Let’s be honest, sometimes people just need someone to talk to. Not everyone has friends available 24/7, and in today’s digital world, online companionship is becoming a huge industry. And here’s the crazy part, you can actually get paid to be an online friend.
Sounds wild, right? But it’s true. From apps that connect you with people who want to chat, to tutoring platforms where your “friendship” comes in the form of mentoring or teaching, there are legit ways to turn your time into money.
In 2025, this industry is only getting bigger, and with platforms opening up in the US, UK, Canada, and worldwide, there’s never been a better time to try it. Whether you’re a chatterbox, a great listener, or just someone who enjoys helping others, there’s a niche for you.
Here are 10 real platforms where you can get paid to be an online friend (plus some insider tips so you don’t waste time on scams).
1. RentAFriend : The Most Popular Online Friend Platform
If you’ve ever Googled rent a friend, you’ve probably seen this one. RentAFriend.com is one of the biggest and most well-known platforms in the online friendship world.
Here’s how it works: You create a profile, list your interests, hobbies, and availability, and people can pay to “rent” your time as a friend. It could be for chatting, hanging out virtually, or even being a tour guide in your local city.
- Earnings: $10–$50/hour, depending on the activity.
- Availability: Works in the US, UK, and many other countries.
2. Rent a Cyber Friend : Virtual Friendship Made Easy
Prefer keeping things strictly online? Then rent a cyber friend is a better fit. This one is all about virtual companionship, chatting via text, video calls, or messaging apps.
Unlike RentAFriend, you don’t need to meet anyone in person. Just sign up on rentacyberfriend.com, make your profile, and wait for people to reach out.
A friend of mine tried this and got paid $20 just to chat with someone about their favorite TV shows. That’s literally it.
- Earnings: $15–$30/hour.
- Perfect for: Introverts who love online-only jobs.
3. FriendPC : Paid Virtual Friend Jobs
FriendPC is another rising star in this industry. Think of it as a mix between a chat app and a lifestyle coaching platform.
You set your profile and offer services like chatting, motivational support, or even casual video hangouts. Users looking for virtual friend jobs love it because it’s flexible, you choose how much to work and what to charge.
- Earnings: $10–$40/hour depending on demand.
- Bonus: Some people earn extra by offering advice-based chats.
4. Fiverr Friendship Gigs : Turn Socializing into Side Income
Most people think Fiverr is just for graphic design or writing. But here’s the hidden gem: Fiverr friendship gigs.
Yes, you can actually create a gig offering friendship services like casual chatting, gaming buddies, or even accountability partners. People search for Fiverr friendship all the time, and it’s a clever way to start with no upfront cost.
Example: One seller offers “friendly conversations for stress relief” and charges $25 for a 30-minute chat. She’s booked out weeks in advance.
- Earnings: $5–$50 per gig.
- Great for: Beginners testing the waters.
5. Premium.chat : Get Paid to Chat Online with Strangers
If you want a platform built for chat monetization, Premium.chat is perfect.
Here, you set your rate per minute, and people pay you to chat online. It can be text-based, voice, or video, depending on what you’re comfortable with.
Think of it as combining “get paid to chat online with strangers” with professional flexibility.
- Earnings: $0.50–$2.00 per minute (yes, per minute).
- Popular in the US, UK, and Canada.
6. JustAnswer : Get Paid to Talk and Share Advice
This one’s a bit different. JustAnswer isn’t strictly a “friendship” platform; it’s more of a paid advice marketplace. But it fits perfectly if you want to earn by chatting and helping people with questions.
For example, someone might ask for help with pet care, tech problems, or even legal guidance. You answer, and you get paid.
Pro tip: Avoid scams, only use the official site (justanswer.com). Search “justanswer cancellation” if you want to see how it works from the customer side.
- Earnings: $15–$30/hour depending on expertise.
7. Outschool : Teach and Earn as a Friendly Online Tutor
Here’s a powerhouse: Outschool. With over 110,000+ monthly searches, it’s a major player. While it’s technically tutoring, many sessions feel like being a friendly mentor.
