Find paid focus groups, online or in person.
Participate
Browse open studies (remote and in-person) and get paid for your time and insights. Average session pays $75–$200.
The basics
What are paid focus groups? Focus groups bring together small groups of participants, typically 5–12 people, to discuss products, services, or experiences.
Companies use these sessions to gather in-depth feedback before making important business decisions.
As a participant, you join a moderated discussion and share your honest opinions. Sessions usually last 60–90 minutes, online via video call or in person at a research facility.
- Test new product concepts before launch
- Understand customer pain points and needs
- Gather detailed feedback on user experiences
- Explore reactions to marketing messages
Getting picked
How to get selected for studies. Research teams screen carefully to get the right mix of perspectives.
Be honest — researchers spot inconsistencies, and misrepresenting your background leads to disqualification.
Open now
Browse available focus group studies. Explore current opportunities matching your profile.
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New onboarding flow: group discussion
.Join 6 product managers to react to a new onboarding concept. B2B SaaS, 200–2000 employees. US & Canada. 60 min · $200 · Focus group.
- Focus group
- 60 min
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How you choose what to watch
.A relaxed online group on streaming habits and what makes you cancel. Anyone with 2+ subscriptions. US, UK, AU. 75 min · $90 · Focus group.
- Focus group
- 75 min
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Try & discuss new skincare line
.In-person session at a NYC facility. Hands-on product trial then group discussion. Skincare buyers, ages 25–45. 90 min · $250 · New York.
- In person
- 90 min
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Clinical software: nurse panel
.Group of registered nurses discussing daily software friction. Med-surg or ICU, 3+ years. US only. Premium rate. 90 min · $300 · Focus group.
- Focus group
- 90 min
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Taste test & group feedback
.In-person tasting at a Chicago facility, then a moderated discussion. Households that cook 4+ nights a week. 60 min · $150 · Chicago.
- In person
- 60 min
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How finance teams evaluate software
.Small online group of finance leaders on buying criteria. Heads of Finance / CFOs, 100–1000 employees. NA. 60 min · $400 · Focus group.
- Focus group
- 60 min
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Planning your next family trip
.Online group on how families research and book holidays. Parents who travelled with kids in the last year. 60 min · $75 · Focus group.
- Focus group
- 60 min
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Security tooling round-table
.In-person round-table in London on security workflows. IT / security admins at 500+ employee firms. UK. 90 min · $350 · London.
- In person
- 90 min
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What keeps you motivated to train
.Online group on fitness apps, habits, and what makes you quit. Anyone training 2+ times a week. Global. 75 min · $120 · Focus group.
- Focus group
- 75 min
Sign up to see the ones you qualify for and start earning.
Browse open studies (remote and in-person) and get paid for your time and insights. Average session pays $75–$200.
Settings
Online vs in-person focus groups. Focus groups happen in two main formats, each with distinct advantages.
- Finance teams interviewRecording
Jade W.ModeratorKaren H.WaitingMartin G.WaitingNick R.WaitingReminder sent
Nick R. was reminded about the session.
Online focus groups. Now the majority of available studies. Join from home via video call: no commute, maximum flexibility, and studies are available nationwide regardless of where you live. $75–$200 per session, most studies.
In-person focus groups. For studies that need physical product interaction or specific facility setups, typically in major metros like New York, LA, Chicago, London, and Sydney. Higher pay reflects the travel and time. $100–$300 per session, often more.
The shift toward remote research has opened opportunities nationwide, not just near major cities.
Earnings
How much do focus groups pay? Compensation varies with session length, topic complexity, and participant requirements.
Standard 60-minute sessions
Payments are delivered through Tremendous, most processing within 5–7 business days after your session.
$75–$150
90-minute sessions
$100–$200
Specialized or professional topics
$150–$300+
Extended sessions (2+ hours)
$200–$400
Specialized professional studies command the highest rates.
Eligibility
Who qualifies for focus groups? Each study has unique screening criteria.
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Consumers
.People who use specific products or services.
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Professionals
.People in particular industries or roles.
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Decision-makers
.Business leaders with purchasing authority.
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Specific demographics
.People with particular life experiences or backgrounds.
You might qualify for one based on your profession, another on consumer behavior, another on demographics. A detailed profile increases your match rate.
FAQ
Focus group questions, answered.
How does participating in a paid focus group work?
Sign up as a participant or log in, then select "Start Screener" on a focus group you're interested in. Researchers review responses and invite qualifying participants. You'll get an email if selected, with instructions to join. After the session completes successfully, the researcher initiates payment via Tremendous within five business days.
How much can I earn and how long does it take?
Focus group incentives range from $75 to $400+ per session, with specialized professional studies paying even more. Before you apply you'll see the time required, research type, and incentive offered. Studies are typically open for 1–2 weeks, and payout is usually processed within 5–7 business days after successful participation.
Is Respondent legit? Can I really make money here?
Yes. Respondent pays participants for completing research studies, making it a reliable source of side income. Successful participants create an accurate profile, add a photo, connect their accounts, then apply to relevant projects. More than 400 reviewers rate Respondent as a trustworthy platform on G2.
Do I need special equipment for online focus groups?
You need a computer or tablet with a webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection. Most studies use standard video conferencing platforms that work on any modern device.
Can I participate if I've never done a focus group before?
Yes. No prior experience required. Researchers want authentic perspectives whether you're a first-timer or experienced. Each study includes clear instructions on what to expect.
What happens during a focus group session?
A moderator guides the discussion, asking questions about specific topics. You'll share your opinions, react to concepts or materials, and talk with other participants. Sessions are recorded for research purposes only.
Can I join focus groups from home?
Yes. The majority of focus groups now take place online via video tools like Zoom. You can join from anywhere with stable internet, a webcam, and a microphone. Online sessions typically pay $75–$200 and offer the same interactive experience as in-person, without the commute.
How long do focus groups usually last?
Most run 60 to 90 minutes. Standard 60-minute sessions typically pay $75–$150, 90-minute sessions $100–$200, and extended sessions up to 2 hours pay $200–$400. You'll always see the expected duration before applying.
More questions? Contact support: support@respondent.io
From participants
What focus group participants say.
I qualified for a focus group after my second screener — it was fun and actually paid out pretty darn good.
Matthew BoydFeb 2025 I've earned as much as $500 — for example from a multi-day study and a long focus group. The variety keeps it interesting.
R. FelicianoOct 2025 I've completed over 10 focus groups and been paid for each. Most pay $20–$250; some pay even more than that.
Adam MalleckMay 2024 Only a couple of days in and I got called back for focus groups and made cash. Great for side money — your opinion feels important.
Adrian PerezFeb 2026 I've been part of several focus groups. Communication is always great and payment is always quick and easy.
Gary S.Oct 2025 Trustworthy, with many focus studies available and prompt payment on completion. If you have some extra time, they're worth it.
Laura LongMar 2025
