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“Teens are making bank online, and it’s not just hype.” That was the opening line of a Forbes article I read last week. And it stuck with me. Because honestly, teens today have more opportunities to earn real cash from their phones than most adults realize!
Gone are the days when babysitting or mowing lawns were your only options. With the right apps, you can start building income, skills, and confidence, all while scrolling from the couch. Whether you want to save for college, help your family out, or just buy your own stuff without asking mom and dad, this guide will walk you through the best apps that actually show you how to make money online as a teen in 2025.
Each app listed here is teen-friendly, tested, and pays out. Let’s dive into your best digital side hustle options.
Table of Contents
Why Teens Are Turning to Money-Making Apps in 2025
I used to think making money as a teen meant babysitting or maybe selling candy at school. But wow, times have changed. Teens today are hustling online and actually making real income using just their phones. And if you’re wondering why that’s become such a big thing, here’s what I’ve learned from watching it happen (and trying it myself).
First off, teens are super tech-savvy. We grew up online. So, using apps to make money feels natural. Whether it’s filling out surveys on the bus ride home or editing a TikTok to go viral, we’re already doing the stuff that these platforms want. It’s just a matter of finding the right apps that show you how to make money online as a teen, and there are a ton now in 2025.
Another big reason? Flexibility. I mean, who wants a 9-to-5 shift at a fast-food place when you can earn from your room in your pajamas? A lot of money-making apps let you work on your own schedule. Want to do surveys at 2 a.m.? Cool. Want to list stuff for sale during lunch break? Totally doable. It’s one of the biggest advantages of learning how to make money online as a teen, you’re in control of your time.
And let’s not forget the learning experience. I’ve picked up real-world skills from selling online, creating content, and even negotiating prices on platforms like Depop or Fiverr. It’s not just about the cash; it’s about gaining confidence and building something from scratch. Learning to handle your own money as a teenager is a game-changer. It sets you up to make smarter decisions later on, especially if you pair it with solid budgeting skills.
There’s also a sense of independence that comes with it. You’re not waiting for someone to hand you money, you’re earning it yourself. And that feels really good.
So yeah, it’s no surprise that teens are all over this now. The combination of tech access, financial motivation, flexible hours, and valuable life skills makes online income apps one of the smartest moves for teens in 2025.
How to Pick the Right App for You
When I first started figuring out how to make money online as a teen, I downloaded like 10 different apps in one day. Most of them… kinda sucked. Either they didn’t work in my country, had shady terms, or just straight-up wasted my time. That’s when I realized choosing the right app is everything, especially if you want your time to actually turn into money.
So here’s what I wish someone had told me from the start.
First, check the age requirement. Some apps let teens start as young as 13 (like Swagbucks), but others, especially ones like Fiverr or PayPal-linked services, require you to be 18 or have a parent co-sign. Always read the fine print. If you’re under 18, look for teen-friendly platforms that offer supervision options or use gift cards instead of direct deposits.
Second, think about how you want to get paid. Some apps pay through PayPal, others with gift cards, and a few even do bank transfers. If you don’t have a PayPal account yet (or can’t because of your age), stick to apps that offer gift card rewards, like Toluna Influencers or Survey Junkie. Or ask a parent to help set up a joint account if the platform allows it.
Next, go with what fits your interests. Love gaming? Try Mistplay. Into fashion or vintage clothes? Depop is your thing. If you’re good at writing, editing, or design, then Fiverr or even Etsy (for digital downloads) might be the perfect fit. Choosing an app that matches what you already enjoy makes earning feel less like a chore and more like something you actually want to do.
Don’t forget to weigh time vs. reward. Some apps are super easy, like watching videos or answering simple questions, but they pay cents at a time. Others take more effort but give real payouts. It’s okay to mix both. I use Swagbucks for casual, easy points and Fiverr when I want to take on real gigs that pay more.
