Making money online as a teenager is easier than you might think. Whether you’re saving up for something big or just looking to earn extra spending money, here are 45 creative and simple ways to get started.
Tips to Maximize Your Online Earnings as a Teen
Set Up a Professional Email: Use a dedicated email account for work to help you stay organized and appear professional.
Click Links Carefully: Protect yourself from scams by only clicking links from trusted sources.
Set Boundaries: Make sure you’re comfortable with the work you take on and establish clear limits.
Invest Time in Learning: The more skills you acquire, the more money you can make. Always look for ways to improve.
Beware of Scams: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always research opportunities before committing.
Talk to Your Parents: Keep your parents informed about your online work. They can give you guidance and help keep you safe.
By following these ideas, teens can easily start making money online, all while gaining valuable skills for the future. Ready to start earning? Pick a strategy that excites you, put in the effort, and watch the cash flow in!
How to Make Money Online as a Teen
1. Review Music
Love discovering new tunes? Websites like SliceThePie pay teens to listen to and review music. You can get paid for your feedback, and it’s a great way to earn while enjoying new songs.
2. Affiliate Marketing
Promote other people’s products online and earn commissions when someone makes a purchase through your special affiliate link. You can share these links on social media, blogs, or YouTube channels.
3. Sell Your Photos
If you’re into photography, you can sell your images to stock photo sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Every time someone downloads one of your photos, you get paid.
4. Start a Blog
Blogging is a great way to share your interests and earn money through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. Write about topics you’re passionate about, and over time, your blog could bring in a steady stream of income.
5. Sell Handmade Goods on Etsy
Are you crafty? Sell handmade items like jewelry, art, or decor on Etsy. It’s a great way to make money while doing something you enjoy.
6. Take Online Surveys
Get paid for your opinions by taking online surveys on platforms like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie. While the earnings are small, it’s an easy way to make extra cash.
7. Start a Dropshipping Business
In dropshipping, you sell products online without holding inventory. When a customer places an order, the product ships directly from the supplier to the buyer. You earn more money by charging more than the supplier’s price.
8. Play Video Games for Money
If you love gaming, you can play games that reward you with cryptocurrency or cash prizes. Some blockchain-based games like Axie Infinity let you earn real money while playing.
9. Sell Custom Designs
Create designs and sell them on print-on-demand websites like Redbubble or Teespring. These platforms print your design on items like T-shirts, mugs, and phone cases, and you earn a commission for every sale.
10. Virtual Assistant Jobs
You can earn money by becoming a virtual assistant. Help businesses with tasks like managing emails, scheduling appointments, or as a social media manager. As a virtual assistant, you can work from home and earn steady income doing simple tasks.
11. YouTube Channel
If you love making videos, start a YouTube channel. Whether you’re into gaming, vlogging, or tutorials, you can monetize your content through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
12. Test Websites and Apps
Before websites and apps go live, companies need feedback. Platforms like UserTesting pay you to test out websites or apps and share your experience.
13. Social Media Management
Know how to grow a social media following? Offer your skills to businesses that need help by become their social media manager, managing their accounts, posting content, and engaging with followers.
14. Freelance Writing
If you’re a good writer, freelance writing can be a great way to earn money. Write blog posts, articles, or even eBooks for websites and businesses.
15. Sell Your Art
Artists can sell their work online to collectors or through online galleries like Fine Art America or Artfinder. If you create drawings, paintings, or digital art, this is a great way to earn from your passion.
16. Sell Your Clothes
Clean out your closet and sell clothes you no longer wear on platforms like Poshmark, Depop, or thredUP. It’s a simple way to earn some cash while decluttering.
17. Create an Online Course
If you’re knowledgeable in a particular subject, create a course and sell it on Udemy or Teachable. From coding to cooking, there are endless topics you can teach.
18. Sell eBooks
Got a story to tell or expertise to share? Write an eBook and sell it on Amazon or other eBook platforms. You can write about anything from fiction to how-to guides.
19. Twitch Streaming
Love playing video games or hosting live chats? Streaming on Twitch can be a fun way to earn money through ads, donations, and subscriptions from your viewers.
20. Game Boosting
If you’re skilled at competitive games like League of Legends or Apex Legends, you can boost your income by offering game-boosting services to help others level up.
21. Transcribe Audio
Get paid to transcribe audio files into text. Websites like Rev and GoTranscript offer transcription jobs that are perfect for teens looking for online jobs.
22. Create YouTube Thumbnails
Design eye-catching thumbnails for YouTube creators who need help grabbing attention. Good thumbnails can significantly boost video views, and many creators are willing to pay for them.
23. Sell Digital Products
Design and sell digital products like printables, worksheets, or planners on Etsy or Gumroad. Once you create a digital product, it can sell over and over again. Use tools like Canva to create them.
