Instawork Review (2024) – Is It Legit & Worth It?

These days, there are plenty of ways to make quick money if you're between jobs or are looking for extra work. Between various gig apps and on-demand job apps, you can usually find same-day work in your area or even start a new career.

Instawork is an example of one of these apps. And it claims you can make $25 per hour and find gigs in just a few hours.

But is Instawork legit? And how do you actually find gigs with this app?

I downloaded and tested out the app to find out. And my Instawork review is covering all of its features, types of gigs, and pros and cons so you can decide if this app is worth using.

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About Instawork

Instawork is a flexible staffing solution and on-demand job app that began in 2016. The company was founded by Sumir Meghani, and since its inception, it's grown to a network of over 1 million workers.

There are two sides of Instawork's business:

• Businesses: Instawork helps small businesses and nation-wide retails find same-day, temporary workers to help with staffing needs.
• Workers: People can find flexible shifts with Instawork to make quick money in their spare time.

Overall, Instawork provides a simple way to work more hours per week if you're looking for work or need to make fast cash.

Is Instawork Legit?

Yes, Instawork is legit and lets gig workers find temporary jobs to make more money. The app has plenty of positive reviews and testimonials. There's also payment proof online, and Instawork works with thousands of businesses and brands and is a reputable company.

I also tested out Instawork and found that the app is very easy to use. Overall, it's one of the highest-paying apps in the gig economy space since it can connect you to dozens of income opportunities.

For most people, Instawork isn't a replacement for full-time income. But you can use the app to find quick cash gigs near you if you're in a pinch.

How Does Instawork Work?

I downloaded Instawork to learn how the app works and to create a profile before writing this review.

If you want to use Instawork to find a same-day job that pays, the process is very simple. In fact, this job app only takes five steps which we're going to cover in more detail below.

1. Sign Up For Instawork

The first step to using Instawork is to create an account. You can do this by entering your name, email, and phone number on Instawork's website.

From there, Instawork directs you to download its app. You can download it for free on the Android or iOS app store. Once you verify your phone number, you're ready to find jobs with Instawork and unlock the full potential of the app.

But first, you answer a short questionnaire that asks you questions like:

• How many hours you want to work per week
• How far you're willing to travel for work
• What kind of hourly wage you're looking for
• When you're available to work
• How much notice you need before accepting a shift

Answering these questions helps Instawork understand more about you, your income goals, and flexibility.

After the questionnaire, you enter your Zip code so the app can highlight open shifts in your area.

While I was testing out the Instawork app, I entered my Zip code in Florida. Apparently, 631 shifts were completed in my area recently, netting Instawork workers nearly $7,500 in extra income. Not bad!

2. Complete Your Profile

Instawork is similar to apps like JobGet and Wonolo, and you have to complete your profile before you actually apply to jobs.

The entire process doesn't take too long, and you must complete your profile before you're allowed to apply to Instawork gigs.

The first step is to upload a profile photo and to pick the types of gigs and industries you're interested in.

Examples of common Instawork gigs include:

• Barista
• Bartender
• Event server
• Food service worker
• General labor
• Housekeeper
• Line cook
• Retail worker
• Steward
• Warehouse worker

But again, you need to complete your profile before you run off and apply to a bunch of jobs. This involves entering previous work experience, completing short training modules, and adding a profile photo.

And again: you have to do this before you're considered an “active Instawork worker” and can actually apply to jobs.

All in all, expect to spend about 10 to 15 minutes setting up your Instawork profile.

3. Apply To Jobs

Instawork's main tab has a list of different job categories where you can find open shifts.

These categories are based on the categories you picked when signing up. But you can also add more interests to unlock more job categories.

Once you pick a job category, Instawork shows you open shifts in your area.

In my app, I picked the “Event Server shifts” category. It had a few jobs, one of which was the same day and pays $25.44 for a total of $178.08.

As you can see, Instawork has a notification that I have to “Get Activated” to book the open shifts. Again, this is because you have to complete your full profile before you're allowed to apply to gigs.

And if you tap on a specific gig, it also shows additional requirements the employer might require.

