Today, teenagers can earn money on the Internet and achieve financial freedom. They are way past the usual lawn mowing, babysitting, or bagging groceries. The web offers various online side hustles for teens that are geared toward side jobs and success with the right strategies.
This article discusses the best side hustles for teens to earn money. A young person can choose from the following methods to earn extra cash during their spare time, and who knows, some of these options can become full-time business in the future. And the best part is, they don’t have to leave home!
1. Earn Cash by Completing Online Surveys
Paid online surveys are one of the easiest side hustles for teens to earn money online, especially those who want their opinions heard. Countless online platforms offer paid surveys if you’re going to get paid for your opinions. When you participate in sharing your thoughts and ideas, companies can get insights from various consumers, allowing them to improve their products and services.
Keep in mind that paid online surveys are not a quick-rich scheme. Teenagers can access the internet and answer surveys on their phones during breaks between classes. Companies pay enough to let you earn money for extra allowance, gas for your car, or save up for a new gadget you’ve been eyeing. Some sites offer a fixed number of surveys per person. Trying out various paid surveys all at once is a good idea.
What are online surveys?
These surveys are research tools companies, organizations, and researchers use to collect data about specific products, services, or topics. They are typically composed of a series of questions that participants answer.
For teens, participating in online surveys is as easy as signing up on a survey platform, answering questions, and getting paid for it. It’s an ideal side hustle that can be done during breaks between classes or in their spare time.
How to Get Started
The first step to complete online surveys is to find legitimate online survey sites. There are many platforms available online that offer paid surveys. However, it’s essential to do some research and read reviews to avoid scams. Some popular and reputable survey sites include Swagbucks or Survey Junkie. You can earn a free gift card or cash. Most survey sites allow users to participate and require a valid email address.
Once you’ve chosen a platform, you must sign up and create an account. You may be asked to provide information about yourself during registration. This information is used to match you with surveys that fit your demographic.
After registration, you can start taking surveys. Each survey typically takes 5-20 minutes to complete. The number of surveys you can take may vary depending on the platform and your demographic.
Related: How to Make Money Online with Cars
2. Get Paid to Review Songs
Music is a universal language that exceeds borders and generations. This passion can be transformed into a profitable venture – reviewing songs and getting paid for it.
What is a song review?
A song review involves listening to a track and providing constructive feedback about it. This feedback could be about the melody, lyrics, production quality, or the song’s overall feel. The purpose of reviewing songs is to assist artists and music producers improve their work based on listeners’ perspectives.
How do you get started with song reviews?
The first thing is to find a legitimate platform for song reviews.
There are several online platforms where teens can get paid to review songs. These include Slicethepie and HitPredictor.
After setting up your account, you can start reviewing songs. Each platform has its own set of guidelines for reviewing. Generally, you’ll need to listen to a song, write a review, and submit it. Ensure your reviews are honest, detailed, and constructive to increase your credibility and earning potential.
Related: How to Start a Streaming Music Business: Building an App Like Spotify
3. Do Freelance Jobs to Earn Money Online
Freelancing is one of the best side hustles for teens.
Teenagers with specific skill sets can look for online job boards for freelance work. It can be copywriting, video editing, translation, app development, or marketing. Various platforms offer legitimate jobs they can apply to, provided they are willing to work diligently.
Freelance jobs are considered to be the future of the work industry. It’s good for them to be on board early and learn the ropes while young.
What is freelancing?
Freelancing involves offering various clients your skills or services on a project-by-project basis. As a freelancer, you’re self-employed and can choose which projects you want to work on.
Freelancing provides a flexible work schedule so that you can work according to your own schedule. Also, there is the opportunity to work on diverse projects and the chance to learn and hone valuable skills. Plus, it allows you to earn money while pursuing what you love.
How to get started with freelancing?
The first step in starting your freelance journey is identifying your skills. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? These could be anything from writing and coding to design and video editing.
You can join a website and register with your full name and other details to access the list of jobs where they might qualify. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are popular platforms for finding various freelance jobs.
You need an active account with your educational background and experience in related or unrelated jobs. Make sure to highlight your skills and any relevant work you’ve done in the past. You can only apply for a job once your account is approved.
Job boards allow applicants to contact clients who posted the jobs. They can bid for the job or project if their qualifications match.
