Micro tasks are small pieces of work that a business needs done by a real person, usually online and usually in a few minutes. Instead of hiring one employee for a big job, a business splits the work into many small tasks and pays many people to do them. If you have ever wondered what micro tasks are, think of them as paid errands you can do on your phone.
Common types of micro tasks
- Social tasks: following a page, joining a Telegram or WhatsApp channel, sharing a post.
- Feedback tasks: trying an app or website and saying what worked and what did not.
- Video tasks: recording a short clip, such as an unboxing or a quick testimonial.
- Data tasks: sorting, checking, tagging or transcribing information.
- Research tasks: answering questions about how you shop, travel or use your phone.
Who pays for micro tasks, and why
Businesses of every size use micro tasks. A new brand might want its first followers from real people, a startup might want ten people to test its sign-up flow, and a shop might want short videos for adverts. Micro tasks are cheaper and faster than hiring for small jobs, and the business only pays for work it approves. Our guide on crowdsourcing explains the business side.
How a micro task works, step by step
- Pick a task. Each task shows what to do, how much it pays and how many people the business needs.
- Apply. On Microtask, applying uses 50 Micro Gold, and new accounts get starter Gold for free. Read how Micro Gold works.
- Do the work exactly as described.
- Send proof. Usually a screenshot, a link or a short video showing you completed every step.
- Get reviewed. The business checks your proof and approves it or asks for changes.
- Get paid. Approved rewards go to your balance. After a short clearing period you can withdraw to your bank.
Why approval matters so much
Approval is how you get paid, and it is also your track record. Every approved task shows businesses that you follow instructions and deliver. Over time that record helps businesses choose you for better-paying work. That is why careful work beats fast work. See how to get approved faster.
Is micro task work legit?
Micro task work is legit when the platform pays for real work and does not ask you to pay to earn. Warning signs are sign-up fees, payouts based mainly on recruiting others, or tasks that ask for your bank PIN or BVN. Read our guide to online job scams to stay safe.
It is also worth being thoughtful about which tasks you accept. Avoid anything that asks you to post fake reviews or mislead people. Those tasks can get your social accounts restricted and damage trust in honest work.
Micro tasks vs freelancing vs a regular job
| Micro tasks | Freelancing | Regular job | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time per job | Minutes | Hours to weeks | Fixed hours |
| Experience needed | None | Usually | Usually |
| Pay per job | Small | Higher | Monthly salary |
| Schedule | Any time | Flexible, with deadlines | Set by employer |
| Interview | No | Often | Yes |
Micro tasks are the easiest door in. Many people use them to earn while building the record and skills that lead to freelancing.
An example micro task, start to finish
Here is what a typical task looks like in practice:
- A food delivery startup posts: "Download our app, browse the menu and tell us one thing that confused you. Upload a screenshot of the menu page."
- You read the brief, check you have space on your phone, and apply.
- You download the app, spend five minutes browsing, and notice the delivery fee only shows at checkout.
- You write: "I could not see the delivery fee until checkout. I expected it on the menu page." You upload a full screenshot of the menu.
- The startup approves your feedback because it is specific and useful. The reward goes to your balance.
That is the whole loop: read, do, prove, get approved, get paid.
How micro task platforms keep things fair
- Verified identities stop one person using many accounts.
- Limited spots per task share work across many people.
- Review by the business means only genuine work is paid.
- A short clearing period after approval gives time to catch fraud before money moves.
What you need to start
- A smartphone with a camera.
- Data or Wi-Fi.
- A valid ID for verification before your first withdrawal.
- A Nigerian bank account to receive your earnings.
Ready to try one? Sign up free on Microtask and pick a task that suits you.