Can I earn money with Cursor IDE?

Yes. Install the HitBack extension in Cursor IDE, sign in, and you earn a share of ad revenue when sponsored ads are shown during AI agent wait states — the seconds while Cursor AI is thinking or running tools.

Does HitBack work with Cursor AI?

HitBack is built for Cursor and other VS Code–compatible editors. It detects Cursor AI agent activity and shows ads at natural pause points, so you can earn with AI without interrupting your flow.

How do I install HitBack in Cursor?

Open Cursor, go to Extensions, search for HitBack, and install hitback.hitback-extension. Or use the install link on this page. Sign in once to start earning.

Cursor IDE · Cursor AI

Earn with Cursor while AI works

Q: What are AI wait state ads?

AI wait state ads are short sponsored messages shown only while an AI coding assistant is busy — not while you are typing or editing. In Cursor, HitBack detects when the agent is in a wait state and displays a relevant ad in a side panel.

HitBack is the AI wait state ads extension for Cursor IDE. Sponsored ads appear only when Cursor AI agents are thinking — never while you code. A simple way to earn with Cursor and earn with AI tooling you already use.

Install in Cursor

Open VSX VS Marketplace Developer earnings →

Built for Cursor IDE and Cursor AI

Cursor is the AI-native code editor millions of developers use for agentic coding. When you run a Cursor AI agent, there are natural pauses — tool calls, model latency, multi-step plans. Those moments are AI wait states. HitBack monetizes that idle time with respectful, opt-in sponsored ads so you can earn with Cursor instead of staring at a spinner.

Cursor-native

Works inside Cursor IDE as a standard extension. No fork, no hack — install and sign in.

Wait-state only

Ads show when Cursor AI is busy, not when you type, debug, or review diffs.

Real payouts

Developers earn a revenue share. Track balance and history in the developer portal.

What are AI wait state ads?

Traditional ads interrupt your work. AI wait state ads are different: they fill the gap while an AI assistant runs. In Cursor IDE, that means ads appear in a side panel during agent runs — aligned with how modern Cursor AI workflows actually feel. Advertisers reach developers at high-intent moments; developers earn with AI without changing how they ship code.

Install HitBack in Cursor from Extensions or the button above.
Sign in once — same account for the extension and earnings dashboard.
Use Cursor AI as usual. When the agent enters a wait state, a sponsored ad may appear.
Get paid your share when impressions are confirmed. Connect Stripe in the developer portal.

Start earning with Cursor today

Free for developers. Takes under a minute to install in Cursor IDE.

Install HitBack in Cursor

Advertise to Cursor developers

Reach developers who live in Cursor and other AI IDEs. Bid on inventory during AI wait states — premium attention without banner fatigue. Launch a campaign →

Frequently asked questions

Can I earn money with Cursor IDE?: Yes. Install HitBack in Cursor, sign in, and earn when ads are shown during Cursor AI agent wait states.
Is this only for Cursor, or VS Code too?: HitBack works in Cursor IDE and other VS Code–compatible editors. Cursor AI detection is a first-class use case.
Will ads pop up while I am typing?: No. HitBack targets AI wait states — when the agent is running, not when you are actively editing.
How is this different from generic “earn with AI” schemes?: HitBack is a real product: a published extension, server-verified impressions, and developer payouts. You earn from ads shown during your normal Cursor AI workflow.
How do advertisers buy this inventory?: Advertisers create campaigns in the advertiser portal, set bids, and pay for confirmed impressions during wait states.