Did you know that teenagers have numerous ways to earn money from home? The internet offers a wide range of opportunities for teens to make money. While some methods may require an initial investment, there are plenty of ways for teens to earn online with little to no upfront cost.
If teens want to start earning a steady income, here are twenty-four ideas for making money online.
Most official online jobs usually require applicants to be 18 or older. Still, teenagers don’t necessarily need a traditional part-time or full-time online job to make money. There are plenty of opportunities for teens to earn income online, no matter their age.
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It’s important for them to carefully review the rules and requirements of any platform they join to make sure they qualify to start earning. Some companies may have minimum age restrictions, so it’s worth checking before signing up.
Before jumping into online money-making, teens should think about safety, avoiding scams, and a few other important tips:
Keep parents informed. Many online money-making opportunities may require a parent’s assistance. Teens might need help setting up an online business, so keeping parents updated on progress is important.
Be cautious of scams. While there are legitimate ways to earn money online, scams are common. Teens should be wary of any opportunity that asks for upfront payments or sounds too good to be true. Always discuss potential jobs with a parent or trusted adult before getting involved.
Practice online safety. Most kids already know not to share personal information online, but extra caution is needed when running an online business. Using a separate email account, avoiding malware, and only sharing information with trusted sources can help protect them.
Use online jobs to gain skills. When exploring ways to earn money online, teens should consider how their work can help them build skills for the future. These projects could strengthen their resume or prepare them for their future careers.
Set up a payment method with help. Teens need a way to receive and manage money. Parents can help by creating a PayPal account (which requires the parent to manage it) or assisting in opening a bank account to teach financial responsibility.
Be aware of taxes. Many teens don’t realize they must pay taxes on their earnings. The IRS requires all income to be reported, so teens should be ready to handle taxes properly, even if they’re under 18.
No matter their age, teenagers have plenty of opportunities to earn money online. Here are some ways teens can start making their own income today.
- Create a vlog (YouTube)
Vlogs are incredibly popular and can help teens earn a good income, though it may take some time to build an audience.
YouTube is one of the easiest platforms to start on, and there are many detailed guides available. Teens just need to decide on a topic they’re passionate about and begin recording. They can vlog about almost anything, so it’s important they choose something they truly enjoy.
Successful YouTubers can earn significant money, depending on how many subscribers and likes their videos receive.
- Stream video games (Twitch, YouTube)
If your teen enjoys gaming, they could make money by streaming their gameplay online. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube allow users to broadcast their gaming sessions to viewers. The more people follow, subscribe, and engage with them, the more they can earn. They can stream any game and potentially become a recognized figure in the gaming world. - Offer digital skills online (Fiverr, Upwork, PeoplePerHour)
Teens with skills in areas like graphic design, writing, or web development can offer their services online. This can be a good way to earn money and even build a portfolio that could lead to full-time freelancing.
Popular platforms include Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour. Teens should carefully read the terms and conditions of each site before signing up.
- Manage social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest)
Businesses rely on social media to reach customers, but managing accounts takes time. Teens could earn money by helping local businesses manage their social media profiles. They can search for freelance social media jobs or contact businesses directly to offer their help. This can be a profitable option for teens familiar with social media. - Become a social media influencer (Instagram, TikTok)
With the right approach, teens can become influencers and earn money online. Building a large following is key, which means creating content people enjoy and want to follow. They should think about the type of influencer they want to be—like fashion, travel, or lifestyle—and focus on growing their audience.
Brands will pay for promotions once they have enough followers, and income depends on their popularity.
