When looking for apps to earn real money in Nigeria, you must be tired of all these unbelievable promises: “Make ₦100,000 from your phone”; “Get paid just for watching videos.”
I’ve heard these promises many times, and I personally think that’s not how one should approach online earning.
What I suggest is to use your time, skills, experience, or creativity, which can actually have a monetary value in some way.
And these are criteria according to which I compiled this list. I wanted to include in the list, apps that allow you to do something useful and get paid for this, and not just popular apps.
Some of the apps presented here are suitable for carrying out various kinds of small jobs. Some apps will help you sell a skill, teach something, create content, sell your products.
Earning opportunities differ in these apps. No app can guarantee you a stable income, and sometimes you’ll start earning very little at the beginning.
Finally, don’t forget to look into the latest policy updates before proceeding. Things like availability of the platform, payment methods, fees, and other conditions may change over time. What worked for the Nigerian user today may no longer apply tomorrow.
Instead of trying to find the next “money-making” platform, let’s see which ones allow us to do some real work.
1. Tokola App
Toloka is ideal for those wishing to earn by performing simple microtasks in their free time.
If you are willing to earn money through simple microtasks, without having to sell any professional skills, Toloka will be a good place to start. You perform tasks like verification, comparison, or help to improve data for the use of AI applications.
You pick any available task, follow the guidelines, and get paid for your accepted work. The amount you earn depends on the available tasks, the time you devote to them, and your performance.
Task payments in Toloka are provided in US dollars. Based on your account and location, you might withdraw the money using various means, such as Payoneer. Remember to verify the available payment methods before signing up.
It is essential to note that Toloka is not a guaranteed source of income. Availability of tasks varies, and some tasks may require training or permission before you can perform them.
2. Upwork Freelancing App
Upwork is the platform which suits people willing to make money online through selling their professional skills.
In case you already have some writing, designing, coding, video editing or any other professional skills, Upwork offers you a possibility to look for clients who require these skills. Unlike performing simple and cheap tasks, you will need to apply for certain jobs and discuss the price.
You will be able to create an account, post about your experience, apply for the appropriate projects and get money once you do the job. The amount of earning varies greatly because it largely depends on your skills and experience, rates, and type of clients you have.
There are different ways to withdraw money at Upwork including bank transfer, PayPal and Payoneer. However, the types of withdrawal methods can vary depending on your country and your account.
What you need to remember is that you might need some time to get your first client.
Now that you have started earning from the internet, you will also require a quick method to make payments towards foreign products and services. This is when virtual dollar cards in Nigeria come handy.
3. Foap App
Foap is the most suitable for those who are willing to earn by selling their pictures and videos online.
If you are fond of taking photos or shooting videos with your smartphone, then Foap offers you an opportunity to sell some of these contents. You just post your contents, and brands or any other users buy the stuff they like.
It does not matter whether you are a professional photographer. The main point is to produce unique and valuable images or videos that might be licensed. As you are getting money only after the sale, your earnings are going to fluctuate each month.
Foap offers its users to withdraw money via PayPal account. First of all, find out about the current withdrawal conditions and about the possibility of using the payment system in Nigeria.
The main idea is that your photo uploaded to the website does not guarantee that you will earn anything.
4. Clickworker App
Clickworker would suit those interested in earning money from quick online jobs related to data, research, and AI work.
If you have some free time and like working from your smartphone or computer, Clickworker will give you access to short-term jobs for companies and tech firms. Depending on the type of job available, you could end up doing such tasks as data categorization, data validation, surveys, or improving AI services.
You pick the jobs available to you, do them according to the instruction, get paid if they are approved. Your available jobs and pay vary depending on your geographical location, qualifications, and existing demand for workers.
Clickworker accepts such payment options as PayPal and Payoneer, however, not all options are available in all countries or accounts. The site also mentions that in some countries registration is not possible.
Before you invest your time into making a Clickworker profile, make sure that registration and payment are available in Nigeria at the moment.
5. UserTesting App
This platform is ideal for individuals who can provide constructive feedback during website/app testing.
Imagine the last website that baffled you or the app you found hard to use due to the design. These platforms hire such individuals in order to locate the glitches. On UserTesting, you can test out different digital items and provide your feedback while doing the test.
Tests are conducted under instructions and are short where you have to express your views while testing. Depending on the type of test performed, you will be paid if the work is done successfully.
The payment for contributors of UserTesting is made through PayPal. Before signing up for this site, it is essential to have a look at the user requirements and the payment terms for Nigerian users.
