Get Paid to Chat: 21 Legit Sites That Will Pay You to Have Ordinary Conversations

If you want to chat with people in a customer service or support role, you can use the following platforms to find opportunities.

This class of jobs features middle-of-the-road pay—you can realistically expect to earn $15–$20 per hour—and is quite accessible, requiring no degree or special certifications.

1. Working Solutions

Earning potential: $8–$10 per hour

Working Solutions connects businesses with customer service reps, who it calls its “WooHoo! Crew.” As a worker, you’ll handle incoming and outgoing calls, emails, and video chats with customers.

User reviews

User reports for Working Solutions are mixed to negative. The platform is legitimate, but some users have complained that their payments were delayed and that it’s hard to find stable work.

Requirements to join Working Solutions

• At least 18 years old
• Wired USB headset
• Wired high-speed internet connection (Wi-Fi isn’t accepted) with a minimum of 10 Mbps (download speed) and 3 Mbps (upload)
• Quiet office space
• Up-to-date computer or laptop with at least 8 GB of RAM

2. Arise

Earning potential: $10–$17 per hour

Arise is another virtual call center that connects independent contractors with remote customer service jobs. You won’t be directly employed by Arise; instead, you’ll work for one of the businesses registered with the platform. However, Arise will facilitate the arrangement and help you find jobs.

User reviews

Users complain that Arise’s application process is frustrating. You’ll have to go through multiple system checks, assessments, and rounds of training (all unpaid) while waiting for your background check to be completed.

Requirements to join Arise

• At least 18 years old
• Must pass a background check
• Up-to-date Windows PC or laptop (Macs aren’t eligible)
• Wired USB headset
• Wired Internet connection (Wi-Fi isn’t accepted)

3. Liveops

Earning potential: $0.25–$0.34 per minute

Liveops matches you with customer service jobs that fit your skills and schedule. After creating your profile, you can select your available working hours, scheduling your availability in 30-minute blocks, known as “commits.”

User reviews

Liveops is also a legitimate platform, but user experiences on it are mixed. One issue that often comes up in user reports is that Liveops makes you pay for your background check, which they charge you $25 for. This is a bad sign; it doesn’t mean that the app is a scam, but most gig apps don’t require you to assume any of the costs of your application.

Requirements to join Liveops

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Be a resident of (and authorized to work in) the US
• Pass a background check
• Windows PC or laptop (Macs aren’t eligible)
• Wired Internet connection (Wi-Fi isn’t accepted)
• USB headset for taking calls

4. LivePerson

Earning potential: Unclear

LivePerson is a platform that businesses use to outsource customer service and support to both AI and human agents. You’ll work remotely and provide live chat support to customers.

User reviews

There are relatively few user reports on LivePerson, and the ones that do exist are quite old, suggesting that there’s not much current activity on the app.

Moreover, when we looked into LivePerson, we didn’t see any available jobs, which suggests it’s not a good idea to rely on it to drive your chatting-based side hustle. It might still be worth signing up to—just keep your expectations modest.

Requirements to join LivePerson

• At least 18 years old

There are several apps and sites that will pay you to provide mental health support to clients on a remote basis.

All of them require some form of certification. You may need to be a licensed therapist in your state, for example. On the plus side, they pay substantially more than the customer service apps we just listed (upwards of $100 per hour, in at least one case).

Check out the following sites that will connect you with people who want therapy, coaching, or counseling:

5. BetterHelp

Earning potential: $30 per hour

BetterHelp is an online therapy and counseling platform that lets users speak with licensed therapists remotely. You can give mental health support to clients in four ways:

• Messages (correspondence-based, aka not live)
• Live chats
• Phone calls
• Video calls

User reviews

Therapists’ experiences on the platform seem to be fairly mixed. Unfortunately, BetterHelp offers much lower rates than licensed therapists normally command. However, it’s possible that for some therapists, this is balanced out by the ease of finding work.

It’s worth noting that BetterHelp has been subject to substantial controversies regarding some of its therapists’ practices, as well as improper use of customer data. In 2023, the US Federal Trade Commission finalized a $7.8 million order against BetterHelp for sharing data with advertisers and social media platforms without consent. 1

That doesn’t necessarily mean the site isn’t worth using, but it’s worth evaluating whether it’s a platform you’re comfortable having your name associated with, especially if you have an off-app therapy practice to protect.

Requirements to join BetterHelp

• Valid state-issued license to provide clinical therapy
• Individual NPI number
• 3+ years of experience as a therapist for adults, couples, and/or teens
• Must currently reside in the US

6. Talkspace

Earning potential: $50 per 45-minute session; $67 per hour-long session

As another teletherapy platform, Talkspace puts users in touch with licensed therapists who provide mental health support through video calls or chats.

