in before being told I “Didn’t qualify” Note: I am in Canada though, so that explains the low acceptance rate to be fair.
• Boring. Many surveys were repetitive and felt like déjà vu with worse music! Lol.

The payouts were ok, but you have to make sure you qualify before doing them!  If you can be attentive to this, it’s not so bad as far as most get paid to listen to music platforms go.

Is it Worth it?

Only if you love surveys more than sanity.  LOL.

But seriously—if you can deal with the constant “sorry, you don’t qualify” messages, and you live in the U.S., UK, or Australia, you might actually earn something.

For everyone else? It might just cost you your last shred of patience.

And yes, there is music content buried in there… but by the time you find it, the site might disqualify you just for blinking too hard.

Side Hustle Breakdown:

• Ease of Use: 3/10 (the site works well TBH, but expect lots of rejection if you’re not American)
• Earnings Potential: 5/10 (average payouts but SUPER high disqualification rate if English is not your first language)
• Payout Method: PayPal or gift cards (Amazon, Visa, etc.)
• My Take: Unless you love surveys skip it.  There are some get paid to listen to music offers, but not as much as other platforms that is for sure!

Worth Noting:

• Works in multiple countries.
• Payout threshold is pretty low at $5 or $10, so expect to actually see a payout.
• You can earn passive points by watching videos or referring friends.
• But don’t expect a whole lot of “get paid to listen to music” offers. Mostly surveys.

Cash for Minutes

A Blast from the Past

What it is:

Cash for Minutes is exactly what it sounds like—you’re paid to call a number and just… well, exist on the line.  Nothing more nothing less! 

• No talking
• No singing
• No judging some random indie band!

You link your phone number, get access to a list of numbers (based on your country), and then you call them and listen to whatever audio they’re pumping out: usually music, ads, or static that sounds like your childhood dial-up modem.

If this already sounds like a weird experiment your uncle might’ve made up in 2004… well, you’re not wrong.

How much you earn:

Let’s crunch the sad little numbers:

• You earn less than $0.05 per hour
• There’s no bonus for staying longer—youjust keep earning fractions of pennies
• Some users report needing 100+ hrs just to hit the minimum cashout!
• If you don’t have unlimited talk time, this could cost you money instead of making it

So yeah. Imagine leaving your phone on speaker next to a robot voice for days… for enough money to buy a gas station granola bar.

Is It Worth It?

Only if you’re living in a parallel universe where your phone plan is free, your time is worth nothing, and you really, really like the sound of generic elevator music.

There’s no music curation, no interaction, and honestly—no fun. Just… phone calls and mild existential dread.

Side Hustle Breakdown:

• Ease of Use: 3/10 (setup is awkward, plus who uses minutes anymore?)
• Earnings Potential: 1/10 (you could make more by sneezing in a tip jar)
• Payout Method: Bank transfer, PayPal, or crypto (after you finally qualify)
• My Take: Belongs in the same vault as floppy disks and fax machines. Pass.

Worth Noting:

• Works in some countries, but not all—check availability
• Requires linking your phone number (privacy red flag for some)
• Calls are silent or ad-filled—don’t expect actual music discovery
• Technically legit, but barely worth the phone battery drain

Givy

Android-Only, But Surprisingly OK

What it is:

Most “get paid to listen to music” apps are basically digital mirages—you download them, they throw ads at you, and then they ghost you harder than your high school crush.

Givy actually delivers. Not in a “quit your job and buy a yacht” kind of way, but in a “hey, I just made a few cents while folding laundry” kind of way.

It’s Android-only, which means iPhone users are out of luck (cue sad trombone), but if you’re rocking a Samsung or Pixel and looking to turn your background noise into background income, this one’s… shockingly decent.

Here’s how it works:

• Download the Givy app from the Google Play Store
• Choose a station—there’s a mix of everything from Top 40 to obscure internet radio (I picked Belgium Dance Radio because apparently, I was feeling like a Euro DJ hahahaha)
• Hit play and start earning points just for listening
• You earn 1,000 points per cent, and you can cash out starting at just 35 cents (via Payeer or Crypto)

No long surveys. No rating artists. Just press play and let the radio do its thing.

