Have you ever scrolled through online reviews and thought, “Some of these are so weird, I could totally write something like this”? Well, imagine getting paid for writing completely fake reviews for imaginary products. Sounds bizarre? It is—but it’s real.
Yes, there’s an odd side of the gig economy where creativity, humor, and imagination collide, letting people earn cash by inventing products, crafting reviews, and telling stories that don’t exist. I tried it, and it was hilarious, surprisingly lucrative, and oddly satisfying.
Here’s my full experience, along with tips, examples, and insights into this quirky world.
How I Discovered This Unusual Side Hustle
It all started one evening while I was browsing freelance job boards. Amid standard gigs like graphic design and writing articles, I found something strange:
“Get paid to write product reviews for imaginary items. Creativity encouraged. Fun guaranteed.”
At first, I thought it was a scam. How could anyone pay you for reviewing something that doesn’t exist? But curiosity got the better of me, and I clicked.
The platform explained that some marketing agencies, social media campaigns, and gamified apps needed quirky content for engagement. They wanted fictional products like:
- Anti-gravity shoes for cats
- Self-folding clothes hangers
- Invisible umbrellas for sunny days
…and users were paid to write humorous, convincing, or completely over-the-top reviews.
My First Imaginary Product Review
My first assignment was for a “Self-Walking Dog Leash”—a leash that supposedly walks your dog by itself. I stared at my blank screen and thought, “How do I even review this?”
Here’s what I wrote:
“I wasn’t sure if this leash would actually work, but my dog walked herself for a full 15 minutes without any intervention. I finally had time to sip coffee and read a book! Highly recommend for any busy pet owner.”
The platform approved it, and I earned $5 instantly. I was hooked.
Why Companies Want Fake Reviews
You might wonder, isn’t this unethical? Surprisingly, many companies use fictional reviews for:
- Content Marketing – Engaging readers with funny, imaginative content increases site traffic.
- Social Media Virality – Strange, humorous products get shares and comments.
- Creative Campaigns – For apps, games, or startup promotions, fictional reviews create buzz.
- Testing Ideas – Before investing in a real product, companies test reactions with fictional prototypes.
It’s a gray area—these reviews aren’t for tricking consumers but rather for marketing campaigns and creative engagement.
The Funniest Reviews I Wrote
Over the next few weeks, I experimented with various imaginary products. Some highlights:
1. Anti-Gravity Cat Shoes 😸
“My cat now hovers 3 inches above the floor. I tried to pet her, and she floated away like a tiny balloon. 10/10 for science-fiction pet lovers!”
2. Self-Folding Laundry Hamper 🧺
“I dumped my clothes in, and the hamper folded them into perfect piles. I suspect magic, but the result is spotless!”
3. Invisible Sunglasses 😎
“They look completely normal because you can’t see them. But they block the sun! Confused my neighbors, impressed my eyes.”
Each review had its own character and humor, which got likes and comments on the platform. Some even suggested I start a “fictional product review blog.”
How Much Can You Earn?
Here’s a realistic look at earnings:
- Per Review: $3–$10 depending on creativity and word count
- Weekly Earnings: $30–$100 if you write consistently
- Top Creators: Some freelancers make $200+ monthly by being prolific and imaginative
While it won’t replace a full-time salary, it’s perfect for side income, especially if you enjoy creative writing.
Tips for Writing Successful Fake Reviews
From my experience, here’s how to maximize engagement and earnings:
- Be Creative – The wilder, the better. Don’t be afraid to exaggerate.
- Use Humor – Funny reviews are more likely to be approved and shared.
- Stay Convincing – Even imaginary products need believable features.
- Include Details – Mention sizes, colors, moods, or “user experiences” to make reviews feel real.
- Engage Readers – Ask questions or suggest alternative uses to increase comments.
- Consistency Pays – Platforms reward users who post regularly.
The Unexpected Benefits
Aside from money, writing fake reviews had other perks:
- Improved Creativity – I learned to invent entire worlds in a few sentences.
- Writing Skills – Crafting short, engaging, and convincing reviews improved my copywriting.
- Stress Relief – Writing funny, absurd reviews was a mental escape from daily stress.
- Online Presence – My humorous reviews gained followers, opening doors to other creative gigs.
Ethical Considerations
Even though these reviews are for imaginary products, it’s important to stay ethical:
- Don’t Mislead Real Customers – Only write for designated fictional or marketing campaigns.
- Avoid Harmful Content – Humor is great, but offensive or dangerous jokes are unacceptable.
- Respect Platform Guidelines – Some platforms strictly monitor submissions for appropriateness.
By following these principles, you can enjoy this unusual gig responsibly.
Real-Life Examples from Other Creators
- A freelancer in Canada wrote fake reviews for a “Pet Translator Collar” and turned it into a viral Twitter thread.
- In Japan, a writer earned $50/month creating reviews for fictional snack foods on Instagram.
- Some TikTok creators combine fake product reviews with sketches, earning sponsorships from creative agencies.
Clearly, this niche has a growing community of imaginative side hustlers.
How to Get Started
- Sign Up on Legit Platforms – Look for marketing agencies or creative platforms offering “fictional review” projects.
- Start Small – Write 1–2 reviews to test your style.
- Experiment – Try absurd products, then mix in semi-plausible ones for balance.
- Track Earnings – Keep a simple spreadsheet to monitor payouts per review.
- Build a Portfolio – Showcase your best reviews to attract higher-paying projects.
Why This is Perfect for Creatives
If you love storytelling, humor, or writing, this is ideal because:
- It allows immediate creative expression.
- You receive instant feedback and micro-payments.
- You can explore absurd or sci-fi concepts in a low-risk way.
- It’s flexible—you can write anywhere, anytime.
✅ Sources
- Forbes – The Rise of Creative Side Hustles
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/03/10/the-rise-of-creative-side-hustles/ - Entrepreneur – Unusual Ways People Are Making Money Online
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/321896 - HubSpot – How Creative Marketing Content Drives Engagement
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/creative-content-marketing
💬 My experience was hilarious, creative, and surprisingly rewarding. And you—would you try writing fake reviews for imaginary products? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Written by the author, Fatima Al-Hajri 👩🏻💻
You must be logged in to post a comment.