- Take online surveys (Swagbucks, YouGov)
While this won’t make teens rich, taking surveys is an easy way to earn some extra cash. Websites like Swagbucks and YouGov pay users to complete surveys. Teens will need to reach a minimum payout threshold before withdrawing their money, and it may take time to accumulate earnings. - Develop and sell an app
App development can be a highly profitable skill. Teens who create an app and sell it can potentially make significant money. Coding knowledge helps, but there are tools that allow anyone to create an app without prior experience. This is one of the more lucrative online money-making options for teens. - Online tutoring (Skype, Zoom)
If a teen has knowledge or skills they can teach, online tutoring is a growing opportunity. Using video platforms like Skype or Zoom, they can teach a wide range of subjects. They should start with topics they enjoy and are confident teaching, and then offer their lessons to students online. - 9. Review music tracks (Slice the Pie)
If your teen loves music, reviewing songs online can be a fun way to earn money. Platforms like SliceThePie.com pay users to give feedback on songs, commercials, and more. Teens as young as 13 can participate, and the better the reviews, the higher the pay. - 10. Sell phone photos (Foap.com)
Businesses often need high-quality images for marketing and branding. Teens can turn their smartphone photos into income by creating an online portfolio on Foap.com. Parents will need to provide consent for users under 18. - 11. Sell items online (eBay, Decluttr, Amazon Marketplace, Facebook Marketplace)
Teens 13 and older can explore entrepreneurship by selling items online. Whether it’s handmade crafts or gently used belongings, sites like eBay, Decluttr, Amazon Marketplace, and Facebook Marketplace are great places to start. Serious sellers can even develop their own online business. - 12. Data entry (FlexJobs)
For teens 18 and older, data entry is a straightforward way to earn money online. With basic typing skills and an internet connection, teens can find legitimate work on platforms like FlexJobs. - 13. Phone call reviewer (Humanatic)
Teens 17 and older can get paid to evaluate recorded customer service calls. Humanatic hires reviewers to assess calls for quality and provide feedback, offering an easy way to earn online. - 14. Customer service representative
Once a teen turns 16, they can work in customer service and earn a regular paycheck. These jobs often start at minimum wage but provide valuable workplace experience and skill-building. - 15. Online proofreading (Proofread Anywhere)
Teens interested in writing and grammar can work as online proofreaders through platforms like Proofread Anywhere. Most proofreading platforms require users to be 18 or older. - 16. Referral shopping programs (Boostapal)
Some companies pay teens 17 and older to refer friends or followers to their websites. Programs like Boostapal let teens earn extra money by promoting products they already enjoy. - 17. Blogging (WordPress, Bluehost)
Blogging is another way for teens under 18 to make money online. While it takes time to grow an audience, teens can earn income from ads and affiliate marketing using platforms like WordPress or Bluehost. - 18. Website and app testing (UserTesting.com)
Tech-savvy teens can make money by testing websites and mobile apps. Platforms like UserTesting.com let users identify issues and provide feedback before a site or app goes live. - 19. Virtual assistant
Teens who are organized and skilled with scheduling, emails, and document management can work as virtual assistants. Tasks and pay vary, and many small businesses and professionals seek remote support. - 20. Grocery or food delivery (Instacart, DoorDash, Uber Eats)
With delivery services booming, teens can earn money by delivering groceries or meals. Requirements vary by company, so check which services operate locally and ensure your teen meets age and license requirements. - 21. Start a Podcast
Do you have a teen at home who loves talking? Give them a microphone and let them launch their own podcast. With sponsorships and ads, podcasting can turn into a profitable venture, letting teens earn money while discussing topics they enjoy. - 22. Explore Voiceover Work (Voices.com)
Beyond podcasting, teens who speak clearly and enjoy using their voice can earn money doing voiceover work. You might recognize these voices on TV, online videos, or radio. Platforms like Voices.com can help teens find voiceover gigs or side jobs. - 23. Complete Simple Tasks (TaskRabbit, MTurk)
Websites such as Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) pay teens to perform small online tasks for businesses. While the work may not be thrilling or highly paid, it’s an easy way for teens to earn extra money. Local task platforms like TaskRabbit let teens help people nearby with chores or errands, ranging from online jobs like data entry to in-person tasks. - 24. Earn Money While Exercising (Sweatcoin)
Encourage your teen to stay active by getting paid for movement. Apps like Sweatcoin reward users for walking or exercising. The app’s tokens, called sweatcoins, can be exchanged for gift cards, products, or PayPal cash. Users can even donate their sweatcoins to charitable organizations.