How much you earn:

• You’ll earn tiny amounts—like, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it levels
• That said, it’s real earnings, not some bait-and-switch “you must listen to 10,000 songs to unlock a gift card” nonsense
• Most users can earn enough for a $0.35 payout in a few sessions, especially if you’re just letting it run while you’re working, cleaning, or ignoring your responsibilities

And the best part? Unlike other apps that make you wait weeks to hit a cashout threshold, Givy lets you withdraw quickly. That’s almost unheard of in this genre.

Is it Worth it?

Surprisingly, yes.

If you’re looking for a zero-effort, leave-it-on kind of earner, this one actually makes sense. You won’t get rich, but if you want to feel mildly productive while jamming to international radio, this checks a lot of boxes.

Just remember:

• The app must stay open and active—no switching apps or letting your screen go dark
• And earnings tend to slow down the longer you listen in a single session (because of course they do)
• But there are no pop-ups, no sketchy ads, and no signup hoops. It’s refreshingly simple

Side Hustle Breakdown:

• Ease of Use: 7/10. Super simple to use—just tap and listen—but you can’t do anything else on your phone while it runs
• Earnings Potential: 3/10. It’s not a goldmine, but it’s steady. Think: soda machine money, not Starbucks cash
• Payout Method: Payeer or crypto (fast, low minimum withdrawal = win)
• My Take: TBH? Well, it’s actually one of the better apps out there in the music-for-money space. It’s low-maintenance, low-stress, and actually pays!! Just don’t expect it to cover your rent, ok?

Worth Noting:

• Android-only—no iPhone version yet
• Legit payouts—yes, real money, no gift card purgatory
• Keep the screen on or it’ll stop paying (yep, it’s needy)
• The music selection is weirdly fun—everything from K-pop to chill lo-fi to French techno
• It’s a great way to try global radio stations and find new favorites while you earn

If you’re already listening to music anyway, Givy is a chill way to turn that noise into nickels.

It’s not a full-blown side hustle, but it is one of the rare apps in this space that actually pays without making you jump through flaming hoops.

Would I quit my job for it? LOL, nooooooo, ‘course not!

Would I run it while meal prepping and feel slightly smug about it? 100% yes.

Mixkit + Up‑4ever

Viral but Misleading

What it is:

You’ve probably seen those YouTube headlines: “Make $7 every time you listen to a song!”
Sounds like dream money, right?

But here’s the full picture:

• Mixkit is a legitimate site offering free, royalty‑free music tracks, videos, and sound effects under a friendly license for personal or commercial use
• Up‑4ever (or Upload‑4ever) is a file‑sharing payout platform where people earn money when others download their uploads.

The Process:

Step 1: Download music from Mixkit.

Step 2: Upload those music files to Up‑4ever.

Step 3: Share your download link—and make money only when someone downloads it.

Listening doesn’t pay you.

How much you earn:

• Payouts go up to $7 per download, but only if the downloader is from a high-paying country like the US or Canada.
  
  
• Readers from lower-tier regions pay dramatically less—or nothing at all.
  
  
• Listen to as many songs as you want? Doesn’t matter—your listen-to-upload ratio = $0 until someone clicks download.

My Test Run:

• I uploaded three tracks from Mixkit.
• I waited days.
• Result: Zero downloads, zero earnings, and a serious case of buyer’s remorse!

Total. Crickets.

Some people say this method can work if you post your links all over the place—like in Facebook groups, music forums, or Discord chats.

But let’s be real: that’s not just listening to music. That’s full-on marketing work. You’re basically becoming your own sales team. Not exactly the chill, passive side hustle you were hoping for. 

In other words, run…..run for the hills.  There’s better ways to make money online my friend!  WAY better.

Is it Worth it?

NOPE—unless you’re out there sharing your music links everywhere and trying hard to get people to download them.

This isn’t “get paid to listen to music.” It’s more like “get paid if someone clicks your link.” And if you don’t have a big following or a smart plan to get clicks, you’ll earn… absolutely nothing.

Side Hustle Breakdown:

• Ease of Use: 2/10 – Simple steps, but needs external marketing to succeed
• Earnings Potential: 1/10 – Zero control over downloads; no payout without external traffic
• Payout Method: Via Up‑4ever, payment thresholds vary; not consistently delivered
• My Take: Technically honest but practically deceptive. You’re not getting paid to listen—you’re getting paid if someone else chooses to download… which they mostly won’t.

