Get Paid To Be An Online Friend: 24 Best Options In 2024

Those who can easily connect with others would be crazy not to consider the opportunity to get paid to be an online friend. Why shouldn’t you use skills and abilities that come naturally to you?

Working as a virtual friend has many advantages. You can do it from home, and the job won’t feel like work. After all, the services you’ll provide will be no different than the ones you offer to your friends in real life.

People don’t need much to start working as an online pal – some free time and access to WiFi are enough to get you going. Another great thing about this money-making idea is that you don’t have to meet your virtual friends in person:

All your interactions will happen on the web – you don’t have to worry about protecting your identity or privacy.

In this article, I’ll show you over 20 ways to make money as an online friend. Additionally, I’ll share how to make the most of this side hustle idea and the safety tips to follow.

This post contains affiliate links – read my affiliate disclosure for more info.

What Is A Virtual Friend?

Furthermore, you don’t have to see them in person. Instead, you’ll communicate through messaging or video calls with clear boundaries in place.

Why Should You Become An Online Friend?

By all means, the better question is – why shouldn’t you get paid to be an online friend? Seriously, I challenge you to point out the downside of working as an online pal:

People are social beings – even individuals with introverted personalities need to connect with someone else. And that’s not simply an opinion – it’s a fact.

So, when you nurture friendships online, why shouldn’t you make money simultaneously? What’s the issue with providing online communication for cash?

Many reasons exist to establish virtual friendships for money. For instance, you can use the experience to help you build a career in life coaching or caregiving.

How about satisfying the desire to connect with like-minded people on a personal level or finding an emotionally fulfilling remote job that pays well?

Whatever your reasons are, working as a virtual friend is worth the effort. Offering online friendship services will not make you wealthy, but it will help you earn extra money in your free time.

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Is It Safe To Get Paid To Be A Friend?

I have to clarify a few things before we go any further:

Above all, virtual friends provide services remotely – they don’t have to meet with clients face-to-face. Online friendship is a platonic relationship with clear boundaries that both parties are well aware of.

All legitimate companies where you can work as an online friend have strict rules that potential clients must follow to the letter. These rules are in place to protect your personal information and privacy.

Let me emphasize again that virtual friendship is a side hustle that doesn’t involve one-on-one meetings. Sure, you can see your online friends in person, but whether to do that or not is entirely up to you.

Online friends must make themselves available to talk and listen to another person. Such interactions usually happen through text messaging or video calling.

It’s in your best interest to follow safety tips if you decide to meet your online friends (seeing them in public places and letting your loved ones know where you’re going).

See Also: 45 Side Hustles For Men

Why Do People Hire Online Friends?

Some of you might wonder why anyone would hire an online friend. Let me give you the answers:

Unfortunately, making close friends is not something that comes naturally to everybody. Many individuals struggle with establishing genuine friendships in real life.

Besides, everyone is so busy these days. Even if you have the best friends anyone could wish for, they might not be available when you need emotional support or someone to talk to.

But who mostly hires virtual friends? Imagine people looking to connect with others with similar interests, such as playing video games or watching movies.

Next, building online friendships is perfect for people who are housebound/disabled, have lost their spouse, or experience social anxiety. The list doesn’t end here:

What about everyone who feels lonely for one reason or another? There is so much talk about the loneliness epidemic nowadays – statistics show that one in four people feels lonely.

Nearly 400 million people worldwide use online dating apps – why should the situation be any different with virtual friendships? Other individuals hiring online friends are people moving to a new town or visiting a foreign country.

How To Get Paid To Be An Online Friend: Step-By-Step Guide To Becoming A Virtual Pal

1) Create An Online Profile

By all means, you can’t earn as an online friend unless you join a company that allows you to offer such support services and create a profile. All real websites will protect your data and personal information.

Still, you have to pick a user name – that can be an alias you like. I suggest something that creates a friendly vibe and can attract many potential clients.

Next, you’ll most likely have to upload a profile photo. Adding a description is also a necessary step you should take.

2) Provide Your Financial Details

No website will let you work as an online friend until you upload your financial details. Once you start earning, that platform has to pay you!

