20 Business Ideas For Teenagers [2024]
Are you a teenager looking to dive into the world of business in 2024? The possibilities for starting your own venture are more accessible than ever. From online platforms to local services, there are countless ways you could turn your interests into income.
In this article, you'll find a variety of business ideas suited for different skills and passions. Whether you're tech-savvy, creative, or just eager to learn, there's something here for everyone. Discover the opportunities that could help you kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other teenager businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast as a teenager offers a unique opportunity to share your voice and passions with a wide audience. With the increasing popularity of podcasts, creating and producing audio content can supplement your income while also helping you build valuable skills. From choosing a niche you love to promoting your podcast through social media, you'll not only have the potential to earn money but also to create a platform that connects with others.
Why start a podcast?
- Embrace your creativity and share your voice on topics you love.
- Learn valuable skills in communication, marketing, and audio production.
- Potential to attract sponsors and advertisers, opening new revenue streams.
To learn more about starting a podcast, check out these podcast success stories.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
2. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business can be an exciting opportunity for teenagers, as it allows you to cater to niche markets and provide customers with curated sets of products monthly. They’re in high demand thanks to their personalized appeal and exclusivity, making it a lucrative and fulfilling venture. By understanding your niche market and impeccable service, you could turn a hobby into a steady stream of income.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could tap into your interests and passions to create a unique subscription box that stands out.
- Subscription boxes can generate recurring revenue, ensuring a consistent income flow every month.
- It’s a great way to learn essential business skills, from marketing to customer service, while having fun.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
3. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business as a teenager could enable you to manage multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth for clients. This involves creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms. Your clients—ranging from small businesses to influencers—would pay you to save them time and enhance their social media presence. With the increasing need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there's a significant demand for automation services. Learn more about this business idea.
Why start a social media automation business?
- You could tap into the growing demand for efficient social media management, making it a lucrative venture.
- It allows you to combine your interests in technology and marketing to build valuable skills for the future.
- Starting young gives you a competitive edge and more time to refine and expand your business.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
4. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business as a teenager could be a practical and profitable venture because it requires a relatively low initial investment and allows you to operate your business from anywhere. With platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, you could set up an online store, list products from suppliers on AliExpress, and focus solely on marketing and customer service without the hassle of managing inventory. By carefully choosing a niche and effectively marketing your products, you have the potential to earn a significant side income or even build a full-fledged business.
Why consider dropshipping for a teenager?
- Minimal upfront costs: You don't need to buy inventory upfront, making it a low-risk way to start your own business.
- Flexible and scalable: Manage your store on your own time and scale it as you grow, fitting well with a busy teen schedule.
- Valuable skills: Running a dropshipping store helps you learn essential skills like digital marketing, customer service, and business management.
For more tips and insights, check out dropshipping business tips.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
5. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an eCommerce reselling business is an excellent opportunity for teenagers looking to supplement their income or dive into entrepreneurship. You can purchase products at a lower cost and resell them at a profit, without worrying about the complexities of manufacturing or holding large inventories. You don't even need a website right away; you can start by using social media platforms to build your customer base and create a website as your business grows. For more detailed insights and success stories, check out Starter Story’s eCommerce reselling business success stories.
Why consider starting an eCommerce reselling business?
- Low initial investment: Start your business with minimal upfront costs by leveraging social media.
- Flexibility: Choose products that interest you and fit your niche market, making the venture enjoyable.
- Scalable opportunity: As your customer base grows, you could expand your offerings and build a comprehensive online store.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
6. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Starting an online course sales business as a teenager could be an exciting and profitable venture if you're passionate about any particular subject or skill. With the growing e-learning market, which is expected to be worth over $645 billion in the next few years, this presents a valuable opportunity to turn your expertise into passive income. Whether it's cooking, coding, or web design, you could create online courses and sell them through various platforms, making it easier than ever to share your knowledge and earn money.
All you need to get started is to choose your target audience, develop your course content, and select an online learning platform where you can sell your course. With some initial effort in creating the content, you could continue to benefit from continuous enrollments and passive income, offering endless possibilities for financial growth.
Learn more about starting an online course sales business on Starter Story.
Why start an online course sales business?
- Easy to start with minimal investment: You can create and sell a course from anywhere with just a computer and internet access.
- Leverage your existing skills: Focus on a topic you're already passionate about and proficient in, making the process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Long-term passive income: Once created, your course can generate continuous income as more students enroll over time.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
7. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Ever thought about turning that brilliant idea into a mobile app? It’s more feasible than you might think. Developing a mobile app involves creating a software application that can run on smartphones and tablets, catering to various user needs, from productivity tools to gaming.
Starting a mobile app business as a teenager requires a clear vision, basic coding knowledge, or the ability to hire a skilled developer. Your primary tasks will include planning the user experience, designing engaging interfaces, and testing for functionality and bugs. Marketing your app effectively is crucial to attract users and achieve downloads (learn how).
Why create a mobile app?
- You could turn a simple idea into a global phenomenon, reaching millions of users.
