Passive Income Ideas For Teens [Updated for 2024]
I know you're busy. I'm busy too. So, what's the best way to make money without actually having to do anything? Passive income!
But don’t be mistaken. You have to work hard to achieve this passive income.
In this blog post, I'm going to share some ideas for how teens can make passive income. Stay tuned for tips on how to get started!
1. Become a tee shirt designer
Have you always had a passion for fashion and creativity? Well, then the field of tee shirt design could be the perfect opportunity for you!
As a tee shirt designer, you would be responsible for fitting model garments, ensuring size uniformity, and using your design and aesthetic skills to create unique and eye-catching tee shirts that will captivate your customers’ attention.
With this exciting career, you’ll have the chance to let your creativity run wild and make a lasting impact on the fashion industry.
How much you can make: $15,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
2. Become a digital product designer ($89.1K/month)
A digital product designer is a multidisciplinary professional who is involved in the creation of digital products. A digital product designer is responsible for the whole process from an initial concept to the launch of a product.
Many designers are looking for how to make a living with their designs. They want to build websites, sell products online, and be as productive as possible. It's hard these days because there are more designers than ever working on the same projects. But with some basic actionable techniques, you will easily succeed in creating a sustainable digital product design business.
Starting a digital product designer business is a great side hustle for graphic designers looking for an alternative to freelancing. The idea is simple: grow a portfolio of user interface design PSD templates and sell them to new businesses.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
3. Start a garage sale business
Got an eye for bargains and a knack for organizing? A garage sale business might be your calling. This business idea is centered on sourcing items you no longer need—or that you can buy at low prices—and selling them for a profit through organized garage sales. It’s a straightforward concept but requires some effort to execute effectively.
You'll need to scout for items that people are willing to buy, organize sales, and promote them to attract a crowd. Think of it as an ongoing treasure hunt that monetizes clutter. You can also offer your services to others, assisting them in organizing and running their own sales for a fee, expanding your reach.
Starting a garage sale business is not just about clearing out spaces; it’s about creating value from the overlooked and undervalued, giving you the opportunity to turn hidden gems into real earnings.
How much you can make: $7,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
4. Start a youtube video creation business
In today's digital world, YouTube channel has become an essential marketing tool. YouTube is the top video marketing platform for brands looking for paid and organic growth through video content. Businesses hire video creators to help them record, edit and upload YouTube videos.
Are you a videographer with an interest in YouTube marketing? Consider starting a YouTube video creation business.
To start your business, register a brand name and create a website and a YouTube channel. Use the YouTube channel and the website to sensitize your target customers on the importance of video marketing.
Potential customers include new and existing startups, individuals, celebrities, and organizations looking to use YouTube video marketing to grow their reach.
How much you can make: $50,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $257 (?)
How long does it take to build: 25 days (?)
5. Start a tutorial blogging business ($30K/month)
Are you adept at explaining concepts and eager to share your knowledge? A tutorial blogging business might just be your perfect fit. This venture involves creating a blog that offers step-by-step guides and tutorials on various subjects, from tech hacks to DIY crafts.
The appeal lies in the flexibility and minimal startup costs; you only need a domain, hosting, and your expertise. By consistently producing high-quality content, you'll attract an audience looking to learn new skills, which can be monetized through ads, sponsored posts, or even premium content.
The real reward comes from seeing your impact as readers acquire new skills thanks to your guidance. If you have a teaching knack and a passion for writing, starting a tutorial blog could be a fulfilling and profitable endeavor with the potential for long-term passive income.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $50,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 4 days (?)
6. Start a story blogging business ($34.8K/month)
A story blogging business is a venture where you write and share engaging stories online.
It involves creating content that captivates readers and keeps them coming back for more.
To start, you'll need a computer or smartphone, internet access, and a platform to publish your stories, which can be a free blog or social media.
You can generate income through methods like ads, sponsored content, or even selling merchandise related to your stories.
This low-cost business idea relies on your creativity and writing skills to build an audience and turn your passion for storytelling into a profitable venture.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $83,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $75 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
7. Start a photo printing business ($391K/month)
Are you keen on preserving moments and keen on business? Here's an idea for you: a photo printing service. This business centers around printing digital images onto physical mediums - think high-quality paper photos, canvas prints, or personalized photo gifts.
