Get paid to be a virtual friend, ever heard of that? You mean those online friends you make on social media and haven't really met personally? Is that even a thing?

What if you can make money by becoming a virtual friend? By providing your time and company, you may put someone in a good mood and fatten your wallet. How's that?

Well, here at TheFinanceBoost, it's a pleasure to share with you incredible ways to make money.

It may sound hullabaloo; trust me, I thought it was weird at first! But becoming a virtual friend is downright legit, and it's a real deal!

Today, let's talk about another money-making opportunity which is get paid to be a virtual friend.

Read more: 36 Best Ideas to Earn Extra Money in 2021 and the Future.

What is a Virtual Friend?

A virtual friend is how exactly the name suggests. It is anybody you befriend online. Either you've never met personally before or just known through connecting online.

Nowadays it makes sense to have someone you can call a “virtual friend” or “internet friend” since we spent most of our time glued to the screen. Other people much preferred without any social interactions at all.

I have someone I can call “virtual friends.” When I turn my Instagram account into full-blown book content, I chatted with many bookish people online, exchanging current reads and feelings. The main thing that keeps us connected is through our shared love for books.

These “virtual friends” are ones I haven't met before nor know personally. But we bonded through our common interests.

In simple words, a virtual friend is the same except that you get paid, and I say for real cash!

How to get paid to be a virtual friend?

Becoming a virtual friend looks exciting and easy. If it weren't, you wouldn't be reading this, right? Well, good for you; we layout all the things you need to know to get paid to be a virtual friend. Let's start with the basics.

Step 1: Sign up on a website that offers paid online friend services.

There are a bunch of online sites that allow you to get paid to be a virtual friend. Most of them are free; others require a subscription fee. Later, you'll know more about these different websites.

Step 2: Create and boost your profile.

Once successful in signing up, it's time to build your profile. You want to look friendly, of course. Give a short description about yourself, what services you can offer (more on this below), or any unique talents, skills, and hobbies you'd like to share.

Step 3: Take the personality test.

Some websites may ask you to take some sort of quiz or personality test. Don't worry though, this is to know you better and match you to the right person.

Step 4: Provide your payment details.

Of course, don't forget to include your payment details (this is what it's all about, you know, just kidding!) Some websites pay you through Paypal, others via direct bank deppsit.

Step 5: Start making friends.

On Facebook, if someone wants to connect with you they will click the “add friend” button next to your display picture or profile, and your choice to accept it or ignore it. The same goes for getting paid to be a virtual friend. Once your profile is set up and complete, wait for any friend request or bookings you will receive, and viola, you are now ready to become a virtual friend!

How does it work?

To get paid to be a virtual friend is different from online dating sites where you swipe here and there and wait for a match. The intention should be clear. This is purely for a companionship relationship: no strings attached or anything like that.

As a virtual friend, you may chat with your mate or video call with them through Skype or messenger, depending on agreed terms. Just like how you spend time and bond with your offline friend, the same way for your virtual or online friend as well.

Depending on which site you choose, you may either have a chance to meet-up in-person; however, this is all of your own accords.

In that allotted time, you'll become a friend, listening or sharing stuff, get paid for your time and service, and then move on with your day.

How much money can you make being a virtual friend?

Now the job seems a piece of cake. Well, it depends. Besides, you can choose to work part-time or during your spare time. Since you're at your phone or electronic devices 24/7, why not make money out of it? It's like you're getting paid to breathe.

There's no experience required (everyone knows how to be and act as a friend or at some point has become one in their life) or stringent paper details for the information to submit. It's easy to get started.

Some reported making over $20-$30 per hour, with others increasing up to $50 and $100. Rates tend to go higher during weekends, with pay ranging as much as $300-$500.

Most work an average of 20 hours a week, so you can earn up to $2,000 to $3,000 a month. With this potential income, who wouldn't like to be someone that can be a shoulder to cry on?

However, if you're starting out try to adjust your rate to the market standard. Once you've gathered enough relevant experience you can charge according to the amount you think you deserve. Talk about flexibility and being your own boss!

Read more: Top 10 Highest-Paying Survey Sites to Make Quick Money.

