Participants/Paid focus groups

Find paid focus groups, online or in person.

Browse open studies — remote and in-person — and get paid for your time and insights. Average session pays $75–$200.

$75–$400Typical session pay
60–90 minMost sessions
5–7 daysTo get paid
Diverse focus group session
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
A focus group participant A focus group participant A focus group participant A focus group participant
A moderated discussion · 6 participants
Open now

Browse available focus group studies.

Explore current opportunities matching your profile. Sign up to see the ones you qualify for and start earning.

SaaS · PMsRemote

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$200Focus group
Consumer · StreamingRemote

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$90Focus group
Consumer · BeautyIn-person

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$250New York
Healthcare · RNsRemote

Clinical software — nurse panel

Group of registered nurses discussing daily software friction. Med-surg or ICU, 3+ years. US only. Premium rate.

90 min$300Focus group
Consumer · FoodIn-person

Taste test & group feedback

In-person tasting at a Chicago facility, then a moderated discussion. Households that cook 4+ nights a week.

60 min$150Chicago
Finance · CFOsRemote

How finance teams evaluate software

Small online group of finance leaders on buying criteria. Heads of Finance / CFOs, 100–1000 employees. NA.

60 min$400Focus group
Consumer · TravelRemote

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$75Focus group
B2B · IT AdminsIn-person

Security tooling round-table

In-person round-table in London on security workflows. IT / security admins at 500+ employee firms. UK.

90 min$350London
Consumer · FitnessRemote

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$120Focus group
Two formats

Online vs in-person focus groups.

Focus groups happen in two main formats, each with distinct advantages. The shift toward remote research has opened opportunities nationwide, not just near major cities.

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–$200per 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–$300per session, often more
Compensation

How much do focus groups pay?

Compensation varies with session length, topic complexity, and participant requirements. Specialized professional studies command the highest rates.

$75–$150
Standard 60-minute sessions
$100–$200
90-minute sessions
$150–$300+
Specialized or professional topics
$200–$400
Extended sessions (2+ hours)
Payments are delivered through Tremendous. Most payments process within 5–7 business days after your session. Higher-paying studies target professionals with specific expertise — healthcare providers, software engineers, or business executives.
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 Boyd
Feb 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. Feliciano
Oct 2025

"I've completed over 10 focus groups and been paid for each. Most pay $20–$250; some pay even more than that."

Adam Malleck
May 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 Perez
Feb 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 Long
Mar 2025
Eligibility

Who qualifies for focus groups

Each study has unique screening criteria. You might qualify for one based on your profession, another on consumer behavior, another on demographics. A detailed profile increases your match rate.

Consumers

People who use specific products or services.

Professionals

People in particular industries or roles.

Decision-makers

Business leaders with purchasing authority.

Specific demographics

People with particular life experiences or backgrounds.

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.

Profile matching

Our system matches your background to study requirements.

Screening survey

Answer a few questions about your relevant experience.

Researcher review

The research team evaluates your responses for fit.

Confirmation

Selected participants get study details and scheduling options. Respond within 24 hours — popular studies fill fast.

FAQ

Focus group questions, answered.

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.
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 5–10 business days after successful participation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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