The Complete Guide to Earning Money Crowdtesting Websites and Apps

Have you been looking for a flexible way to turn your free time into cash? If so, crowdsourced software testing could be perfect for you. As a crowd tester, you get paid to test websites, apps and other digital products for companies across the globe.

This guide will explain everything you need to know to start monetizing your device and internet access through crowdsourced testing platforms.

What Exactly Is Crowdsourced Testing?

Crowdsourced or crowd testing is a relatively new form of software testing leveraging a distributed network of testers selected from a large pool of candidates. Companies sign up with crowdsourced testing platforms to connect with qualified testers that can validate their digital products before launch.

Unlike in-house testing done by employees, crowd testing allows consumer product companies to simulate real-world usage under diverse conditions. On-demand testers from different devices, locations and backgrounds provide more exhaustive testing and feedback.

The global crowdsourced testing market is projected to grow from $5.14 billion in 2025 to $12.35 billion by 2029 as more businesses recognize these benefits.

Key Benefits of Crowdsourced Testing

Here are some of the main upsides companies get from outsourcing testing to a crowd compared to only relying on in-house QA teams:

Wider test coverage – Crowd testers collectively test apps on many more device types, operating systems and network conditions than feasible internally. This surfaced defects unlikely to be found otherwise.

Real-world insights -Direct feedback from everyday users with varying skills reveals issues and UX limitations beyond what internal testers notice within a business context.

Cost and time savings – Maintaining in-house testing labs and manual testing teams for comprehensive testing is expensive. Crowd testing delivers results faster and cheaper.

On-demand scaling – Company testing needs fluctuate depending on development cycles. Crowd testing allows easily ramping up and down capacity.

Specialized testing – Rare expertise like accessibility testing or niche languages can be found in the crowd much easier than hiring full-time for these skills.

Innovation potential – Feedback gathered from a diversity of crowd testers provides valuable input to product teams for future enhancements.

Crowdsourced vs In-House Testing

Crowd testing has clear advantages, but in-house QA retains an essential role too. Here‘s a quick comparison:

	Crowdsourced	In-house
Testers	Everyday users across demographics	Employees close to internal systems
Testing style	Exploratory	Scripted
Defect findings	Functional usage issues	Edge case code issues
Scale	Large, global pool of testers	Limited team size
Cost	Pay per test	Salaries, infrastructure overhead

The best quality is achieved through a blend of internal QA and crowdsourced testing. In-house staff focus on planned test cases while the crowd provides real-world validation.

Misconceptions About Crowd Testing Platforms

There are some common misconceptions about paid crowd testing:

It‘s only for consumer apps – While consumer software projects are common, business software is tested too. Office tools, HR systems, enterprise mobile apps all leverage crowdtesting.

You need special skills – Platforms welcome testers from all backgrounds, not just tech/testing pros. Everyday app usage experience is valuable.

It‘s very technical – Many tests involve basic functionality checking and giving subjective feedback, not coding or automation.

Work availability is scarce – Reputed platforms have 10-30 new projects daily with large project catalogs too. There is substantial work available.

You work on your own time – Some platforms require real-time moderated testing so testers must be available for scheduled sessions. Check platform requirements.

How Do These Platforms Operate?

If you want to turn website and app testing into a money-making opportunity, the first step is understanding how crowd testing platforms work. Here is the standard flow:

1. Create tester profile

Visit platform sites like uTest.com and create a tester account. List your demographics, devices, skills and testing experience.

2. Qualification testing

Most platforms require passing an exam to assess your aptitude before you apply to real projects. This ensures only capable testers join.

3. Get notified about projects

You‘ll receive emails, app notifications, RSS feeds when projects matching your profile are available. New projects are added daily.

4. Take prescreening assessment

Some projects have a screening questionnaire to confirm you have the capability and environment to test that app.

5. Review project details

Read the project test documentation carefully to understand the requirements before committing. Also check pay rate, timelines etc.

6. Reservation / Scheduling

For moderated live projects, you will need to book test slots. For unmoderated ones, you can directly start when ready.

7. Set up test environment

Ensure your device, network, software are all ready and meet the configuration needs outlined.

8. Execute test case

Follow the test steps, workflows and scenarios detailed in the project instructions. Reproduce any defects you encounter and document them thoroughly.

9. Record / Document feedback

Log your observations in detail through screenshots, webcam or audio recordings, notes and by filling out response templates.

10. Submit test execution results

Upload your recordings, completed test artifacts, defect reports, feedback surveys etc. back to the platform.

