In this article, stay-at-home mom Julie Reardon shares her firsthand experience with the Amelia chores app, including how she uses it to earn extra money from home while completing everyday household tasks.
Disclosure: This article contains referral and affiliate links. Julie may receive a referral benefit if you sign up for Amelia through her link. Some links to products on Amazon are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you.
Getting paid to fold your laundry, load the dishwasher, or wipe down your kitchen counters sounds like the ultimate work-from-home dream.
That is the idea behind the Amelia app, which works alongside the Minute app for recording. Amelia has been getting attention as a flexible, faceless side hustle where you can earn money while completing everyday household tasks.
But before you buy a phone head strap or start recording inside your home, there are some things you should understand about how Amelia works, how the pay structure works, and what you’re giving up in exchange for the extra income.
Here’s a closer look at Amelia, including how the recording process works, what you can potentially earn, and the privacy considerations you should know before signing up.
What Is the Amelia Chores App?
The Amelia app connects people with opportunities to record themselves completing household tasks.
While you may see Amelia described as a way to “get paid to do your chores,” you’re actually being paid for completing qualifying tasks and recording the work according to the requirements for that task.
The recordings are used as training data for artificial intelligence and robotics applications. The goal is to capture real-world examples of people interacting with everyday objects and completing ordinary tasks.
Amelia works with the Minute app, where the actual recording takes place. Your completed recording hours can then sync back to Amelia.
How Does the Amelia App Work?
Getting started involves a few steps.
1. Sign Up
You can sign up through Amelia and begin the onboarding process. You’ll learn how the program works, including the requirements for recording your tasks.
2. Get a Phone Head Strap
You’ll need a way to securely attach your phone so you can record from a first-person point of view while completing your task.
A compatible head strap can cost around $15, depending on which one you purchase.
Amelia offers a $15 bonus after completing your first five hours of recording, which can help offset the initial cost of the head strap.
3. Download the Minute App
The actual recording takes place through the Minute app rather than directly through Amelia.
You record a session of up to 30 minutes and then upload the footage through the Minute app. Your completed hours can then sync to your Amelia account.
4. Join an Onboarding Call
Once signed up, you can schedule an onboarding call with the founders of Amelia. Although it is not required, it is helpful to understand how the app works and they will answer any questions you may have.
5. Choose a Task
Available tasks can change over time. Examples of household tasks that may be available include:
- Folding laundry
- Making the bed
- Vacuuming
- Wiping down surfaces
- Cleaning the bathroom
- Mopping floors
- Cooking
- Organizing areas of your home
- Outdoor and yard tasks
The important thing to remember is that you’re not simply getting paid for doing whatever chores you want. You need to complete a qualifying task and follow the recording requirements associated with it.
What Do You Have to Record?
The goal is to capture what you’re doing from your point of view, including your hands interacting with the objects involved in the task.
One important requirement is keeping your hands visible. The recording guidelines provided for this opportunity say your hands need to be visible at least 90% of the time in order for the recording to receive credit.
That means you’ll need to pay attention to your camera position while putting on the head strap. If your hands aren’t visible for too much of the recording, the footage may not qualify.
The recordings are intended to capture the task rather than your face, which is one reason Amelia can be appealing if you prefer a faceless side hustle.
What About Other People in Your Home?
This is something you’ll want to think about before you start recording.
Other adults may appear in a recording as long as they are aware of the recording and have consented to being recorded.
However, children should not be included in recordings. Amelia’s current data-collection terms prohibit including minors in submissions unless a specific task expressly allows it. They will allow children to come into the camera frame for a few seconds, but limit as much as possible.
If you have kids at home, you’ll want to be especially careful about when and where you record.
Is Audio Recorded?
The purpose of the recording is to capture the visual activity and your hands completing the task.
According to the information provided about the recording process, audio may be captured during recording, but the Minute app removes the audio from the footage during processing.
Even so, it’s a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and avoid having private conversations take place while you’re recording.
What Happens to the Videos?
This is probably one of the most important things to understand before signing up.
The videos aren’t simply proof that you cleaned your kitchen.
The footage is uploaded through the Minute platform and used as training data for AI and machine-learning applications, including robotics.
That means the video can show more than just your hands. It can capture parts of your home, the objects you’re working with, and your interactions with those objects.
Before signing up, you should decide whether you’re comfortable with that trade-off.
If you’re not comfortable providing video footage of your home for AI or robotics training, this may not be the right side hustle for you.
How Much Does Amelia Pay?
Amelia’s advertised starting pay is $10 per hour for qualifying recording work.
Your actual earnings can depend on the current rate, the tasks available to you, and how many hours of recording are approved.
The app typically asks participants to aim for around a minimum 10 hours per week, although the schedule is flexible if you aren’t able to reach that amount.
At a $10-per-hour rate, 10 approved hours would equal $100 in gross earnings for the week, before any applicable payment fees.
When Do You Get Paid?
Amelia uses a Monday-through-Sunday pay period.
Once you meet the minimum required for a payout, you can request your payment, with payments processed on Friday.
There is a minimum requirement before you can cash out. The information provided for this opportunity lists the requirement as either:
- At least 10 hours of recording
- Or at least $100 earned
Payment options can vary so it’s important to check the current payout information in Amelia before requesting your payment.
Can You Earn Bonus Money?
In addition to the regular recording pay, Amelia offers weekly challenges that can provide opportunities for bonus earnings.
