Ways to Make Money Online as a 13 Year Old

Teenagers looking to earn money online have various opportunities, even at the age of 13. These options allow for flexibility and skill development, making them ideal for young people interested in entering the digital economy.
Here are some practical ways for a 13-year-old to earn money online:
- Online Surveys and Polls: Many companies pay teens to participate in surveys or complete small tasks that help gather market data.
- Freelance Writing: If you have a knack for writing, you can offer your services on platforms that cater to writers.
- Virtual Tutoring: Teens who excel in certain subjects can tutor younger students through online platforms.
It is important to consider the time and effort involved in each opportunity. Some methods may require parental consent or supervision, depending on the platform.
Note: Always check the terms and conditions of websites before signing up, as some require parental approval for minors.
Here’s a quick comparison table of popular online earning methods for teens:
Method | Skills Required | Potential Earnings |
---|---|---|
Online Surveys | Basic Internet Navigation | $1 - $5 per survey |
Freelance Writing | Writing Skills, Grammar | $10 - $50 per article |
Virtual Tutoring | Subject Knowledge | $15 - $30 per hour |
Ways to Earn Money Online as a 13-Year-Old
As a 13-year-old, there are several opportunities to start earning money online while maintaining your school and personal commitments. Many platforms offer simple and age-appropriate tasks that can help you build skills and make extra income. Whether you're interested in creativity, problem-solving, or even gaming, there are diverse ways to get started.
However, it's important to ensure that any work you take on is safe, age-appropriate, and complies with legal requirements. Make sure to always have permission from your parents or guardians before diving into any online ventures. Below are a few legitimate ways you can make money online.
1. Freelance Work and Microtasks
One way to earn money online is by taking on simple freelance tasks or micro-jobs. These platforms allow you to complete small tasks such as answering surveys, testing websites, or doing data entry. You can easily do this from home and at your own pace.
- Survey Websites: Websites like Swagbucks and InboxDollars offer rewards for completing surveys and watching videos. While the payouts are not huge, it's an easy way to get started.
- Freelance Platforms: Websites like Fiverr or Upwork allow young individuals to offer services such as writing, graphic design, or social media management (with parental permission).
2. Selling Digital Products
If you're creative, consider selling digital products like art, photography, or design templates. There are websites where you can upload your creations and earn money each time someone buys them. This method also allows you to develop your skills in areas like graphic design or digital marketing.
- Graphic Design: Platforms like Etsy or Redbubble allow you to create custom designs for t-shirts, mugs, and other merchandise.
- Photography: If you're into photography, sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock let you sell your photos and get paid every time someone downloads your work.
3. Starting a YouTube Channel
If you're comfortable in front of a camera and have a passion for creating videos, starting a YouTube channel could be a great way to make money. Although you need to meet certain requirements to monetize your channel, many young content creators use platforms like YouTube to generate revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
Tip: Always ensure your videos follow YouTube’s community guidelines, and make sure to have your parents or guardians involved in setting up your account and channel.
4. Online Tutoring
Many online tutoring platforms hire young tutors to help with basic subjects like math, English, or even music lessons. If you excel in a particular subject, this could be a great way to help others while earning some money. Some platforms may allow you to tutor other children or students from around the world.
Platform | Required Age | Subjects Offered |
---|---|---|
Chegg Tutors | 13+ | Math, Science, English |
Preply | 13+ | Languages, Music, Other Subjects |
Remember, each platform has its own rules and requirements, so check them carefully before you start. It's also helpful to keep track of your earnings and set realistic goals for your online work.
How to Start Freelance Writing for Websites and Blogs
Freelance writing can be an excellent way for a 13-year-old to earn money online. Many websites and blogs are looking for fresh content, and you don’t need to be an expert to get started. By writing articles on topics you enjoy, you can build your skills and develop a portfolio that attracts clients. The key to starting out is knowing where to look for writing opportunities and how to present yourself professionally, even as a beginner.
Before diving into writing, it’s important to build a basic understanding of the different writing styles and formats that are in demand. For example, blog posts, product descriptions, and social media content are all areas where new writers can find opportunities. Once you're ready to start, follow these steps to get started with freelance writing for websites and blogs.
Steps to Begin Freelance Writing
- Choose a Niche: Select a specific topic or category that interests you. Writing about subjects you enjoy will make it easier to create content and stand out to potential clients.
