YouGov is a user-friendly and trustworthy survey platform that regularly offers surveys with fair rewards based on the time you spend. Each time a new survey becomes available, you’ll receive an email notification, making it easy to stay active and earn.
At its core, YouGov claims to pay users for sharing their opinions through online surveys. But the real question is—can you genuinely earn extra cash here, or is it just another online scam?
I’ve been a YouGov panel member for years and have put it to the test. I’ve also compared it with hundreds of other survey platforms I’ve reviewed over time.
In this detailed YouGov review, I’ll share my personal insights, highlighting both the pros and cons. I’ll also offer practical tips to help you get started if you’re considering joining.
By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether YouGov is worth your time or not.
What Is YouGov and How Does It Work?
YouGov is a well-established market research firm that runs a global survey panel where members get paid for sharing their opinions. Founded in 2000 and based in the UK, YouGov has been active for over two decades and accepts participants from many countries worldwide.
To be clear from the start—YouGov is not a scam. It’s completely free to join, and I’ve personally received payments from them multiple times, proving that it’s a legitimate and reliable platform.
That said, just because it’s legit doesn’t mean it’s the perfect fit for everyone. Whether YouGov is right for you depends on what you’re looking for in a survey site.
So, let’s take a closer look at the earning opportunities YouGov provides and evaluate how rewarding they really are.
How YouGov Paid Surveys Work and What to Expect
YouGov primarily offers paid surveys as its main earning method. While it doesn’t have a wide range of earning options, it stands out for how frequently surveys are available compared to many other platforms.
Each time a new survey is ready, YouGov will send you an email notification. Based on my experience, you can expect around 5 to 7 surveys per week, though this number can vary depending on the season and your location.
Most surveys take between 5 to 15 minutes to complete. Compared to similar sites, YouGov generally offers solid compensation for the time you invest. Occasionally, you might come across longer surveys, but these typically come with higher rewards.
One small downside is that the email alerts don’t include details about how long the survey will take or how many points you’ll earn. However, once you click the link in the email, you’ll see both the estimated time and reward before you decide whether to proceed. If it doesn’t seem worth your time, simply close the tab—no obligation.
One of YouGov’s major strengths is that you’re rarely disqualified after starting a survey. If a survey isn’t a match, they usually redirect you to another one right away. This is a big plus, especially compared to other platforms where getting screened out after several clicks is all too common.
The user interface is simple and straightforward. Since survey notifications come via email, there’s little need to log in manually.
And here’s another highlight: YouGov surveys tend to cover current and relevant topics that are genuinely interesting. I’ve found them more engaging than many other platforms, and best of all—you can even view the aggregated survey results later, which adds a sense of purpose to your participation.
See How Your YouGov Survey Answers Are Used
One unique feature that sets YouGov apart from most other survey platforms is the ability to see how your input is used. About once a month, YouGov sends out a newsletter highlighting national and international stories where their survey results have been featured.
It’s genuinely rewarding to see a survey you took part in cited in real-world media. This transparency makes YouGov one of the few platforms where you can actually track how your opinions contribute to broader discussions.
If you'd rather not receive the newsletter, you can still access the latest survey results directly on YouGov’s website. The homepage of the survey panel includes a section showcasing recent findings and how the data is being used.
Personally, I find this feature highly valuable. It adds a layer of meaning to completing surveys—reminding you that your voice plays a role in shaping public opinion.
While earning rewards is certainly a key motivator, knowing that your responses make a difference gives extra value to the time you spend. YouGov makes this connection clearer than most survey sites, and that’s something I truly appreciate.
Earn Extra Points with the YouGov Referral Program
In certain countries, YouGov offers a referral program that allows you to earn bonus points by inviting friends to join the platform.
If this feature is available in your region, you’ll find a unique referral link in your account dashboard once you're logged in. However, rewards aren’t given just for sending invitations—your friend needs to complete a set number of surveys before you receive any points.
For example, in my country, a referred user must finish five surveys before I earn the referral bonus. This requirement may vary depending on where you live.
While the rewards from referrals aren’t substantial, and you can only invite people from your own country, it’s still a simple way to boost your earnings a bit. Think of it as a small bonus for spreading the word.
If you enjoy using YouGov and think others might too, it’s worth sharing your referral link with friends and letting them benefit from the platform as well.
How YouGov Rewards Work and How You Get Paid
On YouGov, you earn points for every survey you complete. These points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, depending on your country.
In many regions, you can exchange points for gift cards or physical products. While the specific items vary, the selection is often high-quality and offers good value for your time.
In some countries, YouGov also allows you to cash out via PayPal or receive a prepaid Visa card—ideal if you prefer direct payments over gift cards.
Additionally, certain locations offer a lottery system where you can use points for entries. While the prizes can be significant, the odds of winning are slim. Personally, I prefer redeeming points for guaranteed rewards rather than gambling on a chance to win.
After finishing a survey, you’ll be redirected to your account where you can view the points you just earned and your total balance. The minimum payout threshold varies by country, but it’s typically easy to reach with regular activity.
Overall, YouGov provides solid reward options—but the best choice for you will depend on what's available in your region. Be sure to check your local YouGov site for specific details.
How Much Can You Earn with YouGov Surveys?
When it comes to paid survey sites, YouGov offers fair compensation relative to the time you spend. The process is simple—just click the survey link in your email, complete it, and earn points.
