As a teenager, you may not have a lot of work experience, but you can still start earning money online. Thanks to technology, there are countless ways for teens to make extra cash while balancing school, hobbies, and social life. In 2024, there are more online opportunities than ever that don’t require a high level of skill or investment to get started. If you’re a teen looking for side hustle ideas to make money from the comfort of your home, this guide is for you. Here are the top 10 side hustles for teens to make money online in 2024. These ideas are simple to understand, easy to start, and perfect for anyone willing to put in the effort.
10 Best Side Hustles For Teens
1. Taking Online Surveys
Online surveys are one of the easiest ways for teens to make money. Companies are willing to pay for your opinion on various products and services. Websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Vindale Research pay you for filling out surveys, watching videos, or even playing games. Although survey-taking won’t make you rich, it’s a quick way to earn some extra cash in your free time. You can make about $1 to $5 per survey, and some surveys may even offer gift cards. Sign up on survey sites like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie, complete your profile to get matched with surveys, and start taking surveys to earn rewards.
2. Selling Handmade Crafts or Art
If you’re creative, making and selling handmade crafts, art, or even digital designs can be a rewarding side hustle. Platforms like Etsy allow you to set up an online shop and sell your handmade goods to a global audience. You can sell items like custom jewelry, digital art, or even handmade candles. You don’t need to be a professional artist to succeed; people often appreciate unique, handcrafted items. Prices vary depending on the type of crafts, but many sellers make $100 or more per month. To get started, create your products or artwork, set up a shop on Etsy, and promote your products through social media and friends.
3. Social Media Management
Teens are often well-versed in social media trends, making social media management a viable side hustle. Small businesses and local brands often look for help managing their social media accounts, creating posts, and engaging with followers. You can offer your services to businesses that need assistance with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. Social media managers can earn $10 to $30 per hour, depending on their experience. Build a small portfolio of social media work, even if it’s just your own accounts. Offer to manage social media for a local business or a friend, and expand your services by finding more clients or applying for gigs on freelancing sites.
4. Online Tutoring
Online tutoring is a great way for teens to make money by helping others. If you excel in a particular subject, you can use that knowledge to teach younger students or classmates. Platforms like Tutor.com, Chegg Tutors, and Wyzant allow teens (typically 16 and up) to register as tutors. You can teach subjects like math, science, or English. Even if you’re not a top student, you can still tutor elementary or middle school subjects if you’re good at explaining concepts. Online tutoring usually pays around $15-$25 per hour, depending on your subject and skill level. To get started, sign up on an online tutoring platform, create a profile that showcases your skills and expertise, and start applying for tutoring opportunities.
5. Freelance Writing
Do you enjoy writing? If yes, then freelance writing could be a lucrative side hustle for you. Many companies and blogs are looking for fresh content on various topics like gaming, fashion, lifestyle, and education. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to sign up and start offering writing services. As a beginner, you may start with smaller gigs, but as you improve, you can charge higher rates. Freelance writers often earn between $0.05 to $0.20 per word, so a 1,000-word article could make you $50 to $200. To get started, create a portfolio with a few writing samples, sign up on freelance platforms, and start applying for writing gigs to build your reputation.
6. Gaming and Streaming
If you enjoy playing video games, streaming your gameplay on platforms like Twitch or YouTube Gaming could turn into a side hustle. Many teens have turned their passion for gaming into a way to earn money through ad revenue, donations, and sponsorships. Popular games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Call of Duty have large streaming audiences. While it may take time to build a following, consistent streaming and engaging with viewers can help you grow. Some streamers make $100 or more per month through ad revenue and donations. To get started, choose a game or content niche for your streaming channel, set up a streaming account on Twitch or YouTube Gaming, stream regularly, and engage with your viewers to grow your following.
7. Dropshipping
Dropshipping allows teens to start an online store without needing to manage inventory. With dropshipping, you sell products online, but your supplier ships them directly to your customers. Platforms like Shopify make it easy to start a dropshipping business. You can sell items like clothing, tech accessories, or even pet supplies. While dropshipping requires some upfront costs for a website, teens can start making money relatively quickly. Successful dropshippers can make $200 or more per month. To get started, choose a niche for your dropshipping store, set up a Shopify store, find suppliers using tools like Oberlo, and promote your store through social media and ads.
8. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products and earning a commission when someone buys through your referral link. As a teen, you can create content about products you love and share affiliate links on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or your own blog. Popular affiliate programs like Amazon Associates and ShareASale are easy to join. The amount you earn depends on the commission rate of the products you promote, but teens can easily make $50 to $300+ per month with the right approach. To start, sign up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, promote products through content like videos or blog posts, and share your referral links to earn commissions.
9. Virtual Assistant
Teens can work as virtual assistants for bloggers, YouTubers, or small businesses. A virtual assistant’s tasks include managing emails, scheduling posts, editing videos, or organizing files. It’s a great side hustle for teens who are organized and good at multitasking. You can find virtual assistant jobs on Upwork, Fiverr, or Indeed, and the pay ranges from $10 to $20 per hour depending on the complexity of tasks. To start, make a list of services you can offer, create a profile on freelancing platforms, and apply for virtual assistant jobs to build a client base.
10. Online Course Creation
Teens who have a skill, such as drawing, coding, or playing a musical instrument, can create online courses and sell them on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare. Online courses allow you to earn money while sharing your knowledge with others. Creating a course may take some time, but it can be a steady source of passive income once it’s published. Some course creators make $100 to $500+ per month from their courses. To get started, choose a topic you’re skilled in, plan and record lessons for the course, upload the course on Udemy or Skillshare, and promote it to reach a larger audience.
Conclusion
Side hustles for teens present a fantastic opportunity to make money, learn new skills, and even explore potential career paths. The flexibility of online work allows you to choose side hustles for teens that align with your interests and fit into your busy schedule. Whether it’s tutoring, freelance writing, social media management, or starting a dropshipping business, there are plenty of side hustles for teens to choose from in 2024. The key to success is picking a side hustle that excites you and staying committed to it. Even if you start small, the consistent effort can lead to meaningful earnings over time. Remember, the beauty of side hustles for teens is that they not only provide income but also valuable life skills like time management, responsibility, and entrepreneurship. So, explore different side hustles for teens, take action, and start your journey toward financial independence today. Your perfect side hustle is out there waiting!