- Create a Writing Portfolio: Start by writing a few sample articles or blog posts on your chosen niche. These will serve as writing samples when you apply for gigs.
- Join Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are great places to find writing jobs. Sign up and create a profile to showcase your skills.
- Pitch to Websites and Blogs: Reach out to websites and blogs directly. Look for sites that accept guest posts or offer paid writing opportunities. Send them a well-crafted email pitching your ideas.
- Stay Consistent: Writing for websites takes time to build momentum. Keep pitching, writing, and improving your craft to grow your client base.
Remember, being professional and reliable will help you build a reputation as a freelance writer, even if you're just starting out.
Common Types of Writing Jobs
Job Type | Description |
---|---|
Blog Posts | Writing articles for blogs on various topics, often with a conversational tone. |
Product Descriptions | Creating short, catchy descriptions for items sold online. |
Social Media Content | Writing engaging posts for social media platforms to attract followers and increase engagement. |
Additional Tips
- Proofread Your Work: Always check your work for grammar and spelling mistakes before submitting.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines, assignments, and client communication to avoid missed opportunities.
- Accept Feedback: Use feedback from clients to improve your writing skills and adapt to their preferences.
Monetizing Your Artwork through Digital Products
If you have a talent for drawing, painting, or graphic design, you can turn your skills into a steady stream of income by creating digital products. With the growth of online marketplaces, it's easier than ever to sell your artwork as digital downloads. This approach allows you to reach a global audience and earn money without the need for physical materials or shipping fees. Whether you specialize in illustrations, designs, or custom artwork, there are many ways to sell your creations online.
The best part about creating digital products is the flexibility. You can sell items like printables, stickers, custom illustrations, or even templates for websites and social media. The key is to understand the demand and offer products that appeal to your target audience. Below are a few ideas on how to get started with turning your art into digital products.
Types of Digital Products to Sell
- Printable Art: Offer digital downloads of your art that buyers can print at home, such as motivational quotes, illustrations, or posters.
- Social Media Templates: Create and sell customizable templates for Instagram posts, Pinterest pins, or Facebook covers.
- Custom Illustrations: Take commissions for personalized artwork like portraits, pet drawings, or custom designs.
- Clipart or Icons: Create sets of themed clipart or icons that others can use for their own projects.
How to Start Selling Your Art Online
- Choose a Platform: Pick an online marketplace where you can sell your products, such as Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website.
- Create High-Quality Designs: Use design software to create your artwork, ensuring that it’s high-resolution and professional-looking.
- Set Prices: Research what similar products are selling for and price your artwork competitively.
- Market Your Products: Use social media to showcase your artwork and drive traffic to your shop. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are great for artists.
Tip: Always ensure that the digital file you offer is easy to download and print. Make sure the format is user-friendly (PDF, PNG, etc.) for your customers.
Example of Products and Earnings Potential
Product Type | Price Range | Potential Earnings (Per Sale) |
---|---|---|
Printable Posters | $5 - $15 | $5 - $15 |
Social Media Templates | $10 - $25 | $10 - $25 |
Custom Illustrations | $20 - $50 | $20 - $50 |
Clipart Sets | $5 - $30 | $5 - $30 |
Offering Social Media Management Services for Small Businesses
One way to make money online at the age of 13 is by offering social media management services for small businesses. Many local shops or service providers need an online presence but lack the time or expertise to maintain their social media accounts. As a teenager, you can step in and help them connect with their audience, grow their brand, and generate sales through consistent online engagement.
With the right skills, you can take on the role of managing social media pages such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for small business owners. This will involve creating content, responding to messages, and running simple ads to increase visibility. Here's a quick overview of how to start offering your services:
Key Steps to Get Started
- Learn the basics of popular social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
- Understand the importance of engaging posts and responding to customers promptly.
- Create a portfolio showcasing your previous work (even personal or school projects).
- Reach out to small businesses and offer your services at affordable rates.
Benefits for Small Business Owners
Small business owners are often too busy to focus on building their online presence. By providing these services, you can help them grow their customer base. Some of the key benefits of social media for them include:
Benefit | How It Helps |
---|---|
Increased Visibility | Regular posting helps attract new customers and keep existing ones engaged. |
Customer Interaction | Engaging with followers builds trust and encourages repeat business. |
Cost-Effective Marketing | Social media is a low-cost alternative to traditional advertising. |
Tip: Focus on consistency and quality when posting for your clients. It's not just about frequency, but creating posts that align with the business's brand voice and appeal to the target audience.