These challenges can give you another way to earn while completing tasks around your home.
The available challenges and their requirements can change, so check the app for the current opportunities.
What Does It Cost to Get Started?
One of the appealing things about Amelia is that you don’t need to make a large investment to try it.
The main expense is the phone head strap you’ll need for recording.
A compatible head strap can cost around $15, and Amelia offers a $15 bonus after your first five hours of recording.
You’ll also need a compatible smartphone and enough internet access to upload your recordings.
The Pros and Cons of Amelia
The Pros
You can earn while doing household tasks
If you’re already spending time washing dishes, cleaning, organizing, or doing other household tasks, Amelia gives you the opportunity to potentially earn money while doing them.
It’s a faceless opportunity
You don’t have to show your face or build a social media following to participate.
There’s little upfront cost
The primary startup expense is a phone head strap, and Amelia offers a bonus after your first five hours of recording.
You can work around your schedule
The opportunity can be worked into your existing routine, and you don’t necessarily have to hit the suggested 10 hours every week.
There are bonus opportunities
Weekly challenges can provide additional ways to earn beyond the standard recording pay.
The founders of Amelia want you to succeed
If you have any issues, questions, or just need some guidance when it comes to Amelia or the Minute app, they are here to help. You can email them directly, or ask a question in the private discord or facebook group which also has lots of useful information to reference.
It can motivate you to clean!
Have you ever stared at a clean pile of laundry for days? Well, I have. This app has helped me complete my tasks more consistently. Plus, your phone is already on your head recording where you can’t check it or get distracted and start doom scrolling.
The Cons
Wearing a phone on your head takes some getting used to
A smartphone attached to your head can feel awkward, especially when you’re bending over, cleaning, or working for an extended period. The key is making sure it is fitted on you correctly before recording.
You cannot sit during recordings
The reason for this is because robots do not sit, and so the data would not be able to be used. Crouching and squatting is okay, as long as the majority of the video you are standing while completing the tasks.
Your footage has to meet the requirements
You aren’t guaranteed payment simply because you spent time recording. The recording needs to meet the applicable requirements in order to receive credit.
There’s a privacy trade-off
You’re recording inside your home, and the footage can show your living spaces, belongings, and the tasks you’re completing.
The opportunity can change
Available tasks, requirements, compensation and other program details can change over time, so always check the current information before relying on Amelia for a specific amount of income.
Privacy Checklist Before You Start Recording
Because you’re recording inside your home, I would take a few minutes to prepare before hitting record.
1. Remove Personal Information
Look around the area you’ll be recording and remove anything containing sensitive information.
That could include:
- Mail and envelopes
- Bank statements
- Prescription information
- Packages showing your name or address
- Family photos
- Documents
- Anything displaying passwords or account information
Remember that the camera may capture more of your surroundings than you realize.
2. Keep Household Members Out of the Recording
Make sure the adults in your household know when you’re recording.
Most importantly, don’t intentionally include children in your recordings.
3. Think About What Your Home Reveals
Even if you’re only recording yourself washing dishes, the footage can show your kitchen, appliances, belongings and other details about your home.
Consider whether you’re comfortable with that footage being used as training data before you participate.
Who Is Behind Amelia?
Amelia’s current Terms of Service identify PoolHall LLC as the company operating the platform.
Amelia also works with the Minute app, which handles the actual recording and uploading process.
According to Amelia’s current terms and data-collection information, submitted recordings can be used for AI and machine-learning purposes.
Because policies, tasks and payment details can change, it’s a good idea to review Amelia’s current terms and data-collection information before signing up.
Is Amelia Available Everywhere?
At this time, Amelia’s website states that the opportunity is available in the United States. It is also required to be 18 years of age or older.
If you’re outside the U.S., check the current Amelia website to see whether availability has expanded.
Is Amelia Worth It?
Amelia is an interesting side hustle because it takes something you’re already doing—household chores—and gives you an opportunity to potentially earn money from the time you’re spending on those tasks.
But it’s important to have realistic expectations.
This isn’t simply a case of cleaning your house and automatically getting paid. You’re completing specific tasks, recording yourself doing them, and submitting footage that needs to meet the applicable requirements.
There is also a very real privacy trade-off because you’re providing video footage of your home for use as training data for AI and robotics applications.
If you’re comfortable with that, have a compatible phone, and want a flexible way to potentially earn some extra money from household tasks, Amelia may be worth exploring.
How to Sign Up for Amelia Chores App
If you’d like to learn more about Amelia and see whether it’s available to you, you can sign up here:
Sign up for Amelia through Julie’s referral link.
As with any side hustle, check the current requirements, available tasks, payment terms and privacy policies before getting started.
About Julie
Julie Reardon is a stay-at-home mom of three living in New Hampshire. After having her first child, she realized she wanted to be home with her kids rather than away from them for a traditional job. That led her to explore different ways to earn an income from home while still having the flexibility her family needs.
Julie is always looking for new side hustles and opportunities that can fit into her busy life as a mom. She discovered the Amelia app as a way to earn extra money while completing everyday tasks she was already doing, like cleaning, laundry, and cooking. While she doesn’t expect it to replace a full-time income, she appreciates that it can help with groceries and other household expenses.
When she’s not working on her side hustles, Julie enjoys spending time with her family, baking, watching true crime shows, and getting outside and enjoying nature.