User reviews

Talkspace is a legit platform that pays its therapists as stated, although as with BetterHelp, its rates are still lower than what a privately practicing therapist can make.

User reports from therapists on Talkspace are a mixed bag. Some users question Talkspace’s practices (e.g., alleging that patients aren’t immediately referred to therapists even when they need to see one urgently), while others seem to largely enjoy their experiences on the platform.

Requirements to join Talkspace

• Valid state-approved clinical license
• Malpractice liability insurance
• An individual NPI number
• Completed and signed CAQH application
• Must pass a background check
• Must currently reside in the US
• Stable internet connection

7. Headspace (formerly Ginger.io)

Earning potential: Around $40–$70 per hour (based on active job posts in October 2024)

In 2021, the “meditation and mindfulness” company Headspace acquired the digital therapy platform Ginger.io. It now offers remote clinical therapy and counseling from qualified practitioners.

If you’re not a licensed therapist, you can also become a remote mental health coach on Headspace, providing text-based support to clients.

User reviews

Headspace is well-known for its meditation app, and its operations are above-board, although it’s also been the subject of controversy. In particular, many users on Trustpilot allege that the company uses deceptive practices to hit customers with unwanted subscription fees.

As far as therapists and coaches on the platform go, there are limited reports on what it’s actually like working for Headspace. Some reports suggest that it can be somewhat draining (which arguably isn’t surprising from a talk therapy app, and probably goes for the others on this list, too).

Requirements for therapists on Headspace

• Independent clinical license
• Able to schedule at least 7 sessions per week
• BC-TMH credential, if required by your state
• 3 or more years of experience providing clinical psychotherapy to individuals, couples, or families

Requirements for coaches on Headspace

• Minimum of 2 years of coaching or counseling experience
• Master’s degree in a psychology-related field or a coaching certificate from a program approved by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching

8. Alma

Earning potential: $80–$175 per hour

Alma is an online therapy directory where licensed therapists solicit referrals to provide mental clinical therapy, either in person or virtually.

Alma doesn’t directly employ you—instead, you sign up for a membership plan, and Alma connects you with clients whose insurance covers your services.

User reviews

Reports from therapists on Alma are mixed but mostly positive. By and large, users seem to praise the platform, claiming it helps find them clients and stating that they were paid as promised.

That said, you’ll need to pay a membership fee to use Alma. It costs $125 per month.

Requirements to join Alma

• Be a fully licensed clinical therapist
• Join one of Alma’s insurance providers
• Get credentialed with one of Alma’s payer partners

9. HeyPeers

Earning potential: Varies

Unlike the therapy platforms previously mentioned, HeyPeers lets users receive mental health from remote “peer supporters” rather than therapists, meaning there are fewer barriers to entry. You don’t need to be a licensed clinical therapist to get paid to chat on this app.

Peer supporters can offer one-on-one and group sessions over the phone, through messages, or video calls.

User reviews

While there aren’t many user reports on HeyPeers, the few available suggest it’s a legitimate platform and you have control over your prices and hours.

However, you’ll have to pay a subscription fee to use the site. You can pay this monthly or yearly at a cost of $9 or $86, respectively.

You’ll also get charged transaction fees when you get paid for meetings or sessions, so you’ll need to factor this into your prices to make sure your side hustle remains viable. The transaction fees are:

• Stripe transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.30
• Additional HeyPeers transaction fee of 12%

Requirements on HeyPeers

• At least 18 years old
• Have a valid Peer Supporter certificate (state-issued)

You can also get paid to have friendly conversations with people, talk through their problems, or act as virtual partners. We’ve listed 5 apps that facilitate this below. The rates they pay are highly variable and depend on what sort of chatting you’re willing to do, as well as how popular you become on the sites.

This practice is perfectly legal, although not everyone approves of it. It’s up to you to decide how you feel about it and whether it’s something you’re open to trying.

10. Premium.Chat

Earning potential: Not stated

Premium.Chat will pay you to chat with people online. There’s a broad range of chat-based services you can offer, including:

• Coaching
• Counseling
• Tutoring
• Adult-themed conversations (as mentioned above)

As a “Seller” on the platform, you’ll communicate with customers, known as “Buyers,” through texts, phone calls, or video calls.

User reviews

There aren’t many user reports on Premium.Chat, and the few online reports available are mixed. Some reviews are also suspiciously positive and provide little concrete information about the platform, which suggests they may have been written by bots—a possible red flag.

Premium.Chat takes a 20%–40% commission fee from users, so you’ll need to consider this when determining your pricing.

Moreover, many of the jobs on the platform currently seem to involve adult-themed conversations. It isn’t overtly geared toward that sort of work, but it might not be the most practical platform for people looking to chat in different contexts.

Requirements to join Premium.Chat

• Be 18 years old

11. RentaCyberFriend

Earning potential: $0.10–$50 per minute

With RentaCyberFriend, you’ll get paid to have friendly conversations and offer companionship to users, either through online chats or video calls.