Earning Through Online Surveys and Market Research
Participating in online surveys and market research is one of the easiest ways for young individuals to make money on the internet. Many companies and research firms are willing to pay for feedback from different demographics, including teenagers. By answering a variety of questions about products, services, or advertisements, you can start earning rewards in the form of cash or gift cards.
While it’s important to be cautious about the legitimacy of websites offering survey opportunities, there are several trusted platforms that allow young users to sign up and participate. These platforms typically do not require extensive personal information and are designed to offer a safe environment for minors to engage in market research.
Steps to Get Started
- Sign up on a reliable survey platform that allows minors.
- Complete your profile to receive surveys relevant to your interests.
- Start answering surveys honestly and earn points or money.
- Withdraw your earnings or redeem points for gift cards or prizes.
Popular Platforms for Online Surveys
Platform | Age Requirement | Payment Method |
---|---|---|
Swagbucks | 13+ | Gift Cards, PayPal |
MyPoints | 13+ | Gift Cards, PayPal |
InboxDollars | 13+ | Cash, Gift Cards |
Important: Always check if the platform is legal and verifies the age of participants before providing any personal information.
Key Considerations
- Some surveys may require you to spend time, but others offer faster rewards.
- Rewards may not be large at first, but over time, they can add up.
- Never provide sensitive information like social security numbers or credit card details to unknown platforms.
Starting a YouTube Channel and Monetizing Content
Creating a YouTube channel can be a great way for a 13-year-old to share their interests and skills while making money online. To begin, it’s important to choose a niche that aligns with personal passions and is likely to attract a solid audience. Whether it's gaming, vlogging, educational content, or product reviews, having a focused theme helps build a dedicated community. Once a channel is set up, regular posting is key to gaining traction and visibility.
Monetizing YouTube content requires building an audience first. After reaching a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours over the past 12 months, creators can apply for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) to enable ads on their videos. In addition, there are other ways to earn money through YouTube, including sponsorships, merchandise sales, and affiliate marketing.
Monetization Options
- Ad Revenue: Once in the YouTube Partner Program, creators can earn money through ads displayed before, during, or after videos.
- Sponsored Content: Brands may pay creators to feature or promote their products in videos.
- Merchandise Sales: Channels with a loyal fanbase can sell their own branded merchandise through platforms like Teespring.
- Affiliate Links: Creators can share affiliate links in video descriptions, earning a commission on purchases made through those links.
Steps to Start Your Channel
- Set Up Your Channel: Create a Google account and set up a YouTube channel with a name, profile picture, and description.
- Create Consistent Content: Post videos on a regular schedule, focusing on quality content that engages your target audience.
- Promote Your Channel: Share your videos on social media platforms and engage with viewers through comments to increase your reach.
- Apply for Monetization: Once you meet the requirements, apply for the YouTube Partner Program to start earning from ads.
Important Information
It is essential to comply with YouTube's terms of service and community guidelines, as violating these can result in a channel being demonetized or banned.
Monetization Milestones
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
1,000 Subscribers | Essential to apply for YouTube Partner Program and enable monetization. |
4,000 Watch Hours | You need 4,000 hours of total video watch time in the last 12 months to qualify for monetization. |
Creating and Selling Custom Merchandise and Stickers Online
One of the easiest ways for young creators to earn money online is by designing and selling custom merchandise, such as t-shirts, hats, and stickers. With a bit of creativity and the right platforms, you can create unique designs and turn them into products that people will buy. Many online marketplaces allow you to upload your designs, set prices, and handle all the logistics, so you can focus purely on creating and promoting your designs.
To get started, you need to choose the right platform, create your designs, and understand your audience. Most platforms offer user-friendly tools that don’t require advanced skills, making this a great option for beginners. Whether you’re a fan of funny quotes, cute animals, or abstract art, you can turn your ideas into a product that others might want to buy.
Steps to Sell Custom Merchandise and Stickers
- Choose a Platform: Select a website like Redbubble, Teespring, or Zazzle that allows you to create and sell your products.
- Create Designs: Use free or inexpensive design tools like Canva or Adobe Spark to make your artwork.
