Teen Guide: How to Make Money as a Teenager (9 Best Ways)

Make Money as a Teenager

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

Making money as a teenager might seem challenging, but there are countless opportunities to start earning. Whether you’re looking for ways to earn quick money, make cash from home, or start an online hustle, this guide will show you easy and practical ways to succeed. Let’s dive into some of the best side hustles and strategies tailored just for teenagers.

Side Hustle:
What to Know:
Helpful Tools:
Earnings to Start:
CPA Marketing & Viral Videos
How to earn money online as a teenager using CPA offers and viral videos.
TikTok, Instagram, Canva, Beacons, Glitchy
$50-$500 per month, depending on views and engagement.
Flipping Items for Quick Profits
How to flip items like shoes, toys, or thrifted goods for quick cash.
eBay app, local thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace
$20-$100+ per item, depending on the product flipped.
Trading Cards: A Profitable Hobby
How to trade and sell popular collectible cards for profit.
Card price-checking platforms like eBay or TCGPlayer
$50-$500+ per month, depending on card values.
Buy and Sell Crypto
Basics of cryptocurrency trading and how to start small.
Beginner-friendly crypto trading platforms like Coinbase
$50-$500+ per month, depending on investments.
Create Content for Social Media
How to build a social media brand and earn with ads and sponsorships
TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, content creation tools
$50-$1,000+ per month, depending on audience size.
How to offer writing, design, or social media services online.
Fiverr, Upwork, Canva, writing or editing tools
$20-$500+ per month, depending on client work.
Babysitting & Pet Sitting
How to earn money locally by babysitting or pet sitting
Babysitting or pet care certification, flyers or ad
$10-$100+ per job, depending on hours worked.
Sell Handmade or Digital Products
How to sell creative items like jewelry or digital templates.
Etsy or Instagram, crafting supplies
$50-$500+ per month, depending on product demand
Odd Jobs in Your Neighborhood
How to find and complete odd jobs for fast money.
Local apps like TaskRabbit or word-of-mouth advertising
$20-$200+ per month, depending on job frequency.

1. CPA Marketing and Viral Videos

What is CPA Marketing?

CPA (Cost Per Action) marketing is a way to earn money by getting people to complete simple actions like filling out surveys or signing up for services.

Platforms like Glitchy make it easy to get started.

How to Use Viral Videos to Earn Money Online as a Teenager

Creating short, engaging videos for platforms like TikTok and Instagram can drive traffic to your CPA offers.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Find Viral Content: Use platforms like TikTok or Instagram to identify popular videos.
  2. Download and Edit Videos: Use free tools like Canva to edit and add captions or memes.
  3. Post with Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags like #funny or #viral to boost visibility.
  4. Add Your CPA Link: Use tools like Beacons to create a landing page that directs users to your affiliate link.

By following these steps, you can make money online as a teenager from home, using just a phone or computer.


2. Flipping Items for Quick Profits

What is Flipping?

Flipping involves buying undervalued items and selling them for a profit. This is one of the easiest ways to earn money fast as a teenager.

How to Get Started

  1. Find Items: Look for deals at thrift stores, outlet shops, or clearance racks. Shoes, clothing, and toys are great options.
  2. Check the Value: Use apps like eBay to scan barcodes and check resale prices.

List for Sale: Post items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local selling apps.

2Profit: Sell items for a higher price and keep the difference.

This method is simple but effective. Start small to learn the ropes and work your way up to higher-value items.

Flipping Items for Quick Profits

3. Trading Cards: A Profitable Hobby

Why Trading Cards Are Valuable

Sports cards, Pokémon cards, and other collectibles are in high demand. This side hustle can be incredibly profitable if you know what to look for.

How to Start Trading Cards

  1. Buy Low: Purchase packs or individual cards from discount stores or collectors.
  2. Research Value: Use platforms like eBay to identify cards that sell well.
  3. Sell High: Post cards on online marketplaces to attract buyers.

By focusing on popular cards, you can earn a lot of money as a teenager, even with minimal investment.


4. Buy and Sell Crypto

What is Trading?

Trading involves buying and selling stocks, cryptocurrencies, or other assets to make a profit. While it can be risky, basic strategies can help you earn money online as a teenager.

Beginner-Friendly Trading Tips

  1. Start Small: Use beginner-friendly platforms to learn the basics.
  2. Buy the Dip: Watch for low points in the market and invest in stable assets.
  3. Follow the News: Market movements are often influenced by current events.

While this requires research and patience, it can become a valuable skill for earning money.

Buy and Sell Crypto

5. Create Content for Social Media

Why Social Media Content Works

Many teens are already spending time on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Why not turn that time into money?

