Idlen is a browser and editor extension that lets developers earn passive income by monetizing idle time during AI processing with tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, and Lovable.
What is Idlen?
Idlen is a free extension for VS Code, Chrome, and Firefox that displays relevant developer-tool ads during AI response wait times, turning seconds into earnings. It integrates with Claude, ChatGPT, V0, Bolt, Lovable, Cursor, Windsurf, and Replit. No code or personal data is sent off your machine—only an anonymous ad request based on local package.json analysis. Users earn €20–100 per month, with payouts via Stripe, PayPal, or a 10% credit bonus.
Key Features
- Passive Income — Earn €20–100/month without changing how you use AI tools; payouts via Stripe, PayPal, or 10% bonus as credits.
- Zero Latency — Ads load only during AI processing, so there’s no impact on editor or browser performance.
- 100% Private — Your code never leaves your machine; only anonymous ad requests are sent (package.json analyzed locally).
- Flexible Payouts — Withdraw earnings via Stripe, PayPal, or take a 10% bonus as platform credits.
- Team Support — Shared earnings pool for teams (see Team Support).
- Works Everywhere — Supports VS Code, Cursor, Chrome, Firefox, and all major AI tools including Claude, ChatGPT, V0, Bolt, Lovable, Windsurf, and Replit.
Who is it for?
- Developers using Claude, ChatGPT, or Cursor — Earn passive income while waiting for AI responses during coding sessions.
- No‑code builders using Lovable, V0, or Bolt — Monetize every AI request without changing your workflow.
- Indie hackers and freelancers — Cover subscription costs for tools like ChatGPT Plus or Claude Pro with passive earnings.
- For advertisers and AI app builders, Idlen also offers native ad placement and monetization APIs — see Explore ad formats and Start monetizing.
What can you do with Idlen?
- Fund your subscriptions — Use earnings to pay for ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro, or V0 Premium; the calculator on the site shows typical coverage levels.
- Discover curated developer tools — See contextual ads for cloud hosting, databases, APIs, and dev tools only during AI wait time, with no spam or clickbait.
- Earn passively with zero effort — Install once, use AI as usual, and let Idlen run in the background; no workflow changes needed.
How does Idlen work?
- Install the extension on VS Code, Cursor, Chrome, or Firefox (one click).
- Use AI as usual — the extension detects wait times from supported tools like Claude, ChatGPT, or Cursor.
- Earn passively — Relevant developer‑tool ads appear only during AI processing; earnings are credited to your account and available for payout.
Pricing
Idlen is free to install and use. There are no subscription fees for developers. Earnings from ad impressions are paid directly to users, with no hidden cuts.
FAQ
Is my code safe and private?
Yes. Idlen never reads, stores, or transmits your source code. Package.json is analyzed locally for ad relevance; only an anonymous ad request is sent. The extension code is open for security review.
Will Idlen slow down my editor or browser?
No. Ads are fetched and displayed only during AI response wait times, so there is no latency impact on your editor, browser, or AI tool performance.
How do I get paid?
You can withdraw earnings via Stripe or PayPal, or receive a 10% bonus as platform credits. No minimum payout threshold is mentioned—payments are processed monthly.
What kind of ads will I see?
Ads are curated developer tools in categories like cloud hosting, databases, APIs, and dev utilities. No spam or clickbait; ads appear only during AI waiting periods.