In today's digital age, there's a certain charm to physical photographs, creating a tangible memory people can hold on to. You'll be offering customers a nostalgia-inducing service, bringing their shots to life and enabling them to cherish these moments eternally. Strategizing your business for both online and physical interactions will expand your reach to photo enthusiasts far and near.
Entering the photo printing business might also tap into your creative side, allowing you to experiment with different materials and styles. With the right marketing approach and high-quality service, this business idea could be a profitable venture that allows you to combine passion with profit.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $150 (?)
How long does it take to build: 62 days (?)
8. Start a custom app development service ($193K/month)
In today's digital landscape, custom app development services are increasingly in demand. Imagine offering tailored mobile and web applications for businesses that need specialized solutions beyond off-the-shelf software.
Starting a custom app development service means you can become the go-to resource for companies looking to innovate and streamline their operations. You’ll work closely with clients to understand their unique needs, translate those requirements into functional apps, and support them through the digital transformation process.
This business requires strong programming skills and an ability to understand diverse business models. It's not an easy road, requiring continuous learning and a keen eye for new technologies. However, the satisfaction of creating a unique product that solves real problems can be immensely rewarding.
If you’re tech-savvy and have a knack for problem-solving, this could be your path to a fulfilling and lucrative business.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $700,000/month
How long does it take to build: 80 days (?)
9. Start a podcasting business ($74.8K/month)
Podcasting businesses often start as a hobby. You publish a few episodes and posts, and soon you will start getting engagements from interested parties.
However, to earn money from your podcasting business, you need to put a lot of effort and time into producing quality shows that address your audience's concerns.
To grow your podcast business, ensure regular publishing, which brings better growth, more listeners to your channel, and a higher income.
Here is a list of steps to help you transition the podcast from a hobby to a full-time podcast business:
- Ensure a focused effort and adjust the tone of each podcast episode
- Make podcasting your priority
- Focus on building
- Grow a mailing list
- Aim at building a trusted brand
- Develop a long-term growth and marketing plan
How much you can make: $5,000 — $349,983/month
How much does it cost to start: $350 (?)
How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)
10. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
A print-on-demand business involves selling customized products without upfront inventory costs.
The business model utilizes dropshipping production and fulfillment services to print custom apparel, home goods, phone cases, and other merchandise one order at a time.
By leveraging online marketplace platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy as virtual storefronts, print-on-demand sellers can focus on designing trendy and unique products while reaching global audiences.
With minimal startup costs and the freedom to run operations from home, launching a print-on-demand model empowers aspiring founders to monetize their creativity and build ascalable business at their own pace.
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
11. Start a social media marketing agency ($116K/month)
Whether you want to clear your utility bills, finance your college education or save for a vacation, a social media marketing agency is one of the best ways to earn extra income. The advantage is that you do not need to commit so much time to automate using social media marketing tools. All you need to do is develop a good social media marketing strategy that will enable you to serve customers efficiently. Besides, you need to create an agency portfolio to market your services to target customers.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,166,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 30 hours/week
12. Start a social media marketing service ($97.8K/month)
Looking to leverage the immense power of social media for business growth? Consider starting a social media marketing service.
In simple terms, this business involves helping companies enhance their online presence, attract more followers, and drive engagement using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You'll create and manage content, analyze engagement metrics, and fine-tune strategies to boost client success.
A strong understanding of social media trends and marketing best practices is essential. This business allows you to work flexible hours and can scale up as you gain more clients.
Investing in this business idea lets you become an indispensable asset to other businesses. Establishing your expertise can lead to recurring revenue, offering both stability and growth.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,380 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
13. Start an educational website business ($5.03K/month)
Do you have a passion for teaching and a knack for digital platforms? Consider launching an educational website.
In simple terms, an educational website offers courses, tutorials, and resources online, catering to a global audience eager to learn new skills or enhance existing ones.
The allure of this idea lies in its vast potential for impact and growth. You can create and curate valuable content, build a subscriber base, and monetize through course fees, ads, and sponsorships.