How to Make Money Online as a Teenager with Social Media

  1. Choose Your Niche: Focus on topics you’re passionate about, like gaming, fashion, or sports.
  2. Grow Your Audience: Post consistently and engage with followers.
  3. Monetize: Use sponsorships, ads, or affiliate links to generate income.

Social media allows you to build a brand and earn money at home while doing something you love.

Related Posts to make money with social media:


6. Provide Freelance Services

What Services Can Teenagers Offer?

If you have skills in writing, graphic design, or social media management, you can offer freelance services online. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are great places to start.

Easy Freelancing Jobs for Teens

  • Writing Articles: If you’re good at writing, create content for blogs or websites.
  • Graphic Design: Use tools like Canva to design logos or social media posts.
  • Social Media Management: Help small businesses grow their online presence.

Freelancing offers a flexible way to earn money as a teenager without needing a traditional job.


7. Babysitting and Pet Sitting

The Perfect Job for Teens

Babysitting and pet sitting are classic ways to earn cash as a teenager. These jobs are easy to find and don’t require extensive skills.

Tips for Success

  1. Get Certified: Take a babysitting or pet care course for credibility.
  2. Advertise Locally: Use flyers, social media, or neighborhood groups to find clients.
  3. Be Reliable: Build a reputation for being trustworthy and responsible.

These gigs are a quick and reliable way to make money, especially in your local community.

Babysitting and Pet Sitting The Perfect Job for Teens

8. Sell Handmade or Digital Products

What Can You Sell?

If you’re creative, consider making and selling products like jewelry, artwork, or digital templates.

How to Get Started

  1. Pick a Product: Choose something you enjoy making and that people want to buy.
  2. Set Up a Shop: Use platforms like Etsy or Instagram to showcase your work.
  3. Market Your Products: Share your creations on social media to attract buyers.

This is an excellent option for earning money at home as a teenager.


9. Do Odd Jobs in Your Neighborhood

What Are Odd Jobs?

Odd jobs are simple tasks like mowing lawns, washing cars, or shoveling snow. These are easy ways to earn quick money as a teenager.

How to Find Odd Jobs

  1. Ask Around: Offer your services to neighbors and family friends.
  2. Use Apps: Platforms like TaskRabbit can connect you with local tasks.
  3. Deliver Results: Provide excellent service to get repeat customers.

These jobs are perfect for teens who want to make money without a long-term commitment.

Final Tips on How to Make Money as a Teenager

Making money as a teenager is easier than ever, with so many opportunities available both online and offline. Whether you’re looking for easy ways to earn money as a teenager or want to figure out how to earn quick money as a teenager, the key is to start small, stay consistent, and focus on learning as you go.

Important tips to help you succeed

  • Be Consistent: No matter what method you choose—whether it’s making money as a teenager online or starting a local hustle—put in regular effort. Consistency is what turns small side hustles into meaningful income.
  • Learn and Adapt: As you explore ways to get money as a teenager, don’t be afraid to experiment with new strategies or improve existing skills. If one approach doesn’t work, adapt and try another.

    Also, one of the biggest rules of learning how to make easy money online as a teenager, is consider combining multiple income streams, like CPA marketing and freelancing.
  • Don’t put all your eggs into one basket!
  • Save and Reinvest: Use your earnings to fund other ventures. If you’re wondering how to make a lot of money as a teenager, start by reinvesting small profits into tools or resources that can expand your efforts, like better equipment for content creation or inventory for a flipping business.
  • Take Action and Watch Your Efforts Pay Off

Whether you choose how to earn money fast as a teenager with flipping, or take a steadier approach like freelancing, the most important step is to start.

By committing to your goals, learning along the way, and reinvesting in your success, you’ll build a strong foundation for financial independence.

Remember, the sooner you take action, the sooner you’ll see results. So, explore your options, get creative, and say to yourself “I’m going to take charge of my financial future today!”.

make money as a teenager

There are plenty of realistic and exciting ways for teens to make extra money. Whether you want to start a side hustle, earn money online, or find quick and easy ways to bring in cash, the opportunities are everywhere.

From flipping items to pet sitting to creating content or freelancing, it’s all about choosing something that works for you and then just sticking with it.

Learning how to make money as a teenager isn’t just about earning extra cash—it’s about building skills, confidence, and independence. Start small, explore different options, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Even if something doesn’t work out at first, there are always other ways to succeed.

The best part is that many of these ideas can be done from home or in your free time. Whether you want to work online or help people in your neighborhood, there’s a way for everyone to start earning. So, pick a side hustle, take action, and begin your journey to financial independence today. 

You’re never too young to start, and trust me when I say that you’ll wish you had started sooner, if you don’t.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts