The sting of inflation might have you wondering how to add extra income streams.
Here’s a roundup of 25 real ways to make money, whether online, from home, or while out and about.
Each gig includes details on setup, requirements, and how fast you can expect to get paid.
How to Make Money Online
1. Freelance Work
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com offer opportunities in writing, design, programming, and more. Boost your earnings by adding in-demand skills like SEO or AI content editing.
- Time to Start Earning: A few days
- Setup Difficulty: Easy with skills
- Age Requirement: 16+
- Pay Timeline: Varies
2. Website and App Testing
Get paid for your opinions on website functionality on platforms like UserTesting.com.
- Time to Start Earning: Approval required
- Setup Difficulty: Minimal
- Age Requirement: 18+
- Pay Timeline: 14 days
3. Use AI Tools
Offer AI-powered services like content creation, marketing, or teaching others how to use AI tools.
- Time to Start Earning: 1-2 days
- Setup Difficulty: Moderate
- Age Requirement: 16+
- Pay Timeline: Project-dependent
4. Online Surveys
Sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie reward you for sharing your opinions.
- Time to Start Earning: Immediate
- Setup Difficulty: Easy
- Age Requirement: 13+
- Pay Timeline: Varies
5. Affiliate Marketing
Promote products through your blog or social media. Earn commissions when visitors make purchases through your links.
- Time to Start Earning: Weeks or months
- Setup Difficulty: Requires audience building
- Age Requirement: None
- Pay Timeline: 30-60 days
6. Sell on Etsy
Create and sell handmade crafts or vintage items to Etsy’s 96 million buyers.
- Time to Start Earning: Variable
- Setup Difficulty: High effort
- Age Requirement: 13+
- Pay Timeline: Up to a month
7. Self-Publish eBooks
Write and publish books on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing for passive income.
- Time to Start Earning: After book completion
- Setup Difficulty: Writing-intensive
- Age Requirement: 18+
- Pay Timeline: Monthly
8. YouTube or Blog Ads
Earn ad revenue from engaging content. YouTube requires at least 1,000 subscribers to monetize.
- Time to Start Earning: Weeks to months
- Setup Difficulty: Moderate
- Age Requirement: 18+
- Pay Timeline: Monthly
9. Instagram Influencing
Collaborate with brands to market products. Start by building a loyal following.
- Time to Start Earning: Variable
- Setup Difficulty: Challenging
- Age Requirement: 13+
- Pay Timeline: Project-based
10. Twitch Streaming
Earn through gaming streams via subscriptions, ad revenue, and viewer donations.
- Time to Start Earning: Long-term effort
- Setup Difficulty: Easy to start
- Age Requirement: 13+
- Pay Timeline: Monthly
11. Photography Sales
Upload and sell your photos on platforms like Fine Art America or SmugMug.
- Time to Start Earning: Weeks or months
- Setup Difficulty: Requires skills
- Age Requirement: 18+
- Pay Timeline: Project-based
25 ways to make money online, offline, and at home:
Online
- Freelancing: Offer services like writing, graphic design, programming, or marketing on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
- Online Surveys: Participate in paid surveys through sites like Survey Junkie or Swagbucks.
- E-commerce: Sell products through platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products and earn commissions through affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale.
- Online Tutoring: Teach languages, academic subjects, or skills on platforms like VIPKid or Chegg Tutors.
- Content Creation: Start a YouTube channel, podcast, or blog and earn through ads or sponsorships.
- Stock Photography/Videography: Sell your photos or videos on platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.
- Dropshipping: Run an e-commerce store without holding inventory using services like Shopify and Oberlo.
- Virtual Assistant: Provide admin support to businesses remotely.
- Sell Digital Products: Create and sell templates, e-books, courses, or printables.
- Social Media Management: Help brands grow their social media presence.
Offline
- Garage Sales: Sell unwanted items from your home.
- Pet Sitting or Dog Walking: Offer pet care services in your neighborhood.
- Handyman or Cleaning Services: Provide local maintenance or cleaning services.
- Rent Out Your Space: List your room, house, or property on Airbnb.
- Babysitting: Provide childcare services.
- Driving for Ride-Sharing Apps: Earn with Uber or Lyft.
- Local Delivery Services: Deliver groceries or food for platforms like DoorDash or Instacart.
- Tutoring in Person: Teach students in your area in person.
- Car Washing and Detailing: Offer this service in your local community.
- Rent Your Car: Use platforms like Turo to rent out your vehicle.
At Home
- Remote Customer Support: Work for companies like Amazon or Apple as a remote customer service agent.
- Transcription: Convert audio into text for legal, medical, or general transcription jobs.
- Sell Crafts: Create and sell handmade items through platforms like Etsy.
- Print-on-Demand: Design and sell custom t-shirts, mugs, and other items without managing inventory.