As a teenager, it's totally normal to feel unsure about your career path. While you might enjoy specific subjects in school, these don’t always align with your future career. 

But that doesn't mean you can’t start earning a few extra bucks while you're still studying. Thankfully, there are a bunch of ways you can do this. Plus, you won't need a hefty investment behind you, or a shed load of time.

After all, it's a side hustle for a reason. And you need to be able to keep up with your studies and other commitments as well.

So, let’s not waste any time! Here are 23 side hustles for teens who want to earn some extra cash and jump into the world of side hustling. 

Side hustles for teens

1. Start a whop

whop creator

Whether you're looking to turn a current hobby into extra cash or you want to venture into something new, Whop can help. Whop is an all-in-one platform designed to help you sell anything digital, whether you've created a kickass guide, a downloadable checklist or an online course for fellow students — Whop has got your back.

If you love playing video games, not only can Whop help you to monetize your videos, but you can take your interests one step further, with digital downloads, walkthroughs or game reviews. Before you know it, you'll be running your own online community full of gamers. Cool, huh?

Plus, there are no monthly running costs, so you won't be out of pocket before you even get started. Whop simply takes a small cut of your earnings, so you won't pay a dime until you start earning.

Getting started is easy. Start by exploring Whop communities, to help you find what you're interested in. If it's a new skill, learn from fellow side hustlers and establish any gaps in the market.

Now it's time to create your whop, build your community and/or products.

💡 Pro tip: Explore existing Whop communities to learn from others before diving in.

2. Run social media accounts

buffer

As a teen, you no doubt spend a lot of time on your cell phone. Whether you're scrolling TikTok, Instagram Reels, or watching YouTube videos, an awareness of social media can be a huge benefit when it comes to finding a side hustle.

Why? Because you know what hooks viewers in, so who better to run social media accounts? Now, if you don't have a load of experience behind you, it can be difficult to get into social media management.

However, there are a couple of things you can do. Firstly, start building your own social media accounts. If you can demonstrate to others that you know what you're doing, you can use your own accounts to your advantage.

Whether you want to build your own YouTube channel for gaming videos, or work towards becoming a social media influencer on Instagram — starting with your own accounts is a great place to start. If you already feel like you know what you're doing, why not reach out to local businesses?

Small businesses are always on the lookout for ways to promote themselves, and they often don't have a big budget to do so. Kickstart your side hustle by offering affordable social media management. With a variety of free social media management tools available, you can even get started without immediate costs.

Tools such as Buffer and Crowdfire offer free plans, so get signed up and start your side hustle right away. With a combination of these apps and free design tools like Canva in your toolbox, you'll be good to go.

On Whop, social media communities await to help you learn proven strategies for successful social media management. You can even package your services on your own whop and start building a community of clients. So what are you waiting for?

How to get started:

  • Learn basic social media marketing strategies
  • Develop your skills and create a portfolio of sample posts
  • Speak to local businesses or advertise your services online
  • Find the right tools for scheduling and content creation

💡 Pro tip: Social media trends change quickly. Stay updated by following digital marketing experts on social media and YouTube!

3. Pet sitting

Pet sitting can be a pretty great side hustle for teens, since all it requires is a love for animals and some spare time. Of course, you'll need to work this side hustle around your studies and other commitments, but it can be a good way to make some extra money.

As well as keeping an eye on furry friends, pet-sitting tasks can include feeding, walking and generally taking care of animals while their owners are away. Some pet-sitting services also include overnight stays, which can earn you even more cash.

To start pet sitting, speak to friends and neighbors to see if they need any help. There are websites for pet sitting and dog walking, however, some of these have age limits in place.

What's great about this type of side hustle is the flexibility. You can easily work it around your studies, and if you do have to stay overnight, you can even work on another side hustle while you're there if you've got a laptop or access to a computer.

How to get started:

  • Learn about animal care
  • Speak to friends, family members and neighbors to find work
  • Consider starting your own pet-sitting business to promote your services or joining an online platform to find work

💡 Pro tip: If you build a good reputation, you can start charging premium rates for last-minute or holiday bookings.

4. Tutoring services

tutoring

If you're clued up on a particular subject and performing well in school, why not share your knowledge with others? There are always fellow students on the lookout for tutoring services.

Whether you play guitar in your spare time or have a knack for maths, this could be a great side hustle to earn you some extra money.

As a teen, it might be difficult to offer tutoring services via traditional tutoring platforms due to age restrictions, but don't let this hold you back. You can sell tutoring services from your whop, using the files app to share worksheets, the courses app for self-guided content, and the video calls app for live lessons.