Also, do your research. Before you sign up, check reviews on Reddit, Trustpilot, or even TikTok. You’ll quickly find out which apps are legit and which ones just sound good in ads. If you see lots of complaints about getting locked out before payout or low earnings per hour, skip it.
And one last tip? Combine your research with good money habits. Once you start earning, track it. Set a goal. And if you’re not sure how to manage small earnings, our smart budgeting page is a great starting point.
The right app can totally change your game. But only if it fits you. Pick something that feels worth your time, and don’t settle for less.
8 Best Apps That Show You How to Make Money Online as a Teen
When I finally got serious about figuring out how to make money online as a teen, I went all in. I downloaded every app I could find, tried them for at least a week, and kept notes. Some were a total waste of time. But a few? Game changers. These are the ones that actually worked for me, and thousands of other teens too.
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the easiest ways to start making money. You earn points (called SB) by answering surveys, watching videos, playing games, or shopping online. Teens 13+ can sign up, and the payout options include PayPal or gift cards for places like Amazon and Walmart. It’s a solid starter app, especially if you want something low-pressure you can do anytime.
2. Fiverr
This one’s for the creative or skilled crowd. If you’re good at writing, drawing, editing videos, doing voiceovers, whatever, Fiverr lets you offer your services. You’ll need to be 13+, and minors need parental supervision. It can take time to get orders, but once you do, you can earn serious money. One of my first gigs was writing Instagram captions, and I made $40 in a week.
3. Depop
Fashion-savvy teens, listen up. Depop is a resale app where you can sell your old clothes, accessories, or even vintage finds. It’s like a mix between eBay and Instagram. You snap a few pics, write a short description, and ship it out when it sells. It’s best for ages 16+, and it’s a fun way to clean your closet and make cash.
4. Toluna Influencers
If you don’t mind sharing your opinion, Toluna pays you to do it. You can take surveys, answer polls, and join discussions. Teens 14+ are allowed, and rewards come in gift cards or PayPal. It’s a nice alternative to Swagbucks if you want more survey variety.
5. Mistplay
Gamers, rejoice. Mistplay pays you to play Android games. You earn points while you play and can redeem them for gift cards. It won’t replace a job, but if you’re already playing games on your phone, why not get paid for it?
6. Etsy
For artsy or entrepreneurial teens, Etsy is the place to be. You can sell handmade jewelry, art prints, or even digital downloads like templates or planners. Teens 13+ can run a shop with parental supervision. If you love crafting or designing, it’s a great way to turn a hobby into income.
7. YouTube Shorts or TikTok
If you’re into content creation, both platforms now pay creators for short-form videos. Once you hit certain milestones, you can earn through ad revenue, creator funds, and even brand deals. It takes effort and consistency, but I’ve seen teens go viral and start earning in a matter of weeks.
8. Survey Junkie
Similar to Swagbucks, this app lets you take surveys and earn real money. It’s best for teens 16+, and it has a cleaner interface than some other survey apps. Payouts are fast, and the surveys are pretty quick too.
Each of these apps offers a legit way to earn as a teen, but the best one for you depends on your interests and goals. Try one or two to start, and once you’re earning, check out our Smart Budgeting tips to manage your cash wisely.
Tips for Staying Safe and Avoiding Scams Online
Let’s be real, when you’re figuring out how to make money online as a teen, there’s a ton of noise out there. Some of its legit, but some of it? Straight-up sketchy. I’ve seen it all: fake apps, sites that lock your account before paying you, and random people on Instagram claiming you’ll make $500 a day “just by signing up.” (Spoiler alert: nope.)
Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way, and what’ll save you from falling into the same traps.
First rule: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. No legit app is going to make you rich overnight. If a website promises huge payouts for little effort or wants you to “invest” before earning anything, that’s a red flag. Earning money online as a teen is totally possible, but it takes consistency, not magic.
