Imagine getting paid while lying in bed, doing nothing at all.

Sounds too good to be true? It’s not.

From passive income ideas to unusual gigs, there are real ways people earn money with little to no effort.

You don’t need special skills or a big budget to start.

In this post, you’ll discover 15 smart and simple ways to get paid for doing (almost) nothing!

What “Getting Paid to Do Nothing” Actually Means

Getting paid to do nothing doesn’t mean being lazy.

It means finding ways to earn with little effort after putting in a bit of smart work up front. It’s about being strategic, not inactive.

The key idea here is low-effort income, not no-effort income.

Most methods that seem like “free money” usually involve one of two things: time invested upfront or using what you already have in smarter ways.

Passive vs. Semi-Passive Income

Passive income is money that keeps coming in without you having to do anything regularly.

A good example is earning dividends from stocks. You buy the stock once, and then it keeps paying you over time.

Semi-passive income still needs some attention now and then.

For example, renting out your car may require occasional cleaning or communication with users.

It’s not daily work, but it’s not completely hands-off either.

Understanding this difference helps set realistic expectations.

True passive income is rare and often needs capital.

Semi-passive methods are more common and usually easier to start.

The Catch: It’s Not Instant

While “doing nothing” sounds effortless, most of these methods require one of the following:

• Time investment: You might need to build something once, like a blog or digital product.
• Money investment: Some streams (like dividend stocks) need upfront cash.
• Skill or strategy: Choosing the right platform or opportunity makes all the difference.

In short, you’re not avoiding work; you’re just shifting when and how you do it.

Once it’s set up, the income can keep flowing with little to no effort on your part.

That’s the real power behind getting paid to “do nothing.”

1. Get Paid to Sleep

Getting paid to sleep might sound like a dream, but it’s a real way to earn money with barely any effort.

One of the most common methods is joining sleep studies run by universities, hospitals, or research centers.

These studies often involve spending a night or several days in a controlled setting while researchers monitor your brain waves, breathing, or sleep patterns.

Depending on the study’s length and purpose, compensation can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

Another low-effort option is testing sleep-related products.

Mattress companies, sleep tech brands, and wellness startups regularly seek feedback on their new products—from smart mattresses and sleep trackers to noise machines and melatonin gummies.

Many offer free products plus a cash bonus or gift card for your time.

While some ask for detailed feedback, others only require basic usage reports.

For example, NASA once paid volunteers over $18,000 to lie in bed for 70 days to help simulate conditions astronauts face in space.

That’s an extreme case, but it shows how valuable even your rest can be.

2. Earn from Lock Screen & Idle Apps

Some apps pay you just for unlocking your phone, sharing data, or letting them run quietly in the background, turning everyday phone use into easy money.

Lock screen reward apps show ads or content every time you unlock your device, and you earn small points that can be exchanged for gift cards or cash.

While the earnings aren’t huge, they add up over time with no real effort.

Data-sharing apps take it further by paying you for anonymous data like browsing behavior or internet usage.

These apps don’t track personal details, but they use general patterns for research or ad targeting.

Background task apps work similarly as they run silently, using a bit of your device’s processing power or bandwidth in exchange for passive income.

Some popular examples include Mode Earn App, which pays users for listening to music, charging their phones, or unlocking the screen; Nielsen Mobile, which tracks browsing data for research purposes; and Honeygain, which shares unused internet bandwidth and pays based on how much is shared.

These apps won’t replace a full-time income, but they’re great for turning idle phone time into extra cash without lifting a finger.

3. Rent Out Your Stuff While Doing Nothing

If you own something you’re not using every day, like a car, parking space, tools, or even your backyard, you can rent it out and earn passive income without lifting a finger.

Apps and platforms have made it easy to list your items, set your own prices, and automate the rental process.

For example, you can rent your car on Turo, where users book it like a short-term rental, often with contactless pickup and return.

If you have extra storage space in your garage or basement, Neighbor lets you lease it out to people who need a place to store their stuff.

Got power tools, cameras, or camping gear? Platforms like Fat Llama connect you with renters in your area and handle payments and insurance.

Some homeowners even rent out their backyards for events, pet sitting, or private gatherings.

These services usually include insurance, built-in messaging, and scheduling tools, making the experience nearly hands-off once you’re set up.

It’s one of the simplest ways to make your unused items earn money for you while you do absolutely nothing.

