How to Make Money as a Teenager: 9 Proven Ways

Would you like to know how to make money as a teenager? Do you have several things you want to buy but don’t want to ask for money from your parent? This article has the answers you seek.

Whether you want to purchase the latest outfit you’ve seen with your friend, tickets to attend a concert by your favorite entertainer or even buy a classic electronic gadget, you don’t have to rely on your guardian. And while the small savings you make might not be enough, I’m here to show you exactly how to make money as a teenager, both online and offline.

Firstly, there are tons of online platforms that help you learn how to earn money as a teen. Working online is easy and convenient since all you need is a smartphone or laptop with internet connectivity.

Alternatively, you may try fulfilling tasks offline for money. This method is also quick and straightforward as you can find easy jobs to do from friends, neighbors, or family.

Whichever method you choose, you’ll be able to make your own money at least. And, you won’t have to rely on anyone to buy whatever you want.

Let’s dive right in:

How to Make Money as a Teen

So, how can teens make money if they don’t have a job yet? This is a compilation of the 9 best ways to help you start making money online and offline as a teen.

Ways for Teens to Make Money Online

How can teenagers make money online? Here are incredible ways to help you make money online as a teenager:

1. Taking Surveys for Money

Survey Junkie is one of the sites that pay people for completing online surveys. When you join Survey Junkie, you earn rewards to offer your opinion or give a personal experience.

All you need is to build your profile on the platform, and they will match you with the suitable surveys that fit your criteria. Once you complete the surveys, you earn virtual rewards points that can be redeemed as e-gift cards or converted into cash paid through Paypal.

Swagbucks also gives you a chance to make money online by doing surveys. Once you join it, you’ll get points for answering simple questions.  Swagbucks doesn’t only reward you for surveys but also for simple tasks like shopping online, searching the web, and even watching videos.

After your points accumulate, you can redeem them for gift cards at Walmart or Amazon stores. Alternatively, you may convert the points to cashback, which Survey Junkie will send to you via Paypal.

Other legit survey sites that you can join as a teen include, InboxDollars, Opinion Outpost, MyPoints, i-Say, Toluna and OneOpinion and more.

2. Start a Youtube Channel

Starting a YouTube channel is yet another excellent option for a teen who wants to earn online. To make money as a Youtuber, find something unique that you can record to attract and retain an audience. Whether it’s singing, cooking, applying makeup or playing a musical instrument, you can gradually create a brand and start generating income.

For this option, consistency is vital. Also, be ready to remain in it for the long haul. The good thing about it is that it will be a good passive income source in the long run.

Most YouTubers make less than $100 in their first year. But, the more you create great and unique content, the more your subscriber base and views will grow. Soon, big brands will start contacting you for great deals, and thus you’ll begin to generate thousands of dollars.

Want to know how to make money as a teenager without a job? This is a perfect option.

3. Manage Social Media Accounts

Do you spend a lot of hours on social media? Well, you can make social media management your job.

There are hundreds or thousands of businesses without a good social media presence. Why not help these businesses get on social media for money?

Search for local small-business owners willing to establish themselves on social media but has no time for it. Then, let them know that being on social media can give them more leads and will help expand their business. When you show them that it’ll significantly impact their business, it might convince them and make them willing to pay you for it.

An average social media manager makes $27.94 per hour or $58,105 per year in the US. You may charge an entry-level pay per hour when starting.

Once you build a track record and get a few excellent reviews as a social media manager, you may increase your prices as you see fit. With time, the clientele base may increase, and you’ll start generating vast amounts of money.

Consider doing short courses online on social media management to hone your skills and serve clients better. This way, you’ll be able to provide better services. Social media platforms are dynamic as the media often make many updates – so a course will enhance your skills.

4. Try Freelance Writing

Are you a creative writer, or do you love putting ideas into words? Then you can offer freelance writing services and make some good cash for it. Freelance writing jobs are constantly available, as businesses and blog writers always look for people to ghostwrite for them.

You can use platforms like Fiverr, Upwork or Freelancer to find freelance writing jobs. Alternatively, you can use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram to advertise your services. Include your skills and expertise on your profile to attract clients looking for writers.

Note: Delivering outstanding results helps you retain clients and get referrals.

Also, consider writing courses to enhance your skills or add a new pack to your portfolio like SEO. When you offer these extra services, you’ll be able to grow your hourly rates and generate even more money.

5. Sell Print on Demand Items

If you can create fantastic designs or have an eye for the hottest dank memes in town, you could make some money selling print-on-demand items on Merch by Amazon.

There are many platforms where you can create your customized items like t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, caps, bags, pillowcases, and even shoes. All you need is to create a cool design and upload it. No need to order inventory or handle shipping as all these processes are taken care of by Amazon.