Avoid apps or websites that ask for personal financial info upfront. You should never give out your banking info, debit card, or even your Social Security number just to create an account. Legit apps will usually only ask for this when it’s time to withdraw earnings, and even then, many offer gift cards or PayPal as safer alternatives.
Stick to platforms with verified reviews. Before I sign up for anything now, I check Trustpilot or Reddit to see what other people are saying. If the reviews are all glowing but sound fake or robotic, I get suspicious. Honest feedback usually includes both pros and cons. (Check our breakdowns of safe apps like Swagbucks, Fiverr, and Survey Junkie for legit teen-friendly options.)
Don’t click sketchy links. Ever.A lot of scams start through DMs, emails, or even popups promising instant rewards. If someone offers you a payout link or asks for login info, ignore it. And never send money first in exchange for a promised return. That’s scammer 101.
Pro tip: Keep a journal or tracker of every app you join and your login details. That way, if anything happens, you’ve got a record. And if you’re not sure where to keep it securely, use Google Drive or a password manager.
How to Stay Consistent and Actually Make Money
Let’s be honest, downloading the app is the easy part. The real challenge when learning how to make money online as a teen? Sticking with it. I used to get super hyped about new money-making apps, go hard for two days, and then… nothing. The trick to turning apps into actual income is staying consistent, and yeah, that takes some strategy.
First, set a simple, realistic goal. Don’t shoot for $500 in your first week. Start small. My first target was just $10 a week from Swagbucks and Survey Junkie combined. That might not sound like much, but it gave me a clear goal, and when I hit it, it felt awesome. Pick a number that feels doable and slowly level up.
Block off time like it’s a real job. If you wait until you’re “in the mood,” you’ll never get around to it. I started treating my apps like mini side gigs. After homework, I’d spend 20 minutes on surveys or listing items on Depop. Just a half hour a day adds up. Choose a consistent time that fits your schedule and commit to it.
Track your progress. Seriously. Whether it’s a notebook, spreadsheet, or app, keep tabs on your earnings. Seeing your totals grow is motivating and helps you figure out which platforms are worth your time. I realized pretty quickly that Mistplay was fun but paid less than Swagbucks, so I adjusted. If you’re combining apps, this is a must.
Stack apps for maximum results. One app is cool. Two or three? Even better. I usually rotate between Swagbucks, Toluna, and Survey Junkie when I want to do surveys. On weekends, I list stuff on Depop or create digital products for Etsy. Having a mix of fast-win and long-term apps helps balance income and motivation.
Celebrate your wins. Even small ones. Got your first $5 gift card? Cashed out from PayPal? That’s a win! Reward yourself with a treat or save it toward something you’ve been wanting. Money might be the goal, but momentum comes from recognizing your effort.
Don’t let slow weeks get you down. Some days, there are fewer surveys. Or your listings don’t get any likes. It happens. Instead of quitting, take it as a sign to tweak your strategy. Maybe switch apps, change your product photos, or try a new survey platform.
Learning how to make money online as a teen isn’t about luck, it’s about habits. Show up consistently, track what works, and stay patient. That’s how the money starts rolling in.
Turning Apps Into Real Income as a Teen
Making money online as a teen isn’t just a trend, it’s a real opportunity. Whether you’re saving up for something big, helping out at home, or just want extra spending money, the tools are already in your pocket. The key is knowing how to use them.
We’ve covered 8 of the best apps that show you how to make money online as a teen in 2025. Each one offers something different, quick surveys, reselling, task-based gigs, or creative outlets. What they all have in common is flexibility. You don’t need a bank account, a job interview, or startup cash to get going. You just need a phone, a Wi-Fi connection, and a little bit of time each day.
And don’t stop here. Once you’ve got your side hustle rhythm down, explore more ways to grow your earnings. Want more creative ideas? Our page on Make Money Online can give you even more options.
Ready to start? Choose one app, sign up today, and try it out for a week. Then come back and try another. The earlier you start learning how to earn online, the more prepared you’ll be for financial freedom down the line.
