If you’re looking for online jobs that are easy and fun, you should consider getting paid to be a virtual friend.
With so many of us leading busy lives, stuck in the hamster wheel that is hustle culture, it’s no surprise that we’re struggling to make friends in real life.
And so, there are plenty of people that turn to the internet to seek out companionship.
This is great news for jobseekers and chatty Cathy’s as you can get paid to be a virtual friend and simply chat with a wide range of people with differing interests.
In this guide, we’ll be talking you through the best platforms to earn on, as well as how much money you can expect to make and tips before you start.
Why Do Companies Pay You To Be A Virtual Friend?
The invention of the internet brought with it many opportunities for connection.
However, the reality of it is that many of us feel more isolated than ever as we spend an ever-increasing amount of time behind the screen.
So, while it may seem a little unorthodox to act as a virtual friend to someone you’ve never met, the demand for this type of relationship online is real.
This community is made up of all sorts of folks looking to form a bond with like-minded individuals. From lonely pensioners to time-poor businessmen and stay-at-home moms, everyone needs an outlet for their emotions.
Whether it’s anxiety, social awkwardness, or a simple lack of time that’s stopping people from forming new friendships in real life, the internet is a safe space for them to come together and connect.
After all, this connection is what makes us human.
How Much Money Can You Make By Being A Virtual Friend?
The great thing about being a virtual friend is that you can usually set your own rates, meaning that the sky’s the limit when it comes to your earning potential.
In saying this, most online friends make between US$10 and US$50 per hour, which means that someone working a typical 40-hour week doing this gig would earn a monthly salary that ranges from around US$1,800 to a whopping US$9,000.
While many people choose to do this as a side hustle and typically earn less, there are also many opportunities to make this your full-time career.
Like with anything, the more experienced you are, the more you can charge, and you should consider upping your rates every few months in order to achieve a salary that supports your dream lifestyle.
Tips For Being A Virtual Friend
When it comes to getting paid to be a virtual friend, you shouldn’t put all of your eggs in one basket.
Instead, sign up for several different platforms as this will provide you with more opportunities to make friends and therefore, make cash.
When building your profile, you should spend some time making sure that this is a thorough representation of your personality.
Do you love Lord of the Rings? Are you a baking obsessive? Make sure you jot down your hobbies as it will help you to connect with friends that share the same interests.
No matter how nerdy or boring your tastes appear to you, there is someone out there who would LOVE to chat about them.
In the same vein, make sure you upload a photo that is approachable and friendly, captured in good lighting on a high-resolution camera.
This will help potential friends trust you and therefore assist you in securing more clients.
It’s also important to set your own personal boundaries. If there are topics that are off-limits to you, you should establish this upfront. Likewise, be clear in the level of friendliness you’re comfortable with in any conversation.
If someone appears to be flirting with you, you are absolutely allowed to nip this in the bud or end your chat if it doesn’t feel appropriate.
The last tip is to do with personal safety. You should ensure you choose a reputable site like the ones listed below if you’re wanting to make a career out of becoming a virtual friend.
On the internet, it can be impossible to know the real person you’re talking to and catfishing is not uncommon, so approach all conversations with this in mind.
You should also avoid giving out personal information, such as your address or bank details to anyone you don’t know in real life.
Best Platforms That Pay You To Be A Virtual Friend
Now, let’s take a look at the best platforms to get paid as a virtual friend.
Rent A Friend
Rent A Friend is one of the most popular sites where you can get paid to be an online friend to someone.
There are over 600,000 members on this site, meaning you’ll never be short of work.
The platform is primarily used for in-person friendships, with members meeting up to act as wingmen to each other, work out as a pair, or enjoy discovering new hobbies together.
However, it also provides the opportunity to act as a virtual friend for those seeking a connection over the internet.
You can set your own prices, with members typically charging between US$10 and US$50 per hour, and the platform doesn’t take a cut of your profits.
You’ll arrange your own payment method with your new-found friend, such as Paypal or Venmo.
Rent A Cyber Friend
Similar to Rent A Friend, Rent A Cyber Friend focuses on the virtual aspect of forming a bond with an individual.
The platform uses video chat to help strangers connect and all you need to sign up is a good camera, a steady internet connection, and to be aged 18 or over.
You’ll set your own rates, with typical fees ranging from US$0.10 to US$1 per minute.
Rent A Cyber Friend takes a 20% cut of your profits, so you should account for this when setting your rates.
You can withdraw your earnings straight to your bank account, making this one of the easiest ways to get paid to be a virtual friend.
Fiverr
Fiverr is mostly known as a business platform where entrepreneurs can get help with a range of tasks, such as illustrating a book or writing copy for a website.
However, as a freelancing site, Fiverr also attracts people searching for more personal matters, such as online friends.
The advantage of Fiverr is that it’s a well-known reputable platform and you can set your own rates. You’ll also earn reviews, meaning you can start establishing yourself as an expert immediately.
The more reviews you have and the more work you undertake, the more the platform will promote your profile to others, so it’s in your own best interest to provide your clients with engaging conversations about their own personal interests.
Rates typically start lower on Fiverr at around US$5 and the site takes a 20% cut of your earnings.
Premium Chat
Premium Chat claims you can get set up in just 3 minutes, making it one of the easiest sites to sign up on.
There are no recurring monthly fees and you can either charge your clients a flat rate or charge by the minute.
This is a great option for those with an existing database of clients or social media followers and people even engage in professional consultancy on the platform.
You can chat via text or, if you have the confidence, you can offer voice and video calls for a premium.
Rates range from US$1 to US$5.99 per minute or up to US$50 flat rate for a text or video chat.
You’ll be paid via Paypal or direct debit each month and you can earn even more by referring a friend to the site.
Chat Recruit
Women who are comfortable getting paid to flirt with men online can sign up to Chat Recruit, which offers adult texting and webcam chats.
You can choose from several different options depending on how comfortable you are, such as talking on the phone or via video call.
Psychics can also join the site and provide horoscopes, tarot card readings, and life advice to members of Chat Recruit.
You can choose to be paid bi-weekly or monthly, and you’ll receive a US$10 bonus on your first payday.
Final Thoughts On Getting Paid To Be A Virtual Friend
Those who are naturally great conversationalists should consider turning their skills into a career and get paid to be a virtual friend.
It’s an excellent option for outgoing types who are seeking flexibility in their hours and the ability to work from anywhere.
It also provides the freedom to earn as much as you want and is easy, and most importantly, enjoyable work.
However, if you’re naturally introverted or feel anxious about social interactions, you might find that this career isn’t for you.
Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of other options that don’t require chatting with strangers. Read more about the best jobs for digital nomads.
Still wondering how you can make the switch to online work?
Check out these helpful blog posts, designed to aid you in creating your dream career.
