Best Apps to Make Money in 2024: Real Opportunities for Everyone
1: Freelancing Platforms
Freelancing apps are arguably the most reliable way to make substantial money. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to leverage your skills—whether it's writing, graphic design, programming, or marketing—into real income. Freelancing apps cater to a wide variety of talents, and the more specialized your skill set, the more money you can earn.
In fact, specialized freelancers in fields like software development, financial consulting, or AI can command rates upwards of $100/hour. But even if you're just starting out, you can still find gigs at beginner levels to build your portfolio.
Table: Potential Earnings for Freelancers
| Skill Set | Average Earnings (per hour) |
|---|---|
| Web Development | $25-$150 |
| Graphic Design | $15-$80 |
| Content Writing | $10-$60 |
| Video Editing | $20-$100 |
2: Cash Back & Reward Apps
If you prefer something passive, cashback apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Swagbucks allow you to earn money just by shopping. These platforms reward you with cashback for purchases you’re already making, whether it’s groceries, clothes, or even travel bookings.
The potential might not sound significant, but over time, cashback can stack up into meaningful amounts. In fact, Ibotta users have earned over $1 billion collectively.
Pro Tip: Combine cashback apps with rewards credit cards to double-dip on savings and earnings.
3: Investing Apps
Another avenue is through investing apps like Robinhood, Acorns, or Webull. These apps allow beginners to easily invest in stocks, ETFs, and even cryptocurrency. What makes these platforms great is that you don’t need a large sum to start. In fact, Acorns lets you invest spare change by rounding up your daily purchases to the nearest dollar.
Over time, small investments can lead to sizable gains, especially if you're investing in dividend stocks or compounding interest accounts. It’s important, however, to understand that this method of making money is not risk-free. Markets fluctuate, and there's always a chance for loss, but for the long game, investing is one of the smartest ways to grow your wealth.
Table: Comparison of Investment Apps
| App Name | Minimum Investment | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | $0 | No commission on trades |
| Acorns | $5 | Automatic investment round-ups |
| Webull | $0 | Offers free stocks for signing up |
4: Survey and Microtask Apps
If you’re looking for something quick and easy, there are apps like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and Amazon Mechanical Turk where you can earn money by completing surveys, watching videos, or performing simple tasks.
While the pay per task isn’t high (ranging from a few cents to a few dollars), these microtasks add up, and they’re perfect for filling spare moments. Some apps, like Pinecone Research, are more exclusive but tend to pay higher rates for participation.
Fun Fact: A user on Swagbucks managed to earn over $5,000 in a year by combining surveys with other activities like playing games and watching ads.
5: Renting & Sharing Economy Apps
If you have assets you aren’t using, consider monetizing them through sharing economy apps. Airbnb lets you rent out a room or house for short-term stays, while Turo allows you to rent out your car. These platforms are more passive ways to earn, especially if you live in high-demand areas or have high-demand vehicles.
Take Airbnb, for example. Depending on your location, you can make anywhere from $50 to $500 per night, and with consistent bookings, that can turn into a five-figure side income.
Table: Potential Earnings from Renting Apps
| App Name | Type of Rental | Average Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| Airbnb | Room/House | $500-$3,000 |
| Turo | Car | $200-$1,000 |
| Fat Llama | Equipment | $50-$500 |
6: Gig Economy Apps
Apps like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Postmates fall under the gig economy and provide immediate cash flow for individuals willing to perform tasks like driving, food delivery, or shopping. The flexibility of these platforms is a major selling point; you can work whenever you want, making them ideal for people who need extra cash without the commitment of traditional employment.
Although the rates per gig might vary by region, users have reported earning anywhere from $10 to $25 per hour, depending on demand and time of day. For those who optimize their gig work schedules, it's possible to pull in significant earnings.
7: Teaching & Tutoring Apps
If you’re knowledgeable in a subject, you can teach others through apps like VIPKid, Chegg Tutors, and Outschool. These platforms offer the chance to earn money by tutoring students in subjects like English, math, or even specialized skills like coding and piano.
VIPKid, for instance, focuses on teaching English to children in China, with teachers earning $14-$22 per hour. Meanwhile, Chegg Tutors offers tutoring across a broad range of subjects and allows tutors to set their own hourly rates.
Teaching tip: If you’re particularly skilled in a niche subject like data science or blockchain, platforms like Superprof can help you command rates as high as $100/hour for expert tutoring.
8: Selling Products on Marketplace Apps
Another lucrative option is using apps like eBay, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace to sell physical products. Whether you’re selling handmade crafts, vintage items, or simply reselling items you no longer need, these platforms offer a global audience.
For instance, Etsy sellers specializing in handmade goods or custom products can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, depending on the demand for their items.
Pro Tip: Utilize social media marketing to drive traffic to your marketplace listings for higher sales conversions.
9: Subscription and Membership Platforms
Finally, for content creators or influencers, platforms like Patreon and OnlyFans allow users to monetize exclusive content through paid memberships. These platforms give creators control over their income, with some users making six figures annually from dedicated fan bases.
Influencers with niche followings often benefit the most from these platforms, as they provide a direct line of revenue without relying on third-party advertisers.
Conclusion:
From freelancing to renting out your car, there’s no shortage of ways to make money with apps in 2024. Whether you’re looking for quick cash or long-term wealth building, the opportunities are vast and varied. The key is identifying which platforms align with your skills and lifestyle, and committing the necessary time to maximize earnings.
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