10 Ways to Make Extra Money Online as a Teen in 2026

How to Make Money as a Teen: 10 Real Ways to Start Earning Today

Making money as a teen isn’t just about having extra spending cash—it’s also a great way to learn responsibility, build real-world skills, and even start your first small business.

The good news? There are plenty of flexible, beginner-friendly ways to earn money, both online and offline. Below are some of the best options, along with tips to help you get started.

1. Online Surveys

Online surveys are one of the easiest ways to make money because they require no experience—just your honest opinions. Many companies offer gift cards or cash via PayPal or bank transfer in exchange for completing surveys about products, commercials, or customer habits.

Things to look out for:

1. Stick to legitimate platforms with good reviews and check age requirements.
2. Create a separate email for survey accounts to stay organized.
3. Think of it as simple pocket money as you may only be able to make around $10-15 a week for a few minutes of your time

Survey companies to consider:

1. Swagbucks
2. Survey Junkie
3. Kashkick
4. Branded Surveys

2. Starting a Blog

If you enjoy writing or sharing your interests, starting a blog can turn into a fun long-term income source. Teens may create successful blogs on topics like fashion, gaming, sports, studying tips, crafts, tutorials and more.

How blogs make money:

1. Income through ads
2. Sponsored posts
3. Affiliate marketing (earning commissions for recommending products)
4. Selling your own digital products

Things to Consider:

1. Choose a niche/topic you genuinely enjoy, so it keeps you motivated
2. Post consistently, even if your audience is small at first – around 2 posts/week on average
3. Learn to use Pinterest to share your posts to a wider audience

Blogging takes patience, but it can become surprisingly profitable over time – earning up to $5,000/month. Take a look at this free Pinterest training that teaches top strategies to get there.

3. Starting a YouTube Channel

While blogging is a great option for introverts, starting a YouTube channel is perfect for those who like to be in front of the camera. YouTube is one of the most popular ways for teens to earn money through gaming, vlogging, tutorials, reviews, or creative projects – there’s an audience for nearly everything.

Ways YouTubers earn:

1. Ad revenue
2. Brand deals
3. Sponsorships
4. Affiliate links
5. Selling merch or digital products

Things to Consider when starting a YouTube Channel:

1. Focus on good audio and lighting—they matter more than fancy equipment.
2. You can choose to begin with YouTube shorts and then navigate into long-forms videos as shorts may gain traction quicker
3. Create useful or entertaining content people will want to watch again.
4. Stay consistent and patient as your channel grows.

You can also consider this list of faceless content ideas.

4. Baking and Selling Dog Treats

If you enjoy baking and love pets, this is a fun and unique business idea. Homemade dog treats are popular among pet owners who want healthier, fresher snacks for their dogs.

How to get started:

1. Check local food regulations to make sure you’re following any required guidelines.
2. Research simple, pet-safe recipes.
3. Test your treats with family and friends who have dogs.
4. Package them attractively with ingredient labels.
5. Sell locally through social media, school events (if allowed), or community groups.

If you are serious about considering this option, you can take a look at this detailed post that will guide you through the process of baking and selling dog treats as a side hustle.

5. Selling Digital Products

Digital products are great because you create them once and sell them unlimited times. This is one of the best passive income idea to make money on autopilot! Teens with creative or technical skills often do well with this.

Examples of digital products you can sell:

1. Printable planners or calendars
2. Study guides or templates
3. Phone wallpapers
4. Digital art
5. Social media graphics
6. Music loops or beats

Where to Sell: Sell them on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or even on your own website.

Digital product Ideas: Here is a huge list of digital product ideas to consider.

6. Selling Second-Hand Goods

Selling items you no longer use is one of the fastest ways to make money. There are many websites that allow you to sell your second hand goods for profit.

What to sell:

1. Clothes
2. Books
3. Sports gear
4. Electronics
5. Home Decor
6. Vintage items

Where to Sell: Use platforms like Depop, Poshmark, Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, or local community groups. Good photos and honest descriptions can help boost sales.

7. Freelance Writing

If you love writing, companies, bloggers, and small businesses often need freelancers to create articles, product descriptions, or social media captions.

Why it’s great for teens:

1. You build a portfolio early.
2. It pays better than many entry-level jobs.
3. It’s flexible enough to work around your school schedule.

Top Tips:

1. Start by practicing with your own blog or writing samples.
2. Offer your services to small businesses or student-run clubs.
3. Gradually raise your rates as your skills grow.

8. Online Proofreading:

Proofreading is simply checking text for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. If you’re great at English class or naturally detail-oriented, this is a fantastic fit.

Where to find opportunities:

1. School clubs and classmates
2. Teachers who may need help with simple tasks
3. Local businesses that produce flyers or newsletters
4. Online freelance platforms (check age requirements)

You can start small—editing essays or resumes for a few dollars—then build up.

Check out these online proofreading sites to see if you meet the age requirements.

9. Online Tutoring

If you’re strong in a subject like math, English, science, or a foreign language, tutoring is a rewarding way to earn money.

Why tutoring works well for teens:

1. Younger kids often learn better from relatable teen tutors.
2. Parents appreciate affordable help for homework or exam prep.
3. Online sessions can be a flexible option, saving you travel time and money.

Advertise through parents you know, teachers, community groups, or school bulletin boards (with permission).

10. Dog Walking and Running Errands

Sometimes the simplest jobs are the best. Dog walking, pet-sitting, and running errands for busy neighbors can add up to consistent income—especially if you live in a pet-friendly neighborhood.

Examples of tasks you can offer:

1. Walking dogs during the day
2. Feeding pets while owners are away
3. Watering plants
4. Light yard work
5. Grocery pickup
6. Organizing or decluttering small spaces

Reliability is key. If people know they can trust you, you’ll get more referrals.

Final Conclusion

Making money as a teen is completely achievable—whether you want to earn quick cash or start something bigger. Try one or two ideas that genuinely interest you, learn as you go, and stay committed. Every small job or project helps you build skills, confidence, and experience that will benefit you long into adulthood.