8 Legit Remote Side Hustles for Teens [$15+ Per Hour]

Picking up a side hustle as a teenager is a great way to earn money, learn some financial responsibility, and expand your skill set. While many side hustles recommended for teens require manual labor or less-than-exciting work, below are eight fun, remote side hustles for teens.

1. Do User Testing ($5 to $150 per test)

When a company needs feedback on a new product or service, they pay people like you to provide your honest opinions. For example, a few summers ago I tested a new women’s razor product over the course of seven weeks. In exchange, the company paid me $700. During another test, I provided feedback on a website design in exchange for $100.

Based on our research, each test pays between $5 to $150. Generally speaking, higher-paying tests require more feedback, testing, or video calls.

Lucky for teens, there are several platforms that allow teenagers to sign up:

1. UserTesting: Age 18+
2. Userlytics: Age 16+
3. Dscout: Age 18+ or under 18 with parent or guardian permission
4. Userbrain: Age 18+
5. TestingTime: Age 18+

2. Become a Freelance Social Media Manager ($17 per hour)

As a teen, you’re likely familiar with social media—something so many companies need assistance with. If you’re unfamiliar with it, don’t worry—there are various free courses online to teach you the skills you need.

As a freelance social media manager, you’d plan and post content for brands. This may include photos, videos, and written content. On average, freelance social media managers earn between $17 and $29 per hour. As a beginner, however, you can expect to fall on the lower end of that spectrum.

Most freelance sites like Upwork and Pangea have an age minimum of 18. However, you can offer services without a middleman by advertising on LinkedIn and with family and friends.

3. Dive into Freelance Content Writing ($15 per hour)

If English is your favorite subject, consider becoming a content writer. As a content writer, you’d put those writing skills to work, creating written content like blogs, social media copy, and website content.

Freelance writers earn between $7.45 to $31.93 per hour, with an average pay of $23 per hour. As a teen, you can expect to charge around $12 to $15 per hour.

To find roles, ask a parent or guardian to create a Fiverr account. While their Terms of Service require users to be at least 18 years old—the age needed to sign a binding contract—users under 18 but at least 13 can use the platform under a parent’s or legal guardian’s account.

4. Become a Virtual Assistant ($15 per hour)

If organization and time management are two of your strong suits, become a virtual assistant. As a virtual assistant (VA), you’d help another individual with administrative tasks like answering emails, scheduling meetings, and inputting data. In some cases, you may get to work on more engaging tasks, like managing their social media or booking travel arrangements.

On average, VAs in the United States earn $24.97 per hour. However, as a beginner, you can expect around $10 to $15 per hour.

Most virtual assistant platforms require VAs to be at least 18 years old. However, you may have luck reaching out to local businesses, family, or posting on LinkedIn to see if anyone you know needs a VA.

5. Become a Social Media Content Creator (Unlimited)

Sophia Castiblanco began posting on social media at age 14. In the four years since then, she’s grown to nearly 1 million followers across all platforms. Her content earns her a high, stable income—so much so that she purchased a Tesla before turning 18.

If you’ve wanted to become a content creator on social media, this is your sign. If you’re under 18, you may need to ask for parental permission to create accounts due to some state laws. After that, begin creating content on these platforms, and as your account grows, you’ll have the opportunity to get paid to work with brands.

6. Become a Video Editor ($15 per hour)

Video editors turn raw footage into cohesive content pieces. They trim video clips, overlay audio, and add visual effects. While it might sound simple, becoming a video editor takes some practice. If this interests you, try editing some videos you have to get a feel for how it works.

Video editors earn an average of $31 per hour, but as a beginner, you can expect around $11 to $15 per hour. You’ll find roles on platforms like Pangea and Upwork, although you’ll need to be at least 18 to sign up.

7. Start an Etsy Digital Download Shop (Unlimited)

Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling unique goods. While they started as a place to sell handmade items, they now allow people to sell digital products. As an Etsy shop owner, you can sell digital products like printable posters, templates, and e-books.

Unlike physical products, where you’d need to hold inventory and ship orders yourself, you can create a digital product once and sell it multiple times. Plus, when a customer places an order, Etsy will email them the product—you don’t need to manage that aspect of the purchase either.

Based on one analysis from Everbee, an Etsy growth tool, some shop owners earn over $30,000 per month from just one of their products.

According to Etsy’s Terms of Use, account owners must be at least 18 years of age. However, a parent or legal guardian can register for the account with their information. Just keep in mind—if they do, they’re legally responsible for all of your activity on the account.

8. Launch a Print-on-Demand Shop (Varies)

Opening a print-on-demand shop allows you to sell physical products, like sweatshirts and mugs, without having to manufacture or ship the product yourself.

Here’s how it works:

1. Create a design.
2. Open an Etsy shop.
3. Create a mockup with the design, or an example of how the design will look on the item.
4. List the item on Etsy.
5. When a customer purchases the item, a print-on-demand company will create and ship the product for you.

While print-on-demand platforms like Printify require users to be at least 18 years old, a parent or guardian can open an account on your behalf. You can also open a print-on-demand store through Shopify, which has the same rules.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are some fun, remote side hustles for teenagers?

Some enjoyable remote side hustles for teens include user testing, freelance social media management, content writing, virtual assistance, social media content creation, video editing, running an Etsy digital download shop, and launching a print-on-demand shop.

How can teens get started with user testing?

Teens can sign up for user testing on platforms like Userlytics (age 16+) or Dscout (age 18+ or under 18 with parental permission). These platforms pay between $5 to $150 per test, depending on the complexity and requirements.

What skills are needed to become a freelance social media manager?

Teens should be familiar with social media platforms, content planning, and posting. Free online courses can help develop these skills. Freelance social media managers can earn between $17 to $29 per hour, with beginners on the lower end of this range.

How can a teen start a print-on-demand shop?

Teens can create designs, open an Etsy shop, and use a print-on-demand company to produce and ship items. Since platforms like Printify and Shopify require users to be at least 18, teens will need a parent or guardian to open an account on their behalf.

What is required to become a freelance content writer as a teenager?

Teens can use their writing skills to create content for blogs, social media, and websites. They can find roles on platforms like Fiverr, where they can sign up under a parent’s account if under 18. Freelance writers earn an average of $23 per hour, with teens typically charging $12 to $15 per hour.