Generally, most sites pay their users via PayPal, Payoneer, or direct bank transfers (choose a payment method that works best for your needs).

3) Pass A Personality Test

Here is the thing with providing online companionship services:

Working as an online friend is about connecting with like-minded individuals with similar interests. But people are different – you can’t be a perfect fit for everyone.

That’s why many companies will ask you to do a personality test before accepting you. They want to ensure you’ll be a good match for most people using their platforms.

4) Wait For Online Friends To Approach You

Chances are, you won’t book a client from day one working as an online friend. Usually, it takes some time for the right person to come across your profile and ask for your virtual companionship services.

Of course, you can start interacting with potential clients first to enhance their interest. But that approach might not work for anyone.

Meeting new people online offers many ways to get paid to be an online friend – you can earn money via text chats, video calls, adult talks, or sexting services.

Can You Get Paid To Be An Online Friend?

Two reasons exist for some people to avoid the opportunity to make money as an online friend:

The first is that they don’t see this extra income idea as valid, and the second is the doubt in the legitimacy of the platforms hiring virtual friends.

Let me treasure you on both fronts:

Earning cash as an online friend in your spare time is a legitimate way to make money from home. That opportunity will allow you to improve your financial situation for no extra cost.

Next, virtual friendships are platonic relationships. Each platform accepting members as online friends emphasizes this fact.

You don’t have to meet your online pals in person. Therefore, being an online friend for cash doesn’t threaten our safety.

How Much Money Can You Get Paid As An Online Friend?

Generally, the money you’ll earn as a virtual friend may vary. Depending on the company you choose to work with, you’ll get paid a flat base rate, or you’ll be able to set up your own rates.

After researching numerous websites that offer compensation for being an online friend, I became familiar with the numbers.

If the company allows you to set your pay rates, you can charge anywhere between $10 and $50 per hour. However, the people who find more success getting paid to talk charge their clients around $25 per hour.

That’s a reasonable hourly rate for your time, especially when you’re just starting, in my opinion. How about we do quick math together?

Let’s say you decide to charge $25 per hour, and work four hours a day, five days a week. So, you’ll earn a side income of $500 per week – or $2,000 per month if you prefer to see it that way.

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• Social Media Manager ($97,000/Year)
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• Freelance Writer (Pick Your Pay Rate)

Best Places To Get Paid To Be An Online Friend

OK, I’m not saying that the following websites are the only places that offer people the possibility to rent a friend or become one.

After careful research, I believe they are the ones you should check out if you want to get paid to be an online friend. Here they are:

1) Rent A Local Friend

There are a couple of reasons why I’m starting with this site.

Firstly, it’s a recommendation that comes from Tripadvisor – and we all know that Tripadvisor is a trusted platform.

Secondly, Rent A Local Friend focuses on connecting individuals traveling with local people from the area.  And that will allow you to be a virtual friend from everywhere.

RentALocalFriend will let you register as a travel agent if you live in a tourist area. How cool is that?

Lastly, Rent a Local Friend will also pay you to work as a virtual text friend. I suggest adding relevant details to your profile to help potential clients with common interests, such as favorite books, online games, fitness tips, or even a sporting event, discover you.

What about the money? Considering you can set your pay rate, expect to earn as much as $120 daily.

See Also: How Can I Get Paid To Travel?

2) Rent A Friend

Rent A Friend is probably the best website you can join to offer virtual friendship services. Over 700,000 people use the platform to find the right people (and make them their new friends).

While the site emphasizes the importance of all relationships remaining platonic, you can arrange in-person meetups with people who have become your real friends.  As you already know, meeting someone in real time (and in person) is a good option if you take the extra precaution, such as meeting in a public place and letting a family member know where you are.

Of course, you can work only as an online friend – don’t forget to state that on your profile.

Speaking of profiles, the Rent-A-Friend sign-up is free. You don’t have to pay any platform fee – the website charges the members, not the friends.

As a result, you can keep 100% of your earnings. Feel free to pick a pay rate of $15-$50 an hour. Once you sign up through your email address, you have to verify your account – you don’t have to go through background checks.

Unfortunately, the same goes for the people you may agree to meet face-to-face.

