Tired of your phone just sitting there? Turns out, that little device in your hand can actually help you make some extra cash. With so many apps popping up, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time. We’ve put together a list of some of the best applications for earning money in 2025, covering everything from taking surveys to selling your creations. Let’s see how you can start earning.
Key Takeaways
- Many apps let you earn money by completing simple tasks like surveys or playing games.
- Freelancing platforms connect you with clients needing skills like writing, design, or programming.
- Selling items online, whether handmade or used, is a straightforward way to make money.
- Content creators can monetize their work through platforms like YouTube.
- Gig economy apps offer flexible work for services like driving or handyman tasks.
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a pretty popular platform if you’re looking to earn a bit of extra cash in your downtime. It’s not going to make you rich, but it’s a decent way to pad your wallet a little. You can earn points, called SB, by doing a bunch of different things. Think taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and even shopping online through their portal. The variety of ways to earn is probably its biggest draw.
Here’s a quick look at how you can rack up SB:
- Surveys: They match you with surveys based on your profile. Just answer honestly, and you’ll get points.
- Shopping: Get cash back when you shop at various online stores. You just need to start your shopping trip through the Swagbucks site or use their browser extension.
- Games: You can earn points by playing certain mobile games or trying out new ones.
- Videos: Watch playlists on topics that interest you, and you’ll get a few SB for your time.
- Daily Polls & Tasks: Simple, quick activities that add up over time.
When it comes to cashing out, Swagbucks offers PayPal payments or a wide range of gift cards. The points usually convert at a rate of 100 SB to $1. It’s a straightforward system, and they’ve been around for a while, so they’re pretty reliable.
It’s important to remember that these platforms are best for supplemental income. Don’t expect to quit your day job based on Swagbucks alone, but it’s a solid option for earning a bit more for things like a night out or saving up for a small purchase.
2. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a pretty straightforward platform if you’re looking to make a bit of extra cash by sharing your opinions. It’s mainly focused on surveys, so if you enjoy giving feedback on products and services, this might be a good fit for you. You sign up, fill out your profile so they can match you with relevant surveys, and then you start earning points for each one you complete.
It’s not going to make you rich, obviously. Most surveys take about 10-20 minutes, and you earn points that convert to cash. The conversion rate is pretty standard: 100 points equals $1. You can cash out once you hit $5, which is a pretty low threshold, making it easy to get your earnings. They offer PayPal or gift cards as payout options.
Here’s a quick look at how it generally works:
- Sign Up: Create an account and fill out your demographic information. This helps them find surveys that fit you.
- Find Surveys: Browse available surveys on your dashboard. The more complete your profile, the better the matches.
- Take Surveys: Answer questions honestly. Some surveys might disqualify you partway through, which is a bit of a bummer, but it happens.
- Earn Points: Get points credited to your account after completing a survey.
- Redeem: Once you reach the minimum payout, you can redeem your points for cash via PayPal or for gift cards.
While Survey Junkie is a legitimate way to earn some pocket money, it’s important to manage expectations. You won’t be replacing your full-time income with this, but it’s a decent way to use downtime productively. Plus, they seem to have decent customer support if you run into issues; one user even mentioned getting help from Paul when they had a problem cashing out, which is always good to hear.
They also have a browser extension called the Survey Junkie Pulse, which lets you earn points just by sharing your browsing habits. It’s a passive way to earn a little extra, though you do have to be comfortable with that level of data sharing. If you’re in the US, Canada, or Australia, it’s definitely worth checking out to see if it fits your routine for earning a bit more cash. You can find out more about their services on Survey Junkie’s website.
3. Fiverr
Fiverr is a massive online marketplace where people offer all sorts of services, usually starting at a base price of $5, hence the name. It’s a fantastic place if you have a skill you can offer, whether that’s writing, graphic design, voiceovers, coding, or even something more niche like creating custom TikTok videos. You create a profile, list the services you offer (called ‘gigs’), and set your prices. Clients then browse these gigs and hire you. It’s a great way to turn your talents into cash, especially if you’re looking for flexible work you can do from home.
Here’s a quick rundown of how it generally works:
- Create Your Gig: Decide what service you’ll offer and write a clear description. Include what the client gets and what you need from them.
- Set Your Price: While it started at $5, you can now charge much more depending on the complexity and your experience.
- Deliver Quality Work: Once hired, communicate well with your client and deliver the service as promised.
- Get Paid: After you complete the order, Fiverr handles the payment and transfers it to your account, minus their commission.
It’s a really popular platform for freelancers, and with millions of users, there’s a good chance you can find clients. Just be prepared to stand out from the crowd with a strong profile and excellent service.
4. Upwork
Upwork is a massive online workspace that connects freelancers with clients all over the world. Think of it as a giant digital job board, but specifically for people who offer services based on their skills. Whether you’re a writer, a graphic designer, a web developer, a virtual assistant, or even a translator, there’s likely a place for you on Upwork.