To get started, think about the particular subject you'd like to tutor in. A subject you enjoy will definitely make it easier to teach. Some schools may even allow you to put posters up promoting your tutoring services.

How to get started:

  • Sign up to online platforms like Whop, Wyzant or TutorMe to find potential clients
  • Speak to fellow students at school to offer tutoring services
  • Consider offering a free trial to attract customers
  • Create a flexible schedule around your own studies

Want to explore tutoring? We’ve got a few things that can help:

5. Graphic design

canva

Need a little extra spending money? Graphic design can help you earn some extra cash in a variety of ways. If you've got a creative eye, start by learning some design basics and software like Canva or Adobe Photoshop.

There are plenty of opportunities to earn with this type of side hustle. Firstly, you can look at local and small businesses that may require graphic design assets — such as social media posts, flyers or business cards.

Secondly, you can look at gig platforms such as Fiverr or Upwork to find clients. If you're just getting started, brush up your skills and create some designs to build up your portfolio. You'll soon have paying clients that you can work with around your studies. Be wary of how long it may take you to complete each project, especially if you're working in just your free time after school or on weekends.

Graphic design will earn you more than just a few dollars. Projects could pay anywhere between $20 to hundreds of bucks. The amount depends on your skill level, the complexity of the work and the timeframe.

How to get started:

  • Learn basic design skills via free resources online
  • Create your own portfolio to showcase your work
  • Join freelance platforms like Fiverr and reach out to local businesses
  • Market your services on social media

💡 Pro tip: Once you have examples of your work, you can start charging higher rates and attract bigger clients

Here are some other great resources that could help your design hustle:

6. Sell handmade crafts

crafts

Selling handmade crafts could be a great side hustle for teens who love creating things. Whether you want to get set up with your own online store or sell at local community crafts fairs, this type of side hustle can teach you a lot about business.

Not only will you gain valuable skills in inventory, but you'll also quickly get to grips with cost and profit, since you'll need to purchase craft supplies and determine selling prices.

There are plenty of ways to sell handmade crafts online. To get started, you're going to need some craft supplies and an idea of what you'd like to make. For some inspiration, take a look at online marketplaces to see what's currently selling well and the potential profit to be made.

While websites like Etsy will take a cut of your earnings, you could start out by selling to friends and neighbors, or listing your crafts on Facebook Marketplace. There are also plenty of resources online to help you get started, including YouTube channels dedicated to teaching viewers how to create things!

How to get started:

  • Determine what type of crafts you'll make and the required supplies
  • Learn new skills via free resources such as YouTube channels
  • Look to join online marketplaces such as Etsy
  • Consider selling on free platforms like Facebook Marketplace

💡 Pro tip: Test different sales platforms to see what works best for your products

Looking for more? Check these out:

7. Deliver flyers

When it comes to side hustles for teens, delivering flyers has to be one of the easiest ways to make some extra cash. If you're pretty active, you can even cycle your route.

Speak to local businesses who may need flyers delivered, or go directly to a flyer delivery business to find work. Or, if you prefer to find clients yourself, you can advertise your own flyer delivery business and price your services accordingly.

However, if you decide to go solo, you will need to promote your new business and it may take a little while to find clients.

How to get started:

  • Speak to local businesses who may need help
  • Consider creating your own flyer distribution service

💡 Pro tip: Consider combining flyer delivery with another service, like distributing business cards for local companies.

This type of side hustle is easily one of the classic money-makers for teens who want to make money around their studies. This leads us to our next potential side hustle...

8. Lawn mowing services

Yep, you saw it coming, lawn mowing. As a kid, the chances are your parents chucked you a few extra bucks for mowing the lawn or washing the car - so why not offer these services and earn some extra cash alongside your studies?

It's pretty easy to get started with this type of side hustle. Your best bet is to speak to friends, family members and neighbors who need help with garden maintenance.

You will need some essential equipment (such as a lawn mower) and transportation to each job, so it's important to bear this in mind. Some clients will be happy for you to use their tools and equipment, which could be reflected in the price of your services.

How to get started:

  • Create a simple flyer advertising your services
  • Set your rates based on the size of the job and your time
  • Speak to friends and neighbors to promote yourself locally

💡 Pro tip: Offer package deals, such as a discounted rate for multiple lawn mowings or additional services like weeding and hedge trimming.

9. Take online surveys

online surveys

In terms of the easiest side hustles for teens, taking online surveys has to be up there as one of the easiest ways to make extra money. If you can use a computer, online survey sites will pay teenagers to give opinions on products and services.

All you need is a computer or smartphone with internet access. Since many businesses want the feedback of a teenage audience, you'll be sure to find online surveys that offer points or cash rewards for completing online surveys.