The good thing is you don’t even have to be an expert in graphic design to do this. Simple text-based or memes are among the top strategies that generate tremendous income.

Using Merch Informer will help you come up with cool designs and keywords to help reach clients. Print on Demand is a perfect way to make money online as a teen.

6. Play Games for Money

Do you love playing video games? How would you like to make some money while playing games online?

There are numerous legit game apps that pay to play games, including MistPlay, LongGame, etc. While this will not make you a fortune, it will ensure your pockets never run empty.

First of all, you’ll have to pick a legit platform that pays well for your gaming sessions. The safest way is to go for popular reward apps offering minor tasks in exchange for points, cash, or gift cards.

Here are some popular apps where you can get paid to play games.

TapChamps

Tapchamps is a popular online gaming community. It’s an Android app that connects game creators and players.

You can play games based on your interests and expertise. For game creators, this platform generates user traffic, player engagement, and advertisement. The app profits from the creators, and it shares some of that money with you.

You’ll have to fill in some details about yourself when you sign up. After that, the app will notify you about games that match your profile. With this, you can earn money by playing games you like.

Mistplay

Mistplay is another app dedicated to gamers. All you have to do is download it, and you’ll get a list of games you can choose from.

Once you start playing, you’ll get paid simply for the time you spend on the app.

Mistplay pays you in points that you can redeem in the form of gift cards. These gift cards can be used to get hard cash from Visa, or get discounts and offers at your favorite stores such as Amazon and Starbucks.

Besides that, the app has a referral program. You can get points for if your friends download the app and play through your link. Also, you can chat and compete with other gamers to make your experience more fun.

Want to learn more? Read the full Mistplay review for more information on the app.

InboxDollars

InboxDollars is another app that you can download to get paid playing games online. The app is absolutely free, and you can start playing as soon as you sign up. It also has a huge variety of games so you can choose the one that excites you the most.

Moreover, you can earn up to $5-$10 a week depending on the time you spend on the platform and the types of games you choose.

As you progress to become a seasoned gamer, you can earn more and increase your income.

Earn Per Activity	Payment Method	Min To Cash Out	Next Steps
Up to $5	Cash & Gift Cards	$30	CLAIM BONUS	Read Full Review

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is the ultimate go-to platform for side hustlers looking to make easy money. The app has lots of small tasks to choose from, such as taking surveys, shopping, watching videos, and of course, playing games.

You can choose from a variety of games and earn according to the time you spend playing.

Besides that, you can also participate in Swagbucks’ featured promotions as a beginner and start earning more gradually.

Earn Per Activity	Payment Method	Min To Cash Out	Next Steps
$0.4 – $2	PayPal or Gift Cards	$3	CLAIM BONUS	Read Full Review

If Swagbucks is the type of app you like, there are plenty of similar apps that you can also try.

How to Earn Money as a Teenager Offline

Here are other easy ways to Make Money as a Teen:

7. Find a Gig

Do you have exceptional talent like singing, acting, modelling, dancing or gymnastics? You can earn some money by showcasing your talent. Many superstars began their careers while still teens.

So how do you go about it? For example, if you’re a good singer, you may reach out to restaurants or cafés around. Then, send them your videos or audios recordings. If they like your singing, they might agree to hire you to perform for their customers.

Also, find and attend plenty of auditions. It may take hundreds of auditions and a lot of stamina to get you where you want, but it’s all worth it. Most celebrities also endured plenty of “Nos” before they got their ‘yeses. ’

So, be ready to hear the word “No” as this is very common, especially when starting. However, with determination and patience, you won’t lose.

You never know you may be the next Oprah, Taylor Smith or Dwane Johnson.

See related: How To Make Money As A Freelancer 

8. Tutor Friends

If you are good at a particular subject like math, you could make some money tutoring juniors for their PSAT. This job can fetch you up to $20 or more an hour, which is good money when it accumulates.

Tutoring a subject you love doesn’t even feel like work. And, it will not only help you make money and give you a refresher to help you do better in your current class.

To get some tutor jobs, you can ask parents if they know kids who need help. It’s easier to obtain such jobs via parents since often students feel embarrassed to admit their weakness.

9. Pet Sitting or Walking

Another easy job that may bring you quick bucks is pet sitting. If you love being around furry friends like dogs and cats, you can earn money by doing this job. Dog walking and pet sitting can make you up to $25 per session in the US.

With time, you may offer other services such as pet hosting, pet grooming or dog training, which may help you generate even better income. Advertise your services around your neighborhood or use online platforms like Instagram, Facebook or Rover.com to find clients.

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