For example, one of the event server jobs wanted me to enter my birthday, add a profile photo, get 2 recommendations on my Instawork profile, and add work experience to my profile.

Instawork also recommends completing its in-app quizzes and verifying my identity to make my profile stand out.

As you can see, this job isn't really available for a first-time app user because I need two recommendations. This means I need to find other Instawork shifts, apply, complete them, and then get a positive review from the business.

This whole game of cat and mouse means it can take a bit of time to find gigs with Instawork when you're brand new.

But the trade-off is it becomes easier to land shifts the more you use the app, so long-term Instawork workers can make more money.

4. Complete Shifts

If you apply to an Instawork shift and get approved, you're finally ready to make some extra money!

Instawork also has some tips for how to prepare for your first shift.

These tips include:

• Making sure you know how to get to the shift's location
• Making sure you have transportation for that day
• Confirming your shift 16 to 24 hours before the start time

Instawork also wants you to arrive 15 minutes early. Once the shift starts, you have to confirm its start-time within the app as well.

Also note that Instawork doesn't want you to use your smartphone while you're on shift. And if you want a good rating, you need to work hard and show great customer service skills and work ethic.

When your shift is over, you can ask the business if they need more help. If not, check out of your shift within the app to end the shift.

Also double-check the app to make sure all the hours line-up so you're getting credit for the time you worked.

5. Get Paid

Instawork pays you weekly through direct deposit for the shifts you worked the previous Monday through Sunday. Payments process on Wednesday which means you usually see your Instawork earnings in your bank account by Friday or Saturday.

Getting paid through direct deposit is a perk. Overall, Instawork has a similar payment schedule to other gig apps like DoorDash and Instacart.

Just note that some gigs involve working as an independent contractor while others are W-2 roles since Instawork partners with some massive companies.

If you work a W-2 role, taxes get deducted from your paycheck automatically. If you work a 1099 gig, you're responsible for accurately reporting your income and filing taxes yourself.

How Much Does Instawork Pay?

In a welcome email I got, Instawork says you can make $700 a week with its app. It also states you can earn $25+ per hour with many gigs. And when I was looking at Instawork gigs in my app, many gigs paid $15 to $20 per hour, and a few paid $20 to $25 or more.

According to Indeed Instawork pay reviews, here's how much different gigs pay on average:

• Dishwasher: $14.79 per hour.
• Laborer: $14.65 per hour.
• Line Cook: $15.85 per hour.
• Prep Cook: $18.26 per hour.
• Warehouse Associate: $14.69 per hour.
• Warehouse Worker: $14.95 per hour.

In short, expect to make $15 per hour or $20 depending on the gig category. If you land enough gigs, this means Instawork can likely make you a few hundred dollars in extra income per month.

Instawork Pro Program

One of the best ways to make more money with Instawork is to become an Instawork Pro.

This rewards program awards the top workers with perks like bonus earnings, cash raffles, early access to shifts, and the ability to get paid instantly for some shifts.

There are four different Instawork Pro tiers, each with different requirements and rewards.

Generally, you have to work a certain number of shifts and not have any “no shows” or late cancellations to qualify as an Instawork Pro.

The top tiers have rewards like $100 cash bonuses and up to 25% more pay for certain shifts, so it's definitely a lucrative program.

You can read about the requirements to become an Instawork Pro in the app or on Instawork's website.

Other Instawork Reviews

After downloading Instawork and looking through its gigs, I think it's a legitimate app with excellent variety. And I like how easy the app is to use and the fact that it pays you real money.

But one of the best ways to tell if a gig app is worth using or not is to see what other users have to say about their experiences.

