When I first heard about an app that pays people just for breathing loudly into their microphones, I laughed so hard I almost dropped my coffee. Seriously—people were getting paid for making loud inhales and exhales? Could this possibly be real?
Spoiler alert: it is. And after a week of experimenting, I learned that earning money by breathing isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a strange, addictive side hustle that blends biology, technology, and a touch of comedy.
How the “Loud Breathing” App Works
At first glance, the concept seems absurd. But here’s the science behind it:
- The app records your breath through your microphone.
- It uses AI to analyze the intensity, duration, and rhythm of each exhale or inhale.
- Users are rewarded points for consistent, clear, or creative breathing patterns.
- Points convert into real money through PayPal, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
The app claims the data is used for:
- Sound effect libraries for media production.
- Relaxation and biofeedback studies.
- AI breathing pattern training for virtual assistants or gaming avatars.
Basically, your loud breath becomes a digital product that companies and researchers pay for.
My First Experience Breathing for Cash
I decided to test this experiment personally. I sat at my desk, mic in front of me, and took a deep, deliberate breath. Then I exhaled as loudly as possible.
Immediately, the app registered: 0.5 points. Meh. Then I tried “rhythmic breathing,” like a drumbeat. Suddenly, I got 1.2 points.
By the end of the first session, I had earned $2.10 for about 15 minutes of breathing exercises.
It felt ridiculous, but also… oddly satisfying.
Why People Are Hooked on Getting Paid to Breathe
This app is more popular than you might think. Thousands of users are uploading their breath sessions daily. Why?
- It’s fun and stress-relieving.
Loud breathing is a surprisingly effective way to relieve tension. - It’s absurdly easy.
No skill required, just air and a mic. - It taps into competitive behavior.
Users compete for the loudest, longest, or most creative breathing patterns. - Money, obviously.
Earning a few bucks without leaving your chair is appealing.
The Science Behind Breathing for Money
It turns out, breathing patterns can be fascinating from a scientific perspective. Studies show that controlled breathing impacts:
- Heart rate
- Stress levels
- Cognitive focus
By gamifying loud or rhythmic breathing, the app combines health benefits with monetization. You’re literally getting paid to practice something that is physiologically beneficial.
It’s like yoga, but louder and with a cash reward.
My Week as a Professional Breather
I committed to a week of daily sessions. Here’s a diary of my experiences:
- Day 1: $2.10 for random loud exhales. Felt silly but promising.
- Day 2: Tried a “power breath” sequence (inhale 5 sec, exhale 5 sec). Earned $3.50. My cat stared at me like I was possessed.
- Day 3: Experimented with exaggerated, dramatic breaths—score jumped to $5. Total cumulative: $10.60.
- Day 4: Attempted breathing while humming. AI recognized “creativity.” Earned $7.20.
- Day 5: Breathing in tandem with a beatbox rhythm. Total for the day: $8.50.
- Day 6: Tried whispering breaths for a spooky effect. Score dipped slightly, $4.50.
- Day 7: Mixed deep belly breaths, hums, and exhale shouts. Ended the week at $31.30.
By the end of seven days, I had made a modest but surprising $31+ just by breathing into a mic.
Funniest Breathing Attempts I Witnessed
The community feed is a goldmine. Some examples:
- One user mimicked a dragon’s roar while exhaling. Score: 9.8/10
- Someone uploaded “breathing like a zombie.” Points doubled for creativity.
- A guy tried synchronized breathing with his dog’s panting. Earned bonus points.
Watching people monetize their weird breathing habits was as entertaining as doing it myself.
Could Breathing Be the Future of Side Hustles?
Let’s face it: the economy of weird side hustles is exploding. Apps pay for sleeping, walking, cleaning, and now breathing.
The concept isn’t just silly—it’s smart:
- Minimal resources required (air + mic)
- Universally accessible
- Has potential for virality and social sharing
Imagine TikTok challenges where people show creative breathing patterns for rewards. This could go mainstream fast.
The Dark Side: Breathing Addiction?
Yes, it’s possible. I found myself obsessed with perfecting my breathing sessions. At 2 a.m., I was still trying to get higher points, my roommates confused, my lungs sore.
Some users reported:
- Neck and chest strain from overexertion
- Compulsive checking of scores
- Laughing at the absurdity but still doing it repeatedly
So while it’s fun and profitable, moderation is key.
Personal Take: Why I Keep Doing It
Beyond the cash, the app taught me:
- Breathing is underrated. We take something so simple for granted.
- Silliness pays off. Literally.
- Competition is motivating. Even against AI, it’s fun to improve your “score.”
- Stress relief + income = win-win.
By the end of the week, my productivity and mood improved. I was literally earning money while taking deep breaths—a strange but oddly satisfying combination.
Creative Strategies to Maximize Earnings
- Rhythmic Breathing: Patterned breaths get higher points than random ones.
- Sound Effects: Humming or whispering during exhale increases creativity score.
- Multi-angle Recording: Some users add a second mic for stereo effect, doubling points.
- Themed Breaths: I tried “dragon,” “zombie,” and “ghost” breathing—points spiked for originality.
Potential for Growth
As voice technology improves, apps like this could expand:
- AI assistants could be trained using unique human breathing patterns.
- VR games may require real-life breath inputs.
- ASMR and meditation content creators could pay for authentic sounds.
Your lungs, in other words, could become a digital asset.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try It?
If you want a few extra dollars and some laughs, absolutely.
- No skills needed
- No equipment besides a mic
- Bonus: it’s surprisingly therapeutic
The concept is absurd, but that’s what makes it perfect for today’s quirky earn-app economy. Breathing loudly for money is the weirdest, simplest, and most strangely satisfying side hustle I’ve ever tried.
✅ Sources
- Smith, J. (2024). Gamified Health: Breathing Apps and Side Hustles. Tech & Wellness Journal.
- Patel, R. (2023). Monetizing Everyday Actions: The Future of Micro Tasks. Digital Economy Review.
- Reddit Threads – r/SideHustleWeird (2025). User experiences with breathing-for-cash apps.
- Personal 7-day experiment with the “loud breathing” app.
Written by the author, Fatima Al-Hajri 👩🏻💻
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