Buzz
Explore these online gigs to make some extra cash
Turning your phone into a money-making machine sounds like a fantasy, right? Well, it's actually possible! But how much you earn depends on the apps you use and the tasks you decide to take on. Whether you're in it for a quick payout or a consistent side hustle, you'll find plenty of options here—from filling out paid surveys to reselling goods, testing websites, and creating digital content.
How to Make Money from Your Phone
- Participate in paid surveys using apps like Eureka and Swagbucks.
- Earn cashback on purchases through apps such as Rakuten and Ibotta.
- Sell unwanted items with platforms like Poshmark, Depop, and OfferUp.
Steps to Get Started
Take paid surveys online.
Join platforms like Eureka, Swagbucks, and Google Opinion Rewards. These apps provide numerous ways to earn extra cash through surveys, special offers, and referral bonuses. Many of them also allow you to cash out via Visa or PayPal. Simply download the app(s) to get started:
Earn money with cashback apps.
Rakuten and Ibotta offer cash back on your purchases. There's nothing more convenient than online shopping, except maybe getting cash back on what you buy. Apps like Ibotta and Rakuten do require spending money to earn it, but they’re a great way to save and get some extra cash in return for your purchases.
Sell unused clothes and other items.
Sell your items on OfferUp, Poshmark, and Depop. Poshmark and Depop specialize in clothing, while OfferUp is perfect for selling nearly anything. To get started, simply snap a picture of your item, post it on the app, and wait for someone to make a purchase.
Complete paid tasks for money.
Check out the Premise app to earn some extra cash. This app rewards you for completing small tasks and surveys. Simply download the app, sign up, and you're ready to start earning.
Participate in website user testing.
UserTesting compensates users for completing tasks. The key difference is in the tasks themselves—rather than surveys, the UserTesting app offers paid opportunities to test websites.
- Note: Some users have reported that their tests are removed from the platform quickly, so be mindful when using the app.
Sign up for freelancing platforms.
Fiverr and UpWork are excellent options for new freelancers. Fiverr allows you to offer and sell your skills to clients, while UpWork lets you bid on jobs by submitting proposals. Pick the platform that suits you best (or use both) and see how much you can earn!
- Note: Fiverr takes a 20% commission on your earnings, and you’ll need to wait 2 weeks to withdraw your funds.
Take on random tasks for others.
Use apps like TaskRabbit to find local gigs. If you’re up for some physical tasks, such as lawn care or grocery shopping for someone, this can be a great way to earn money on the side while staying active.
Deliver food or groceries.
Sign up for food delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Delivery apps have surged in popularity due to their convenience for customers craving food right at their doorsteps. Depending on how much time you're willing to spend, you can make money by becoming a delivery driver with platforms like:
Drive for a ride-sharing service.
Drive for platforms like Lyft or Uber. If you have your own car and some spare time, sign up as a driver for a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft. With this flexible gig, you can earn decent extra income based on how much time you’re willing to invest.
- Be sure to download the driver version of either the Uber or Lyft app.
Offer online tutoring services.
Sign up on Wyzant to offer your tutoring expertise. Are you an expert in subjects like math, science, or a foreign language? The Tutor on Wyzant app lets you easily advertise your knowledge to prospective clients. You can manage your tutoring schedule and keep track of upcoming lessons with ease through the app.
Monetize your photography.
Shutterstock rewards you for high-quality photos. When users download your photos, you earn money for your contributions. Simply install the Shutterstock app, create an account, upload your images, and start earning.
- Shutterstock also has a referral program that allows you to make money by inviting others to upload and download pictures from the platform.
Create and share content on TikTok.
You can earn money on TikTok if you build a large enough following. After downloading the TikTok app, you can start creating content and, eventually, monetize your videos.
- Social media influencer Jenna Jean Davis suggests “engaging with your community. The comment section of TikTok is almost as entertaining as the videos themselves. Make sure you are commenting back and commenting on other creators’ videos as well.”
- Davis also advises “experimenting with different types of videos and topics to give your audience some variety. See what your audience reacts best to and what sticks. Whatever is your most popular topic, post about that most often. Still, you don’t need to be singularly focused on one thing.”
Start streaming on Twitch.
You can make money on Twitch once you build a dedicated following. Create a Twitch channel to stream video games and other online activities. As your audience grows and you gain regular viewers, you'll unlock opportunities to monetize your profile and earn from your gaming streams.
Grow a successful YouTube channel.
YouTube will eventually pay you if your channel attracts enough views. Building a following can turn your channel into a profitable side hustle. Though managing and uploading videos is easier on a computer, you can still upload, manage, and analyze your content on your phone using the YouTube Studio app.
Sell your handmade creations on Etsy.
Download the Etsy Seller app to manage your shop. While setting up your store on a computer is usually simpler, Etsy’s seller app offers a mobile-friendly way to manage listings and orders. While you’ll still need to do some work off the phone, the app helps simplify the store management process.
Become a social media manager.
Many tasks related to social media management can be handled from your phone. Look for job openings in the field of social media management—although some tasks may require a computer, you can easily create posts and manage accounts directly from your mobile device.
Join a remote customer support team.
Companies like Arise and Alorica offer remote positions. Although some tasks may require a computer, becoming a remote customer service representative is a great way to earn money from home using just your phone (and possibly your computer).
- Some job listings may prefer bilingual candidates.
Invest using a mobile app.
Robinhood and Acorns are both excellent choices for investment apps. Both platforms aim to help you secure your financial future, but Acorns focuses on the power of small, everyday financial choices, like saving the spare change from your coffee purchase. Either app provides a solid foundation for beginners looking to explore investing.