The payment will depend on the client’s willingness to pay an hourly rate or a fixed sum for the project or skill level. Before accepting work, you must have a bank account where the clients can send payments. If you don’t, clients can use third-party payment processors instead.
4. Freelance Writing
Another great option to earn extra money from many side hustles for teens is freelance writing. This venture not only allows teens to earn extra money but also helps teens hone their writing skills and gain valuable experience in the professional world.
What is freelance writing?
This writing involves creating content on a project-by-project basis for various clients. As a freelance writer, you’re self-employed and can choose which projects you want to work on.
The writing assignments can vary from blog posts and articles to product descriptions, social media content, and more.
How to get started?
The first step is to identify what type of writing you excel at or enjoy. Are you good at crafting engaging blog posts? Or perhaps you have a knack for writing compelling product descriptions? Identifying your strengths will help you market your skills effectively.
Next, find a platform that connects freelancers with potential clients.
If there are policies for those above 18 years old, you can get a family member to open the account on your behalf, and then you can manage jobs.
Once you’ve selected a platform, sign up and create an account. Highlight your writing skills, educational background, and any relevant experience. If you have your writing samples, be sure to include them as well.
After your account is approved, apply for writing jobs aligning with your skills. Tailor each application to the specific job, showcasing how your skills and experience make you the right fit for the project.
Once a client shows interest in hiring you, it’s time to discuss payment. This could be an hourly rate or a fixed sum for the project. Do some research to determine what others with similar skills are charging and negotiate a fair price. If you succeed in finding a few regular clients, you will start earning extra money online.
5. Get Paid To Play Games
This is one of the most exciting side hustles for teens to earn extra money online as a part-time job while they play video games.
If you crave excitement, you can earn extra cash by playing games. If you enjoy playing video games online or offline, there are bound to be game app creators looking for testers to pay. Many are making money from playing games, and video game influencers take advantage of it as a primary revenue system.
The players willing to try out various game genres are growing in numbers. If you love games, there are different avenues you can use. You can create video game content, become a blogger, participate in gaming competitions, or live stream your video game session.
The money you’ll earn from playing will vary depending on your game or sponsorship involvement. The kind of content you create and how much time you dedicate will influence your earnings. Gamer earnings can range from USD$20 to USD$200 per hour for playing, albeit establishing an average is impossible.
Professional gamers earn significantly more from game tournaments that offer cash prizes and recognition. These tournaments have sponsors; hence, gamers can earn thousands of dollars per tournament.
6. Write Blog Content
Writing blog content is another side hustle where teenagers can earn extra cash online, and it has the potential to go from a part-time job to a full-time income generator, depending on various factors. If you like writing, researching, and fact-checking with a pen chance for creativity, blogging as your own business could be for you. You can earn from it without leaving home.
Although it has the potential to earn big money, blogging is a slow and steady process and not for those who want to succeed overnight. Those who love writing won’t mind its challenges and can become money earners in a year or two. Readers still turn to blogs for information; well-written ones attract a following.
Blogging is potentially a money-making passive income that can become a real business. It’s easy to start on it as a side job that you can do in your spare time after your school duties.
You can help promote blogs using social media to gain interested readers. Your family and friends can even help you share your blogs with people they know.
Some online platforms allow bloggers to create and customize blogs with graphics and layout designs that can attract attention. Likewise, ensure that you are clear with the niche you would like to write about in your blog and stick to one initially (e.g., technology), then gradually introduce some related niches once you reach more readers and gain sponsors.
7. Proofread Other People’s Work
Proofreading is the final stage of the editing process that ensures content is error-free before it’s published. It involves checking written material for grammatical, punctuation, spelling, and formatting errors.
The demand for proofreading services has grown with the rise in content creation, providing great opportunities for teens to earn a few extra bucks.
To be a successful proofreader, you must have a strong proficiency in the language you’ll be proofreading. This includes understanding grammar rules, punctuation, and spelling.
Different types of writing require different styles and tones. Familiarize yourself with various writing styles, such as academic, blog, business, and creative writing. This will help you understand the appropriate language usage for each style.
Next, look for proofreading jobs on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. You can also reach out to local businesses, schools, or individuals who might need proofreading services.