Worth Noting:

• Mixkit is legit—free, royalty-free music you can use in projects, no legal issues.
• Up‑4ever payouts don’t guarantee success—you need external traffic to download links.
• You’re essentially depending on strangers using your link—and if they don’t, you get zilch.
• People who “succeed” here are often just sharing links in popular groups or forums—this is marketing, not music listening.

This method went viral not because people actually make money, but because the headline sounds like a dream—but delivers nothing for the most part.

TL;DR

• You don’t get paid for listening — only when someone downloads your upload.
• Payouts depend strictly on who downloads.
• Without self-promotion, expect no results.
• It’s a marketing grind, not a music earner.

Which Music Money-Maker Is Actually Worth It?

After testing all nine of these “get paid to listen to music” platforms, here’s the tea:

Top Picks (a.k.a. the ones that didn’t make me cry)

1. Givy – Easy, real payouts, and you don’t need to wait forever to cash out. If you have an Android phone, this one’s your best shot at turning music into money.
   
   
2. RadioEarn – Clunky and slow, but it does work if you leave it running in the background like a lo-fi radio ghost.
   
   
3. Current Rewards – Starts strong, but can glitch out and stop rewarding you. Still, it’s one of the more polished options—if you’re lucky and persistent.

The Worst of the Worst

1. Mixkit + Up-4ever – It’s not even about listening. They’re all about pushing download links and praying someone clicks. It’s nothing but a YouTube myth. Yuck.
   
   
2. HitPredictor – I didn’t bother doing a full review—because I’d be wasting your time and mine. But it gives off major red flag energy. The site barely loads half the time, and I’ve seen a lot of complaints about people never getting paid. So, if you stumble across this one? Don’t walk—RUN.
   
   
3. Slice the Pie – Cool idea in theory… until you get blocked after one review.   Don’t waste your energy folks!
    

🎁 BONUS Pick: PrizeRebel (A Love-Hate Relationship)

PrizeRebel lands in both the “pretty good” pile and the digital dumpster—and here’s why: it all depends on where you live.

If you’re in the U.S., you’ll probably rack up points and cash out without too much drama. But if you’re anywhere else? Get ready for the survey heartbreak Olympics. I’m talking 10–15 questions in, only to be hit with:

“Sorry, you don’t qualify.”
Cue the rage-clicking.

And while PrizeRebel does offer ways to get paid to listen to music, don’t expect them to be front and center. They’re buried under a mountain of other tasks—so unless you enjoy digital treasure hunts, you might wanna keep scrolling.

If you’re outside the U.S., just go ahead and swipe left on this one.

These apps are not your next paycheck. They’re fun little experiments. Think: folding laundry, vibing to weird international dance stations, and earning enough for a soda after a few days.

If that sounds like your kind of side hustle, go for it! But if you’re dreaming of a real income?

There are WAY better ways to make money online. 

Here’s 3 of many:

1. Start a blog – shameless plug? Think what you will, but I’m here to help you —and it’s worked for me!!  I still cannot recommend anything better than starting your own blog.
   
   
2. Sell digital downloads or printables – This works even better with a blog. I used to sell eBooks and did really well back in the day. Simple products, steady income.
   
   
3. Resell thrift store finds – My son’s friend started at 15 flipping used sneakers and designer clothes. It’s not passive, but it’s real money if you’re willing to put in the work.

Get Paid to Listen to Music FAQ

The Bottom Line

Getting paid to listen to music is like trying to make rent with couch change. It can happen… but it’s not easy, fast, or sustainable.

These apps are great for:

• Earning small change
• Testing new music stations
• Getting a little dopamine hit as your point balance crawls up

But if you’re trying to build real income—the kind that actually pays bills and fills your fridge—these apps? They’re just background noise. Like elevator music during your main character moment.

You deserve better than waiting days to earn a quick buck! Skip the pennies and go find a side hustle that treats you like the BOSS you are. Something that puts you in control, not just clicking buttons and hoping for the best.

You’re not here for scraps. You’re here to devour the main course!  Now, go for it.