When searching for social networks that pay you, most people still turn first to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter—but 95 percent of creator payouts go to just 1 percent of users, leaving 99 percent earning almost nothing . Consequently, the vast majority of social media users never see meaningful returns on their time, clicks, or creative efforts, and most “monetization” programs remain effectively closed to casual participants.

Platforms That Do Pay Users

🥽 1. Cheelee (Founded 2021)

Overview & Interaction:
Cheelee emerged in 2021 as a SocialFi video platform rewarding both viewers and creators in LEE tokens. Users stake or burn LEE to mint “glasses” NFTs; each 2.5 minutes watched unlocks a box of LEE, and creators earn by producing short-form clips .

Rewards Model:

• “Hot offers” and in-app challenges award up to $679 worth of LEE per event.
• Users must reach a minimum LEE threshold before withdrawing tokens.

Pros:

• High earning potential for engaged users.
• NFT‐driven gamification boosts platform stickiness.

Cons:

• Opaque Tokenomics: LEE distribution formulas change without notice, making income unpredictable .
• High Entry Hurdles: Casual users often take weeks or months to meet withdrawal thresholds .

🚶 2. Sweatcoin (Founded 2015)

Overview & Interaction:
Sweatcoin tracks outdoor steps via GPS and converts them into a virtual currency at ~0.95 Sweatcoins per 1,000 steps . Users redeem coins for goods, services, or charity donations within the app.

Rewards Model:

• Earn Sweatcoins through daily walking.
• Bonus coins for referrals and fitness challenges.

Pros:

• Drives ~20% more walking, even six months post-join .
• Supports charitable giving with earned coins.

Cons:

• Limited Marketplace: Many items are low-value or region-locked .
• Slow Accumulation: Large rewards require months of steady walking .

💪 3. Achievement (Founded 2014)

Overview & Interaction:
Achievement integrates with Fitbit, Apple Health, and other apps to reward walking, running, surveys, and even lab studies. Users earn points automatically when syncing health data .

Rewards Model:

• Points convert to cash (via PayPal) or charity donations.
• Referral bonuses add extra points.

Pros:

• Covers a broad spectrum of health activities.
• Passive earning after initial setup.

Cons:

• Low Ceiling: Users cap at ≈$50/month, limiting sustained motivation .
• US-Only Access: Non-US users cannot participate .

💰 4. BitWalk (Bitwalking; Launched 2014)

Overview & Interaction:
BitWalk uses smartphone accelerometers and HealthKit to monetize physical activity. Users earn BW$ tokens (pegged to Bitcoin) for up to 30,000 steps/day .

Rewards Model:

• BW$ transfers instantly peer-to-peer, no fees.
• Tokens redeemable on external exchanges.

Pros:

• Zero-fee transactions improve liquidity.
• Fully automated tracking.

Cons:

• Niche Adoption: Small user base lowers token utility .
• Complex Redemption: Requires crypto exchanges to convert to fiat .

🏃 5. Runtopia (Founded 2015)

Overview & Interaction:
Runtopia gamifies running/workouts via GPS. Users earn Sports Coins (SPCs) per mile and redeem them for gear, gift cards, or “Lucky Wheel” draws .

Rewards Model:

• SPCs awarded by distance, plus referral and challenge bonuses.

Pros:

• Engaging leaderboards encourage friendly competition.
• Multiple redemption options.

Cons:

• Poor Conversion: Thousands of SPCs often equate to low-value items .
• Ad-Heavy UI: Frequent ads interrupt workouts .

🤸 6. Lympo (Founded 2017) 🤸

Overview & Interaction:
Lympo ran health and fitness challenges, rewarding LYM tokens for steps, workouts, and events. Users then redeemed tokens for sports/wellness gear .

Rewards Model:

• LYM tokens awarded per completed challenge.

Pros:

• Diverse challenge types build community.

Cons:

• App Sunset: Discontinued in 2022; users forced to redeem before shutdown .
• Volatile Token: LYM’s price swings undermined reward stability .

📹 7. TikTok Creator Fund (Established 2020)

Overview & Interaction:
TikTok’s $1 billion Creator Fund launched in 2020 to pay video creators. Eligible users (≥10 K followers; ≥100 K views/30 days) earn based on views and engagement .

Rewards Model:

• Payouts of $0.02–$0.04 per 1,000 views (original) or $0.40–$1.00 (new program) .

Pros:

• Massive fund signals commitment to creator pay.

Cons:

• Low Rates: Millions of views yield only modest earnings .
• Opaque Formula: Lack of transparency frustrates creators .
• High Barriers: New creators struggle to qualify .

🌍 8. Consumers United (Founded 2023)

Overview & Interaction:
Consumers United redefines social networks that pay you by rewarding everyday actions with CUecoins. Launched in 2023, it covers check-ins, school attendance, verified payments (mortgage, rent, social security, credit cards, student debt), learning modules, referrals, and community challenges .

Rewards Model:

• Fixed rates (e.g., 10 - 250 coins/check-in; streak bonuses of 10–500 coins; 250 coins/referral).
• Redeem for platform perks, leaderboard tiers, and upcoming marketplace items.

Pros:

• Inclusive Rewards: >90 percent of users earn meaningful CUecoins.
• Transparent Mechanics: Predictable schedules, no hidden algorithms.
• Multi-Domain: Financial, educational, health, and social actions all count.
• Community-Driven: Streak groups and referral bonuses foster cooperation.

Cons:

• New Entrant: Needs to build wider awareness and trust.
• Verification Reliance: Location/payment APIs may face technical or privacy issues.

🚀 Why Consumers United’s CUecoins Lead the Market

1. Inclusive Reward Distribution: Unlike other social networks that pay you, CUecoins reach the many, not just the top 1%.
2. Stable Value Proposition: CUecoins tie value to real actions, avoiding token volatility.
3. Unified Ecosystem: One platform, multiple reward domains—no app hopping required.
4. Empowered Community: Focuses on mutual growth via group streaks and shared milestones.

Consumers United transforms social media into a shared-value economy, finally delivering on the promise of social networks that pay you.

🔗 Learn More 🔗📚🎯

• Explore our full CUecoins Guide
• Got questions? Check our FAQs
• Ready to earn real rewards? Join Consumers United today

References

1. “95% of creator payouts go to 1% of users,” Forbes (2024)
2. Cheelee SocialFi overview, Cheelee.io
3. Sweatcoin efficacy study, Journal of Mobile Health (2023)
4. Achievement user rewards, Achievement.com
5. Bitwalking token model, Bitwalking.com
6. Runtopia redeem rates, PR Newswire (2022)
7. TikTok Creator Fund details, TikTok Newsroom (2020)
8. Lympo discontinuation announcement, Lympo Blog (2022)
9. Consumers United launch details, consumersunited.net