- Mobile apps are constantly in demand, offering you a significant revenue potential.
- Starting an app as a teen could build valuable skills and future career opportunities in tech.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
8. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Have a knack for creating compelling video content? Starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move. A YouTube channel offers you the opportunity to share your expertise, passions, or hobbies while potentially earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Your channel can focus on anything from how-to guides and vlogs to educational content and entertainment. It's a versatile platform where creativity meets opportunity.
Building a successful YouTube channel requires consistency and quality. You'll need to plan your content, shoot and edit videos, and engage with your audience regularly. A good understanding of SEO for videos and social media marketing can also drive traction. Despite the hard work involved, the payoff can be significant. From the flexibility to share your unique voice to the potential for financial reward, a YouTube channel can be a fulfilling venture.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- It's a great way to turn your hobby or passion into a potential income stream.
- You can build a community and engage with people who share your interests.
- As a teenager, you have the time to experiment and grow your channel gradually without the pressure of immediate financial success.
For more insights on starting a YouTube channel, visit this Starter Story page.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
9. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Affiliate marketing is an excellent way for teenagers to start earning a passive income online. By promoting other companies' products or services and getting paid a commission for each sale, you could build a lucrative side hustle that grows over time. It's an opportunity to partner with brands and products you believe in, allowing you to develop marketing skills and business acumen without a large initial investment.
To get started, identify the right products and brands that align with your interests and values. For example, you could become an affiliate marketer for an eCommerce store, promoting their products through social media, blogs, or a YouTube channel.
Why start an affiliate marketing business?
- It allows you to earn money from your interests, promoting products and brands you are passionate about.
- You can work flexibly around your school schedule, making it perfect for a busy teenager.
- It requires low initial investment, as you mainly need access to the internet and marketing platforms to get started.
Read more about starting an affiliate marketing business.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
10. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog can be a fantastic way for teenagers to turn their passion into a source of income while building an online presence. By focusing on a specific interest like fashion, video games, or cooking, you could attract a dedicated audience and engage with like-minded individuals. With consistent effort, your blog could bring in revenue through affiliate links, brand collaborations, and other monetization strategies.
Why start a niche blog?
- It's easy to start with minimal upfront costs and allows you to share your unique expertise.
- You could turn your hobbies into an income stream by creating and sharing content you love.
- Blogging enhances your writing and digital marketing skills, which are valuable for future entrepreneurial endeavors.
For more ideas on getting started, check out this page on niche blog marketing ideas.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
11. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Looking for a focused online business that offers both creative freedom and potential revenue? Consider building a niche website. A niche website centers around a specialized topic, serving a dedicated audience with targeted content and products.
Starting this venture involves selecting a niche you're passionate about and knowledgeable in, creating compelling content, and driving traffic to your site. You'll need to invest time in research, content creation, and SEO to attract loyal followers. If you've got a specific interest and the drive to dive deep, building a niche website could be your next rewarding project. For more insights, check out these niche website success stories.
Why start a niche website?
- Low initial investment pools your creative and technical skills.
- Flexibility to work on your schedule while balancing school and social life.
- Long-term potential to generate passive income through monetization methods like affiliate marketing or ad placements.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
12. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business could be a great way for you to earn extra money as a teenager. Since it involves selling customized products like apparel, phone cases, and home goods without needing to keep inventory, you could run this business from the comfort of your home. By designing unique and trendy products and leveraging online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could reach a global audience and earn money while pursuing your creative interests.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- Minimal startup costs. You only pay for the products when you make a sale, reducing financial risk.
- Flexibility and scalability. You could run your business at your own pace and expand as your designs become popular.
- Monetize your creativity. You could turn your passion for creating unique designs into a profitable business.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
13. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Starting an AI-based business solution as a teenager is a fantastic way to dive into the cutting-edge world of technology and innovation. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you could automate repetitive tasks, provide valuable customer insights, and help businesses make data-driven decisions, translating to enhanced efficiency and reduced costs for them. What's more, you don't need an extensive background in technology—many platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support systems, making it accessible for anyone willing to learn.
The demand for AI solutions is rapidly growing, providing a golden opportunity for young entrepreneurs to tap into this expanding market. With a solid implementation plan and a focus on high-impact areas, you could find yourself at the forefront of a tech-driven revolution while supplementing your income or even creating a standalone business.
Why start an AI-based business solution?
- High Demand: Businesses are increasingly looking to leverage AI for a competitive edge, creating a growing market for AI services.
- Accessibility: User-friendly platforms and strong support systems allow you to start without a deep tech background.
- Future-Proof Skills: Learning and working with AI technology will equip you with valuable skills that are highly sought after in today's job market.
For more details on starting an AI-based business solution, check out this relevant page on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
14. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
Developing an online survey tool can be a lucrative side business for teenagers. With growing demand for data collection, many businesses rely on online surveys to gather customer feedback for better decision-making. Tools like Typeform have shown significant success, generating an annual recurring revenue of $70 million. By creating a survey tool, you could offer a similar service, combining convenience and cost-effectiveness for businesses needing insights.
