Welcome to Connect!

Connect is CloudResearch’s participant platform, where researchers from universities, companies, and labs around the world recruit participants for online studies. Before you can begin participating in studies, every new sign-up goes through a verification process so we can confirm you’re a real person and eligible to take part.

This guide walks you through every step: what to do, when to expect what, and what happens after your review.

Step 1: Create your account

To get started, create an account here. You’ll be asked to provide some basic information about yourself, including your name and email address. Once you submit the form, you’ll receive a welcome email confirming that we’ve received your sign-up.

Please note: the welcome email is sent to everyone who signs up. It confirms that we’ve received your information. It DOES NOT mean your account has been approved yet. Verification and review has to take place before you can access studies.

Step 2: Upload your ID

After signing up, you’ll be asked to upload a government-issued ID through our verification partner, Verisoul. This step helps us confirm that you’re a real person and eligible to participate. For more info on how to complete the ID verification, please see here. 

When uploading your ID:

• Use a clear, well-lit photo
• Make sure all four corners of the ID are visible
• Ensure the text on the ID is legible

Your ID is reviewed securely by our team and is never shared with researchers. We take participant privacy seriously and store identification documents in line with our privacy policy.

Step 3: Complete the verification survey

Once your ID is uploaded, you’ll be asked to complete a short verification survey. The survey does not collect any personal information. You will be asked a series of questions that must be completed in one sitting. It will take 5-10 mins to complete.

Take your time and answer honestly.

Step 4: The review period

After you’ve submitted your ID and verification survey, your application enters our review queue. Reviews can take up to 30 days, though most are processed faster.

Even when we’re processing applications quickly, occasional spikes in sign-ups or ID verification reviews can extend review times. The 30-day window ensures we have enough time for a thorough review of every applicant.

During the review period, please:

• Watch your inbox for an email update
• Keep your email address current

Emailing us during the review window does not speed up the process. Our team is unable to share individual status updates.

Step 5: Receiving your decision

Once your review is complete, you’ll receive an email letting you know you've been approved. There are two possible outcomes.

If you’re approved

You’ll receive an email letting you know your account has been approved. From there, you can:

1. Sign back in to Connect
2. Complete your full profile — this helps you receive study invitations
3. Browse the dashboard for studies you qualify for
4. Accept and complete studies to earn payment

Each study has its own payment, requirements, and timing. You can review the details before accepting any study.

Once you start earning funds, please see our article here which explains how to cash out of funds. 

If you’re not approved

If our review team isn’t able to approve your account, you’ll see a message in your Connect account that says “We’re unable to grant access at this time.” We will not send an email if you're not approved.

We know that’s not the outcome anyone hopes for. 

This is a final decision, and we’re not able to share any further information about it. 

Specifically, our team isn’t able to:

• Share the specific reasons behind any non-approval decision due to the security and integrity of the platform
• Provide additional information about your application or review

This isn’t a reflection of you as a person and we sincerely appreciate the time you took to apply. 

Frequently asked questions

Why did I get a welcome email but no approval notice?

The welcome email is automatic and confirms we received your sign-up. Approval happens after your ID and verification survey are reviewed, which can take up to 30 days.

How will I be notified of the decision?

We’ll send an email to the address you signed up with. Make sure that email is current and that you check your spam or junk folder if you don’t see anything in your inbox.

What happens to my ID and personal information?

Your ID and profile information are kept private and stored securely. Researchers never see your identifying details that were submitted at the time of sign up.

Can I contact support if I wasn’t approved?

We understand the impulse, but unfortunately our support team isn’t able to respond to questions about non-approval decisions. We can’t share specific reasons or change the outcome. We appreciate your understanding.

Can I reapply if I’m not approved?

Approval decisions are final. Creating a new account with the same or different email will not allow access to studies. Duplicate accounts will be removed if detected.