Once you land a job, ensure you deliver high-quality work. Be thorough and diligent in your proofreading. This will increase your chances of getting more jobs in the future and generate extra cash as a teenager.
8. Online Tutoring Services
Today, teenagers can earn a few dollars with online tutoring as a side hustle. This venture allows teens to monetize their knowledge and skills and provides them with valuable experience in teaching and communication.
What is Online Tutoring
Online tutoring involves providing school assistance over the Internet. As an online tutor, you’ll teach students in various subjects or areas you excel in, ranging from math and science to language arts or musical instruments.
You can also create online courses focusing on tutoring topics and sell them on your own website.
How to Start with Online Tutoring
First, you must identify a particular subject or skill you excel in and are confident about teaching. Your subject could be academic, like math or science, or it could be a skill, like playing an instrument or a foreign language.
Decide whether you’ll offer one-on-one tutoring or group sessions. While one-on-one tutoring allows for personalized attention, group sessions are more cost-effective for students.
Set your rates accordingly. Also, you can create an online course and sell it at an appropriate time when there is a need for tutoring topics.
Attract students by promoting your tutoring services via various channels. This can be through social media sites, a personal website or blog on your own website, or even flyers in your local community. Word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied students can also help you gain more clients.
Before each session, prepare lesson materials based on the student’s needs and subject matter. This might include worksheets, practice problems, or online resources that complement the learning experience.
9. Become A Virtual Assistant
One side hustle to earn more money is by becoming a virtual assistant (VA). This role involves remotely providing administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients.
A virtual assistant performs various tasks depending on the client’s needs. These tasks could include data entry, scheduling appointments, managing emails, conducting research, or even handling social media accounts.
Start by identifying your strengths and skills. If you’re organized, good at managing time, proficient in Microsoft Office, or knowledgeable about social media, these skills could be beneficial as a virtual assistant.
Create a professional profile on the freelance platforms we have mentioned earlier and highlight your skills, experience, and services that you can offer as a virtual assistant.
Apply for VA jobs that match your skills. Remember to customize your proposal for each job, explaining how your skills and services can benefit the client.
Once you land a job, ensure you deliver high-quality work. Meet deadlines, communicate effectively with your clients, and always maintain professionalism
10. Try Online Selling to Earn Money
Teenagers can also make money by selling stuff online, like physical or digital products. If they have old items at home that are reusable and still in good condition, they can make quick cash and organize their space simultaneously.
There are platforms where they can create a listing for free. They can sell old furniture, clothing, or anything they own that has not been used for a while but is still usable. People would buy items online to reuse, flip, or get components for repair work. You can also post what you sell on your social media accounts or use online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace.
Digital products are different as they are not tangible objects you can hold. They require no shipping, and you can create some products yourself instead of sourcing from creators and selling them on your own online store.
The best thing about digital products is that you don’t need to maintain a physical storage room for inventory. You won’t also have to deal with suppliers and delays.
You can make the following yourself using specific apps coupled with your creativity:
- eBooks
- Email templates
- Photoshop templates
- Worksheets
- Infographics
- Guides and instructions
- Reference kits
- Photography collections
- Interactive greeting cards
- Website themes
11. Sell Old Clothes At Online Consignment Shops
One side hustle opportunity to earn money is selling old clothes at online consignment shops. This approach not only helps declutter your wardrobe but also enables you to monetize items you no longer need or wear.
Online consignment shops are platforms where you can sell used or new clothing items. These platforms provide a marketplace where sellers can list their items, and buyers can browse through these listings to find products that interest them.
Begin by sorting through your wardrobe and separating clothes you no longer need. Ensure that these clothes are still in good condition, as buyers typically prefer well-preserved and clean items.
Select an online consignment shop to list your clothes. Some popular options include Poshmark, ThredUP, and Depop. Each platform has its own set of rules and fees, so research each option to find the one that suits you best.
Create a seller account on your chosen platform and follow the instructions provided to set up your account. Remember, honesty and transparency are key to building trust with potential buyers.
Take clear, well-lit photos of your clothes from different angles. Write detailed descriptions, including each item’s brand, size, color, material, and condition. Be sure to disclose any flaws or defects to maintain credibility with your buyers.
Set a fair price for each item. You can research similar items on the platform to understand what price range to set. Remember, while your goal is to earn a few dollars, setting prices too high might deter potential buyers.