You’ll create a profile on the platform and set your rates, after which you’ll get connected with people who share similar interests. All conversations pay per minute on RentaCyberFriend.

User reviews

RentaCyberFriend is a legitimate site, and people who claim to have used it report that it’s usually a positive experience. The biggest complaint about it is that there simply isn’t enough work available.

RentaCyberFriend also charges a staggering 20% fee every time you withdraw your earnings. That’s a big financial hit that makes it a much less viable side hustle than it otherwise might be.

Requirements to join RentaCyberFriend

• Be 18 years old

12. RentAFriend

Earning potential: $10–$50 per hour

On RentAFriend, users hire “Friends” for companionship, either virtually or in person. You can keep the site’s users company in many different contexts, not all of which are remote. Some people even use the platform as a way to find local guides for cities while on vacation.

User reviews

RentAFriend is legit, but since many of the meetings it facilitates are in person, there’s a safety risk.

We aren’t aware of any horror stories (or many credible reporters from workers at all, either positive or negative), but if you meet up with anybody from the site, take sensible precautions and keep your wits about you.

Requirements to join RentAFriend

• Be 18 years old or older.

13. Talkroom

Earning potential: Varies

Talkroom is a platform where users can pay to chat or ask people questions.

It’s mainly aimed at those with large social media followings, like influencers or celebrities. However, even if you aren’t already famous, you can theoretically get paid to answer questions or chat in various contexts, including providing:

• Mental health support
• Expert advice
• Religious counsel

As with some of the other platforms in this list, there’s also demand on the platform for people who are willing to engage in adult conversations, although this isn’t the app’s sole focus.

User reviews

There are relatively few reviews from people who’ve earned money on Talkroom, making it hard to establish how legitimate the platform is (or isn’t), or how well it pays. We have no reason to believe the platform isn’t above board, but proceed at your own risk.

Requirements to join Talkroom

• At least 13 years old

14. Papa

Earning potential: $13–$22 per hour

Papa is a platform that connects users to senior citizens who need emotional support or assistance with day-to-day living.

As a “Papa Pal,” the name Papa gives to its users, you’ll either speak virtually with seniors or meet them in person and keep them company. If you meet in person, you may also be called upon to assist them with tasks like light housekeeping, transportation, or setting up gadgets.

User reviews

This is a legitimate site, although various reports suggest that work has dried up substantially on it in the past few years, and you probably can’t count on it for a reliable second income.

Requirements to join Papa

• At least 21 years old
• Valid state-issued driving license
• Vehicle insured under your name (must be a a model from 2008 or later)
• Smartphone
• Must pass a background check
• Must be authorized to work in the US
• Must be able to communicate in English

Chat moderators get paid to review interactions between other users on social media platforms, forums, and other message boards. They also sometimes join the conversations themselves, communicating directly with users, either to enforce the chat’s rules or just to be friendly and establish a positive tone.

You can find chat moderation jobs on the following platforms:

15. Meta (Facebook/Instagram)

Earning potential: $15 per hour

As you probably know, Meta is one of the most widely recognized tech companies in the world. It operates both Facebook and Instagram, and you can get paid to be a moderator on both of these apps, reviewing flagged content and communicating with users to help resolve issues.

User reviews

Meta is obviously a legitimate company, and it pays its moderators as stated, although its rates for them are relatively low—you won’t be earning a Big Tech salary with this gig.

Moreover, the actual work can be draining. Various former moderators have complained that they received a lack of support when they worked as Facebook moderators, especially given the upsetting nature of the content they had to review. You’ll also probably have to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to work for Meta. 2

There are anecdotal reports (e.g., on sites like Reddit) that state that Meta now provides mandatory therapy sessions for its moderators, although this hasn’t been confirmed by any mainstream journalistic sources or Meta themselves.

Requirements to moderate chats on Facebook/Instagram

• At least 18 years old
• Have an internet connection

16. Twitch

Earning potential: Varies

Twitch is a popular livestreaming platform. You can sometimes get compensated to be a moderator on it (and, of course, if you dream of being a content creator, you can try your hand at streaming and engaging with followers yourself).

Note: Twitch doesn’t actually pay its moderators; whether or not you’ll get compensated depends on the channel you moderate. So does your experience on the platform. The streamer you work for will almost entirely determine whether you have a great time or a stressful one.

While some streamers do pay their mods, they’re in the minority; most Twitch moderators are unpaid. It’s not uncommon for fans to give gifts or donations to the channels they follow, but there’s no guarantee you’ll see any of that money. Make sure you’re clear on the terms before you commit to moderating to ensure you’ll get paid to chat with real-world money.