To get started, check out online survey sites that accept your age group. Some popular options include Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and YouGov.

How to get started:

  • Look for activities and rewards that interest you
  • Fill out your profile to be matched to relevant online surveys
  • Dedicate time each week
  • Cash out your earnings

💡 Pro tip: Create a separate email for survey sites to keep track of offers and avoid clutter in your personal inbox.

Here’s even more on making money from online surveys:

10. Car washing

Much like mowing the lawn as a kid, car washing can be a great side hustle for teens who are happy to get their hands dirty.

With minimal supplies needed, you can get started right away with very little spending. To avoid having to travel too far, start by speaking to friends and neighbors who may want their car washed. You could even create flyers of your own and distribute them locally.

Car washing will earn you a little extra cash, and you can easily work it around your studies.

How to get started:

  • Create a simple flyer and distribute it locally
  • Speak to friends and neighbors to find initial work
  • Ask for recommendations from happy customers

💡 Pro tip: Upsell your services by offering additional options like waxing, vacuuming the interior, or tire shining.

11. Teach tech skills

For tech-savvy teens, technology is second nature. So why not make the most of those skills and earn some extra cash?

There are plenty of routes you can take here. This could be teaching others how to use technology, or creating content online in the form of TikTok videos. If you're clued up on specific tools and software, like Photoshop or PowerPoint, you can even market these skills to earn money.

To find clients in this type of side hustle, take a look at gig platforms such as PeoplePerHour, Upwork or Fiverr. Or, you can even approach local businesses that may need help.

How to get started:

  • Start creating your own content if your specialty is social media
  • Look to gig platforms for work in your niche
  • Speak to local businesses who may require help

💡 Pro tip: Create short video tutorials on common tech issues and upload them to YouTube or TikTok.

Here’s even more on social media and leveraging tech:

12. Flipping items

Flipping and reselling items can be a great side hustle for teens who enjoy visiting thrift stores in their free time. Flipping items like furniture can bring teens some extra cash, especially when items require very little work.

Or, if you've got items lying around at home, such as old electronics, books or board games, these can also make good money online. Start by looking at online marketplaces to see what's up for sale and check out potential earnings.

Since you can decide how much time and effort you put into this type of side hustle, you can easily work it around your own schedule.

How to get started:

  • See what items you already own and no longer use that you can sell
  • Browse online marketplaces to see what's selling well
  • Visit thrift stores to find items to resell

💡 Pro tip: Look for free or cheap items on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local garage sales that you can restore or clean up and resell.

Check out these resources for even more:

13. Sell photos

Got an eye for photography? If you've got a high-quality camera and access to the internet, you can start selling your photos online right away. There are a bunch of different stock photo websites around you can list your images on, such as Unsplash and Shutterstock. Once uploaded, these can be sold time and time again — earning you a nice passive income.

But it's not just stock photos that can help you earn some extra money. If you love photography, why not offer your services to small businesses to build up your portfolio? This could be photos of products, team photos or more corporate images.

There are lots of different ways you can sell your photos. On Whop, we make it easy to create an online side hustle and sell your downloadable images. We'll take care of order fulfillment and payment processing, too, so you can focus on adding more images to your portfolio.

How to get started:

  • Learn basic photography skills via free online resources
  • Take photos and start listing them on stock photo sites
  • Speak to local businesses about offering photography services
  • Ask for recommendations from happy customers

💡 Pro tip: Maximize your earnings by selling photos on multiple platforms.

Want to learn more about selling photos? These should help:

14. Create a YouTube channel

Becoming a YouTuber could be a fun way to make some extra money. However, this isn't a side hustle for teens who want quick cash!

It's important to focus on a niche that really interests you, whether it's gaming, tech reviews or teaching DIY crafts. As your YouTube channel grows, you'll have more opportunities to make money, whether it's ad revenue from views or brand sponsorships.

You can even leverage Whop to monetize your video content, build a community around your subscribers and take your content one step further with Whop apps!

How to get started:

  • Decide on your niche (such as gaming)
  • Create and upload high-quality videos
  • Optimize your video content with clickable titles and appealing thumbnails
  • Engage with your audience
  • Promote your content on other social media accounts

💡 Pro tip: Consistency is key! Make sure you set a schedule for posting new videos.

Looking for further help in creating and monetizing a YouTube channel?

15. Start blogging

If you love writing, starting a blog could be the perfect way to earn some extra money. Much like creating a YouTube channel, blogging won't pay out instantly, but it's definitely worth the effort.