3) Rent A Cyber Friend

Rent A Cyber Friend is the right platform for anyone who wants to work strictly as an online pal – you won’t find an option to schedule one-on-one meetings through the site.

Adding as many relevant keywords to your profile is a great way to attract more potential clients. Members must upload a profile photo, but they can choose an alias to stay completely anonymous on the website.

Above all, users hiring virtual friends through the Rent A Cyber Friend app want someone to teach them new skills. That’s great news for you – it will allow you to earn extra cash by providing a valuable service.

For instance, you can share your knowledge with clients on various subjects, such as a foreign language, cooking, working out, online gaming, arts & crafts, etc. The Cyber Friend Buyers post such opportunities, and Gigs workers can browse to choose one that sounds like a great idea.

Virtual friends can pick their own hours and charge clients per minute, while the platform receives a 20% commission fee.

4) Fiverr Friendship

As you probably already know, Fiverr is an online marketplace where you can offer different services, including virtual friendship. Signing up and creating a Seller profile is free of charge.

Fiverr Friendship is the easiest way for people looking to get paid as life coaches or for providing emotional support. Your services can include casual text messaging (or a video chat) about relationships, personal loss, mental well-being, and getting over tough times in everyday life.

Offering a virtual friend service on Fiverr doesn’t guarantee higher rates – most online pals on the platform charge between $5 and $25 an hour. I should mention that Fiverr charges a 20% fee on all your earnings.

Choose a payment method that suits your needs – the options are PayPal or direct deposit to your bank account. You can benefit from a solid reputation on Fiverr through five-star ratings and positive feedback from clients.

5) FriendPC

FriendPC is one of the best ways to get paid to be an online friend. Anyone who wants to find a virtual friendship gig through the site can offer different services and special skills:

For instance, your profile can state that you’re available to play video games, offer advice as a life coach, provide tourism tips, etc. In other words, FriendPC allows you to earn by completing small tasks and working as a virtual pal.

Generally, the best part of joining FriendPC is receiving your earnings immediately after completing a task. Another plus is the opportunity to pick your hourly rate and working schedule.

Many clients might want to book your services for days. That’s an excellent way to make more money online as a virtual friend. Workers and clients can interact via online messaging, texts, and phone calls.

Most people charge $10-$30 an hour on FriendPC. A paid membership is available if you want to benefit from the site’s extra perks.

6) Freelancer

Quite frankly, Freelancer is one of the most popular platforms you can use to find freelance gigs. While most people visit the site to hire someone to write, others do it to look for an online friend.

These days, Freelancer has a whole segment you can use to offer virtual companionship. Thousands of lonely people (most are men) browse that segment to find someone with similar interests.

Once you sign up, build your profile and create an impressive portfolio. Include any details that many clients might find desirable and attractive.

On average, online friends earn $12 an hour on Freelancer. Of course, the more new friends you make on the platform, the more money you’ll be able to earn.

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7) PenPalWorld

PenPalWorld doesn’t work like other places you can join to get paid to be an online friend. The platform is unique and has a set of rules members must follow:

For starters, PenPalWorld is a search engine that connects individuals worldwide with similar interests. Assuming the site approves your account, you can communicate with people, offer them your services, and earn money as a pen pal.

A free PenPalWorld account allows you to make three connections daily. However, a premium membership lets you reach out to fifty potential online friends.

How much money can you earn on PenPalWorld? That depends on you – the website allows members to set their own prices.

8) Outschool

Another unique platform is OutSchool. What makes Outschool special?

Outschool will allow you to create virtual group classes on any subject. It’s a legitimate way to monetize your teaching experience and expertise.

Feel free to choose a topic that has nothing to do with academics – you can participate in a virtual reading hangout time or start a group that discusses movies or games.

See Also: 30 Websites That Will Pay You To Do Homework

9) Seeking

Seeking is one of the most popular options for people providing services beyond virtual friendship. While you can work as an online pal on the platform, offering adult services and exchanging text messages with sugar daddies is also possible.

Most people working on the platform earn around $30 an hour. Video chat services via a webcam or direct phone conversations will earn you more money.

You’ll have to go through a background check before you join the platform – the same goes for prospective clients. Above all, Seeking is a great place for anyone offering more than casual chats with strangers.

