Are you a teenager looking to make money while managing your studies? If this is the case then you are in the right place. In this article, you will find numerous side hustles for teenagers.
Here, we’ll cover almost all kinds of side hustles for teens. You’ll learn about online ways to make money, tech-based side hustles, creative ways, local ways, academic-based side hustles, and so on. You name it and we have got you covered.
Earning money as a teenager is a great way to build independence and confidence. It will help you learn skills that will help you immensely in your future. Here are the best side hustles for teens.
Table of Contents
Best Side Hustles for Teens
1. Sell Handmade Crafts or Art
Do you love making something with your hands? It can be anything like beaded jewelry, paintings, cozy knitted scarves, beaded bags, etc. You can easily sell your handmade items. You can start by creating a few pieces and promoting them on your Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok account and once you start receiving some orders, you can create a small inventory of our selling items and increase your inventory as you start making some money.
You can easily set up an Etsy shop and post your products on Instagram with trendy hashtags or also sell them if you have local art fairs in your area.
There are many platforms that you can use to sell the products like:
The list goes on. You can do your research and see which option is best for you.
Here are some of the best side hustles for 2025 that anyone can do to earn extra income in their free time.
2. Start a YouTube Channel or TikTok Account
If you are a person who loves sharing ideas or making people laugh, then you can start a YouTube channel or TikTok account. This can be both fun and profitable at the same time. You can do anything like making vlogs, starting a niche-based channel like beauty, or focusing on something you like whether it’s gaming, DIY crafts, or funny skits.
You can start by uploading videos consistently and engaging with your audience, and once you build a following, you can partner with brands for sponsorships or display ads on your videos to make money through ad revenue.
3. Becoming a Social Media Manager
If you love using your phone, have a way with words, and are a bit creative, you can become a social media manager. We are living in a digital world, and every single business needs an online presence.
Many small businesses struggle to do everything by themselves and often need help to manage their social media accounts. As a teen, you must be familiar with platforms like Instagram and Facebook and this could be your ticket to earning extra cash. This is one of the best side hustles for teens as the income potential is insane and you might end up taking it as a full-time job once you are done with your studies.
To find work you can find small businesses and message them to handle their accounts. In the start the pay might not be great or they may test you for a week or so to work them for free but you should take the opportunity and handle their accounts.
You can also create your profile on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. Directly pitching small businesses with your dedicated Instagram account is a great way to pitch potential customers.
4. Sell Your Old Clothes
This is also a trending side hustle where you declutter your closet and earn money by selling them. Many teens have gently used clothes that are in pristine condition and are trendy.
You can use apps like Depop and Poshmark to list your clothes online. Write detailed descriptions and take flattering pictures to make them look appealing. You can also share links on social media to reach a wider audience.
You can use the following platforms to sell your clothes:
5. Taking Online Surveys
If you want to do something that does not require a lot of effort and can be done sitting on your bed then online surveys are a good place to start. Several companies will pay you for giving your valuable opinions which can in return help them to improve their products.
You can start researching legal survey websites and sign up. Then complete the surveys in your free time and you will get paid in cash or gift cards. You can avoid platforms that require you to pay an upfront fee to get started. These platforms can be scams and their better to avoid them.
Here are some examples of platforms that are perfect for taking online surveys making it one of the best side hustles for teens:
6. Freelancing
There are so many freelancing services that you can choose from. Just think about what you are good at. Are you good at graphic designing, content writing, or even voice acting? Freelancing gives you the liberty to use your skills and earn money in your free time.
You can start by creating a profile on freelancing platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. Many freelancing platforms may not allow you to make an account if you are under 18. In this case, you can use your parent’s account but make sure they are well aware and you have taken their permission. Be open about it to your clients as well.
Your account should be supervised by your parents. Then start by sharing examples of your work to attract clients. You can start with small gigs and then increase your rates as you gain experience.
Fiverr allows you to create a seller account if you are at least 13 years of age. Read Fiverr’s minor policy here.
Here are some examples of freelancing platforms:
7. Resell Thrifted Items
The next best side hustle is to start a reselling business. All you need to do is go to thrift stores or garage sales and find vintage or unique items that you can buy at low prices. Look for pieces that can be sold for a profit with a bit of cleaning or creativity. You can easily resell these for a profit.
Look for trendy items such as sneakers, Skechers, and trending hair appliances, and then take appealing photos, and list them on resale platforms. Also, add a catchy description to attract buyers.
You can sell them on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace or even through Instagram or TikTok.
Here is a list of some of the best items to resell for profit and make good money in 2025.
8. Dropshipping
If you want to do a business and make a good chunk of money but don’t want to manufacture products and store inventory, then dropshipping is one of the best side hustles for teens that you can easily do.
In dropshipping, you sell products through your online store while suppliers handle storage and shipping to your customers.
You have to find the product that you want to sell and then partner with suppliers on platforms like Oberlo and start promoting your store using social media ads or organic content.
You can use the following platforms to make your online store:
9: Become a Photographer
If you love capturing moments and have a good eye, then photography is for you. You can start photographing at small birthday parties, in-house baby showers, casual portraits, and even product photography for small businesses.
You don’t need anything expensive and you can buy something with a little bit of savings.
To find work, you can promote your services on local Facebook groups, or Instagram accounts and drop a message to your local businesses or pitch businesses online. Word-of-mouth is extremely powerful so ask for referrals.
10. Sell Custom Stickers or Stationery
If you have a creative mind and love creating designs then you can start selling custom stickers or personalized stationery. This can be one of the most fun and profitable side hustles for teens.
You can easily design and produce stickers, notebooks, or unique stationery items by using free tools like Canva or investing in software like Photoshop to make your designs more appealing.
You can buy sticker paper or partner with print services for production.
