35 Profitable Online Side Hustles for Teens Who Want to Make Money

Napoleon

Aug 7, 2024 — 15 min read

In today’s digital age, it is easier than ever for teenagers to make money online by leveraging their skills and interests. From authoring and selling ebooks to drop-shipping and selling handcrafted goods, the opportunities for making money online are nearly limitless.

Whether you want to supplement your allowance or start saving for a big purchase, these online money-making options will help you achieve your financial goals while also providing you with essential skills and experience. So, let’s get started and see how you can make money online!

Here are 35 Online Money Making Ideas for Teens

1. Answer Online Surveys

This is a simple online side gig that requires you to complete paid surveys. You simply need to complete a series of questions to submit your feedback, and you will be rewarded with free gift cards to merchants such as Amazon. Some will even pay you with cash. Expect to earn $5-10 per hour by doing surveys. Teens aged 13 and up can use sites such as Swagbucks.

There are no defined working hours, so you can do surveys whenever you like. To get started, simply establish an account on one of the many online survey sites.

2. Watch Ads for Money

You already see a lot of commercials online; did you ever think you could get paid to watch them? Not only is this possible, but it is also a popular online side hustle among teenagers. Advertisers will gladly pay you if you watch their commercials. Sites such as InboxDollars provide brief ad content. You simply need to view the short advertisements they run in exchange for money. The minimum age limit is 18 years old, or whatever your state’s adult starting age is.

3. Start Your Online Store

If you have any money to invest or can acquire assistance from others, you might want to open an internet store. This will require the possession of one or more products, which you can obtain via distributors or develop yourself.

Shopify is a popular platform for creating an online business. You must be at least 18 years old to open an online business with Shopify; however, if you are under 18, your parents can do so on your behalf.

4. Design & Sell T-Shirts Online

Selling T-shirts online is a tried-and-true side job for teenagers. If you have strong graphic design talents and can create some beautiful designs, you can begin selling them online through services such as Printful.

You can select your own pricing for the designs, which increases your income potential significantly. These sites are often offered to users as young as 13; however, accounts for people under the age of 18 must be monitored by their parents.

5. Sell your old clothes

Teens wishing to make some extra money by selling their old things online can do so through numerous popular platforms that specialize exclusively to the region. You can easily sell pre-owned clothing, accessories, and even home goods by listing their products on platforms such as Depop, Vinted, and Shpock. Using these sites, you can reach a large number of potential customers while also clearing up your wardrobes and earning some extra money.

6. Play Video Games Online

Do you get in trouble for constantly playing video games? Next time, tell them you’re working! Yes, you can be paid to play video games, making it one of the most enjoyable side hustles on the list. These are usually simple, entertaining games. Mistplay, for example, is a service that you can download on your smartphone or computer to play video games while also earning money. It is available to individuals above the age of 18.

7. Become a Transcriptionist

Who would have imagined you could get money from viewing videos? Offering transcription services involves translating audio or video information into written text for a wide range of businesses, including education, business, healthcare, and media.

As a transcriptionist, you must have excellent listening skills, attention to detail, and typing ability. You can start a freelance transcribing business by developing a professional website or profile on freelancing platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr. Marketing tactics can involve networking with potential clients, participating in transcription groups or forums, and demonstrating accuracy and reliability through sample transcriptions.

You can specialize in specific industries or transcription types, such as medical or legal transcription, to concentrate on niche markets and charge higher rates, resulting in increased profits.

8. Become an Online Translator

Another option to earn money online is by translating. Do you speak a second language? If so, you might be astonished by how much someone will pay you for your skills. Today, the world is more global than ever before. Speaking a second language makes you more marketable almost everywhere. There are other translation projects you can work on. These tasks are accessible on prominent online freelancing platforms and are often paid hourly.

9. Write Articles

Content writing is a popular niche, and many people who want to start a side hustle choose it. You can create articles if you have decent writing skills and are relatively educated about a topic, or if you are ready to learn. There are a lot of articles writing work accessible on freelance sites such as Fiverr and Freelancer. Your earning potential is determined by your abilities and the sort of job. Expect to make between £10 and £70 each article.

10. Apply as a Virtual Assistant

Companies and busy people are increasingly hiring virtual assistants to help them manage their workloads. It’s more affordable than hiring a full-time aid. You will be in charge of a number of responsibilities, including replying to emails, creating schedules, arranging appointments, and more.

