User Interviews is a recruiting platform where companies find people for research: video interviews, usability tests, surveys and occasional in-person sessions. Participants browse open studies, apply through a screener and get paid an incentive if they’re picked and complete the study. It’s now part of UserTesting, Inc. Its own incentives are paid as digital gift cards.
At a glance
| What it is | Research participant recruiting platform |
| Study types | Interviews, usability tests, surveys, in-person sessions |
| Typical pay | From about $20 for short surveys to $150 or more for interviews |
| Own incentives | Digital gift cards through Tremendous |
| Acceptance | One or two studies a year is typical, per User Interviews |
| Owner | UserTesting, Inc. |
How it works
You create a profile with your job, interests and demographics. Open studies are listed with their format, length and incentive. You apply by completing a short screener, and the researcher chooses participants from the applicants. If selected, you schedule a session, take part and receive your incentive.
What you earn
Incentives depend on the study length, format and who the researcher needs. Short surveys may pay around $20, while live interviews often pay $50 to $150 or more per hour. Studies looking for professionals with specific experience pay the most.
How you get paid
When User Interviews pays the incentive itself, it uses digital gift cards through Tremendous rather than cash or PayPal. Some researchers pay incentives directly, by their own method. For UserTesting-run studies, User Interviews says incentives are processed 14 days after you complete the study.
Realistic expectations
User Interviews says being approved for one or two studies a year is typical. Many people apply often and are selected rarely, so treat each acceptance as a bonus.
Getting started
Fill in your profile in detail, especially your job and industry, and apply only to studies you genuinely match. Answer screeners honestly; inconsistent answers can lead to removal.
Common mistakes
Some participants exaggerate in screeners and get caught in the session. Others miss scheduled sessions and get marked as no-shows. A third mistake is applying to everything rather than targeting studies that fit.
Screeners
Each study starts with a screener: a short set of questions to find the right people. Answer truthfully. Researchers often check answers in the session, and inconsistent ones can get you removed from the platform.
Showing up
For live sessions, test your camera and microphone in advance, join a few minutes early and have a quiet space ready. No-shows can cost you future invitations.
Keeping track
The My studies tab shows your applications, sessions and incentives. Check it rather than trusting unexpected emails, and watch for messages from researchers.
Is it worth it?
As an occasional extra, yes. A single interview can pay more than hours of surveys elsewhere, but you can’t rely on being selected.
Before you start
Write a complete profile, including job title and industry, since many studies look for specific professional backgrounds.
Professional studies
Studies looking for people in specific jobs, such as nurses, developers or small business owners, usually pay the most. If you have a professional background, make sure your profile shows it clearly, since that’s how researchers find you.
Combining platforms
Because selection is rare, most participants use User Interviews alongside Prolific, Respondent and testing sites.
Owen’s take
User Interviews can pay very well for an hour of your time, especially if you have a professional background. Expect few acceptances and keep it as an occasional extra.
Who it suits
It suits professionals and people with specific experience researchers look for. It suits less well anyone who needs frequent, predictable work.
Similar options
- Respondent pays professionals for interviews.
- TestingTime pays for live user tests.
- UserTesting pays for recorded tests.
- Prolific pays for research studies with a pay floor.
More options are in User Testing & Research.
Pros and cons
Pros
- High pay for interviews
- Wide range of study types
- Free to join
Cons
- Few applications are accepted
- Own incentives paid as gift cards
- Long screeners
FAQ
How much does User Interviews pay?
From about $20 for short surveys to $150 or more for interviews.
How does User Interviews pay?
Its own incentives are digital gift cards; some researchers pay directly.
How often will I be selected?
User Interviews says one or two studies a year is typical.
Who owns User Interviews?
UserTesting, Inc.
Is it free to join?
Yes.