Why start an online survey tool?
- You could tap into a growing market demand. Businesses need effective ways to gather customer data.
- Creating a survey tool provides a learning opportunity in software development and analytics.
- The potential for recurring revenue is high, as companies continuously seek customer feedback.
For more on starting an online survey tool, check out relevant success stories and marketing ideas on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
15. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business as a teenager is a promising way to supplement your income, especially if you're tech-savvy and have a knack for solving problems. WordPress plugins are essential for optimizing websites, so creating a valuable plugin that addresses a specific need could generate a steady income. You could sell your plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon, your own blog, or even a dedicated website.
Why start a WordPress plugin business?
- Low startup costs: You just need a computer and some coding skills.
- High demand: Millions of websites rely on WordPress plugins to enhance functionality.
- Flexibility: You can work on your own schedule, allowing for balance with school and other activities.
For more detailed guidance on starting your WordPress plugin business, check out this resource from Starter Story.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
16. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business could be an excellent way for a teenager to earn extra money or even build a full-fledged business. By investing in good photography gear and honing your skills, you could create a portfolio of high-quality images that businesses and website owners would be eager to buy for marketing purposes. With the right online presence, you could sell your stock photos faster and at profitable margins, generating a steady stream of passive income.
Why start a stock photography business?
- Low upfront costs: You only need some good photography gear to start.
- Potential for passive income: Once uploaded, your photos can keep generating revenue without additional work.
- Flexibility and growth: Building your portfolio allows you to improve your skills and potentially expand into other photography niches.
For more ideas on how to launch your stock photography business, check out the success stories at Starter Story.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
17. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Starting a stock investing business can be a smart choice for teenagers interested in the financial markets. By analyzing market trends and making informed decisions, you could generate profit through buying and selling stocks. While it requires dedication and continuous learning, this business presents an exciting opportunity to turn your passion for numbers into potential income.
For those intrigued by finance, trading platforms and educational resources can provide the essential tools to get started. If you're prepared to delve into market intricacies and develop a strategic plan, stock investing can offer substantial returns over time. To see how others have succeeded, check out these stock investing success stories.
Why consider starting a stock investing business?
- With dedication, you could achieve high returns on your investments by strategically buying and selling stocks.
- Educational resources and trading platforms make it easier than ever to get started, even if you're a beginner.
- Developing a solid understanding of the stock market can pave the way for future opportunities in finance and investing.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
18. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app as a teenager can be a fantastic business opportunity. By leveraging technology, you could provide personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises, all bundled into one handy digital tool. This kind of app not only empowers users to achieve their health goals but also allows you to tap into a growing market that values convenience and personalized care.
Developing this app involves market research, collaboration with health experts, and effective marketing strategies, making it a comprehensive project that can teach you valuable business skills. If you are passionate about health and well-being, this could be your chance to make a significant positive impact while creating a profitable business. To see some success stories and get ideas on how to start, check out Starter Story.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- The health and fitness market is growing, providing ample opportunities for new apps.
- You could help people achieve their wellness goals, making a meaningful impact.
- It's an excellent way to combine your passion for health and tech into a business venture.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
19. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
Developing a lead generation tool as a teenager is a smart way to supplement your income, make extra money, or even start a side business. This business idea revolves around creating a software application that helps businesses identify and capture potential customer leads, thereby streamlining their marketing efforts. With high demand for efficient lead generation, businesses of all sizes are eager to invest in tools that help them grow their customer base, making this a lucrative venture for tech-savvy teens interested in marketing.
If you have an eye for digital trends and the technical know-how, you could automate the often laborious process of finding new clients, allowing companies to focus on converting these leads into sales. Moreover, by integrating with websites and social media channels, your tool can collect valuable data like email addresses and interests, making it a vital asset for any business. Learn more about starting a lead generation tool here.
Why consider developing a lead generation tool?
- You'd be addressing a high-demand need, making your business a valuable asset.
- As a teenager, starting this business can boost your tech and marketing skills.
- It's a scalable opportunity that can grow with minimal overhead costs.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
20. Start a SEO & lead generation service ($60K/month)
Starting an SEO & lead generation service as a teenager can be a rewarding and profitable endeavor. It allows you to utilize your digital skills to help businesses attract and convert potential customers, which is a highly sought-after service in today's market. By learning the fundamentals of SEO and lead generation, you could build a business that supports companies in growing their customer base, ultimately turning your expertise into a viable income stream.
Why consider starting an SEO & lead generation service?
- It's a growing field with high demand, offering ample opportunities for success.
- You could work remotely, giving you flexibility alongside your school commitments.
- Acquiring SEO and lead generation skills can be invaluable, opening doors to future career prospects in digital marketing and beyond.
For more details on starting an SEO & lead generation service, check out the profitability of this business idea on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A link building company co-founded by Justas Markus has grown to make an average of $35k per month in recurring revenue with a focus on delivering high-quality services through manual processes and focusing on fewer markets.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