The main drawback of UserTesting is the availability of the tests. You might be eligible for certain tests but miss other tests and, therefore, it is best viewed as an additional source of income.
6. Preply App
This platform is best for those who want to earn online by teaching a language or any other skill that you know perfectly.
For people who love teaching and explaining concepts to others, Preply is a platform that offers the opportunity to connect with students from all over the world. On this platform, you can make a tutor profile, decide on what to teach, set your availability and teach classes online.
You do not need to work in a classroom. All lessons will be held from the comfort of your own home through Preply’s online learning services. How much you can earn depends on your subject, experience, the price of your lessons, your students, and frequency.
Payments are made through Preply platform but there are certain fees involved and your earnings will depend on the current commission structure of the platform. Payment options and availability can differ according to the country.
The most important part is to take tutoring as a professional service.
7. Premise App
Earn money through performing tasks, completing surveys and simple data collecting jobs.
In case you are already outdoors, you can turn some of your errands into paid activities. According to the opportunities available to you in your region, the tasks can vary from price checks, product verification, photo collection, geolocation, or even surveys.
According to Premise, contributors receive pay once their task is completed and validated.
The downside of this app is that the tasks available will vary depending on location and client’s requirements. Also, some tasks may require physical presence somewhere in a particular place, and therefore one needs to weigh in this factor before agreeing to the job.
Premise has listed Nigeria in the countries that offer local payment methods such as Paga among others. Payment methods may vary in each market, and hence you are advised to examine the available options for payments in your account before engaging in any tasks.
I would advise you to use the application in order to earn an extra few pennies. Tasks may differ from one location to another.
8. Spotile App
Spotile is a platform which works well for those who want to earn money through selling digital products or services, or knowledge, online.
If you have something people want to buy, you do not necessarily have to first build a website to sell it. Spotile is a platform where you can create and sell various digital products including ebooks, courses, templates, guides, and other downloadable files.
You create the product, set its price, distribute the sales link and earn money from sales. This makes Spotile distinct from task-based apps since you create something once and sell it to several people.
Besides, you can sell other types of goods and services through Spotile depending on the available platform features. Earning money depends on the kind of goods or services you sell, its value, price and marketing.
The main idea is that selling something on Spotile does not guarantee earning money. You should still have something valuable to sell.
9. Social Media Apps
Social media apps suits those who have ideas to produce relevant or entertaining content regularly.
If you possess knowledge which can be made into good and engaging video content, these apps would help you transform them into a source of income. With social media, you can record any topic you might know about, including educational topics, reviews, entertainment, tutorials, news, etc.
Thinking about turning YouTube into an income stream? This official guide explains how the YouTube Partner Programme works and the different ways eligible creators can earn.
In addition, you can monetise your channel via Partners Program (for certain users), and earn through memberships, fan funding, shoppability, sponsorships or through promoting products you create yourself or offer from third parties.
However, earning on social media will take you more time than other applications. You should gain some audience first, as you will be able to monetise it only after that. Moreover, your income can fluctuate monthly depending on views, audience, kind of content and some other aspects.
Therefore, I would not consider social media as an application aimed at earning quickly. Rather it could be considered as a platform, where you build audience and then convert them into your income.
Which Type of App Is Right for You?
There is no compulsion to use all ten applications. Try the app based on your availability, which can be your time, knowledge, creativity, or skills.
| What you have | Suitable option |
|---|---|
| Spare time | Toloka / Clickworker |
| Professional skill | Upwork |
| Photography or video skills | Foap |
| Good communication skills | UserTesting |
| Willingness to complete local tasks | Premise |
| Digital product or knowledge | Spotile |
| Teaching ability | Preply |
| Ability to create content consistently | Social Media |
How Much Can You Really Make?
There isn’t one right answer to the amount of money you can make on such apps that pay real money in Nigeria. Be wary of those offering such an amount before knowing what you are good at, the number of hours you can spend on the app, and what kind of application you will use.
When it comes to micro-task apps such as Toloka and Clickworker, most often, you will make money from performing smaller tasks. The amount of money you will earn is dependent on how many tasks you receive and how fast you perform them.
In cases of freelancing and tutoring, there is a different approach. For example, on Upwork and Preply, you can make money depending on how much you offer and how you deliver. Therefore, as you gain experience, your earnings can increase.
Similarly, creative apps have different approaches. On apps like Foap, you will only make money if your content is purchased. On the other hand, with Spotile and social media apps, you can create something that will continue making you money. However, it will take some time for you to develop your audience and make sales.