Requirements to moderate chats on Twitch

• Smartphone, computer, or laptop with an internet connection

17. ModSquad

Earning potential: $5–$12 per hour

ModSquad connects users with remote jobs as moderators or customer support agents. You can pick the projects you want to work on and have full control over your schedule.

User reviews

While ModSquad is an established company and it pays its moderators, user reports on the platform are mixed. Many of the negative reports center on a lack of available work—something that seems to be a common problem on many of the apps and sites on our list.

Requirements to join ModSquad

• At least 18 years old
• Up-to-date laptop or computer
• Either Windows 10 or 11 with a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, or Mac OS Ventura or Sonoma with a minimum of 8 GB of RAM
• Stable internet connection

It’s also possible to get paid to chat with people in an educational context. In particular, there are several popular apps that will pay you to provide conversational practice for people learning a second language.

You can find language tutoring gigs on:

18. Cambly

Earning potential: $2.55–$12 per hour

Cambly is an online tutoring platform that will pay you to tutor and have conversations with English learners.

You can use Cambly’s lesson resources to plan structured classes, or simply chat with students to help them practice their conversational skills.

User reviews

We’ve tested Cambly, and confirm that it’s a reputable platform. That said, the experience you’ll have working for them will depend a lot on the students you get.

It may take you some time to establish a reputation on the app (which uses a rating system for tutors), and newer workers with few or no ratings often have to spend a long time waiting for calls from students. This will change once you’ve been using Cambly for a few weeks or months, provided your lessons go well and your students rate you positively.

Requirements to teach on Cambly

• At least 18 years old
• Bachelor’s degree or previous teaching experience
• Laptop or computer with stable high-speed internet
• Webcam
• Must be a native English speaker

19. Preply

Earning potential: Usually $5–$20 per hour (rates are self-determined)

Preply is an online learning platform that recruits people to teach language classes and help its users practice their conversational skills. Once you create your profile and choose your teaching language, you can set your own rates and availability.

User reviews

Preply is a legitimate company, but they’ve still been subject to criticism from their teachers. One frequent complaint is that they take a 100% commission from the initial class that teachers have with their first-time students (meaning it’s completely unpaid). There’s no guarantee those students will become regulars or take any paid classes at all.

Your next 20 hours of teaching will incur a 33% commission fee, which will gradually decrease the more hours you teach, eventually landing on 18%.

If you can stomach the fees, there’s potential for you to make a decent income down the line on Preply, but you won’t make much money while you’re getting set up with your first few students.

Requirements to join Preply

• At least 18 years old
• Laptop or computer with stable internet
• Webcam
• Must record an introductory video

20. italki

Earning potential: $5–$20 per hour (rates are self-determined)

italki is another language-learning platform that pays tutors to give one-on-one or group lessons to students across the world.

You sign up as a “Community Teacher” (if you aren’t a certified teacher), or a “Professional Teacher” (if you are), and set your own rates and availability.

italki accepts teachers of various languages. You can check out italki’s list of active languages to see what you can currently apply to teach.

User reviews

As is the case with working for other language platforms, the experience on italki varies a lot from teacher to teacher. It heavily depends on what students you get (and what language you sign up to teach).

At the time of writing, italki isn’t hiring English teachers. Needless to say, if the languages you’re qualified to teach don’t have open positions, you won’t be able to work on italki.

This platform is generally quite well-known and popular, and some teachers report that you can make decent money on it, but you’ll need to keep your prices low when you’re just starting out to build a base of regular students.

italki takes a 15% commission fee from all teachers.

Requirements for Community Teachers on italki

• Be 18 years old or over
• Be a native or near-native speaker of the language you’ll teach
• Create a video introduction

Requirements for Professional Teachers on italki

• Be professionally certified or have previous teaching experience (must provide scanned documents verifying this)

21. JustAnswer

Earning potential: Varies depending on expertise

JustAnswer is substantially different from the other apps we just listed. It isn’t really a “teaching” platform at all, but it is a site where you can get paid to share your knowledge with curious users.

In a nutshell, on JustAnswer, people post questions and get answers from experts in various fields, such as vets, healthcare professionals, and mechanics.

You get paid per question answered. Customers can also tip you, although JustAnswer deducts 3% of any tips or bonuses you receive.

User reviews

The reports on JustAnswer are fairly sparse. Some recent reviews from users suggest that while the site is legit, it can take a while to be approved to answer questions.

Notably, some customers (i.e., people who ask questions instead of answering them) have claimed that the platform misled them into paying subscription fees. We haven’t tested this ourselves, but if you sign up to answer questions on JustAnswer, read the fine print to make sure they don’t hit you with expenses you weren’t expecting and aren’t prepared to pay.

Requirements to join JustAnswer

• At least 18 years old
• Meet JustAnswer’s category credential requirements for your field
• Upload a picture of your ID
• Pass a background check