If you're dedicated and enjoy putting in the effort to develop high-quality educational material, this business can be incredibly rewarding. Starting your own educational website provides not just a revenue stream, but also a platform to share your knowledge and make a real difference in people's lives.
How much you can make: $50 — $10,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
14. Digital products ($261K/month)
Digital products are top-rated. They’re easy to create and share and a great way to build a business.
Digital products can be software-based, like an app or game, or information-based, like an ebook or course. They can also be something else entirely—like a membership site or a community. The possibilities are endless!
So what makes digital products such a great way to build a business? Well, first of all, they’re effortless to create. You don’t have to hire anyone else to do it for you; you can do it yourself! And because there’s no risk of having inventory sitting around in your garage, digital products can be sold directly from your website without worrying about moving merchandise.
How much you can make: $10,417 — $1,766,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
15. Sell stock photos
Stock photography is the supply of licensed photographs for specific uses. If you have a camera and love traveling or taking photos, you can start your own stock photo business.
Create a stock photography website and upload the best shots to start your stock photography business. To ensure professional images, you can hire freelance photographers and photo editors. Alternatively, you can invest in a professional camera and learn the art of photography before launching your business.
Running a stock photo website allows you to create unlimited earning potential. Besides, stock photographers enjoy flexible working hours and have the potential for passive income.
How much you can make: $10,000/month
How long does it take to build: 3 days (?)
16. Start a dropshipping reseller ($85.3K/month)
Drop shipping is a retail fulfilment method in which the retailer does not keep goods in stock but instead transfers customer orders and shipment details to either the manufacturer, another retailer, or a wholesaler, who then ships the goods directly to the customer.
Drop shipping doesn't require much investment and it has a low risk because it doesn't require upfront costs. Besides, dropshipping can be a profitable business model for merchants since they do not pay for shipping or cost of product manufacturing.
To start the business follow these steps:
- Choose a niche
- Perform competition research
- Find a reputable manufacturer/supplier
- Build an online store
- Market your store
- Analyze and improve your offering
If you do not want to create a dropshipping business from scratch, you can find a dropshipping business for sale on exchange marketplace.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
17. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Are you looking for a side hustle to pay you a passive income? Affiliate marketing is one of those side hustles that will pay you well over the long term. It is a way to earn money online by promoting other companies' products and services. You will be paid a commission for each sale you make as an affiliate marketer.
To get started, learn how to find the right product and brand to partner with. For example, you may prefer becoming an affiliate marketer for an eCommerce store, partnering with a manufacturer, and marketing their products for a commission.
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 (?)
18. Start a music licensing business ($154K/month)
Do you have a knack for music and a keen ear for spotting the next big hit? Consider diving into the music licensing business. At its core, music licensing involves securing permission for the use of songs in movies, TV shows, commercials, and video games.
Your primary role is to connect music creators with content producers looking for the perfect soundtrack. This often involves negotiating contracts, handling royalties, and ensuring legal compliance. The demand for original, high-quality music is ever-growing, presenting a lucrative opportunity for those with industry know-how.
Starting a music licensing business can be rewarding if you have the passion and the network. It involves thorough research, understanding copyright laws, and building relationships with both musicians and production companies. If you’re ready to merge your love for music with a business venture, this could be the perfect path for you.
How much you can make: $50,000 — $315,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
19. Become a blogging coach ($26.4K/month)
Are you a successful blogger looking for new ideas or a starter looking for how to make money online? How about becoming a blogging coach?
Start by creating blogging courses in any field, and teach your audience different blogging tips.
Blogging coaches teach different topics, including but not limited to:
- How to build successful business blogs
- Tips for choosing successful blog topics
- How to optimize conversions
- Repurposing and promoting blogs online
With businesses and individuals embracing blogging as a content marketing strategy, there will be a demand for blogging coaching. Therefore, with the right approach, you stand a great opportunity to make huge profits from the business.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $80,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 12 days (?)
20. Start a twitter bot business
A Twitter bot is software that controls a Twitter account using a Twitter API. The Twitter bot may autonomously perform actions like Tweeting, Re-Tweeting, liking, following, unfollowing, or direct messaging other accounts.
