If you have good English skills, internet access and an empathetic personality, you can turn your ability to hold a casual conversation into a legitimate income stream. Here are the top 20 platforms where you can get paid to chat with lonely people, plus several other options worth exploring.
Why This Side Hustle Is Perfect for Nigerians
Chatting with lonely people and providing them with company, otherwise called ‘virtual companionship’ has exploded globally, but many Nigerians don’t know about it yet.
The digital age has created an unexpected crisis: millions of people worldwide are lonelier than ever before. Despite being more connected online, genuine human conversation has become scarce and valuable. This global loneliness epidemic, particularly pronounced in developed countries like the US and UK, has birthed a surprising economic opportunity. People are now willing to pay real money—in dollars—for authentic conversations with empathetic listeners.
For Nigerians with strong English skills and internet access, this represents an untapped goldmine that requires nothing more than the ability to be genuinely human in an increasingly digital world.
What You Need to Get Started
Before diving into the platforms, here’s what you’ll need:
- Be at least 18 years old
- A smartphone or laptop with a camera
- Reliable internet connection
- Good English communication skills
- A friendly, empathetic personality
- Basic understanding of online safety
The beauty of this side hustle is that you don’t need special certificates, degrees, or capital investment. If you can chat naturally with friends on WhatsApp, you can do this job.
How Much Can You Earn?
Your earning potential varies by platform and experience level:
- Beginners: $7-12 per hour (₦11,000 – ₦19,000)
- Experienced: $15-20 per hour (₦24,000 – ₦32,000)
- Top performers: $25+ per hour (₦40,000+)
Working just 2-3 hours daily, you can easily earn $300-600 monthly (₦480,000 – ₦960,000). Even weekend-only work brings in $150-200 monthly (₦240,000 – ₦320,000) as extra income.
Top 20 Platforms
1. Rent a Cyber Friend
Rent a Cyber Friend was inspired by the traditional pen pal concept but adapted for the digital age. You can earn $0.10 to $1.00 per minute (up to $60 per hour) by connecting with people worldwide based on shared interests. The platform accepts users globally and pays via PayPal, making it perfect for Nigerians. Platform fee: 20%.
2. FriendPC
Ideal for building long-term client relationships. You offer virtual friendship through texting, phone calls, video chats, or gaming. Also, you get to set your own rates, typically $10-25 per hour. You control your preferred communication method and can market yourself as an English conversation partner.
3. Fiverr
Create custom gigs for virtual companionship, starting from $5 to $10,000 per gig. The massive user base provides ample opportunities, though competition is high. Market yourself as offering language practice, emotional support, or cultural exchange. Platform fee: 20%.
4. Upwork (Lifestyle & Wellness)
Under the wellness section, offer services like friendly phone calls or empathetic conversations. Short 15-20 minute calls start at $15-20, while hour-long sessions can earn you $60. The commission is 20% for the first $500 billed to a client, afterwards, it drops to 10%.
5. Papa
On Papa, you get to connect with elderly people for companionship and assistance. You earn $15-30 per visit, with rates varying by tasks and location. While it is primarily US-focused, they accept international virtual companions. This work is deeply rewarding as you genuinely help combat loneliness among seniors.
6. Rent a Local Friend
Offers both virtual and in-person meetups (though Nigerians will focus on virtual). Average earnings are $20 per hour with the flexibility to set your own rates. Platform takes a 30% commission, but the pay rate offsets this.
7. Premium.Chat
This platform allows you to offer chat services including advice, support, or friendly conversations. You get paid for providing companionship and can set competitive rates based on your expertise and communication style.
8. Chat Recruit
Chat Recruit is a UK-based platform that offers both general and psychic chat services. It accepts applicants worldwide and no previous experience is required. You get to set your own rates and choose between webcam, phone, or text interactions. Privacy is prioritized, and you get to remain anonymous.
9. Texting Factory
Focuses solely on text-based communication with complete anonymity. The platform assigns users different roles based on customer preferences. Chat operators earn between $300-400 weekly. Training is provided, and no previous experience is required.
10. Phrendly
Chat with people via text, voice, and video while earning money for your time. The platform makes it easy to monetize conversations while maintaining boundaries and safety.
11. Cash Chat App
Combines social media functionality with an integrated wallet system. Set your rates and choose your clients freely. The app has 10 million users, but requires active self-promotion to stand out from competition.
12. Whop
A digital marketplace for creators to sell memberships and exclusive communities. Create subscription-based services where clients pay for access to your time through messaging, live calls, or group discussions. Many creators earn $500-5,000+ monthly.
13. FundMySugarBaby
This is for sugar daddies and sugar babies. It comes with a default monthly allowance of $2,000. You sell custom content like videos, photos, and messages. Payments are held in escrow for security, making it suitable for those comfortable with this niche. (Access to this site from Nigeria is blocked.)
14. The Chat Shop
Hires agents to provide customer service and sales support through online chat. Offers competitive pay for friendly and helpful interactions with customers.
15. LiveWorld
Provides customer service positions where employees engage in chats to help clients. A legitimate company offering steady work-from-home opportunities.
16. JustAnswer
Allows experts in various fields to get paid for answering questions and chatting with people seeking advice or information. Your expertise in specific areas can be valuable here.
17. Cloudworkers
Hires chat moderators to handle conversations across various topics, from social chat to specific queries. Offers flexibility and steady work opportunities.
18. Text121Chat
One of the oldest platforms since 2003, focusing on adult texting. Accepts operators from multiple countries and offers complete anonymity with flexible hours. Training is provided.
19. ModSquad
Hires moderators to manage communities and chat interactions across social media and forums. Legitimate company with professional opportunities.
20. Cambly
Connect with English learners worldwide and get paid by the minute for practicing conversation. Perfect for Nigerians with strong English skills to help non-native speakers improve their language abilities.
Other Platforms To Consider Exploring Include:
PalFish, Ginger.io, HeyPeers, Needle, Working Solutions, LivePerson, Care.com, Appen, Arise, Liveops, Zirtual, ChatShopper, Televated, TexKings, Chat Planet, Paid Match, eTherapy, Emotional Baggage Check, Chat 2 Engage, Liveliness, CloudChat, NeedHelp, Skillshare, Preply, Wyzant, Lingoda, Chatterbox, and Relay.
Safety and Professional Tips
Never share personal information like your full address or bank details. Be sure that your conversations stay appropriate and end any interaction that becomes uncomfortable. Use platform messaging systems initially before moving to other apps. Set clear boundaries about your services and stick to them.
Why This Works for Nigerians
Your natural English speaking ability is your biggest advantage. Due to time zone differences, peak hours (7 PM – 12 AM Nigerian time) align perfectly with after-work hours. You get paid in dollars, and your earnings are protected against naira devaluation.
Start with one or two platforms, create compelling profiles highlighting your Nigerian identity and English skills, and be consistent. Many foreigners are genuinely curious about African culture and would love to chat with you.
