How I Made $2,000 in 18 Months with UserTesting (And How You Can Too!)

How I Made $2,000 in 18 Months with UserTesting (And How You Can Too!)

I stumbled across UserTesting a while back, and it’s been a game-changer for my wallet. Over one and a half years, I pocketed $2,000 just by sharing my thoughts on websites and apps—pretty cool, right? If you’re curious how I did it or want to try it yourself, here’s the breakdown, plus some tips to get started.

My UserTesting Journey

UserTesting pays you to test digital products—like websites, apps, or even prototypes—by recording your screen and voice as you complete tasks. In 18 months (that’s 547 days), I made $2,000, averaging about $3.66 a day. Most tests pay $10 for 10-20 minutes, though some quick ones are $4, and longer live interviews can hit $30-$60. I didn’t treat it like a full-time gig—just a fun side hustle I dipped into when I had spare time.

Here’s how it worked for me—and how you can make it work too:

Step 1: Sign Up and Pass the Practice Test

Getting started is dead simple. I signed up on UserTesting.com, filled out my profile with basic info (age, location, devices I own), and took a free practice test. This test checks if you can speak clearly and follow instructions—think of it like a mic check. I made sure my microphone was decent, spoke my thoughts out loud, and passed on the first try. Once approved, paid tests started popping up in my dashboard.

Tip: Test your setup beforehand. A quiet room and a good mic (even a cheap headset works) boost your chances.

Step 2: Grab Tests When They Pop Up

Tests don’t come on a schedule—it’s all about demand from companies and your profile (I’m in the UK, which helped since lots of tests target here). I’d leave the UserTesting tab open while working or chilling, jumping on tests when they appeared. A typical $10 test took me 15 minutes, so I averaged 2-3 a week. Some weeks I’d snag 5, others just 1—it’s a bit of a lottery.

To hit $2,000 in 18 months, I likely completed around 200 standard $10 tests (200 x $10 = $2,000). That’s roughly 11 tests a month, or 2-3 a week—doable if you’re proactive. I also nabbed a few $30 live interviews, which bumped up my earnings faster.

Tip: Fill out your profile fully—languages, interests, tech you use. The more details, the more tests you qualify for.

Step 3: Nail the Tests

Each test gives you tasks—like “Find a product on this site” or “Rate this checkout process”—while you talk through what you see and feel. I learned early on to over-explain everything: “I’m clicking here because it looks like a button, but it’s confusing because…” Companies love detailed feedback, and it keeps your tester rating high. A good rating means more invites.

Tip: Speak slowly and clearly. If they can’t hear you, or you rush, you risk rejection.

Step 4: Cash Out with PayPal

Payments hit my PayPal account 7 days after each test—no fuss, no fees. At $10 a pop, it added up quietly—£20 here, £30 there—until I hit $2,000. I used the cash for random treats: a new jacket, a night out, even bills when I was tight.

Tip: Link a verified PayPal account right away to avoid delays.

How You Can Hit $2,000 in 18 Months

Let’s break it down:

  • Goal: $2,000 ÷ 18 months = ~$111/month.
  • Tests Needed: At $10/test, that’s 11 tests/month, or 2-3/week.
  • Time Commitment: 2-3 tests x 15 minutes = 30-45 minutes/week.

It’s not rocket science—just consistency. If you snag higher-paying $30-$60 live tests (say, 1-2 a month), you’d need fewer standard ones. I averaged 5-7 hours a month total, so it’s perfect for busy folks.

Challenges I Faced

  • Dry Spells: Some weeks, tests were scarce—maybe my demographics (UK, 30s, tech-savvy) didn’t match demand. I just kept the tab open and waited.
  • Screeners: You’ll answer mini-quizzes to qualify for tests, and I got rejected plenty. It’s normal—keep trying.
  • Tech Setup: A dodgy internet connection once cost me a test. Sort your Wi-Fi first!

Could You Earn More?

Absolutely! I was casual about it, but if you’re glued to your screen daily, check multiple platforms (like Userlytics or TryMata), or chase live interviews, you could double that—think $4,000 or more. Posts on X suggest some folks pull $300-$350/month with serious effort.