If you have a good time management and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage someone’s calendar, working as a virtual assistant can be a highly profitable side gig. These tasks are typically long term because clients who are satisfied with your work will wish to keep you on.

Social media management is another common internet side gig for teenagers. Most people in this age bracket are already excellent at using social media platforms. You can make a good living if you have the skills for social media management or are prepared to learn them.

In this line of work, you will be responsible for anything, from reacting to comments to creating new posts, providing customer service, and more. These tasks usually pay between £10 and £25 per hour, depending on the client and your skills.

12. Do Graphic Design

Your graphic design abilities can propel you into a successful profession from a side gig. If you’re strong at graphic design, you can join up for freelancing platforms to work for clients in a variety of industries. This has the added benefit of increasing your portfolio. As you transition to a full-time career, you’ll have a strong portfolio to show potential clients while negotiating prices for a graphic design employment.

13. Offer Video Editing Services

Businesses are increasingly focusing on making video content, and they frequently rely on video editors to comb through the footage and deliver a polished final product. As long as you have the necessary video editing abilities, this might be an excellent opportunity to put them to use while also earning some money.

This has the potential to become a significant side hustle because you can effectively operate as a freelance video editor. You can take on as many assignments as your schedule allows and set your own rate, which can likely increase as you gain more experience.

14. Start a Podcast

Podcasting has grown in popularity in recent years, with people turning to them for news, entertainment, opinions, and other information. You can explore interesting themes about which you are well-versed and then create appealing podcasts based on them. The arrangement will necessitate high-quality microphones and cameras. It will also take some time to edit the show, but if everything is in order and your podcast takes off, you will be able to generate a passive income from it.

15. Start Your YouTube Channel

Despite the fact that YouTube has been around for a long time, it still has enormous potential, and there are numerous successful YouTubers. It’s easy to get started on YouTube; you can film videos with your smartphone and even edit them. People want to see fresh and exciting material on YouTube. As long as you can produce it, you should be able to receive a lot of views on the platform, which equals money. The average YouTuber earns up to $1000 per month, while those who are popular make even more.

16. Become a Brand Ambassador

If you’ve created a large fan audience online, whether through your podcast or YouTube channel, you can use that platform to collaborate with businesses in a related industry. Brands want to be linked with relevant artists and would welcome you as a brand ambassador. In this profession, you will likely be responsible for promoting the brand’s products and services. The task specifications will be determined by your contract with the brand. The contract you are able to obtain will also determine how lucrative this position might be.

17. Create Your Own Website and Start Blogging.

Blogging has also become one of the most popular online side hustles for teenagers. This is where many people begin their journey to making money online. It’s simple to create your own website these days, and you can begin writing on themes that interest you, such as fashion, technology, education, etc. The goal is to grow your blog enough to generate ad revenue. This typically takes time, so plan to be patient for a few months before you see any ad revenue. Once your blog takes off, the income potential increases significantly.

Today, social media governs our lives, and people are eager to follow exciting creators and influencers who could introduce them to new products and experiences. It requires content production skills because the information you share must be able to captivate the audience’s interest. You can consider this a side hustle, but only if you’re ready to put in a lot of effort before building a significant following. While it is possible to go viral overnight, this does not happen for everyone.

19. Offer Tutorial Assistance.

Online tutoring opportunities are available through sites such as TutorMe.com. You can use your knowledge of topics such as mathematics, English, chemistry, and biology to teach other students for a fee. Many students are willing to pay to receive more assistance. This is an excellent opportunity to not only earn money as a side hustle but also assist other students to develop academically.

20. Create and Sell Online Courses

Selling courses online has also been shown to be an effective way to supplement your income. This typically entails organizing all of your expertise into a digital course that can teach others vital new abilities. For example, if you are proficient in video editing or creative writing, you can build a course that teaches those abilities for a price. You may sell these courses through your website or on networks like Thinkific and Skillshare.

21. Become a Remote Customer Service Representative

As a remote customer care representative, you will support and assist customers from wherever using an internet connection. Businesses keep adopting remote work, and the need for remote customer service positions grows. Excellent communication skills, problem-solving talents, and a customer-focused approach are critical for success in this profession.

Remote customer care specialists generally communicate with consumers by phone, email, chat, or social media platforms to answer questions, handle problems, and give general assistance. Employers provide training and onboarding programmes to help employees become familiar with corporate policies, goods, and systems. Remote customer support positions provide flexibility in working hours and location, making them suitable for teens.

