If you’ve ever searched for ways to make money online, chances are you’ve come across videos or blogs promising “$100 a day with online surveys.” It sounds easy—just answer a few questions, rack up points, and cash out. But is it really that simple? Or is it just another time trap disguised as a side hustle?
In this review, I share my firsthand experience using Branded Surveys, one of the most popular survey sites. I spent a full hour testing the platform to see if it’s worth your time. Spoiler: the results may surprise you.
We’ll break down how Branded Surveys works, the pros and cons of using it, my actual earnings after one hour, and why I believe your time is far better spent building content, digital products, or automated income streams. By the end, you’ll know whether surveys are a legit income option—or just a distraction from real opportunities.
What Is Branded Surveys?
Branded Surveys is an online platform that rewards users with points for completing market research surveys. You sign up, fill in personal details, and start qualifying for surveys. Points can later be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
At first glance, it looks straightforward. In fact, you even get a bonus just for signing up, which sounds nice—but can also feel like a red flag. Many sites dangle early incentives to keep you hooked.
The Pros of Taking Online Surveys
Let’s start with the good news. Survey sites like Branded Surveys do have a few advantages:
- Easy to start: Anyone with an internet connection can sign up.
- No special skills needed: Just answer simple questions about everyday life.
- Flexible: You can do surveys while multitasking (I was watching YouTube while taking mine).
- Low barrier to entry: No upfront investment required.
In short, surveys are probably one of the easiest ways to make money online—but easy doesn’t always mean worthwhile.
The Cons: Why Surveys Are Not Worth It
Now for the reality check. While surveys seem convenient, they come with serious drawbacks:
- Active income only: You only earn when you’re actively filling out surveys. Unlike passive income streams (digital products, YouTube videos, affiliate marketing), there’s no long-term payoff.
- Low pay disguised as points: Instead of showing you dollar amounts, Branded Surveys uses points. For example, a 12-minute survey might pay “88 points”—which equals less than a dollar.
- Disqualification frustration: Often, you’ll spend five minutes on a “pre-survey” only to be told you don’t qualify. You walk away with just 2–3 points for wasted time.
- Unrealistic earning potential: Even at maximum effort, you’ll only make a few dollars per hour.
This makes surveys one of the lowest-value uses of your time if your goal is meaningful online income.
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My Actual Branded Surveys Results
So how much did I really make? After one full hour on Branded Surveys, I earned 380 points, which equals $3.80.
That’s right: less than $4 an hour. To put that in perspective:
- A local gas station job near me pays $17/hour.
- I would need to grind surveys for 26 straight hours just to make $100.
- Some surveys took longer than advertised, meaning my hourly rate was even lower.
These numbers speak for themselves—surveys are not a reliable path to financial freedom.
Why Most People Don’t Make Money With Surveys
Here’s a surprising truth: Most people who claim to make big money from survey sites aren’t earning from the surveys themselves. Instead, they profit by:
- Promoting referral links on YouTube, blogs, or social media.
- Spamming links in Facebook groups.
- Paying micro-workers to sign up under their referral codes.
In other words, the real money comes from affiliate marketing, not from the surveys.
A Better Alternative: Create Content
While surveys gave me $3.80, creating this very video (and now this blog post) is infinitely more valuable. Why?
- Content works for you 24/7.
- A single YouTube video or blog post can bring views (and income) for years.
- Sharing your journey—whether it’s trying side hustles, learning a new skill, or documenting your passions—builds trust and an audience.
Instead of chasing pennies, you can build digital assets that compound over time.
How to Start Creating Digital Income Streams
If surveys aren’t the answer, what should you do instead? Here are proven paths to build long-term income:
1. Document Your Journey
Pick a skill or hobby and record your progress. People love following transformation stories, even if you fail along the way.
2. Create Digital Products
Turn your expertise into e-books, templates, or mini-courses. Unlike surveys, digital products can be sold repeatedly without extra effort.
3. Leverage Affiliate Marketing
Promote products you believe in and earn commissions. This is the strategy most “survey influencers” secretly use.
4. Automate with Content
Publish YouTube videos, blog posts, or TikToks that promote your offers on autopilot.
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Final Thoughts: Are Surveys Worth It in 2025?
After testing Branded Surveys, I can confidently say: No, surveys are not worth your time.
Yes, they’re easy. Yes, you can earn a few dollars while multitasking. But if your goal is meaningful income, you’ll waste countless hours for little reward.
Instead, focus on building platform-proof systems—digital products, affiliate marketing, and content creation—that create passive income and grow your earning potential over time.
The sooner you step away from low-value hustles like surveys, the sooner you can start building real financial freedom.
Key Takeaways
- Branded Surveys paid me $3.80 in one hour—far below minimum wage.
- Surveys are active income only and often a frustrating waste of time.
- The people making money from survey sites are using referrals and affiliate marketing, not surveys.
- Your best bet? Build digital assets that create income long after you hit publish.