4. Get Paid for Doing Nothing at Work

While most jobs require steady effort, some roles often referred to as “do-nothing jobs” pay well for long hours of minimal activity.

These positions are more common than people think, especially in government offices, large corporations, or unionized roles where tasks are repetitive, highly automated, or simply no longer needed, but the position still exists.

Examples include overnight security guards at quiet locations, front-desk clerks on night shifts, or building attendants where foot traffic is rare.

In many of these roles, the job requires simply being present in case something happens, which means much of the time is spent doing very little, sometimes even sleeping or browsing your phone.

However, it’s important to approach these opportunities with awareness and ethics.

Just because a job is slow doesn’t mean slacking off is acceptable, especially if safety or responsibility is involved.

Some people may find these roles dull or unfulfilling, while others enjoy the steady income with minimal physical or mental strain.

If you’re considering one of these positions, make sure it aligns with your values, the job description is clear, and you’re prepared to meet the expectations, even if that means mostly doing nothing.

5. Earn Royalties from Creative Work (Once)

Creating something once and getting paid for it over and over again is one of the most rewarding ways to earn passive income.

If you write a song, publish a book, or design digital art, you can earn royalties every time someone buys, streams, or uses your work.

This also applies to stock content like photos, music tracks, fonts, or templates, which you can sell through platforms such as Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Creative Market, or Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.

Once your content is uploaded, those sites handle the sales, delivery, and payments, allowing you to earn without doing anything else.

While it takes effort upfront to create high-quality work, the potential to keep earning for years without further action makes it a truly hands-off income stream.

Many creators continue to earn from work they published months or even years ago, especially if it solves a need or remains relevant over time.

6. Staking and Yield Farming in Crypto

Staking and yield farming are popular ways to earn passive income in the crypto world by simply holding certain digital coins.

With staking, you lock up your crypto in a network to help support its operations, and in return, you earn regular payouts, usually in the same coin.

Yield farming, on the other hand, involves lending your crypto through decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms to earn interest or rewards.

Platforms like Coinbase and Binance make staking easy for beginners, while DeFi protocols such as Aave, Compound, or Yearn Finance offer higher returns but come with more complexity.

The big appeal is that you can earn money daily without actively doing anything once your assets are staked.

However, it’s important to note that crypto staking and farming carry risks, including market volatility, hacking, and platform failure.

Always research the project, use trusted platforms, and only invest what you can afford to lose.

While the rewards can be high, smart risk management is key to turning this passive strategy into a sustainable income stream.

7. Dividend-Paying Stocks

Dividend-paying stocks let you earn money simply by owning shares of certain companies, no extra work required.

These companies regularly distribute a portion of their profits to shareholders in the form of dividends, which can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Once you buy the stock, you don’t have to do anything else to receive these payments, making it one of the purest forms of passive income.

Getting started is simple through beginner-friendly platforms like Robinhood, Fidelity, or M1 Finance, which allow you to invest with little money and automate your purchases.

You can choose individual dividend stocks or invest in dividend-focused ETFs for broader exposure and lower risk.

While the returns may start small, reinvesting your dividends over time can lead to significant growth.

Many long-term investors use this strategy to build wealth steadily, with the added benefit of generating cash flow even during market downturns.

It’s not a get-rich-quick method, but it’s a proven, low-effort way to grow your money while doing nothing at all.

8. Cash-Back & Rewards Programs

Cash-back and rewards programs let you earn money or points just by making everyday purchases with no extra steps required after setup.

Apps like Rakuten give you a percentage of your purchase back when you shop through their links, while Fetch Rewards lets you scan receipts for points you can redeem for gift cards.

Many credit cards also offer automatic cash-back on groceries, gas, and other common categories, with no need to track anything manually.

Once connected, these tools run quietly in the background, rewarding you for spending you were already going to do.

The key is to link your accounts, use the right card or app when shopping, and let the rewards pile up.

Over time, these small amounts can add up to hundreds of dollars per year—effortless savings that feel like free money.

It’s a smart way to make your spending work for you, even when you’re not thinking about it.

9. Get Paid to Watch or Do Nothing on Livestreams

Livestreaming has opened the door for people to earn money by simply being on camera, even if they’re not actively doing much.

Content like mukbang (eating on camera), sleep streams, or “just chilling” sessions have gained popularity on platforms like Twitch, TikTok LIVE, and YouTube.

Viewers tune in for entertainment, background company, or curiosity, and creators get paid through tips, donations, ad revenue, or virtual gifts.