22. Create an App

If you are skilled at app development, this is an excellent method to start a side business. It will be necessary for you to come up with a distinctive idea because apps are plenty these days, and if your app does not stand out, it will struggle to obtain traction.

You can create apps for the two most popular mobile platforms, iOS and Android. They might range from simple scheduling apps to full-fledged information or entertainment apps. You could charge an upfront fee for the software or sell subscriptions to generate recurring revenue.

23. Affiliate marketing

When it comes to affiliate marketing, all you truly need is an engaged audience that trusts your viewpoint. The idea behind affiliate marketing is to collaborate with businesses you like and share trackable affiliate links to their products with your target audience and whenever someone uses your affiliate link to make a purchase, you will receive a modest commission.

You don’t need any experience to become an affiliate marketer; for example, the Amazon Associates programme is available to anyone who wants to try it out. You simply need a place to post links to your favorite Amazon purchases. Affiliate marketing can be done part time. However, it usually takes some time to observe any substantial results.

24. Drop - shipping

Dropshipping provides a unique chance for teenagers to create their own internet companies with a small financial commitment. You can sell a range of products by collaborating with dropship providers, eliminating the need to handle inventory or deal with shipping and handling. This company concept enables you to focus on marketing and customer service while also providing a flexible source of income that can be controlled from any location with an internet connection. Dropshipping, with the appropriate approach and persistence, might be a profitable company for you if you are interested in entrepreneurship.

25. Drop-Servicing

Drop servicing is comparable to drop shipping. Instead of selling items, you will function as a broker or intermediary between clients and freelancers, outsourcing service-based jobs such as graphic design, digital marketing, writing, or programming while profiting from each task. To begin drop servicing, discover in-demand services or abilities and develop a service offering suited to specific markets or industries.

Creating a network of dependable freelancers or service providers through freelancing platforms, social media, or professional networks aids in obtaining talent for client projects.

26. Write and publish an ebook

Writing an ebook could be an enjoyable venture for teenagers, allowing you to express your creativity while potentially earning a consistent income. With the rise of e-readers and self-publishing platforms, it is now easier than ever to share your work with the world.

However, publishing an ebook requires effort, discipline, and a determination to persevere in the face of the difficulties that every writing project entails. By sticking to a regular writing schedule, soliciting feedback from peers, and being true to your goal, you will be able to create a compelling and engaging ebook that will captivate readers and potentially launch your writing career.

27. Sell Your Art and Photography

Another possibility is to sell your artwork and photographs. If you are a creative person, you might want to explore selling your creations to start making money online. For example, if you enjoy shooting photographs of animals, you may be able to sell them online. If you have a talent for photographing people, you might consider working as a photographer. You should aim to use a variety of social media marketing methods to assist get your name out there. As a result, more people will become aware of your art and photography, as well as interested in the services you offer.

Keep in mind that art takes many different forms. You could make art with either a paintbrush or with a computer. Digital artwork has been increasingly popular in recent years, and you could be interested in using your computer talents to create art for others.

28. SEO Strategist

Most businesses are in need of exposure in the online space and this is where a SEO strategist comes in. Search engine optimization (SEO) generates organic traffic to website or online platforms. You could increase search ranks and attract more visitors by optimizing web contents for important keywords, thereby improving website structure and navigation, and creating quality backlinks.

Staying up to date on SEO best practices is critical, as is auditing and optimizing the website on a regular basis for improved exposure and performance. When optimizing content for search engines, prioritize developing high-quality, relevant material that answers your target audience’s specific requirements and interests. Use descriptive and appealing headlines and meta tags to increase click-through rates in search results, and make sure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly to provide a better user experience.

29. Selling Handmade Goods on Etsy

Selling handmade things on Etsy may be a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor for teenagers trying to generate money with their talents. You can convert your love of making and artistry into a practical source of income by opening an Etsy shop and presenting your one-of-kind products.

You could make your Etsy shop a success by taking the appropriate approach, which includes high-quality product photographs and descriptions, as well as intelligent keyword use. This not only allows students to commercialize their abilities and interests, but it also gives you essential business knowledge that can serve as a foundation for a future entrepreneurial endeavor.