You can teach anything: math, Spanish, coding, even fun hobbies. Parents book you to guide kids in a safe, friendly environment.
Example: I read about an Outschool math tutor earning $1,000/month part-time, just teaching small groups.
- Earnings: $20 to $50/hour.
- Bonus: Outschool cancellation policy is flexible for teachers too.
8.RentaLocalFriend : Get Paid to Be a Local Guide
If you like mixing online and offline, RentaLocalFriend.com is worth exploring. It’s basically “rent a local friend” for travelers.
You can get paid to:
- Show tourists around your city.
- Give insider tips on food, culture, and attractions.
- Offer online consultations for trip planning.
- Earnings: $20 to $60/hour, depending on city/tour.
9. Virtual Companion Jobs : Talk to Lonely People for Money
This is one of the fastest-growing areas. With keywords like get paid to talk to lonely people and talk to lonely people for money trending, virtual companion jobs are here to stay.
You can find these gigs on friendship apps, chat sites, or freelance platforms. Think of it as being someone’s emotional support buddy, without the stress of therapy or counseling.
- Earnings: $15 to $40/hour.
- Note: Always follow online friend safety tips to protect yourself.
10. Extra Online Friend Platforms & Side Hustles
Beyond the big names, there are dozens of smaller online friend platforms where you can make money:
- Friend chat services : niche apps for texting.
- Online friend service platforms : small startups.
- Paid online friend sites : growing worldwide.
- Online friend side hustle gigs : posted on Fiverr, Upwork, etc.
Curious how much you can make? Search how much virtual friends earn, some people earn $500–$2,000/month part-time.
Scams to Avoid (Very Important!)
When you search “get paid to be an online friend,” you’ll also find fake sites that:
· Ask for fees up front to join.
· Promise huge hourly pay with no reviews.
· Don’t list clear payout methods (PayPal, bank, etc.).
It’s likely that something is too wonderful to be true. Use real names like RentAFriend, Phrendly, Premium.Chat, and FriendPC.
Online Friend Safety Tips
Since this job involves real people, safety is key. Always:
· Use in-app messaging (avoid giving out personal phone numbers).
· Don’t send money to “clients” directly.
·Set clear boundaries in your profile (platonic only, no exceptions).
Most US/UK/Canada users take this seriously and respect boundaries.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, when I first heard about people getting paid to be an online friend, I thought it was a joke. But the more I looked into it, the more I realized it’s actually a thing and a lot of people are quietly making side cash this way.
Some do it through apps like the rent a friend app, others stick with structured virtual friend jobs on platforms such as FriendPC or Premium.Chat.
The funny part? Most of these gigs don’t really feel like “work.” You’re just chatting, listening, or keeping someone company online. For the right kind of person, especially introverts who like texting more than video calls, it’s a pretty easy side hustle.
Of course, there are scams and weirdos out there, so staying safe is key. Set boundaries, keep conversations in-app, and don’t give out personal info.
If you’re smart about it, you can actually enjoy the process while stacking some extra dollars each month.
Not gonna lie I kind of love how simple it is. If you’re already online all day, why not test out a couple of these online friend jobs? Worst case, you waste an hour. Best case, you find a lazy little income stream that keeps growing.
FAQs : Get Paid to Be an Online Friend 2025
Q1. Can I really get paid to be an online friend?
Yes! Platforms like RentAFriend, FriendPC, and Premium.chat let you chat, listen, or guide people for money.
Q2. What’s the best online friend platform in 2025?
If you want flexibility, Rent a Cyber Friend and FriendPC are great. For tutoring, Outschool is a top pick.
Q3. Do I need experience for virtual companion jobs?
No. Most virtual friend jobs are beginner-friendly. Just create a profile and start chatting.
Q4. How much can I earn as an online friend?
Earnings range from $10/hour on smaller apps to $50/hour+ on specialized platforms like Outschool.
Q5. Is it safe to get paid to chat online with strangers?
Yes, if you use trusted platforms. Always check reviews, follow safety guidelines, and never share personal details.