12. Try Online Grocery Delivery
One additional side hustle for teens is online grocery delivery services. This job involves picking out and delivering groceries to customers who have ordered them online.
Online grocery delivery covers receiving orders from customers via an app or website, shopping for those items at a local grocery store, and then delivering them to the customer’s doorstep.
Before you begin, check the legal requirements in your area. Some regions may require you to be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.
Several platforms offer online grocery delivery jobs. Some popular ones include Instacart, Shipt, and Amazon Fresh. Research each platform’s payment structure, requirements, and operating areas.
Once you’ve chosen a platform, apply for the job. You will need to fill out an online application and may have to pass a background check.
Upon acceptance, familiarize yourself with the process. This usually involves accepting a job through the app, shopping for the items at a local store, and then delivering them to the customer.
Related: How to Start a Food Delivery Business from Home
13. Design T-shirts Online
Artistic teenagers with a creative flair for graphic imagery can design t-shirts and earn as one side hustle.
There are platforms where they can upload their designs and position them on t-shirt templates. They can only contribute the designs and don’t have to create the product themselves, set up the selling page, or ship the items.
Some websites allow shirt design creations. These are then uploaded using the user’s free account. Other sites also enable users to customize the design’s style, color, and fonts.
After the customization, you will then set the price of the shirts. You will also have to exert some marketing efforts to spread the word about your items, like posting them on your social media profiles.
These websites will also have different modes of payment. They will pay you for your work every month or per the sale schedule. Some will pay a royalty of up to 20% per shirt. Others will allow you to price your shirts over the base price to keep the profit.
14. Test Websites for Cash
One possible side hustle for teens is testing websites for cash. This job involves evaluating and providing feedback on a website’s usability, design, and overall functionality.
Website testing is a process where you navigate a website as a user would while providing feedback on your experience. Companies use this information to improve their websites, making them more user-friendly and efficient.
To be a website tester, you’ll mainly need a stable internet connection, a computer, and, sometimes, a microphone to record your opinions verbally. You must also be able to articulate your thoughts clearly and provide constructive feedback.
Several platforms offer paid website testing opportunities. Some popular ones include UserTesting, TryMyUI, and Userfeel.
Sign up on the chosen platform and take a sample test if required. Once approved, you can start testing websites.
Each test typically takes 15-20 minutes and involves completing specific tasks on a website while speaking your thoughts aloud.
15. Take Up Social Media Management
If you don’t want to start your blog, you can also make money by managing other blogs as a side hustle. Some blog writers will look for experience when hiring a social media manager. If you have experience in social media presence and promotion and know how to engage followers, the right people will come to you.
Social media manager positions require you to have knowledge of various social media platforms and how they work. You may be asked to post ready-made content and respond to inquiries and comments made by your followers.
You can also write emails and newsletters about new content or updates to increase the site’s popularity.
16. Live Streaming
Live streaming has become an innovative way for teenagers to earn extra income.
Whether gaming or sharing personal experiences, it can offer a platform to express creativity and a means to monetize it.
Live streaming is broadcasting real-time video content to an audience over the internet. This can be done through various platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook.
The earnings from live streaming can vary greatly, depending on factors like viewer count, sponsorships, donations, and ad revenue.
First, you must identify what you’re passionate about and consider if it’s something that others would be interested in watching. This could be gaming, cooking, music, art, or any other hobby. Authentic content that reflects your true interests will attract a loyal audience.
You will need a stable internet connection, a decent webcam and microphone, and possibly some streaming software to start live streaming.
The quality of your stream can significantly impact viewer experience, so invest in good equipment if possible.
Begin by streaming content that you are passionate about. Consistency is key in building an audience, so create a schedule and stick to it. Engage with your viewers by responding to comments and creating a community.
Once you’ve built up a steady viewer base, you can start to monetize your stream. This can be achieved through platform-specific partnerships, viewer donations, sponsorships, ad revenue, or even selling merchandise.
17. Become a Brand Ambassador
The role of a brand ambassador involves promoting a company’s products or services, usually on social media or at events and can be both rewarding and fun.
A brand ambassador is someone who represents a brand in a positive light and helps increase brand awareness and sales. This can be done through various activities such as posting about the brand on social media, sharing a video on your YouTube channel, wearing or using the brand’s products, or attending events to represent the brand.