10) Premium Chat

Premium Chat is an online platform that allows you to earn by chatting with online followers, fans, or customers in real-time. Members can provide chat, support, and consultancy services, but only to one person at a time.

Technically, Premium Chat is not the best place to get paid to be an online friend. Be that as it may, making money chatting with people in the online world is a good idea for anyone looking to boost their income.

On the downside, you can’t keep more than 60% of your earnings. Considering you can earn up to $6 a minute, paying a commission fee will not be an issue.

11) Texting Factory

Texting Factory accepts people to work as text chat operators. Your responsibilities will be to provide text chat on different topics.

You must be 18 years old (or older) to join the site. Disclosing your real identity is not necessary.

Expect to earn up to $300 per week. Nowadays, Texting Factory accepts people from all over the world.

Related Read:

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12) Family Romance

Family Romance takes the concept of offering virtual companionship services to the next level:

If you live in Japan, the company will accept you to work as a friend to whole families. Creating an account is free – you can make up to $50 an hour.

Don’t worry if you live elsewhere – Family Romance plans to expand its operations to many countries soon.

13) Lip Service

As the name suggests, Lip Sevice provides other options to make money than virtual friendship. That site is suitable for ladies who want to get paid to flirt online.

Those living in the USA or Canada can take advantage of everything the company offers to its users. Only people who are over 21 can join the website.

According to the platform, women can make up to $80 an hour. Such an amount is more than an extra income to earn while chatting with people online.

14) FlirtBucks

Generally speaking, most people think of FlirtBucks as an online dating site. However, the platform is also one of the great places to get paid to be an online friend:

Text conversations will earn you $0.1 per minute. Meanwhile, you can earn $0.4 per minute for video chats.

FlirtBucks is one of the most popular platforms that hires chat hostesses. Joining its chat room might be one of the best things you can do to improve your financial situation.

15) TexKings

Working on TexKings can be a great way to make money online for anyone who doesn’t mind adult chat jobs. What do these jobs entail?

TexKings hires women to work as text chat operators. In other words, you must chat with men via the phone or text.

Members must work at least 12 hours weekly. They can earn up to $500 a week.

16) MyGirlFund

MyGirlFund is an excellent option for women looking to work as chat hostesses. So far, over 25,000 ladies have offered such services on the site.

Do you have concerns about protecting your sensitive information and identity on the platform? Forget about them – MyGirlFund won’t reveal who you are to your clients.

Video and text chat are the options to make money on the website. Most ladies working on the platform earn over $30,000 a year.

17) Papa Pals

Papa will allow you to get paid to be an online friend to elderly people in your area. There is no need to meet with prospective clients:

Instead, your responsibilities will be to provide companionship to seniors online. Your chat activities on the web will earn you up to $15 an hour.

Sometimes, older adults might need help with small tasks (grocery shopping or assembling furniture). Any worker (Papa Pal) who decides to help them will make around $25 an hour.

See Also: How To Make Money Completing Tasks For TaskRabbit

18) The Chat Shop

Chances are, The Chat Shop is the last place you would look for virtual friend jobs, and it’s not surprising. After all, the site operates in the field of customer care services.

Does this mean you shouldn’t join it to make money as an online pal? Not at all:

Is there a reason not to monetize a real conversation with people worldwide? Considering such a non-phone job pays $15 an hour, taking it is not a bad idea.

19) Chat Recruit

Chat Recruit offers different ways to make money online if you’re a lady – take your pick between text/adult messages or video chat.

Unfortunately, you can’t pick your own rates on the site – Chat Recruit pays $2 per minute for text chats. Video chats will earn you more than that.

In my opinion, Chat Recruit is a great online community to join if you don’t mind providing such services to men online.

20) Text121Chat

Text121Chat pays more than other companies you can join to work as a virtual friend. Expect to earn $0.7 per message.

More importantly, your hourly rate will increase the longer you work on the platform. Securing your spot on the site requires sending at least 2,000 messages a month.

Users don’t have to reveal personal details – nobody will ever know your name, address, or phone number while working on Text121Chat.

21) Phrendly

Phrendly is a website you can join to offer various services. Most women get paid to engage in adult conversations with lonely men.