The platform is designed to handle everything from finding projects to getting paid. You create a profile showcasing your experience and what you do. Then, you can browse through thousands of job postings from clients looking for exactly what you offer. You submit proposals for jobs you’re interested in, highlighting why you’re the best fit. If a client likes your proposal, they’ll invite you to discuss the project further, and you can negotiate rates and timelines.
Upwork handles payments securely, holding the funds until the work is completed and approved. This gives both parties a bit of peace of mind. It’s a great place to build a freelance career, find consistent work, and really grow your clientele.
Here’s a quick look at how it generally works:
- Create a Strong Profile: Detail your skills, experience, and past work. A good profile is your digital resume.
- Search for Jobs: Use filters to find projects that match your expertise and desired pay rate.
- Submit Proposals: Craft tailored proposals that address the client’s specific needs.
- Communicate and Negotiate: Discuss project details, deadlines, and payment terms with potential clients.
- Complete and Get Paid: Deliver high-quality work and receive payment through the Upwork platform.
While Upwork can be a fantastic way to earn money, it’s important to remember that competition can be high. Setting realistic rates and focusing on delivering excellent work will help you stand out and build a good reputation on the platform.
5. Etsy
Etsy is a fantastic place if you’ve got a knack for making things or finding unique vintage treasures. It’s basically an online marketplace where crafty people and collectors can sell their creations and old finds. Think handmade jewelry, custom art, vintage clothing, or even digital downloads like planners and art prints. You can turn your hobby into a real income stream here. It’s not just for artists, though; if you have an eye for spotting cool vintage items at thrift stores or estate sales, you can resell them on Etsy too.
Getting started is pretty straightforward:
- Set up your shop: Choose a catchy name and write a clear description of what you sell.
- List your items: Take good photos and write detailed descriptions, including keywords people might search for.
- Set your prices: Consider your costs, time, and what similar items are selling for.
- Ship your items: Package your products carefully and ship them out promptly after a sale.
It takes some effort to build up a following and get sales, but many people find it really rewarding to share their passion and make money doing it. It’s a great way to explore your creative side while also earning some cash.
6. Mercari
Mercari is a super straightforward app for selling things you don’t need anymore. Think of it as a digital garage sale right on your phone. You can list pretty much anything, from old clothes and electronics to home decor and toys. The process is pretty simple: snap some photos of your item, write a clear description, and set your price. Mercari handles a lot of the heavy lifting once you make a sale. They’ll provide you with a shipping label, making it easy to send the item off to its new owner. They do take a small cut from each sale, but it’s a really convenient way to declutter and make some extra cash from stuff that’s just collecting dust.
Here’s a quick rundown of how to get started:
- Sign Up: Download the app and create an account.
- List Your Item: Take good photos and write an honest description.
- Set Your Price: Research similar items to get an idea of what to charge.
- Ship It: Once sold, print the provided shipping label and send it out.
Mercari is a great option if you have a lot of miscellaneous items lying around that you’d like to turn into cash without a lot of fuss. It’s less about building a brand and more about quick, easy transactions.
7. Shutterstock Contributor
If you’re a photographer, even an amateur one, you might want to check out Shutterstock Contributor. This app lets you upload your photos and potentially earn some money when people download them. It’s a way to make your pictures work for you, kind of like a passive income stream. You build up a portfolio on their platform, and as your images get picked, you get paid. It’s not going to make you rich overnight, but if you have a good collection of photos, it can definitely add up over time. Shutterstock is a pretty big name in stock photography, so there’s a large audience for your work. They recently reported some solid financial results, showing growth in their business, which is a good sign for contributors.
Here’s a basic idea of how it works:
- Sign up as a contributor on the Shutterstock website.
- Upload your high-quality photos, videos, or illustrations.
- Wait for your content to be reviewed and approved.
- Earn money when your content is downloaded by customers.
It’s a good idea to look at what kind of photos are popular on the platform to get a feel for what sells. Think about common themes, styles, and subjects that businesses or individuals might need for their projects. Getting your photos accepted consistently is key to building up earnings.
8. TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is a pretty straightforward app if you’re looking to get paid for doing odd jobs and tasks for people in your local area. Think of it as a digital marketplace for everyday help. You can sign up to be a "Tasker" and offer your services for things like furniture assembly, moving help, cleaning, handyman work, or even just running errands. It’s a good way to make some extra cash, especially if you’re handy or have some free time.
Getting started is pretty simple:
- Create a profile: Detail your skills and what kind of tasks you’re willing to do.
- Set your rates: Decide how much you want to charge per hour or per task.
- Browse and accept tasks: Look for jobs posted by users in your area and apply for them.
- Complete the task: Show up on time and do a good job.
- Get paid: Once the task is done, you get paid through the app.