How to Get Paid in Nigeria
Before you waste hours doing tasks or building your profile, be sure to know how the app will actually pay you. Earning money online is pointless if you cannot get the money in Nigeria.
The payment process will vary depending on which platform you are using. The options you can expect include Payoneer, PayPal, bank transfers, or local payment systems.
There are platforms that give you several payment options while there are those that have limited your options because of your country or account.
You should also look into the details. Find out about the minimum withdrawal amount, the transaction fees, currency exchange rates, and whether you have to verify your identity before withdrawing.
This should be among the first things you should do before you invest your time. Just visit the payment page of the platform, see if the payment method works in Nigeria, and find out about the withdrawal process.
Payment options tend to change so do not base your decision on an old blog post or an outdated screenshot from an old user of the platform. Always check the platform first.
Money-making is one thing while getting paid is another. The latter gives you the privilege to make use of your money to make international transactions. In case it’s what you want, you can check our review on virtual dollar cards in Nigeria.
How to Avoid Money-Making App Scams
If the app assures you that you can earn easily, you need to be cautious before registering. Some scams present themselves as legitimate platforms, show you the false earnings, and require you to deposit your own funds before you proceed further or withdraw your earnings.
These are some of the criteria that I would consider before engaging with any earning app:
- Avoid paying to access your earnings. You should not have to deposit your funds just to access the money that you have already earned.
- Do not believe in guaranteed income. Legitimate platforms cannot assure you that everyone earns a particular amount.
- Find out who operates the platform. There should be a legitimate organization with a website, terms, and customer service.
- Know how the money is made. If you cannot understand why the platform is paying you, avoid it.
- Be sure about your personal data. Share only those details which the platform requires.
- Do not mix recruitment with earnings. If the only way to earn money is by recruiting others who have to pay for their account, you need to be cautious.
My general guideline is that you should not pay your own money before withdrawing the earnings.
How to Start Making Money in Nigeria with These Apps
There is no need to join all the apps from the above list at once. Instead, the opposite should be done.
- Select one platform. Base your choice on the greatest advantage that you can offer – time, skills, knowledge, creativity, or tutoring abilities.
- Look into the requirements. Find out whether the platform allows users from Nigeria and whether the payment system suits you.
- Provide your profile thoroughly. Give potential customers some information about yourself and about what you are able to do.
- Do little steps first. Complete a couple of tasks, apply for a couple of jobs, teach the first lessons or upload the first product.
- Evaluate your results. Control the time spent, payments received, and fees paid.
- Develop further. If you found the right platform for yourself, work on the improvement of your skills and increase your value.
Remember that the purpose of looking for the app is not to find the most profitable one but rather one which you can use and understand how it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which apps pay cash in Nigeria?
Toloka, Upwork, Foap, UserTesting, Premise, Clickworker, Spotile, Preply, and YouTube are some of the apps and platforms that can help you earn online based on your location, skills, eligibility, and availability of jobs.
Can I earn online without making an upfront payment?
Yes. Genuine platforms usually pay you for doing a job, rendering a service, selling an item, or generating useful content. You should be cautious of platforms that ask for an upfront payment before you can gain access to or withdraw your earnings.
How do money-making apps pay Nigerians?
Payment modes differ. Based on the platform, you will get paid via Payoneer, PayPal, bank transfer, or other payment services supported by the platform. You need to be aware of the payment options of the platform before you begin.
How much can I realistically earn?
There is no specific figure. It depends on the platform, availability of jobs, your skills, effort, and demand for what you have to offer.
Is it possible to earn a full-time income through these applications?
Some applications could help you earn money in a decent amount. However, no application would guarantee you a full-time income, which means you should test them first before relying on them for your income.
What should I do if an application asks me to deposit money first?
If an application asks you to deposit money before withdrawing, it is a big red flag. It is better to check the application by yourself and not just send them money because they tell you that you have money to withdraw.
Conclusion on Money Making Apps in Nigeria
Making money online need not be an endless search for the next app that is going to make your life easy. Use what you already have: extra time, skills, knowledge worth sharing, a product to sell, or an idea that will interest people.
This would be my method for dealing with the presented list. Choose one platform that suits you best, find out more about it, try it out using little time, and see how much you are actually earning.
And one more thing: the app itself is nothing more than a tool; what creates the value is your time, your skill, your knowledge, or your creativity.
If a platform seems to promise a lot but cannot clearly tell you what you are being paid to do, walk away. However, if everything is clear and logical—your work, your payment, your rules—you have something much more valuable.