Businesses and individuals use Twitter bots to help them in building a Twitter following and to invite people to like and share their posts.
Therefore, starting a Twitter bot business can be a lucrative business opportunity.
How much you can make: $220,000/month
How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)
21. Start a food delivery business ($510K/month)
In today’s busy lifestyles and schedules, cooking is no longer a priority to many. People like to order-in food from their nearest restaurants or food joints and enjoy a meal in the comfort of their homes.
The food delivery business is like a courier service through which restaurants deliver food to their customers.
You can offer retail food delivery services to restaurants within your locality if you have a truck. Customers order through a restaurant or grocer’s website, and the owners contact you to deliver.
How much you can make: $14,000 — $1,800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
More business ideas
- 22. Start a paid online surveys business
- 23. Start a dividend investing business
- 24. Start a real estate crowdfunding business
25. Start a music youtube channel
Ready to combine your love for music with a popular online platform? Start a music YouTube channel. This business idea revolves around creating and sharing engaging content about music, from tutorials and reviews to performances and discussions.
Kick off by selecting your niche—whether it's guitar lessons, album reviews, or music theory explanations. You'll need some basic equipment: a quality camera, microphone, and editing software. Consistency is key; you'll attract a steady audience by regularly uploading content.
Monetize your channel through ad revenue, sponsorships, or even merchandise sales. Building an audience takes time, so be prepared for hard work and persistence. By passionately sharing your music expertise, you can cultivate a loyal subscriber base and potentially turn your channel into a profitable venture.
For those with musical talent and a flair for content creation, a music YouTube channel is an accessible, low-cost business idea that offers creative satisfaction and financial potential.
How much you can make: $5,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
More business ideas
- 26. Start an affiliate marketing without website business
27. Start a travel youtube channel
A travel YouTube channel shares videos of anything from you or your family traveling to places you have been to or even things you have seen. There are several goals for starting a travel YouTube channel. For example, You can make money from it or use the channel to promote your travel agency.
However, you should do some research before starting your channel to know what kind of content you want to create and what type of equipment you need.
Frequently asked questions
Can you build passive income as a teen?
Yes, you can build passive income. As a teen, you can use your spare time to do a particular task, gig, or extra work. Due to the increase in expenses, inflation, and other things, building a passive income is becoming more of a necessity.
Of course, a passive income isn't meant to consume all of your time. After all, your primary concern is to finish your tasks as a teen.
A passive income not only helps build financial stability. Moreover, it helps you create a better future while you continue doing your tasks as a teen.
Now, a passive income doesn't necessarily mean one thing. In general, you can build a passive income by doing something you enjoy as a teen. As such, we have several ideas for you to know. These ideas can help you identify which one you like, so you enjoy your spare time and earn simultaneously.
Building passive income as a teen is possible since you get more flexible online work opportunities. So it's possible to do so, especially when you have some time to spare.
How can you build passive income as a teen?
Once you have established that you want to build passive income, the next thing to ask is how you would do so without compromising your teen duties.
In general, you'll find plenty of opportunities to build passive income as a teen. The key here is to evaluate what you want, how much you want to earn extra, and what passive income opportunity suits you as a teen.
With the ideas we share, you can build a passive income and work your way through financial stability while still keeping up with your duties as a teen.
Is passive income for teens truly passive?
Most passive income sources for teens are truly passive, meaning you don't have to work. However, such sources need some foundation to start.
In general, you won't necessarily have a passive income source without doing anything apart from being a teen. But, in most cases, you must work and spare some time and effort to start. Afterward, passive income starts, and you enjoy the benefits of your work.
Having a passive income isn't as easy as wanting it. As a teen, you should note that any income requires work. The only difference is that most passive income sources only require initial work.
On the other hand, some passive income sources would need you to spare some time, effort, and even some resources to continue. Such a thing is completely normal, and as a teen, you know you're doing it right when it's not so easy.
Conclusion
Online passive income is an excellent option if you are a teen looking for ways to make some extra money. Several options are available, and many of them can be started with little to no investment.
Do your research, find something that interests you, and get started! You may be surprised at how quickly those extra dollars start adding up. What have you got to lose?
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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.