The flexibility is a big draw here; you can pick and choose the jobs that fit your schedule. Some Taskers can earn a decent amount, with potential earnings between $1,000 and $1,500 per month, though that really depends on how much you work and the types of tasks you take on. It’s a solid option for anyone who likes being active and helping people out with their to-do lists. You can find a variety of tasks available on TaskRabbit depending on your location and skills.
9. Google Opinion Rewards
Google Opinion Rewards is a pretty straightforward app if you’re looking to make a little bit of pocket money just by sharing your thoughts. Developed by Google, it’s designed to be super easy to use. Basically, you answer short surveys about your habits, preferences, or experiences, and in return, you get rewarded. The rewards are typically in the form of Google Play credit, which is handy if you buy apps, movies, or books on the platform. It’s not going to make you rich, but it’s a nice way to get free stuff or discounts on digital content. The surveys pop up randomly, often after you’ve done something like visited a store or watched a video, so it feels pretty integrated into your daily life. You just need to keep your location services on sometimes for certain surveys to trigger. It’s a good option for those quick, idle moments when you might otherwise just be scrolling through social media. You can check out more about how it works on the Google Surveys team page.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
- Survey Frequency: This can vary a lot. Some people get surveys daily, others only a few times a month. It depends on your profile and Google’s needs.
- Survey Length: Most surveys are quite short, usually taking just a minute or two to complete.
- Rewards: Primarily Google Play credit. The amount varies per survey, but it’s usually enough to add up over time.
- Payout: The credit is added directly to your Google Play account once you complete a survey.
It’s important to remember that this app is best for earning small amounts of credit. Don’t expect it to be a primary income source, but rather a nice little bonus for your everyday activities.
10. YouTube Studio
So, you’ve got a YouTube channel, or maybe you’re thinking about starting one. That’s cool. The YouTube Studio app is basically your command center for everything related to your channel. It’s not just for uploading videos, though. This is where you can actually start making money from your content.
How does it work? Well, you need to get into the YouTube Partner Program first. Once you’re in, you can turn on monetization for your videos. This means ads can play on your videos, and people can even become channel members for extra perks. You can also get sponsorships with brands or become an affiliate, promoting products you like.
Here’s a quick rundown of how you can earn:
- Ad Revenue: Get paid when viewers watch ads that play before, during, or after your videos.
- Channel Memberships: Offer exclusive content or perks to viewers who pay a monthly fee.
- Merchandise Shelf: Sell your own branded products directly below your videos.
- Super Chat & Super Stickers: Viewers can pay to have their messages highlighted during live streams and premieres.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products and earn a commission on sales made through your unique links.
- Brand Sponsorships: Partner with companies for dedicated video segments or product placements.
Inside the app, there’s an "Earn" tab. It shows you how close you are to meeting the requirements for the Partner Program and tracks your earnings once you’re in. It’s pretty straightforward, showing you your progress and how much you’ve made from different sources. It’s a good way to keep an eye on your channel’s performance and your income stream.
Think of YouTube Studio as your business hub for your channel. It’s where you see what’s working, what’s not, and how you’re actually making money. It’s not just about views; it’s about turning those views into something tangible.
Wrapping It Up: Your Money-Making Journey Starts Now
So, there you have it. We’ve looked at a bunch of different apps and ways you can start earning a bit of extra cash, or maybe even more, right from your phone. It’s pretty wild how much you can do these days without even leaving your couch. Whether you’re into selling stuff you don’t need, sharing your opinion, or using a skill you already have, there’s likely an app out there for you. Don’t expect to get rich overnight, but putting in a little time could definitely help with bills or just give you some extra spending money. Give a few a try and see what works best for your schedule and what you enjoy doing. Happy earning in 2025!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy ways to make money using apps?
Many apps let you earn money by doing things like taking surveys, playing games, selling stuff you don’t need, or sharing your skills online. Some popular ones include Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Fiverr, and Etsy. You can also earn by taking pictures or doing small tasks.
How do I get paid from these money-making apps?
You can get paid through PayPal, gift cards, or direct bank transfers, depending on the app. It’s always a good idea to check the app’s payment options before you start using it.
How much money can I realistically expect to make?
The amount you can earn varies a lot. Some apps might give you a few extra dollars here and there, while others could help you make a decent amount of money if you put in more time and effort. Think of it as extra spending money rather than a full-time salary for most apps.
Are these apps safe and trustworthy?
Yes, most of these apps are legit and have been used by many people. Companies like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie are well-known for paying users. However, it’s always smart to read reviews and be careful of apps that promise way too much money too easily.
Do I need special skills to use these apps?
Many apps let you earn money in your free time, like when you’re waiting for something or just relaxing. You don’t usually need special skills for survey apps, but apps like Fiverr or Upwork are great if you have talents in design, writing, or coding.
Which app is the best for me?
It’s best to use apps that fit what you enjoy doing. If you like sharing your opinions, try survey apps. If you’re creative, selling things on Etsy or photos on Shutterstock might be better. Trying out a few different apps is a good way to see what works best for you.