Platforms to get started becoming a virtual friend

RentAFriend

Members who used RentAFriend prefer to meet in-person, but you can specify if you prefer otherwise. It's available worldwide and you're free to charge how much you would like to get paid. However, most friends here charge around $20-$50, plus you get to keep it all to yourself!

The site won't charge you for anything.

Services you could provide are: showing around the city, accompanying someone, or become a local tour guide among the few. It's easy to get started and many members are looking for friends.

Due to the high volume of users on this site, you may not be able to do background checks on every person who joins, so be careful and know your limits.

FriendPC

This website offers more than just a company. If you have special skills you would like to share with someone willing to learn, this is for you. Users here are looking for a coach or want to learn a new skill.

Pay ranges from $5 per hour, with some earning $150-$200 for a month. It offers flexibility as you can choose your time to work and pricing, provide any kind of friend services and set your most preferred communication.

However, if you want to get the most out of FriendPC, you can choose to pay their subscription package for $3/month.

RentALocalFriend

The site offers complete virtual friend services meaning, you can be a friend from anywhere in the world. You are also free to charge the amount you like.

Virtual friends here charge around $50-$100, but if they require full-day in-person meet-ups, you can post $250 or higher.

People hire friends here for a travel buddy or have someone they can talk to if they are new to the city. More so, for a tour guide.

Fiverr

Unknown to many, you can offer virtual friend services in Fiverr too! Although it's known for offering freelance services, Fiverr is an excellent place to show your social expertise. With many pools of users signing up, there isn't a limit to how many people can reach out to you, plus the potential earnings you can make.

Freelancer

Another site you might now know offering to get paid to be a virtual friend is Freelancer. Bonus points if you are an expert in a particular field, you can charge a higher amount.

College Pirates

Are you a college student looking for ways to earn extra money on the side? Well, why not try College Pirates?

It's more than offering a paid virtual friendship. You can help college students in their academics, provide study tutorials, and become a college mentor on this site.

It's a great way to make money while in college as you meet new friends and help in their college life. Furthermore, your social network expands, and you learn a lot.

Pricing should be student-friendly, but if you're a professional you can charge more than the standard.

JustAnswer

This site is geared towards someone who has a certain level of expertise since it's an expert question-and-answer website. Once you sign up, it requires uploading proof of license, certification, or degree completion for you to get verified and start making money.

If you are an expert in the field of tech, veterinary services, automotive solutions, legal, medical guidance, and more, then your opinion here is valuable.

Text121Chat

The Text121Chat may sound like a fishy site, but it's not. This platform provides a chatting service and pays people to respond to text messages.

Most conversations are adult-oriented, but not in a weird sensual way. Maybe people are lonely and just wanting to have someone to chat with. Introverts can do a good job here since it's purely text and talk, not Facetime or Skype video calls and meet-ups.

It is reported that the average payout is around $0.07 per message.

Precautions and Tips to become a successful virtual friend

When you first read this post's headline, it caught your attention didn't you? Well, so am I. As much as I ravel writing this down for you, I hope that you too can learn, and this entry post can answer all questions you have in mind.

If you're starting to get your feet wet in this paid virtual friend thing, there are absolutely a bunch of red flags you should avoid and tips to follow to succeed to get paid to be a virtual friend. Here you go.

Prioritize safety– the internet can be a scary place too. Protect yourself from malicious and wrong intentions, potential scams, etc. Never meet in-person unless you agreed to do so, and you're okay with meet-ups. If you're a teenager, seek adult consent. Moreover, if a friend asked you to do more than what a virtual friend is supposed to do (you know what I mean: sexual, extortion, etc.), better leave now.

Secure payments– remember, if it's too good to be true, it probably isn't. Ensure that you only sign up with legit sites, like the ones we mentioned above, and if it asked for money upfront, better not continue to do so. No one will ask for a payment from you since you should be the one receiving money.

Clear boundaries– to get paid to be a virtual friend rooted purely for a platonic relationship. Some people enjoy the company of a stranger online. Others were comfortable just interacting through a shared screen. We all have our unique way of socialization. If you want to level up your relationship to more than friends, this is not the right platform.