New users receive 100 points just for signing up and completing a quick welcome survey that takes about three minutes.
Before starting any survey, you’ll be able to see how long it’s expected to take and how many points you’ll earn. Participation is always optional, so you can choose which surveys are worth your time.
Of course, like with any survey site, you won’t make a full-time income on YouGov. But it’s a reliable platform for earning a bit of extra money on the side.
Since YouGov focuses solely on surveys, it doesn’t offer as many earning opportunities as broader Get-Paid-To platforms like Swagbucks or PrizeRebel. Still, thanks to its ease of use, interesting survey topics, and solid rewards, YouGov remains a great choice for casual earners.
Can You Use the YouGov App on Mobile?
Yes, YouGov works smoothly on mobile devices, making it convenient to earn on the go. Being able to take surveys from your phone is a big plus, especially if you want to make use of short breaks during the day.
YouGov offers a dedicated mobile app for both Android and iOS users. The app is simple, intuitive, and easy to navigate.
You can choose to receive push notifications whenever a new survey becomes available. This feature helps you respond quickly—important since many surveys close once they reach a set number of participants.
If you prefer not to get alerts, you can disable notifications and still use the app without any limitations.
Overall, the YouGov app is a great tool for completing surveys and tracking your points and rewards. If you’re planning to sign up, downloading the app is definitely worth it.
Who Can Join YouGov?
YouGov is available in many countries around the world. Depending on your location, you’ll either be part of a dedicated YouGov panel or a partner panel.
One of the platform’s key strengths is that each country has its own panel. This means surveys are usually presented in your local language and cover topics relevant to your region, making the experience more engaging and relatable.
The minimum age to join YouGov varies by country, so if you're under 18 or unsure about the age requirement, it’s best to check the rules on your local YouGov website.
At the end of this review, you’ll find a link to the YouGov panel in your country—if it’s available—so you can explore the options and sign up directly.
Does YouGov Offer Customer Support?
Having access to support is essential on any survey platform—even if you never end up needing it.
YouGov provides a helpful FAQ section tailored to each country, which is a good place to start if you have questions. Many common issues are covered there, so it’s definitely worth checking before reaching out.
If your question isn’t answered in the FAQ, you can contact YouGov’s support team directly by submitting a request. Response times and the quality of assistance can vary depending on your location. In some countries, users report fast and helpful support, while in others, it may be slower.
That said, most users rarely need to contact support, but it’s reassuring to know the option is there when needed.
Is YouGov Worth Joining? Final Thoughts
YouGov is a legitimate and trustworthy survey site that, in my opinion, stands out as one of the better options for earning rewards online.
That said, your overall experience will depend on your country and the specific reward options available to you. To help you decide, here’s a quick summary of the main pros and cons:
- Simple and easy to use
- Offers decent rewards for the time invested
- Lets you see the results of surveys you’ve participated in
- Rarely disqualifies you from surveys after you start
- Includes a well-designed, user-friendly mobile app
- Fewer survey opportunities compared to some other platforms
For the best earning potential, consider using YouGov alongside other reputable survey platforms. But if you're looking for a simple way to earn a bit of extra cash or gift cards in your spare time, YouGov is a solid choice.
YouGov vs Swagbucks vs LifePoints: Quick Comparison
If you're trying to decide whether YouGov is the right survey platform for you, it helps to compare it with other popular options. In the table below, you'll find a quick side-by-side comparison between YouGov, Swagbucks, and LifePoints—three well-known platforms that reward users for sharing their opinions online.
| Feature | YouGov | Swagbucks | LifePoints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Earning Method | Surveys only | Surveys, watching videos, offers, shopping | Surveys, offers, small tasks |
| Number of Earning Options | Limited (Surveys + Referrals) | Very diverse | Moderately diverse |
| Surveys Per Week | Around 5–7 | Varies greatly (depending on your activity) | Around 4–8 |
| Survey Disqualification Rate | Very low (rarely disqualified) | Relatively high | Moderate |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 100 points (after intro survey) | Usually $5 or 300 SB (during promos) | Around 10 points (varies by country) |
| Payment Methods | Gift cards, PayPal, physical products | PayPal, various gift cards, Bitcoin | PayPal, gift cards |
| Minimum Payout Threshold | Varies by country (e.g., 5000 points) | As low as $1 (100 SB) | Around $5 (approx. 550 points) |
| Mobile App Available | Yes (Android & iOS) | Yes (Android & iOS) | Yes (Android & iOS) |
| Country Availability | Available in many countries | Global (some offers region-specific) | Available in 40+ countries |
| Trust Level | Very high (frequently cited in media) | Trusted and widely used | Trusted and popular among users |
Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. This comparison will help you understand which platform best suits your preferences based on earning methods, payout options, availability, and ease of use.
How to Sign Up for YouGov
Joining YouGov is quick and straightforward. All you need to do is visit the official YouGov website, choose your country and demographic group, and complete the sign-up form—which takes less than a minute.
Once you register, you’ll be prompted to take a short introductory survey. It only takes about 3 minutes to complete, and you’ll earn your first reward right away. After that, YouGov will begin sending you regular survey invitations based on your profile.
It’s an easy way to get started and begin earning immediately.
If you’ve used YouGov before or have any questions about the platform, feel free to share your thoughts or ask in the comments—I’d love to hear your feedback!