30. Flipping Domain Names

Flipping domain names. For teenagers looking for a more niche money-making possibility, domain flipping can be an exciting and potentially rewarding endeavor.

Domain flipping is the process of purchasing a domain name for as little as possible. Then, without doing anything with the domain, you’ll sell it to a potential buyer for more than you paid initially.

You can profit from the vast domain name market by analysing trends, identifying attractive domain names, and paying a reasonable price for them. While this method may necessitate some research and patience, the possibility for high profit margins might make it well worth the effort.

31. Proofreading Services

With an ever-increasing need for polished and error-free content, proofreading is a highly marketable talent for teenagers trying to make money online. You can offer proofreading services on freelance platforms or through online editing services with your talent for recognizing and correcting errors while also acquiring crucial communication and attention to detail skills.

Websites such as Upwork and Freelancer allow freelance proofreaders to work on projects ranging from academic papers to business documents.

32. Online bookkeeping Services

Online bookkeeping is an exciting career option for teenagers with a keen eye for detail and a love of numbers. Teens can obtain useful accounting experience by offering bookkeeping services to small businesses, while also acquiring critical communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Websites like Fiverr and Upwork allow freelance bookkeepers to give services to small firms.

33. Voice Acting

Voice acting is a unique and exciting career opportunity for teenagers who enjoy performing and have a distinctive, appealing voice. You can audition for a number of roles online, including cartoon characters, narrators, and commercial voiceovers.

You can audition for voice acting roles on websites such as Casting Call Club or Voices123, where they can submit sample reels for review. This adaptable occupation allows you to experiment with numerous accents, characters, and tones while also gaining critical communication, time management, and professional skills.

Furthermore, voice acting can lead to opportunities in other areas of the entertainment industry, including cinema, television, and theater.

34. Resume Writing Services

Resume writing is a crucial service that could help job seekers stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on prospective employers. This online career allows teens with a passion for writing and a knack for organization to enhance their communication, research, and critical thinking abilities.

You can assist job searchers land their dream jobs by creating well-written, visually appealing resumes. Platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork allow freelance resume writers to assist job searchers in creating engaging resumes that highlight their abilities and expertise, and there are websites that provide you with online tools and templates to help build professional resumes for your clients.

35. Websites Testing

Website testing is becoming increasingly significant, as it provides vital insights into the user experience of websites and applications. For teens with a sharp eye for detail and a passion for technology, website testing allows them to share their thoughts and contribute to the continual advancement of the digital landscape.

This fascinating and adaptable online career allows you to work at your own pace while learning crucial communication, analysis, and problem-solving skills. You can sign up as testers on websites such as UserTesting and Testbirds and provide feedback on a variety of websites and applications.

5 Steps on How to Start and Formalize Your Online Side Hustles

Now that you’ve decided the side hustle that is appropriate for you, you need to learn how to establish a business as a teenager. It may appear to be a complex operation, but it is actually rather simple. Here are five measures you should take to start an internet side hustle.

1. Develop a Business Plan.

Start by creating a business strategy that outlines the company’s vision and difficulties. The plan should also outline a route to profitability and growth. You can change it as your business expands, but it’s an important document to create when you start formalising your internet side hustles.

2. Choose the Appropriate Business Structure.

To formalise your internet side hustle, you must first establish a corporate entity. You can pick between a sole proprietorship, general or limited partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), and a corporation.

3. Arrange Financing.

If your internet side hustle has significant start up expenditures, such as starting a podcast, you will need to secure adequate funding to get the business off the ground. Also, once your legal entity has been established, you can contact lenders who may be ready to invest in your company.

4. Register Your Business.

After completing the necessary papers, register your LLC or other type of company with the appropriate authorities in your area. The Secretary of State will be responsible for LLCs. Once the incorporation is approved, your LLC is ready to conduct business.

5. Open a Business Bank Account.

You must understand from a young age that personal and company finances should never be combined. A separate business bank account ensures that the company’s income and expenses are tracked independently.

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Final Thoughts

In conclusion, there are a lot of internet income alternatives for teenagers. The possibilities are numerous and profitable, ranging from launching a blog or YouTube channel to taking part in online surveys or selling handcrafted goods.

However, earning money online is not always easy; it takes perseverance, hard effort, and dedication. Here’s where Foundeck comes in! We can guide you through the online world as a top online business consulting company, offering advice on anything from creating an online store to maximizing your social media presence.