11. Get paid

If your submission meets all requirements, you will get paid as per the quoted rate once your work is reviewed and approved. Payments are usually made through PayPal.

Sample Project Walkthrough

Let‘s look at a typical crowd testing project flow:

Mark signed up to a website testing platform. He received a notification about a project testing a new e-commerce site before launch.

The project required using an iPhone to validate the checkout process. Mark passed the screening questionnaire confirming he had an iPhone.

On the scheduled date, he followed the test steps outlined. Using his webcam and microphone, he narrated his experience trying to purchase an item – adding to cart, entering payment details, receiving order confirmation email etc.

He encountered a bug where the confirmation page displayed the wrong items. Mark took a screenshot and recorded this defect. He also filled out a survey giving his subjective feedback on the user experience.

Mark submitted his recording and defect report through the platform. The submissions were reviewed and approved. For 1 hour of testing, he earned $25 paid out via PayPal.

Key Skills Needed for Crowd Testing

Here are some beneficial skills to have as a tester:

Communication ability – Clearly articulate feedback and explain issues verbally or in writing.

Attention to detail – Identify even obscure defects and inconsistencies.

Technical aptitude – Comfortable learning new apps and testing processes.

Analytical thinking – Evaluate quality and suggest logical improvements.

Multitasking – Test, document findings and provide feedback simultaneously.

Creativity – Try diverse use cases beyond documented test routines.

Time management – Complete testing within allotted timeframes.

Collaboration – Work with moderators and project managers effectively.

Getting Started as a New Tester

If you are new to crowd testing, here are some tips to help you get your first project:

1. Pick reputable platforms

Vet platforms carefully and opt for established ones known to pay fairly and frequently. Avoid dodgy sites.

2. Take any entry-level project first

To build credibility, focus on getting your first project of any size completed successfully.

3. Stick to your demographic

As a newcomer, apply for projects suited to your profile rather than misrepresenting just to get picked.

4. Follow instructions precisely

Carefully execute test cases and provide all required documentation per outlined specifications.

5. Communicate clearly and professionally

Whether submitting written feedback or recordings, be clear and thoughtful in your communications.

6. Be reliable

Complete your first projects on schedule to build a reputation for reliability that will win you more work.

Expanding Your Crowd Testing Experience

Once you get some experience, you can evolve into more rewarding and interesting crowd testing opportunities:

Take on moderated live projects to interact directly with clients.
Try testing projects in new domains like finance, healthcare etc.
Build expertise in testing specific types of apps – retail, social, games etc.
Develop advanced technical skills around security, automation, data science etc.
Grow into crowdsourced consulting roles, providing hands-on direction to clients.
Attempt non-functional testing like load, localization, accessibility etc.
Create tutorials and profiles on multiple platforms to maximize work visibility.
Consider mentoring newcomers to build your profile and give back.

Typical Website and App Testing Projects

Crowd testing has expanded across many domains, but some common projects include:

Testing e-commerce sites before a big holiday sale.
Validating the UI/UX of a new streaming service.
Checking localization and compatibility of a new enterprise mobile app.
Providing usability feedback on a retailer‘s website redesign.
Doing security testing for vulnerabilities on a financial website.
Checking the performance of an augmented reality experience.
Testing new features of a smart home IoT app release.

Pay Rates for Crowd Testing

How much can you earn from website and mobile app testing? Here are typical pay rates:

Entry-level testing – $10 to $25 per test

Straightforward functional testing with remote unmoderated tasks. Often done as micro-tests under 30 minutes.

Moderate testing – $25 to $50 per test

Moderated or longer unmoderated tests involving more detailed workflows. Usually 60 to 90 minutes per test.

Advanced testing – $50 to $125 per test

High complexity testing such as user research, security, or consulting projects. Can take 2 to 5 hours.

Top performers on reputed platforms can earn over $6,000 per month. But initially expect $100 to $500 a month as you build experience.

Pros and Cons of Crowdsourced Testing

Pros

Earn extra money in your spare time
Flexible hours, work when convenient
Gain exposure to new apps and technology
Opportunity to build diverse skills
Reduced commitment vs a regular job

Cons

Inconsistent demand and fluctuating income
You may experience dry spells between projects
Need to manage multiple platform accounts
Pay is capped compared to professional testing roles
Required hardware/software upgrades are self-funded

Is Crowd Testing a Viable Full-Time Career?