First, you must identify your interests and passions. Brands often look for ambassadors who genuinely love their products and align with their values.
Whether it’s fashion, tech, beauty, sports, or food, there’s likely a brand looking for someone like you.
They often choose ambassadors with a strong online presence. So, create engaging content around your interests and grow your social media following.
18. Start a YouTube Channel
A YouTube channel is an increasingly popular side hustle for teenagers to earn extra income in their free time. This platform allows you to share your passions, creativity, and knowledge while also monetizing your content.
YouTube monetization
YouTube offers several ways to earn income from your channel. These include ad revenue, channel memberships, merchandise shelf, Super Chat & Super Stickers, and YouTube Premium revenue.
However, to be eligible for monetization, you must meet certain criteria, including having at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours over the past 12 months or having 1,000 subscribers with 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
How to start a YouTube channel?
Identify what you’re passionate about and consider if it’s something that others would be interested in watching. This could be anything from gaming to cooking tutorials, DIY projects, or even study tips. Authentic content that aligns with your interests will attract a loyal audience.
Once you’ve identified your niche, create your YouTube channel. Ensure an engaging channel name, description, and design reflects your brand and content.
Start creating videos based on your niche and regularly upload them to your channel. Consistency and quality are key to growing your subscriber base and increasing your watch time.
Once you’ve met the eligibility requirements, apply for the YouTube Partner Program. If accepted, you can start making money from ads on your videos, channel memberships, and more.
19. Start Video Creation Service
This side hustle allows you to utilize your creativity and technical skills, offering a service that is in high demand in today’s content-driven world.
As a side hustle for teens, a video creation service involves producing videos for various purposes, such as promotional content, educational material, or entertainment.
The demand for quality video content is high across numerous industries, from businesses seeking promotional videos to bloggers needing content for their sites.
20. Start a Podcast for Teen Topics
Podcasts can be monetized in several ways. Some of the most common methods include sponsorships, donations, merchandise sales, and subscription services.
Once you’ve identified your general topic, it’s time to create your podcast. You’ll need basic equipment like a good microphone and editing software.
Ensure an engaging podcast name, description, and design reflects your brand and content.
Start creating episodes based on your chosen topics and regularly upload them on popular podcast platforms like Apple, Spotify, and Google. Consistency and quality are key to growing your listener base.
Once you’ve built a solid listener base, you can explore monetization options. This could involve finding sponsors for teen topics, setting up a donation system, selling merchandise, or offering premium content through a subscription service.
21. Get Paid to Take Pictures With Your Phone
In the age of smartphones and social media, getting paid to take pictures with your phone has become an increasingly popular way for teenagers to earn extra money. This side hustle allows you to use your creativity and your everyday device to generate income.
Firstly, you need to hone your photography skills. Understand the basics of composition, lighting, and editing. Start taking high-quality photos using your smartphone.
Remember, the quality of your photos is key in attracting buyers or winning contests. Be creative and unique in your approach.
Upload your photos on platforms and online marketplaces like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or EyeEm, where individuals and businesses can purchase them for various uses. Each platform has its own payment structure, usually paying you a commission for each photo sold.
22. Earn Money From eBooks
Another side hustle you can consider is writing eBooks in your free time. If you’re also a poet or someone with a way with words, you can turn them into eBooks through digital self-publishing. It allows you to create stories, instructional materials, or non-fiction works and sell them to anyone interested in your output.
Some platforms offer self-publishing. Others allow users to sell published works directly to customers and deduct a fee. Some platforms also encourage users to create their own stores and sell physical copies of books.
Selling eBooks is profitable, but it’s also a great way to collect leads when you want to do a marketing funnel. It becomes a magnet for leads because it allows you to collect email addresses. Some will offer eBooks in return for signups.
Moreover, create eBooks with evergreen content. They are topics that won’t change or evolve as soon as they are published. It is proven to be the best-selling eBook for making passive income.
How to Make Money as a Teenager: Final Thoughts
Money-making hustles for teenagers have evolved over the years because of the internet. They have more options than before other than doing manual labor.
Digital jobs and opportunities have also allowed individuals with physical limitations to support themselves monetarily. Because of these advantages, teenagers are encouraged to learn more skills they can use in this technological era.