24. Data Entry Jobs
Simple data entry jobs are perfect for teens looking for an. online job. You can find data entry jobs on freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
25. Review Ads
Watch short video ads and get paid for it. Platforms like InboxDollars will pay you to sit through a few minutes of ads in exchange for a bit of cash.
26. Sell Website Themes
If you’re good at web design, create website themes and sell them on ThemeForest. Many people prefer buying pre-made themes to save time on building a website from scratch.
27. Proofreading
If you have a good eye for detail, offer proofreading services. You can find gigs on freelancing platforms or work with students and businesses to help improve their writing.
28. Translating
If you speak more than one language, offer your services as a translator. Websites like Gengo let you translate documents, audio files, or web content for cash.
29. Flipping Instagram Accounts
Grow Instagram accounts, then sell them to businesses or influencers looking for a head start. You can also sell shoutouts or posts on accounts with a large following.
30. Voiceover Work
Got a good speaking voice? Offer your voiceover services for ads, audiobooks, or YouTube videos. Sites like Fiverr and Voices.com are great for finding gigs.
31. Sell Online Courses on Udemy
If you’re skilled in a particular subject or hobby, create and sell online courses on platforms like Udemy. Once your online course is live, it can generate passive income over time.
32. Retail Arbitrage
Buy discounted or clearance items from stores or online, then resell them on platforms like Amazon or eBay. This is a simple way to increase your income by spotting great deals.
33. Sell Handmade Jewelry
If you enjoy making jewelry, you can sell your pieces on Etsy or at local craft fairs. Handmade items are popular, and people love buying unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
34. Write for Medium
Publish articles on Medium and join their Partner Program. The more people read your articles, the more money you can earn.
35. Become a Brand Ambassador
If you’ve built up a decent social media following, you can get paid to promote products as a brand ambassador for various companies.
36. Create Printables
Design digital printables like calendars, planners, or invitations and sell them on Etsy. Printables are popular, and once you create them, they can sell over and over.
37. Sell Sneakers
Got an eye for rare or limited-edition sneakers? Buy and resell them on platforms like StockX for a profit.
38. Mobile App Development
If you know how to code, develop your own apps and games. You can make money from ads within the app or by selling it on the app store.
39. Call Reviewing
Listen to recorded customer service calls and provide feedback on how the representative handled the conversation. Companies pay for this service to improve their customer experience.
40. Customer Service Jobs
Work as a remote customer service agent, helping people via phone, email, or live chat. Many companies offer flexible positions for teens, and it’s easy to get started.
41. Freelance Graphic Design
If you’re good at design, offer your services on freelancing platforms like Fiverr. Many businesses need logos, posters, and social media graphics.
42. Sell Your Notes
Take good notes in class? You can sell them to other students on platforms like Stuvia and Nexus Notes. It’s a simple way to earn extra cash while helping others.
43. SEO Services
If you know how to improve search engine rankings, offer SEO services to small businesses. Many companies need help getting noticed online, and SEO is a valuable skill.
44. Create a Podcast
Start a podcast on a topic you love and make money through sponsorships or listener support. Podcasts are a growing medium and can be a fun way to earn money.
45. Sell eBooks
Write an eBook about something you’re passionate about and sell it online. Platforms like Amazon make it easy to self-publish and reach a global audience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some skills I need to make money online as a teen?
While some online jobs require no special skills (like taking surveys or testing websites), developing skills like writing, graphic design, video editing, or coding can open the door to higher-paying opportunities. Learning these skills now can also help you in future jobs or business ventures.
Can I make money as a teen online if I don’t have a bank account?
Yes, many platforms offer alternative payment methods like PayPal, gift cards, or prepaid debit cards. However, if you’re under 18, you may need parental help to set up a PayPal account or manage other payment options.
Do I need to spend money to start making money online?
No, there are plenty of free ways for making money online. You can start earning through methods like affiliate marketing, surveys, or blogging without any upfront costs. For some methods, like starting an online store, you may need a small investment, but many options require no initial spending.
How long does it take to start making money online?
The time it takes to start earning depends on the method you choose. Tasks like surveys or website testing can provide quick, small earnings, while building a blog, YouTube channel, or dropshipping business may take a few months to generate significant income. Patience and consistency are key.
What are the best ways to balance school and making money online?
Time management is important. Start with small tasks like surveys or freelance writing that can fit into your schedule without taking too much time. As you get more comfortable, you can take on larger projects, but always prioritize school and personal time to keep a healthy balance.
Ready to Get Started?
With 45 different ways to earn money online as a teen, there’s no better time to dive in. Whether you’re passionate about writing, gaming, or just want to complete simple tasks, you have plenty of opportunities at your fingertips. Choose the method that suits you best, set some achievable goals, and start earning. Remember, even the smallest efforts can add up over time, and the skills you gain now will open doors for future opportunities. Get started today and watch your hard work turn into real cash!