Trying Out YouGov Connections

YouGov Connections allows users to link different online accounts to share data with YouGov for market research. In return, you receive payments for each connection you make and refresh. The feature is optional, so you can choose which data to share.

You can earn by connecting accounts from various categories:

• On-Demand TV/Video Services: Disney+, AppleTV+, Netflix, Prime Video, Paramount+, and YouTube. You receive an initial 75p for each connection when data is first extracted. You can refresh these connections every 7 days for additional payments, though future payments might be lower.
• Shopping and Browsing: Options include sharing your Amazon shopping history, Steam video game library, and general browsing history. Each of these connections comes with different payment rates.

Every connection is optional, so you can pick and choose which datasets you feel comfortable sharing for YouGov's research purposes.

The Connections feature isn’t available to new users right away. Typically, you need to build some trust on the platform by completing surveys over a few months. Once eligible, you'll see the "Connections" option on the top menu bar when logged into YouGov on a PC or Chromebook.

Log into YouGov on a compatible device (PC or possibly a Chromebook).

1. Click on the "Connections" option in the top menu.
2. Install the required browser extension, which works only on Chrome or Edge.
3. Choose the services you want to connect and share data from.

I opted to connect all the TV services I had accounts with, as sharing this data felt relatively harmless. This earned me a total of £3 worth of YouGov points. I decided against linking any other services.

YouGov uses the shared data to generate insights for companies looking to understand consumer behavior. They combine your data with information from other users to create anonymous insights. According to YouGov, "The insights we get from this project are generated by combining your data with data we get from other members. These insights are completely anonymous, meaning that we will not share any identifiable data with our clients."

It’s entirely up to you to decide what data you’re comfortable sharing and whether the payments make it worthwhile.

YouGov has a minimum payout threshold of £50, which can take some time to reach. From my experience, I’ve been on the platform for four months and currently have just over 2,000 points (£20). Based on this, expect to make just one £50 withdrawal per year.

YouGov Connections offers a way to earn extra money by sharing data from accounts you already use. While the payouts aren’t huge, it’s a relatively easy way to build up your balance on the platform. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the data you’re sharing and weigh it against the payments you’ll receive.