Crowd testing can make for a great side hustle but has some limitations as a standalone career option:

Income reliability is lower compared to stable in-house jobs.
No additional traditional job benefits like insurance, retirement savings etc.
You have less specialization than dedicated QA professionals.
Limited upward trajectory in role seniority and pay.
Difficult to attain management opportunities fully remotely.

However, dedicated testers that excel on platforms can earn a consistent full-time income through crowd testing with some perseverance.

Here are some tips to make it more sustainable:

Maintain accounts on multiple platforms to increase project visibility.
Consider niche testing types like accessibility, globalization, security etc. where demand exceeds expert supply.
Develop complimentary skills like automation, test data management, tool expertise etc. to open up higher value testing services.
Provide consulting beyond testing to gain more hands-on client exposure.
Create a personal brand via blog, tutorials etc. to boost your profile.
Focus on reputed platforms and nurture relationships with frequent clients.

For those seeking more steady assured income though, crowdsourced testing works best as a supplemental revenue stream.

Choosing the Best Crowd Testing Platform for You

With crowd testing demand booming globally, many platforms have emerged. Here are some of the top options:

uTest

Over 300,000 testers globally
Broad range of website and app testing
Top tier clients like Apple, eBay, HP
Mandatory qualification exam to apply

TestingTime

Live 1:1 moderated testing
$46 per hour average pay
Rating system for testers
Only need webcam and microphone

test IO

Emphasis on iterations and frequent regression testing
mandarin and Spanish language projects available
Pays above industry average rates

UserTesting

Over 1 million registered testers
Customizable tester targeting and test scheduling
Integrates moderated and unmoderated testing

Ferpection

€10 to €40 per test
Unmoderated remote testing
Strong presence across Europe
Payments in PayPal or Amazon credit

UserBrain

Micro website tests taking 5 minutes
Fixed $5 per test via PayPal
Browser plugin required for testing

Enroll

Quick website and app functional tests
Variety of micro-test options
Starts at $1, averages $5 per test

BetaFamily

Tests new apps before launch
Provides video tutorials for testers
PayPal, eGift cards or charity payment options

There are many other options, so evaluate thoroughly before choosing platforms to register with.

Maximize Your Success as a Crowd Tester

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of crowd testing:

Pick projects selectively – Apply only to tests where you meet all requirements. Decline ones if you can‘t dedicate full attention.

Take prescreens seriously – Spend the time to pass prescreens even if unpaid to access better opportunities.

Monitor activity daily – Check platforms frequently for new project notifications before slots fill up.

Communicate proactively – Reach out to project owners if you have questions or need assistance.

Provide thoughtful feedback – Well-written subjective insights are valued as much as defect findings.

Build client relationships – Take repeat tests from recurring clients to become a trusted tester for them.

Develop in-demand skills – Take certifications, learn automation etc. to access higher paying projects.

Stick to timelines – Submit work on schedule to avoid delays that hurt your rating.

Follow guidelines – Precisely adhere to instructions to ensure your results get approved.

Guard your identity – When recording, be careful about exposing any private or sensitive information.

Evolving Role of Crowdsourced Testing

While cost and time savings have initially driven adoption, crowdsourced testing has larger ramifications:

Democratizing Testing

Testing used to be restricted to internal employees. Platforms have opened it up to everyday users worldwide. This helps avoid "filter bubble" risks of corporate testers.

Test Innovation

The scale and diversity of crowd testing provides product teams with insight into enhancements that no designer could envision alone.

Accelerating Release Velocity

With crowd validation, developers can release iterations faster while de-risking regressions through ongoing test coverage.

Mainstreaming Exploratory Testing

Traditional testing depends on documented test cases. Crowd testing makes exploratory and heuristic testing standard practice.

Co-creation Opportunities

Active testers could participate in building the products themselves through forums, design voting etc. rather than just validate.

So crowd testing is poised to drive ongoing transformations in QA.

Final Thoughts on Crowdsourced Website and App Testing

Crowd testing presents an exciting opportunity for almost anyone to monetize their digital skills and make money from home. With the right platforms and strategy, you can earn a sizable income through sporadic crowd testing gigs.

To succeed, pick reputable companies, build expertise in high-demand testing types, and delight clients with high-quality work. While honing your technical skills, never ignore the critical soft skills like communication that make test insights valuable.

I hope this guide provided you a comprehensive understanding of getting started in crowdsourced testing and maximizing your experience. With the continued growth of crowd testing, an enriching part-time or even full-time career awaits.

So what are you waiting for? Get registered on some crowdsourced testing platforms today and start working on your first website or mobile app test project!