In Brief (TL;DR)
In this comprehensive guide, we find out if it’s really possible to earn money by walking, analyzing the best move-to-earn apps, how they work, and their potential earnings.
Discover how the main move-to-earn platforms work, their potential earnings, and the business models behind them.
We analyze the most well-known apps in detail, from WeWard to Sweatcoin, to reveal how they work, their business models, and how much you can realistically earn.
The devil is in the details. 👇 Keep reading to discover the critical steps and practical tips to avoid mistakes.
In the digital age, where the smartphone is an inseparable companion, even humanity’s oldest and most natural act, walking, is transformed into an earning opportunity. It might sound futuristic, but today it’s an established reality thanks to Move-to-Earn (M2E) apps. These applications are redefining the relationship between physical well-being and personal finance, especially in a context like Italy and the Mediterranean, where the “passeggiata” (a leisurely walk) is a deep-rooted social ritual. The idea of being rewarded for staying active is a powerful incentive, combining the tradition of outdoor movement with technological innovation.
This article explores the world of Move-to-Earn, analyzing how it works, which apps are most popular in Italy and Europe, and, most importantly, answering the fundamental question: can you really earn money? We will examine the business models behind these platforms, the benefits for the user, and the potential drawbacks, offering a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to turn their steps into a small but rewarding source of income. The goal is not to promise riches, but to show how a healthy habit can lead to tangible benefits, for both body and wallet.
The Move-to-Earn Phenomenon: Combining Wellness and Earnings
The Move-to-Earn (M2E) model is an emerging economic strategy that incentivizes people to perform physical activities through rewards, which can be discount vouchers, money, or cryptocurrencies. These platforms use technologies like GPS and the smartphone’s pedometer to track users’ movements and convert them into a virtual currency. The underlying idea is simple but effective: transform exercise, a beneficial activity that requires motivation, into a playful and rewarding experience—a concept known as gamification. This way, the daily walk or run in the park is no longer just a way to stay in shape, but becomes a digital “treasure hunt.”
This phenomenon fits perfectly into the growing global awareness of the importance of an active lifestyle. In Italy, where nearly 50% of the population engages in sports more or less regularly and the use of fitness apps is constantly increasing, Move-to-Earn finds fertile ground. It combines the traditional evening “passeggiata,” a moment of socializing and relaxation typical of Mediterranean culture, with a touch of innovation that makes it even more appealing. The user not only improves their health but also feels part of a community and is rewarded for their efforts—a psychological mechanism that encourages overcoming a sedentary lifestyle.
How Apps for Earning by Walking Work
The way Move-to-Earn apps work is intuitive. After installing the application and granting the necessary permissions to access the pedometer (often through services like Apple Health or Google Fit) and geolocation, the app starts recording the steps taken. At the end of the day, the user must “validate” their steps within the app to convert them into points or virtual coins. This step is crucial because, without validation, the day’s progress would be lost.
The business model of these applications is mainly based on two pillars. The first is advertising: companies pay to display their ads or to be featured in “showcase” sections within the app. The second pillar is commercial partnerships. Brands, often related to the retail, sports, or restaurant industries, offer discounts and vouchers in exchange for visibility. This way, the apps drive users to physical stores or e-commerce sites, generating traffic and potential sales for partners. In exchange for their movement data and attention, the user receives small rewards.
The Most Popular Move-to-Earn Apps in Italy
In the Italian landscape, several apps compete in the Move-to-Earn market, each with its own unique features. The choice depends on the user’s goals: some prefer direct rewards like shopping vouchers, while others are fascinated by the world of cryptocurrencies. Besides these, there are also other apps to earn money with your smartphone that offer various opportunities.
WeWard: The Walk That Rewards
WeWard is undoubtedly one of the most widespread apps in Italy and Europe. Its operation is straightforward: the more you walk, the more ‘Wards’ you accumulate, which are the app’s virtual points. These Wards can be converted into discount vouchers, gift cards, or money transferable to your bank account. For example, with 3,000 Wards, you can get 15 euros. In addition to steps, you can earn extra points by visiting specific places, participating in surveys, or making purchases at partner stores. Its strength lies in the simplicity and concreteness of its rewards, but the actual earnings per step are very low, requiring consistency and long walks to reach the payout thresholds.
Sweatcoin: Sweat That Becomes (Digital) Currency
Sweatcoin converts steps into a digital currency of the same name. Initially, ‘Sweatcoins’ could only be spent in an internal marketplace for discounts or products. Recently, the app introduced the SWEAT cryptocurrency, linked to the blockchain world, which users can generate with their first steps of the day. This has added an element of potential investment, although it is tied to the volatility typical of cryptocurrencies. Sweatcoin attracts those interested in the crypto world but can be more complex for newcomers. The earnings are modest, and converting them into real money is not always as direct as with other apps.
Macadam: The Newcomer Challenging the Giants
Macadam is one of the latest arrivals on the Italian market but has quickly gained popularity thanks to an engaging interface and a gamification-based approach. Like the others, it converts steps into virtual ‘coins,’ redeemable for cash. The app presents itself as a game, with challenges and leaderboards to compete with friends, further encouraging movement. Macadam also heavily focuses on alternative earning methods, such as playing mini-games or completing surveys, to accelerate point accumulation. Its promise is to make the experience more fun and social, although, as with its competitors, the earnings from walking alone remain limited.