- Upload Your Designs: Upload your creations to the platform and adjust the layout and colors to fit different product types.
- Market Your Products: Share your products on social media to attract potential customers.
- Profit: Once someone buys your product, the platform handles production and shipping, and you earn a commission.
Important Tips
Make sure your designs are original and reflect what your target audience would enjoy. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and trends to find out what sells best.
Common Platforms for Selling Custom Items
Platform | Features |
---|---|
Redbubble | Offers a wide range of products, from apparel to home decor. Simple upload process and global shipping. |
Teespring | Allows you to create clothing, accessories, and more. Offers integrated marketing tools. |
Zazzle | Provides high-quality products and a large variety of items to customize. Good for beginners and experienced sellers alike. |
How to Provide Virtual Assistance to Overwhelmed Business Owners
Offering virtual assistant (VA) services is an excellent way to make money online as a young person. Many entrepreneurs are busy and need help managing their daily tasks, and they often look for virtual assistants to ease their workload. As a 13-year-old, you can start small by providing basic administrative tasks such as email management, scheduling, or social media support. These tasks are essential for many entrepreneurs who want to focus on growing their businesses rather than getting bogged down by routine operations.
To get started, it's crucial to learn how to position yourself as a valuable asset for entrepreneurs. Focus on the skills you can easily learn, such as organizing documents, managing calendars, responding to client inquiries, or assisting with data entry. By offering these services, you can help save time for busy business owners, allowing them to focus on the tasks that require their attention the most.
Steps to Get Started as a Virtual Assistant
- Identify your skill set: List the tasks you feel confident performing, such as data entry, email management, or social media posting.
- Create a simple portfolio: Even if it's just a few samples or a list of services, show potential clients what you can do.
- Set up a communication platform: Choose tools like Skype or Zoom for regular check-ins with clients.
- Find clients: Start by reaching out to local business owners or entrepreneurs who might need help.
- Offer a trial period: Provide a short trial period to demonstrate your value without a long-term commitment.
Important Tips:
Be professional, even if you're young. Make sure to reply promptly to messages and always meet deadlines to build trust with clients.
Potential Tasks to Offer as a Virtual Assistant
Task | Description |
---|---|
Email Management | Organizing and responding to emails, sorting spam, and prioritizing important messages. |
Social Media Support | Scheduling posts, engaging with followers, and tracking analytics for social media accounts. |
Calendar Management | Scheduling appointments, sending reminders, and organizing meetings for the entrepreneur. |
Data Entry | Entering and organizing data into spreadsheets or databases for easy access and analysis. |
By following these steps and offering valuable services, you can establish yourself as a reliable virtual assistant, even at a young age. Remember, consistency and reliability are key to building long-term relationships with clients.
Creating and Selling Online Courses Based on Your Talents and Interests
If you are passionate about a specific hobby or skill, one way to make money online is by creating educational content that teaches others what you know. Whether it's drawing, coding, playing an instrument, or any other skill, there is always a demand for learning materials. As a 13-year-old, this can be a great opportunity to share your knowledge and earn money while doing something you enjoy.
Building an online course involves several steps, but with the right approach, it can be both rewarding and profitable. Start by identifying a topic that you feel confident teaching and that others would be interested in learning. Once you’ve chosen your subject, the next step is to design the course content, which includes video lessons, written materials, and assignments.
Steps to Create Your Own Online Course
- Choose a Topic: Select something you are good at or have a passion for, like music, art, or coding.
- Plan Your Lessons: Organize the course into sections or modules, ensuring it’s easy to follow.
- Record and Edit: Use a camera or screen recording software to capture your lessons, then edit for clarity.
- Choose a Platform: You can upload your course to platforms like Udemy or Teachable, or sell it through your own website.
- Market Your Course: Promote your course through social media, blogs, or YouTube to reach a larger audience.
Important: Ensure your course is high quality, engaging, and helpful to your audience. Offering value will lead to positive reviews and repeat customers.
Examples of Popular Online Courses
Topic | Potential Audience |
---|---|
Basic Coding for Kids | Children and beginners interested in learning programming |
Drawing and Illustration Techniques | Teens and adults who want to improve their artistic skills |
Guitar Lessons for Beginners | Music lovers looking to learn basic guitar skills |
Tip: Use your hobbies as a foundation for your course. If you're passionate about something, it will reflect in the quality of your lessons.