Easily one of the best side hustles for teenagers who have a passion for writing, once your blog gains traffic there are many ways to make money from it. Whether it's display advertising, offering paid guest posts or selling your own digital products — the opportunities are endless.

How to get started:

  • Decide on your topic area
  • Choose a blogging platform, like Whop, WordPress or Wix and set up your blog
  • Create a content calendar and blog regularly
  • Learn basic SEO skills to optimize your blogs for search engines
  • Promote your blog through social media, forums and other online channels

💡 Pro tip: Use SEO tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find topics people are searching for.

Find even more insights on blogging:

16. Test websites and apps

test websites

For the tech-savvy teens out there, testing websites and apps could be a profitable side hustle. There are several platforms that allow you to sign up and test new sites and apps, such as Testerup, UserTesting and TryMyUI.

If you're tech-savvy and want a side hustle you can easily do from home, this is easily one of the best options. All you'll need to do is navigate a website or app while recording your findings, before answering a few questions about your experience.

Plus, if you have a computer and a strong internet connection at home already, there are no setup costs involved.

How to get started:

  • Sign up to user testing websites and complete your profile
  • Carry out any practice tests or training
  • Follow instructions and complete tasks honestly

💡 Pro tip: Record your screen while testing websites and apps to provide more detailed feedback.

17. Sell print-on-demand products

printify

If you have a creative streak, selling print-on-demand (POD) products can be a great way to make money with no upfront costs. There are a bunch of platforms you can join to sell your products, such as RedBubble, Teespring and Printify.

There are also endless opportunities to use your designs, such as t-shirts, phone cases, stickers and much more. When a customer places an order the platform handles it all for you, so you won't need to worry about inventory or shipping.

How to get started:

  • Learn basic graphic design with free tools like Canva
  • Sign up for a print-on-demand platform
  • Create unique designs and market them
  • Promote your online store through social media and other channels

💡 Pro tip: Research trending designs before creating your own.

Here’s even more on selling print-on-demand products:

18. House sitting

Much like pet sitting, house sitting is an easy way to make money while looking after someone's home while they're away. During your stay, some tasks may include watering plants, collecting mail and emptying the trash.

Or, you can combine both your pet-sitting and house-sitting services in one and make even more money!

Not sure about going solo? Look to platforms like HouseSitter to find work. Before you join websites to find house-sitting gigs, be sure to check for any age restrictions.

How to get started:

  • Offer your services to family, friends and neighbors
  • Join platforms like HouseSitter (if age restrictions allow)
  • Ask for recommendations from satisfied customers

💡 Pro tip: Offer additional services like cleaning or mail collection to increase your earnings.

19. Become a virtual assistant

Even as a teen, you can easily make money as a virtual assistant. Tasks can vary, with anything from simple data entry tasks to running social media accounts.

If you're pretty organized and have strong typing and communication skills, this could be the side hustle for you. Start off small with simple tasks, like scheduling appointments or managing emails.

As you gain experience, you can increase your offering to the likes of social media management.

There are several ways to find this type of work, including gig platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Or, you can promote your services as a virtual assistant locally to small businesses that may need help with everyday tasks.

As you build a reputation and gather reviews from your clients, you'll be able to increase your rates and gain more work. Just remember to work out your time accordingly around school and other activities.

How to get started:

  • Consider the type of tasks you'd like to offer
  • Look at gig platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr
  • Gain referrals from customers to find new work
  • Speak to local businesses to offer your services

💡 Pro tip: Start with small, simple tasks and gradually take on more responsibilities as you gain more experience.

20. House cleaning

If you're detail-oriented and don't mind physical work, house cleaning and other odd jobs around the home could be a simple yet rewarding side hustle.

Many people, including busy professionals, often need help with basic cleaning tasks, whether vacuuming, organizing or dusting. The best part? You don't really need any special skills to get started — just a willingness to work hard.

The best thing about this type of side hustle for teens is its flexibility. You choose how much work to take on and you can even complete odd jobs easily around your studies and other commitments.

Start by speaking to neighbors and friends who may benefit from this type of service, and once you've got some clients under your belt you can soon ask for recommendations!

How to get started:

  • Decide on the services you'll offer and the area you'd like to cover
  • Invest in cleaning products (although many clients will likely provide their own)
  • Start with family and neighbors to find potential clients
  • Advertise locally with flyers, Facebook Marketplace posts and community groups
  • Provide a great service and ask for recommendations

💡 Pro tip: Offer tiered pricing based on the size of the job and the number of rooms cleaned.

21. Affiliate marketing

whop affiliates

Affiliate marketing is a great way to earn passive income by promoting products or services and earning commissions on each sale made through your unique affiliate link. For teens who enjoy blogging, social media and content creation, this type of side hustle is perfect.