How Much Can You Really Earn? A Realistic Analysis
The most common question about Move-to-Earn apps is: “how much can you earn?”. It’s crucial to be realistic: no one will get rich by walking. These applications offer a form of micro-earning, a small extra that accumulates over time. Earnings are measured in cents per day. For example, with WeWard, an average user taking 10,000 steps a day can accumulate about 10 Wards, equivalent to €0.07. Reaching the minimum threshold of €15 (3,000 Wards) requires several months of consistent walking.
Earnings can increase by actively participating in all the app’s features, such as watching ads, taking surveys, or completing special challenges. However, it’s more accurate to see these apps not as a job, but as a digital piggy bank. The financial incentive, however small, acts as a motivator to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The idea of being able to get a €50/month income with apps is appealing, but it requires a significant commitment across multiple platforms. The real value lies not so much in the money earned, but in the benefit to one’s health.
Pros and Cons of Move-to-Earn
The Move-to-Earn model has a balance of positive and negative aspects that every user should consider. The most obvious advantage is the incentive to move more. Many users report having increased their average daily steps thanks to these apps, with direct benefits for their physical and mental health. Another pro is the low barrier to entry: all you need is a smartphone to get started, with no initial costs. Additionally, these apps can encourage exploring your area, prompting you to visit parks, monuments, or local shops.
Among the disadvantages, the main one is the extremely low earnings, which can be demotivating for those expecting quick results. Another concern is privacy: to function, these apps collect data on users’ location and movement habits, which are then used for commercial purposes. Finally, one must consider the smartphone’s battery consumption, as the apps need to run in the background, and the risks associated with the crypto world for platforms that integrate it, such as volatility and complexity.
Tradition and Innovation: The Mediterranean “Passeggiata” 2.0
The success of Move-to-Earn in Italy is linked to a deep cultural root: the passeggiata (a leisurely stroll). In the Mediterranean context, walking is not just a physical activity but a social ritual. It’s the time when people meet, chat, and observe the life of their city. M2E apps build on this tradition, enriching it with an element of digital and playful innovation. The walk thus becomes “2.0,” an experience that combines the pleasure of outdoor socializing with the individual gratification of a digital reward.
This fusion of old and new is a key to their success. The apps don’t seek to replace the social value of walking but to enhance its individual component by offering an additional motivation. In a way, they digitize the old adage “he who moves, gains… in health.” Today, a small financial bonus is added to that gain, making the habit even more attractive. This model aligns with other online earning trends, such as those related to Play-to-Earn, where gaming is rewarded, demonstrating how technology can add value to everyday activities.
Conclusions
Ultimately, earning money by walking is indeed possible, as long as you have realistic expectations. Move-to-Earn apps like WeWard, Sweatcoin, and Macadam do not represent a stable source of income, but rather a smart way to get small rewards from an activity that is good for your health. Their real power lies in their ability to motivate people to combat a sedentary lifestyle, turning exercise into a more fun and rewarding habit. The financial gain should be considered a pleasant side effect, not the primary goal.
The phenomenon is part of a fast-growing global market for wellness apps, where technology becomes an ally for a healthier lifestyle. For the Italian user, these apps represent a digital evolution of the traditional “passeggiata,” combining culture, well-being, and innovation. The choice to use them depends on individual priorities: if the goal is to find an extra push to move, then they are an excellent tool. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a way to supplement your income, there are probably more lucrative apps for earning money online, although they require a different kind of commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it’s possible, but don’t expect to get rich. ‘Move-to-earn’ apps like WeWard, Sweatcoin, and Macadam turn the steps you take into a virtual currency. This currency can then be converted into rewards, such as discount vouchers, products, or, in some cases, cash transferred to your account. The main goal of these apps is to encourage a healthier, more active lifestyle by offering small rewards as extra motivation.
Earnings are generally modest and require consistency. For example, with WeWard, you might need to accumulate 3,000 points (Wards) to get a €15 bank transfer, a milestone that can take millions of steps. Similarly, with Sweatcoin, you accumulate virtual coins to spend in a dedicated marketplace, but converting them into high-value rewards takes a long time. Think of them as a way to get small rewards or discounts in the long run, not as a source of income.
The business model of these apps is mainly based on partnerships and advertising. They earn money by showing video ads to users, collaborating with brands that pay to be featured in the app’s marketplace (offering products and discounts), and selling aggregated, anonymous statistical data on movement habits to third-party companies, such as market research firms. This allows them to fund the rewards offered to users.
The choice depends on your goals. WeWard is popular because it allows you to convert points directly into euros, although it requires patience. Sweatcoin is globally famous and offers a vast marketplace of products and the opportunity to enter the world of cryptocurrencies with the SWEAT token. Macadam is a solid alternative with similar functionality. Apps like Virtuoso, on the other hand, focus on a broader approach to wellness, rewarding not only steps but also other healthy activities. The best thing to do is try a couple and see which one best fits your habits.
These apps work by monitoring your movements via your phone’s GPS and sensors, so they collect data about your location and physical activity. Although companies claim to use this data in an aggregated and anonymous form, it is crucial to read the privacy policy carefully before signing up. Most popular apps are considered safe, but being aware of what data you are sharing is always important.
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