For starers, Instawork has over a 4.5 star rating on both the Google Play Store and Apple store, with thousands of reviews. And here's what some other Instawork reviews have to say in a Reddit thread about how much money they made:

• One user says: “It varies by region, but be wary of event gigs. I've seen event/catering bartending gigs offered, parties of 200+ with an open bar (no tip jar) paying a flat rate of 12 bucks an hour, which is doubly insulting because they're probably charging their clients a 20% gratuity. I have a friend who found a great full time gig through it, though.”
• raxhel88 says: “So I did the video and submitted pics of my attire, just in case . But ive been waiting for my profile to be approved for almost a month. I went onto the chats and did get a reply but it didn't help since my profile is still pending.”
• tiffheart90 says: “I’m working for them now I’m in Southern California so about $22 -$25 on average and then holiday rates were crazy I saw an event for $38.”
• RecklessInfusion says: “I'm working for them as well. If you have prior experience in factory work it's worth it. I make 16.50- 18.50 and Was able to book 40hrs worth of work.”

As you can see, many users make decent money with Instawork, although it can take a while to get activated.

The sign-up process and learning how the app works are slight downsides. But if you find steady gigs, Instawork can realistically pay you a few hundred dollars extra per month.

This Instawork review from gig economy expert Hannibal Is Hungry also shares how the app works and the types of gigs you can find.

In his review, Hannibal explains how he likes the number of available jobs you can find on Instawork. And he also likes that this is a car-free side hustle since many gigs don't involve driving.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Variety of job categories
• Know job pay upfront
• Earn $15 to $20+ per hour with many jobs
• Get jobs faster the more you work and the more recommendations you get
• Instawork Pro bonuses like free money and higher pay
• Get paid weekly through direct deposit

Cons:

• The sign-up process can be a bit confusing for new users
• You have to get activated to begin getting shifts
• You have to improve your profile to get steadier work, which takes a bit of time

The Best Apps Like Instawork

If you like the premise of Instawork but want to get even more shift work, you're in luck!

Some of the best Instawork alternatives you can use include:

• Steady: Find local gig opportunities and track your side hustle with the free Steady app!
• Oppizi: This gig pays you to walk and deliver flyers to people in your city.
• JobGet: Apply to part-time and full-time jobs in your area in just a few minutes with JobGet.
• Uber Eats: A flexible food delivery gig you can use to make money with your bike, car, or scooter.
• Instacart: Earn $15 to $20+ per hour delivering groceries as an Instacart Shopper
• Wonolo: Apply to temporary shift work with the free Wonolo app.
• Amazon Flex: One of my favorite package delivery gigs that pays $18 to $25 per hour.
• Walmart Spark: Another flexible delivery gig you can try out.

Jobs like Instacart and DoorDash are the most flexible and steady apps like Instawork you can use.

But if you don't want to use driving apps that pay and prefer shift work, JobGet and Wonolo are your best bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Instawork Pay Daily?

No, Instawork doesn't pay daily and pays you weekly for the shifts you completed the previous week. However, Instawork Pros can sometimes use the Instapay feature and get paid immediately after completing certain shifts.

How Do You Get An Instawork Rating?

The business you work for can give you a rating after you complete a shift. This is why it's important to work hard and to show a strong sense of work ethic so you get positive ratings on your profile.

What If I Need To Cancel A Shift?

You can cancel upcoming gigs within Instawork's app. However, cancellations are reviewed by Instawork's support team on a case-by-case basis.

Additionally, canceling with less than 24 hours notice, or more than 2 cancellations in a 30 day period, results in a 14-day suspension. And if you cancel more than once with less than 24 hours, you might get permanently deactivated.

Extra Reading – The Best Ways To Make $500 A Day.

How Does Instawork Pay?

Instawork pays you through direct deposit for the shifts you completed the previous Sunday to Monday.

Final Thoughts

I hope our Instawork review helps you decide if this gig app is right for you and also sets some realistic expectations.

In busy markets, you can probably make a few hundred dollars extra per month with this app.

However, you need to put in some time to create your profile. And the more ratings you get, the easier it becomes to land shifts.

Just remember: plenty of other gigs like making money with DoorDash or Uber Eats can also help you increase your income if you're waiting for Instawork to activate you.

Happy hustling!

Looking for even more ways to make extra money? Checkout:

• The Best Apps That Pay You To Play Games.
• How To Make $5,000 Quickly.
• How To Turn $100 Into $1,000.