ValueMe
ValueMe Review
In the age of data-driven decision-making, apps that track your online behaviour have become an integral part of market research. ValueMe, a relatively new entrant in this space, promises to offer users a seamless and rewarding experience. In this review, we will explore whether the mobile app ValueMe (Android only) lives up to its claims and whether it is worth joining.
Is ValueMe a legit app?
Yes, ValueMe (US only) is a legit app owned by Qrious Insight, which is a new market research startup. The company is run by seasoned professionals from companies such as Dynata and Nielsen, and there is nothing to suggest that the app is not fully legit.
Proof of payment, from ValueMe’s legal entity
What’s the concept?
In an era where data is king, the survey app ValueMe has come up with an innovative approach to market research. The concept is simple: users earn money by signing up for the app and giving permission for their online behaviour to be tracked. This data is then collected by Qrious Insight, the site’s owner, and sold to clients looking for insights into consumer behaviour.
In this way, consumer brands can see where their users are going; which brands they engage with; what draws their attention; how and where they spend their time. Researchers then analyse the data to provide real-time insight and a better understanding of the online customer journey.
But what kind of data does ValueMe actually track? Well, the app can monitor a range of online activities, from the websites you visit to the products you buy. For example, if you’re a frequent user of online shopping platforms, ValueMe might track your purchasing behaviour and analyze which products you tend to buy. Alternatively, if you spend a lot of time on social media, the app might track which pages you follow and what types of posts you engage with.
Tracking location data is another example of the kind of information that a data-tracking app like ValueMe might collect. By allowing the app to access your device’s location, it can track where you go and how frequently you visit certain places. This information can be used to gain insights into consumer behaviour, such as which stores are most popular in a particular area or how often people visit certain types of businesses. For users who are comfortable with sharing their location data, this is another way to earn money through the app while contributing to market research efforts.
While some users may have reservations about allowing their online behaviour to be tracked, ValueMe offers an opportunity to earn money simply by going about your regular online activities. And with the insights industry booming, the potential rewards for both users and the site’s owner are significant. The question is, are you ready to sign up and give it a try?
Data Privacy – What type of data will you be sharing?
Your personal data are valuable, which is why the ValueMe app rewards its members for providing their consent to track their mobile phone activities and location. Here is a breakdown of data points that you will be asked to share, sorted by the information.
Here is a comparison we made between leading data collection apps:
As you can see from the chart above, ValueMe tracks more types of data than any other app in our comparison. A triangle indicates that data is shared with 3rd party companies.
Data provided by you:
- Registration data: As part of signing up you’ll be asked to fill in data points such as your name, email address and phone number.
- Personal profile information: You’ll be asked to complete your personal profile, which will include information such as age, gender, address, zip code, income and education.
- Survey questions: The surveys can contain any question, from your shopping habits to medical treatments.
ValueMe asking for your permission to track your activities on your mobile phone.
Data tracked passively through your phone:
- Location: Approximate and exact location of where you are
- Personal info: email address, user ID, race & ethnicity and other info
- Financial info: Purchase history
- App activity: Which apps you are using and for how long
- Web browsing: Which websites you’re visiting and for how long
- Device ID: The unique device ID linked to your phone
While some people might find this level of data sharing intrusive, others will see it as a great opportunity to earn extra money with a minimum of effort. Note that you have the opportunity to opt in and out, which means you have better control over what type of data you provide compared to other apps.
Note that you can only download the app on Android phones (Apple is more restrictive when it comes to data sharing).
How to get started
This is an invitation-only app, which means you’ll need a valid link to get registered. Once you download the app, enter your phone number (must be a valid US phone number). Your account will be created when your phone number is confirmed via an SMS code. You also need to verify your email address.
Once registered, fill in the “About Me” survey, enable activity tracking and location tracking and just keep the app installed for as long as you wish.
Tasks you’ll able to earn money from, include:
- Passively sharing of location and web data: You need to actively consent to this first.
- Surveys: You’ll get points for completing consumer surveys
- Tasks: Earn extra from specific tasks such as online diaries, focus groups and scanning receipts
How much can you make on MobileXpression?
For each day that data tracking is enabled, you will receive points. At the time of writing this review, they pay $0.15 for each day of tracking, which makes it possible to earn the minimum payment of $5 in a bit more than a month based on just passively having the app installed. In addition to this, you’ll be able to earn extra points by completing tasks and surveys.
After earning at least 500 points (worth $5), you can redeem your points. Cash rewards can be transferred to your PayPal account, and gift cards are sent in digital form. Gift card options include Amazon, and Google Play, as well as pre-paid Visa cards. Alternatively, users can donate their points to charity.
- PayPal payments – Minimum 1200 points ($12.00)
- Amazon gift card – Minimum 1000 points ($10.00)
- Pre-paid Visa card – Minimum 1000 points ($10.00)
- Google Play gift card – Minimum 500 points ($5.00)
Based on keeping the app active on your phone for a year, the total potential is around $50. In addition to this, you could get invited to other types of tasks through the app such as paid surveys and focus groups.
Summary – Pros and Cons
The idea of earning money simply by allowing a data tracking app like ValueMe to monitor your online behaviour may sound appealing, but is it really worth it? Let’s examine the pros and cons of signing up for this type of service.
On the positive side, ValueMe offers the promise of passive income for users who are willing to let the app collect data about their online activities. The app is also well-designed and easy to use, with additional earning options such as completing surveys or referring friends to the platform. The payment threshold is relatively low, making it easy for users to cash out their earnings.
However, there are also several significant drawbacks to using ValueMe. Perhaps the biggest concern is the potential privacy risks associated with allowing a third party to monitor your online behaviour. Users may be uncomfortable with the idea of their data being sold to unknown clients for market research purposes, potentially leaving them vulnerable to data breaches or misuse of their information.
Furthermore, using a data tracking app like ValueMe can be draining on your phone’s resources, slowing down your device and potentially causing other performance issues. The earning possibilities on the app may also be limited, with some users reporting low payouts and difficulty reaching the payment threshold.
ValueMe has made it easy for users to provide explicit permission to track their activity and location. At the same time, it can be hard for users to have a clear understanding of how their data is being used or who exactly is buying it. This lack of transparency can be a cause for concern, particularly in light of recent scandals involving data privacy breaches. The idea of earning around $50 per year in passive income through a data-tracking app like ValueMe may sound appealing, but it’s important to carefully consider the potential risks and drawbacks before signing up.
Featured Passive Data Sharing Apps
- Surveys match well
- Short surveys
- A broad selection of topics
- Sporadic survey invitations
- Well functioning app
- Intuitive user interface
- Not quite living up to its ambitious marketing messages
- Passive income once the apps are installed
- Good compensation compared to taking surveys
- You'll be sharing a massive amount of data about your online behaviour
- Some technical glitches in terms of VPN and Apps slowing down your devices
- The reward level of £10 per month has been the same for more than 5 years.
- No cash option
- Frequent survey opportunities
- More rewards than "just" surveys are available
- A legit company with a long history in the survey industry
- Low payout threshold
- Several payout options
- Both mobile app and browser support
- Lots of screenout questions
- Low incentives
- Below-average survey experience
- Low payout threshold
- Cash payments
- Varied earning opportunities
- Mobile app
- Fast payment process
- Lots of personal data tracked and shared
- No website version (app only)
- Quick to block accounts
- Technical glitches
- Passive income
- Well functioning app
- Additional earning options
- Transparent
- Low payment threshold
- Several reward options
- Potential privacy concerns
- Draining of phone resources
- Limited earning possibilities
- Your data sold to 3rd parties
- Android only
- US only