FAQ

What kind of services/activities does a virtual friend do?

Think about how you hang out with your real-life friends. Those are the same activities you can do together with your online friends as well, except that you do it together but not physically together-together. You know what I mean?

As we said you can also agree to do it in actual place and time, like when you decided to meet-up with the person. Here's a couple of fun activities you can do as a virtual friend.

• Play online games
• Chat and text
• Walk to a park and sightseeing
• Exchange languages
• Watch movies
• Discuss relevant topics
• Talk about favorites
• Book sharing
• Karaoke
• Eat out
• Tour around the area
• And more!

Are virtual friends real friends?

Well, it's a matter of personal decision. Some people have only met online and became friends for life. There's also a high number of people who have met their significant others thanks to various dating sites.

Personally, I think there's nothing wrong with calling in other people online if that's your thing. It's also okay if you prefer meeting people in real life.

It all depends on the connection you shared and how you deeply bond with each other. You are free to treat those people you met, whether online or not, as to how you would like to do so.

Is it safe to become a virtual friend?

While it's not guaranteed that it's secure to become a virtual friend, you can't exclude the risks associated with it as well. Most importantly, if your gut is telling you a creepy vibe, refrain from doing so.

Avoid spam at all costs! Don't be a victim of fraud or cyberbullying. Set up clear boundaries about where and how much you will tolerate any online relationship you will build.

Why people hire virtual friends?

First of all, there's no judgment here. And, if you haven't heard of a “virtual friend,” well, it's real, and it's happening. Think about those brides for rent or male escort service you thought was a pure work of fiction and only appears on books. Well, a virtual friend is true.

People hire someone online because they may found the stranger's company comfortable. Sometimes a good talk with strangers can make up your day. You can open up with them, rant about life, and share your thoughts because, technically, you don't know each other, and insight from another human being can be uplifting.

There's no judgment or anything like that. Unless you happen to know that someone, well, it's weird.

The point is, we're all social beings. We are built to connect with someone and fill up that void inside.

Sometimes the missing puzzle can be found when you go out there and seek your other half.

Besides, some people are introverted in some ways (like me!) who prefer solitude and limits social interaction. There are people also who suffer social anxiety and may find it difficult to socialize.

Lastly, some people may be disabled or have valid reasons that restrict them in going outside, hence seeking a friend online.

What are the pros and cons of being a virtual friend?

PROS

• You can meet other people and learn about them
• Increase social network
• Learn about other people's culture, language, hobby
• Share an activity you both enjoy
• Pay is fairly decent
• Healthy social life
• It can be a good side-hustle
• No experience required, and easy to accomplish

CONS

• Potential data privacy violation
• It can be an avenue for con people and scammer
• Time-consuming
• Miscommunication
• Lack of body language can lead to misunderstandings
• May not genuine

Who is a “paid virtual friend” for and not for?

Of course, this side-hustle is not for everyone.

To get paid to be a virtual friend suits extroverted people or those who enjoy large social gatherings or can talk to anyone without producing a bucket of sweats!

If you are someone who feels comfy surrounded by people you barely know and with a strong outgoing personality, then you can ace this job.

On the contrary, if you're someone who suffers from social anxiety, this is not the proper gig for you.

Above all, observe and always practice safety measures every time you go online. Think before you click!

Final thoughts

Virtual means not physically existing. The same goes for becoming a virtual friend. You are miles apart, but you have someone to rely on or call to.

Nowadays, there is a staggering amount of people feeling lonely or alienated. It is probably because of how we shifted to use our time and energy and dedicate most of our time to the internet.

Another cause is the quarantine effect the pandemic brought us. Since most of us are forced to stay indoors, but that should not stop you from earning money on the side!

Moreover, who knows, you might get real friends for the rest of your life through virtual connections! It's all up to you how you will handle this type of relationship.

Whether to treat it strictly for business only or to use it to enhance your social skills and meet a lot of friends, indeed, no man is an island.

What do you think of paid virtual friends? Do you think you can make money by lending your time and ears to someone you met online?

Tell us your thoughts below, and let's chitchat like an old friend.