There is no way to create a Phrendly account if you’re less than 18 years old. Also, you must live in the USA or Canada to use the site.

Gentlemen can send you tips via the Share A Drink option. Text, audio, or video chat is how to earn on Phrendly.

22) College Steps

College Steps works differently from the options to get paid to be an online friend above. Let me elaborate further on that:

Generally speaking, College Steps exists to help college students find mentors and guides. This non-profit organization hires Peer Mentors to assist students in the classroom or virtually.

You must be a current student in the college to benefit from that opportunity. Expect to earn $10 an hour.

See Also:

• 30 Best Online Jobs For College Students
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23) Preply

Here is a quick question for you:

If you want to learn a new language or skill, do you prefer to hire a real person who is a friend or a stranger? Most people will choose option one:

Preply is an online platform you can join to offer tutoring services online. On average, you can make $15-$25 an hour, even without formal qualifications or years of experience.

24) Get Paid To Be An Online Friend On Your Website

One of the best ways to monetize your virtual friendship skills is to offer them on your website. That will give you full control over your business.

Whether you want to earn as a tour guide for people visiting your town or spend time on online games with strangers, having a website is the most profitable way to do it.

Nowadays, you can start a blog for next to nothing. Pick a memorable domain name, get affordable hosting with SiteGround, and post your services to attract thousands of potential clients.

Popular ways to promote your blog include social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok – make short videos on these networks to elevate your business.

Tips & Ideas To Earn More Money As An Online Friend

Generally, you don’t need much to get paid to be an online friend – some free time, decent communication skills, and a good internet connection are enough. But what should be your top priority to make as much money as possible?

Here are a couple of ways to maximize your earning potential as a virtual pal:

Firstly, join multiple online friend websites. The more platforms you sign up for as a virtual buddy, the more money you can make.

Secondly, work harder on the sites that allow you to set your pay rate. Earning more per hour is an easy way to bring extra cash home.

Lastly, choose platforms that charge the minimum amount as a fee. Paying a small commission for your activities is always better!

Safety Tips When Working As An Online Friend

Work Only With Trusted Friend Websites

I suggest joining only the sites you see above (or an alternative option that uses end-to-end encryption). Each has a privacy policy and terms of condition that their users must follow to the letter.

Avoid platforms that don’t impose any rules on the members. After all, you don’t want to deal with nasty individuals with no help or assistance.

Be Mindful Of Your Privacy

Any platform hiring online friends expects you to upload a profile photo and provide details about yourself. After all, that’s how you’ll make your account attractive enough to gain exposure.

But how can you do that and stay anonymous? You can use an alias, upload a photo that doesn’t appear on your Social Media accounts, and keep essential info like address or phone number for yourself.

Have Strong Boundaries

Nowadays, you can get paid to flirt online. Also, you can make money dating on the web. However, you don’t have to do that when working as an online friend:

On the contrary, you can still provide a great service by offering a genuine connection through friendship and companionship. Don’t allow anyone with no emotional intelligence to disrespect your boundaries while working!

Get Paid To Be An Online Friend FAQs

How Do I Become A Virtual Friend?

• Decide what services you want to offer as an online friend
• Choose a platform to join
• Create a profile
• Add relevant info and description to your account
• Wait until potential clients approach you
• Promote your services on social media

Is RentaFriend Real Or Fake?

RentaFriend is not a scam. On the contrary, the platform offers legitimate ways to earn by talking and chatting with lonely individuals worldwide.

How Much Does FriendPC Pay?

FriendPC users can earn over $14 an hour for online friendship services. However, most virtual friends working on the platform make $12 an hour.

Is Phrendly A Legit App?

Yes, Phrendly is a legitimate app to text with people who are looking for online friendship, companionship, or a simple conversation.

My Closing

Well, this is it – you already know plenty about how to get paid as an online friend. Don’t forget that your safety should always come before personal growth!

So, keep a reasonable distance, check the reviews of the sites you want to work with, and choose your online friends carefully.

Do you have any experience as a virtual friend? Is there something about this job that you don’t quite understand?

Tell me in the comments section, and we’ll discuss it further.

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