Some streamers make money by literally sleeping while the audience watches or interacts through chat.

Others earn by silently eating meals or relaxing on camera for hours.

While it may seem unusual, this passive format can generate a steady income if the streamer builds a loyal following.

The key is consistency and audience engagement, even if the activity is minimal.

This trend shows how even doing almost nothing, if shared with the right audience, can become a source of real, recurring income.

10. Sit Still for Art or Meditation Studies

One of the simplest ways to get paid for doing almost nothing is by participating in art or meditation studies that require you to sit still for extended periods.

Art schools, colleges, and private studios often hire models to pose for drawing or sculpture classes.

In many cases, you just need to sit or stand in one position while students practice sketching, as you don’t need to have a certain look or experience, just the ability to stay still.

Similarly, universities and research centers sometimes run meditation or mindfulness experiments that pay participants to sit quietly, focus on their breath, or do nothing at all while researchers monitor responses.

These gigs usually pay hourly, require little effort, and involve a peaceful environment.

Because they’re not widely advertised, you’ll often find these opportunities on local bulletin boards, university websites, or Craigslist.

They may not be glamorous, but they’re a great example of low-effort income that pays you to simply exist in the moment.

11. Become a “Friend for Hire” or Body Double

Getting paid to simply be present is another way people earn money while doing very little.

As a “friend for hire,” you can get paid to accompany someone to events, meals, or outings—not for deep conversation or activity, but just to provide company.

Platforms like RentAFriend connect people who want a plus-one for social events, travel, or casual hangouts.

The role often involves sitting quietly, listening, or just being there, making it low-effort and easy for introverts or anyone who enjoys calm social settings.

Similarly, body doubles or stand-ins are paid to match another person’s appearance or height for film or TV shoots.

These roles don’t usually require acting but just sitting or standing in place while lighting and camera angles are adjusted.

Casting calls for these gigs can be found through local film networks or apps like Stand-In Central or general casting platforms.

12. Invest in REITs or Crowdfunded Real Estate

If you want to make money from real estate without becoming a landlord, investing in REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) or crowdfunded real estate platforms is a smart, low-effort option.

REITs let you buy shares in companies that own income-producing properties like apartments, malls, or office buildings.

You earn dividends from the rental income they collect, and you don’t have to deal with tenants, repairs, or paperwork.

Crowdfunded real estate works similarly but allows you to invest directly in specific properties with small amounts of money.

Platforms like Fundrise and RealtyMogul handle everything from property selection to management, and they pay out earnings through dividends or appreciation over time.

Once your money is invested, there’s nothing else to do but watch it grow.

13. Sell Your Data (Legally)

Many companies are willing to pay for anonymous data about how people browse the internet, shop online, or use social media, and you can earn by sharing yours legally and safely.

Apps and browser extensions like UpVoice and MobileXpression run quietly in the background, collecting non-personal information about your online habits.

In return, they reward you with points, gift cards, or small cash payouts.

The setup is usually simple. Just install the extension or app, create an account, and go about your usual online activity.

After that, you don’t need to do anything else.

These programs focus on general trends and marketing research, not personal details, and most are transparent about how your data is used.

While the earnings are modest, they’re completely passive, making it one of the easiest ways to get paid for doing nothing at all.

Final Words

You really can earn money by doing almost nothing if you set it up the right way.

Most of these methods take just a little effort to start, then keep paying off over time.

Pick one that fits your lifestyle and give it a try. Small steps can lead to a steady income.

Remember: “The smartest work is making your money work for you.”

FAQs

Is it really possible to make money doing nothing?

Yes, but most methods require a small amount of effort, time, or setup at the beginning.

Once in place, many of them run on autopilot and bring in income with little to no daily work.

Which passive income method is safest?

Dividend-paying stocks and cash-back programs are generally considered safe, especially when done through trusted platforms.

They offer steady returns with minimal risk if you stick to reputable companies.

Do I need to invest money upfront for these ideas?

Not all of them. Some options, like sleep studies or data-sharing apps, require no money at all.

Others, like dividend investing or real estate platforms, need a financial investment to get started.

Can I earn this way full-time?

It’s possible, but rare. Most people use these methods to supplement their income.

With time and consistency, you can build multiple streams that grow into something more substantial.

How do I avoid scams when trying these methods?

Stick to well-known apps and platforms. Do your research, read reviews, and never pay upfront to join.

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut and stay cautious.