Start promoting your designs on Instagram or TikTok to reach an audience. You can also create an online store to sell your items.
You can even engage with local schools or clubs in your area as they usually want custom items for their teams or events.
Here are some platforms that you can consider:
11. Start a Print on Demand Merchandise
Just like stickers, you will need a little bit of creativity to make designs for products that you want to sell like T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, etc.
You can create digital designs featuring quotes, patterns, or illustrations. These can then be uploaded to platforms that handle printing, packaging, and shipping for you. You can create an online store to list your products and link them with your print-on-demand platform like Printify, etc.
Just promote your products on social media platforms to drive traffic to your online store.
Here are some examples of platforms you can use:
12: Babysitting
Many working parents want someone to look after their kids on days they can’t manage or need to step out of the house alone. If you are a responsible person, you can offer babysitting services.
You will be responsible for caring for children, offering snacks, playing games, and ensuring that they are safe. To get babysitting jobs, you can advertise your services in local Facebook Groups, spread the work in your neighborhood, or connect with parents through babysitting apps.
Here are some apps that you can use:
13. Pet Sitting/ Dog Walking
This is another great side hustle amongst all the side hustles for teens mentioned here as it’s flexible and you can easily manage it with your studies.
You can spread the word in local groups and knock on your neighbor’s doors to let them know that you are available. You can also sign up on different apps to get some jobs.
Here are some examples of platforms:
14: Offer Lawn Mowing Services
If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty and love some physical work, then lawn mowing and gardening are excellent side hustles for teens that can make you good money.
Many homeowners are happy to pay someone to keep their yards looking great. You will need to mow lawns, trim hedges, plant flowers, or weed gardens. You can invest in basic equipment or use homeowners’s tools.
Go knocking on doors to let your neighbors know that you are available. You can also advertise your services through social media.
15. Offer Car Washing Services
You can offer car washing services at a fraction of the cost of professional car detailers making it appealing to your neighbors and friends. You can offer car cleaning services, including washing, waxing, and vacuuming interiors. Offer these services as a package or combo to increase your income.
You can find the work by advertising in local Facebook groups and by going door to door to let people know that you are available.
16. Develop Websites
We all know that the digital market is growing and all businesses need a professional website. You can learn to build websites using tools like Wix, and WordPress, or even coding languages like HTML and CSS.
You can offer your services to local businesses, friends, or school clubs who are looking to get a website made.
You can list your services on Fiverr or other platforms.
17. Test Apps and Games
Companies and developers need feedback on their apps or games before launching them to a larger audience. You can test apps or games for bugs and then provide feedback to developers on what works and what needs improvement.
You can use PlaytestCloud for game testing and BetaTesting for app reviews. Both platforms are beginner-friendly and best for trends who love some technical gigs.
18. Act in Local Productions
If you are a teenager who is passionate about performing in local plays, films, or commercials, then this is a great side hustle for teens.
You can audition for roles in community theater productions, student films, or local commercials. You can prepare a basic acting portfolio with headshots.
You can check local listing calls, school theater announcements, and community boards. You can also join local acting groups or networks to stay updated on any upcoming opportunities. In the same way, you can also play music at live events in your local community.
These creative side hustles for teens not only provide you with a chance to earn but also help you develop artistic skills and build a strong network.
19. Provide Holiday Decoration Services
As the holiday season is just around the corner, people generally love decorating their homes but often lack the time or energy to do it themselves.
You can offer services to put up decorations like Christmas lights, outdoor displays, wreaths and take them down. You can advertise your services on Facebook groups, on community boards, or by distributing flyers.
20: Shoveling Snow in Winter or Raking Leaves in Fall
You can offer to clear driveways, sidewalks, and porches after snowstorms during winter. In the fall season, you can rake and bag leaves for busy homeowners.
You can go from door-to-door in your neighborhood or post flyers in your local area. Also, advertise them in groups to increase visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can teens really make money with side hustles?
Yes. There are plenty of side hustles for teens that they can use to make money. From freelancing online to offering local services like lawn mowing or babysitting, teens can find flexible ways to work around their school schedules.
Are there age restrictions for side hustles?
Some side hustles, like freelancing or selling crafts online, don’t have strict age requirements as long as a parent or guardian can help you with setting up accounts if needed. However, platforms like Fiverr or Care.com may have minimum age requirements (often 13 or older). Just ensure to check platform guidelines before starting.
How can teens balance side hustles with school and other responsibilities?
Teens should start with side hustles that offer flexibility, like online freelancing, pet sitting, or seasonal gigs. You should always prioritize schoolwork and schedule side hustle tasks for weekends or after-school hours to avoid burnout.
What are the safest side hustles for teens?
Some safe side hustles for teens can be taking online surveys, selling crafts, or starting a YouTube channel. You can offer local services like babysitting or dog walking. Just always inform a parent or guardian about the job details for added safety.
What are some online jobs for 17-year-olds at Home?
There are plenty of online side hustles for teens, including freelance writing, taking online surveys, tutoring, or becoming a virtual assistant. You can use spaces like Fiverr, Upwork, and Survey Junkie as these are great places to start, even with minimal setup.
What are some jobs for teens with no experience?
Teens with no experience can start with simple side hustles like babysitting, pet sitting, lawn mowing, or selling items online. Many online gigs, like taking surveys or reselling items, don’t require prior skills and can help teens learn as they earn.
Conclusion
Side hustles are a great way to earn money when you have to balance your studies and give them a priority. There are 19 side hustles for teens mentioned here which cover almost everything.
We have talked about how to earn online, start a business as a teenager, seasonal side hustles, tech-based side hustles, etc. All of the options mentioned here provide you with an option to make great money on the side while developing valuable life skills that are going to help you in the future.