YouGov: get paid for your opinions in short surveys

YouGov invites its members by email or notification as soon as a survey matches their profile. Each questionnaire lasts 3 to 15 minutes and includes 20 to 30 questions. Topics cover political trends, consumption habits, opinions on brands or products, and current social issues. After answering, points are credited to your account. YouGov doesn't send daily surveys — the frequency varies by your profile and ongoing studies.

YouGov uses a points system with withdrawal thresholds: a lower threshold for a bank transfer or base-value gift card, and a higher threshold for a higher-value gift card. The available rewards include bank transfers and gift cards (Amazon and other retailers). The number of points earned per survey depends on its length and complexity.

YouGov earnings are modest but regular for an assiduous user. By answering almost all surveys received over a year, a member can reasonably hope for between €50 and €100 annually — i.e. reaching the higher threshold several times a year. This amount is lower than more lucrative survey platforms, but YouGov compensates with the credibility of its studies (often cited in major media) and the quality of its interface.

YouGov surveys feed analytical products like YouGov BrandIndex (brand-perception index) and YouGov Profiles, used by companies, communication agencies and media worldwide. Your answers contribute to serious studies cited by major media. This academic dimension distinguishes YouGov from purely commercial survey platforms.

YouGov sometimes offers referral codes letting a new sign-up start with bonus points on their account. These codes are shared by existing members from their personal area. YouGov registration is free and the account is built up by regular survey participation. Bonus points may also be awarded during special surveys or occasional promotions.

YouGov, Marketagent and others are paid-survey platforms with different positioning. YouGov is the most serious and media-cited institute, with 3-15 minute surveys at a moderate frequency. Some rivals offer shorter surveys but combine shopping, emails and reading for points; others are mobile apps with a very low withdrawal threshold. To maximise earnings, it's ideal to sign up to several platforms at once. Compare also with Prime Opinion and Maximiles.

To maximise YouGov survey invitations, complete your profile fully (age, occupation, family situation, interests, political preferences, consumption habits). The more detailed your profile, the more you'll match the criteria of ongoing studies. YouGov sends more surveys to complete, active profiles. Updating your profile regularly (when your situation changes) improves the relevance of the invitations received.

YouGov has a mobile app (iOS and Android) to answer surveys directly from a smartphone. The app sends push notifications for a new invitation. The mobile interface is optimised for multiple-choice questionnaires and rating scales. You can also access your points balance and request a withdrawal from the app.

YouGov is unanimously recognised as one of the most reliable paid-survey platforms. Members confirm they really receive their rewards. The institute's credibility (cited in national media) reassures users about the legitimacy of the process. Criticisms concern the modest earnings (€50-100/year), the irregular frequency of surveys and the relatively high withdrawal thresholds.

Registration on yougov.com is free. Enter your email, create a password and start completing your profile. The more detailed your profile, the more invitations you'll receive to surveys matching your characteristics. YouGov will send its first invitations by email as soon as you register. Answer regularly to maintain an active status and maximise the frequency of surveys received. A referral code can be entered at sign-up for welcome points. For more earning options, see Marketagent and Streetbees.