You've probably seen those glossy, perfectly lit TikTok videos where an influencer swears a $40 serum changed their life. Then you buy it, and it feels like scented water. It’s annoying. That's exactly the vibe Noor Agha wanted to kill when he founded Flip in late 2019.
The Flip app isn't just another place to burn your paycheck. It’s a "social shopping network" that feels like a cross between a chaotic FaceTime call with your best friend and a high-end department store. Unlike other platforms where brands pay people to say nice things, Flip has a pretty aggressive rule: you can't talk about it unless you actually bought it on the app.
What is the Flip app and why is it blowing up?
Basically, it's a video-first marketplace. You scroll through a feed of short-form videos—just like TikTok or Reels—but every single person you see is a verified buyer. If you see someone reviewing a pair of running shoes, they didn't get them in a PR package. They paid for them with their own money.
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This creates a weirdly honest environment. You'll see people saying a product smells like old socks or that a dress fits like a literal potato sack. That honesty is why about one in eight people in the U.S. are already using it. People are tired of being sold to; they want to be talked to.
Flip keeps things tight by working directly with brands. You won't find third-party resellers or sketchy drop-shippers here. If you buy a product from e.l.f. or Goop on Flip, it’s coming from the source. They’ve even acquired platforms like Curated to bring "human experts" into the mix, so you can actually chat with someone who knows their stuff before you drop $500 on a new espresso machine.
How the money thing actually works
This is where it gets kinda wild. You can actually make money just by using the app, but it’s not a "get rich quick" scheme. It’s more like a digital side hustle for people who shop too much.
- Watch and Earn: You get paid a few cents for every video you watch. It sounds like peanuts—and it kind of is—but it adds up to meaningful discounts. You might see your "wallet" grow by $1.68 after watching 10 videos.
- The Review Payout: If you buy something and post a video review, you get a cut of the sales if someone else buys it after watching your clip. In 2023, some top creators were reportedly pulling in $5,000 a month.
- Engagement is King: Flip pays you more for people actually liking and commenting on your video than for the sale itself. About 70% of the payout is based on how much people interact with you.
- On the House: This is their "frequent flier" program. If you’re active and post good reviews, you hit tiers like Silver, Gold, or "Icon." High-tier users get free products—high-ticket stuff—just to review them.
The catch with the discounts
You'll see these massive "95% off" coupons floating around, especially if you invite friends. It’s a huge growth hack that helped them scale. But honestly, the math can be a bit tricky. Usually, you can only apply rewards to cover up to 30% or 40% of a single order. You’re not getting a free MacBook just by scrolling for three hours.
Also, the app uses what they call "roaming technology" to track your purchase to your door. They want to make sure you aren't faking the review. If the app knows the package hasn't arrived, you can't post the video.
Flip vs. TikTok Shop: The 2026 Reality
By now, TikTok Shop has become a bit of a flea market. It’s full of "viral" gadgets that break in two days and influencers doing "Live" sessions for 12 hours straight. Flip is trying to be the "clean" version of that.
The main difference? On Flip, the brands can't make their own content. They can't upload a polished commercial. They can only pay to "boost" a video that a real customer already made. If no one likes the product, the brand has nothing to boost. It’s a power shift that puts the shopper in charge.
Is it actually legit?
Yes, it’s legit, but it’s not perfect. If you check Trustpilot or Reddit, you’ll see people complaining about slow customer service or rewards that "expire" too fast. Some users have also noted that the app can feel like an impulse-buying trap. Because you're seeing "real" people love things, you're 82% more likely to buy something you didn't need.
There's also the confusion between the shopping app and "Flip CX," which is a separate AI-based customer service tool that just raised $20 million in early 2026. If you're looking to shop, make sure you're in the Flip: Shop, Watch & Earn app, not an enterprise worker tool.
Your Next Steps
- Download with a referral: Don't just sign up. Find a friend who uses it so you both get the "Free Cash" or high-percentage discount.
- Start with "Watch Rewards": Spend 5 minutes scrolling to build up a few dollars in your wallet before you make your first purchase.
- Check the "On the House" tab: Look at the requirements for the tiers. If you’re going to buy something anyway, you might as well aim for the freebies that come with the Silver tier.
- Verify the Brand: Stick to the "Direct from Brand" tags to ensure you're getting the same warranty and quality as you would on the official website.