The key to affiliate marketing is building an audience around a specific niche. So it's important to choose an area that you're really interested in. Many teens get started in affiliate marketing by writing product reviews, creating unboxing reviews and recommending products on social media.

Some popular affiliate marketing programs include Amazon Associates, ClickBank and Shopify. We even have Whop Affiliates here on Whop, so you can earn money online by recommending Whop to fellow creators.

How to get started:

  • Choose a niche
  • Sign up for an affiliate program
  • Create content, whether blog posts, TikTok videos or Instagram Stories
  • Optimize your content for search engines

💡 Pro tip: Focus on a niche that you’re genuinely interested in, as this will make it easier to create engaging content.

22. Transcribing audio files

Transcription work involves listening to audio files and converting them into written text. This is a great online side hustle for teens who have good listening abilities, attention to detail, and fast typing skills.

Whether it's podcasts, interviews, lectures or business meetings, many companies require transcription services. As a beginner, you can start off small with transcription tasks like captioning YouTube videos or transcribing short audio clips.

The best part about this side hustle is that it's fully remote and requires very little setup, especially if you already have a computer and good internet

How to get started:

  • Use free websites like 10FastFingers or TypingClub to practice your typing speed
  • Use transcription tools to speed up the process (and check your work!)
  • Sign up for transcription platforms such as Rev, TranscribeMe and GoTranscript
  • Start with simple gigs

💡 Pro tip: Use transcription tools like Otter.ai or Descript to speed up the process.

23. Freelance writing

fiverr

If you're a teen who enjoys writing, researching and storytelling, becoming a freelance writer could be the obvious next step.

Businesses and website owners are constantly looking for content writers to create blog posts, product descriptions and write social media content — making this a pretty lucrative side hustle.

You don’t necessarily need formal writing experience to get started — just strong grammar, creativity, and a willingness to learn. As a beginner freelance writer, you can find small writing gigs on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.

How to get started:

  • Choose your writing niche
  • Create a portfolio of sample blog posts
  • Join freelance platforms
  • Pitch to blogs and websites
  • Keep improving your skills

Did you know... You can package your freelance writing services on Whop? Whop makes it easy to sell ready-made content and bundle your writing services, all from your whop.

You can even extend your services into a paid community as your skills boom, helping to teach others the tips and tricks you've learned along the way.

💡 Pro tip: Start by writing free blogs or guest posting on websites in your niche to build up a portfolio.

Want to learn more about freelance writing? We’ve got you covered:

Start your side hustle with Whop

whop

And there we have it, 23 side hustles for teens. With these ideas up your sleeve, you'll be ready to start making extra cash in no time.

The best way to launch your side hustle is with Whop. Whether you want to start online tutoring, sell graphic design services, start an online blog or try affiliate marketing, you can do with all with Whop. Setting up your own whop costs nothing, but it can make you thousands of dollars a month!

Create your whop

Side hustles for teens: FAQs

Still got questions about finding the best side hustles for teens? No problem! Here are a few answers to common queries.

What's the best side hustle for a teenager with no experience?

If you want to start making some extra cash right away with no experience and no setup costs, side hustles like taking online surveys could be the answer. Other easy options include delivering flyers and looking after pets.

Do I need parental permission to start a side hustle?

It depends on the hustle. Some platforms may require parental consent for those under 18. If you’re working locally, it’s a good idea to let your parents know for safety reasons.

What are some side hustles that don't require upfront money to start?

Many side hustles require little to no upfront costs, such as pet sitting, flipping free items, online tutoring, testing websites, and running social media accounts.

How do I promote my side hustle?

There are plenty of ways to promote your new side hustle and maximize your income. You can use free promotion methods such as word of mouth to gain new work, as well as leverage social media and local community boards. If needed, you can also use free website builders to create a portfolio to showcase your work.

A platform such as Whop is the best option! There are no upfront costs and you won't pay a dime until you make a sale, so you can create your whop, develop your digital products and start selling with zero upfront fees.

Can I do multiple side hustles at once?

Definitely. Many teens combine easy and passive side hustles (like taking surveys or selling stock photos) with active ones (like tutoring or lawn mowing) to maximize earnings. If you're looking to save money, a combination of the two can help bring in more income.

What if I don't have enough time for a side hustle?

A side hustle should comfortably sit in your current schedule, whether you work in the evenings after school or on weekends. Start with a low-maintenance side hustle like selling stock photos or digital downloads — these will take up the least amount of time.

What’s the best side hustle if I only have weekends available?

Physical side hustles like babysitting, pet sitting, or house cleaning are great weekend gigs.