September 22, 2026
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By Faradilla Andriani
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15 minutes read
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Students and teenagers can earn money online by creating content, offering freelance services, selling products or second‑hand items, or completing small tasks. These options are usually flexible and can be adapted to school schedules, using devices like smartphones or laptops and an internet connection.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’re under 18, check the requirements of each platform before signing up. Some services limit features based on age or require a parent or guardian to manage the account, verify identity, agreements, or payments.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Most side‑hustles for students and teens fall into the following five categories:</p><ul class="wp-block-list">
Choose a method that matches your age, free time, skills, and available devices.
| Method | Ease level | Initial earnings | Suitable if you… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online surveys | Easy, depending on availability | Very small | Want to earn small rewards or gift cards with minimal effort |
| TikTok | Easy | Inconsistent | Enjoy short videos and experimenting with trends |
| Reselling used clothing | Easy | Small to moderate | Want quick cash from items you already own |
| Handmade jewelry | Easy | Depends on sales | Love crafting items by hand |
| Handmade crafts | Easy | Small to moderate | Already make things as a hobby |
| Website/app testing | Depends on the platform | Small and unpredictable | Want short tasks when available |
| YouTube | Easy | Usually zero at first | Like creating videos and can be consistent |
| Twitch | Easy | Usually zero at first | Enjoy live streaming and don’t mind low viewership initially |
| Online tutoring | Moderate | Stable and more predictable | Master a subject and enjoy explaining it |
| Freelance writing | Moderate | Small initially | Enjoy writing and prefer working alone |
| Social media manager | Moderate | Small but steady | Understand Instagram or TikTok and like behind‑the‑scenes work |
| Graphic design | Moderate | Depends on projects | Enjoy visual work and neat layouts |
| Digital products | Moderate | Unpredictable at first | Prefer creating a product once and selling the digital file repeatedly |
1. Create a YouTube channel
A YouTube channel is ideal if you enjoy explaining, demonstrating, or documenting activities you already do and don’t mind slow growth at first.
Ideal for teens who:
- Enjoy making and watching YouTube videos
- Like playing games, learning, creating artwork, or explaining topics
- Prefer recording videos over live streaming
- Have a smartphone or camera you can use
- Already know or are willing to learn basic editing
Create videos about hobbies, skills, or interests you already have, such as game tutorials, study routines, time‑lapse process videos, fitness progress, or simple how‑to guides.
Early videos don’t need to look professional. Clear audio, a focused topic, and useful content matter more than complex editing. This type of content can easily fit a school schedule, and your skills will improve over time.
Monetization opportunities on YouTube generally become available once the channel starts to grow, through ads, brand partnerships, and affiliate links. To earn ad revenue, a channel must meet YouTube Partner Program requirements. Since the process takes time, focus on consistently uploading content and gradually improving its quality rather than expecting immediate earnings.

In Indonesia, users typically can manage their own Google Account starting at age 13. However, AdSense requires account holders to be at least 18 years old. If you’re under 18 and your channel meets monetization criteria, YouTube AdSense payments must be handled through a parent or guardian’s AdSense account that meets the requirements.
Typical daily activity
You can record videos after school, edit them over the weekend, and upload them regularly. This process also helps develop video editing, communication, and time‑management skills.
2. Create a TikTok account
TikTok is great for teens who enjoy making short videos, following trends, and quickly trying out different content ideas. As your audience grows, the content you create can also open up earning opportunities.
Ideal for teens who:
- Already use TikTok and understand its content style
- Enjoy trends, humor, or simple creative ideas
- Don’t mind showing up on camera or posting casual videos
- Have a smartphone with a decent camera
- Prefer trying ideas quickly rather than spending lots of time editing
Upload short videos based on activities you normally do, such as clips of your creative process, school‑life humor relatable to students, quick hobby tips, outfit ideas, or exciting gaming moments. You don’t need complex editing. Clear visuals, an engaging opening within the first few seconds, and consistent uploading are the most important factors.
Monetization on TikTok can come from brand collaborations, affiliate links, or available monetization features. However, certain features require a minimum age of 18 and may vary by region. Underage users should also involve a parent or guardian in commercial collaborations, agreements, and payments.

At first, earnings are usually inconsistent. One video might only get a few hundred views, while another can get thousands. This unpredictability is normal on TikTok, so use the platform to experiment with ideas rather than relying on it as a steady income source.
Typical daily activity
You record short videos with your phone, sometimes in less than 10 minutes, and upload them regularly. Most of your time is spent experimenting and learning what content people watch, skip, or share.
3. Become a Twitch streamer
Becoming a Twitch streamer is a good fit if you already enjoy gaming or creating content and don’t mind streaming live even when viewership is very low.
Ideal for teens who:
- Enjoy gaming, drawing, or making music
- Like chatting while doing something live
- Comfortable being on camera for extended periods
- Have a computer or console and a stable internet connection
- Don’t mind starting with very low viewership
As a Twitch streamer, you can live stream while gaming, creating artwork, or practicing music while interacting with viewers. After meeting Twitch’s monetization requirements, you can start earning from available features. However, building an audience usually takes time.

To build an audience, stream consistently at a relatively steady schedule and keep interacting even when the chat is sparse. Growth usually takes time, so don’t rely on Twitch as a regular source of income from the start.
Once you can maintain consistency, you can learn how to earn from Twitch streaming more effectively, such as by improving your equipment and stream quality, scheduling better, and using available monetization options.
Typical daily activity
You live stream two or three times a week after finishing homework, usually for one to three hours. Growth may feel slow at first. Over time, familiar usernames start appearing, conversations last longer, and support increases because you remain consistent.
4. Offer online tutoring services
Online tutoring is one of the more reliable ways for teens to earn money online because its schedule is structured, earnings are easier to predict, and time can be adjusted to school activities.
Ideal for teens who:
- Master subjects like math, science, or languages
- Enjoy helping classmates or younger students
- Prefer one‑on‑one interaction
- Comfortable with video calls
- Want a set schedule rather than chasing views or finding clients
As a teen tutor, you help younger students or classmates with homework, exam preparation, or reviewing concepts you already know. Start with subjects you truly master so it’s easier to explain material and answer questions.
Try offering online tutoring via video call or chat. Or, you can offer it to younger siblings, school friends, or students referred by parents, teachers, and others. If you want to use a specific tutoring platform, check the age requirements and terms for becoming a tutor first. It’s fine to start small. One or two students are enough at first.
Tutoring rates can vary depending on the subject, student’s education level, session duration, and agreement with the student or parent. Start with a number of students you can handle without interfering with school activities.
If you want to seriously start an online tutoring business, you need to learn how to manage sessions, payments, and schedules.
Typical daily activity
You start teaching after school, tutoring one student for 60 minutes, take a short break, then teach the next student. Sessions usually follow a simple plan, such as discussing homework, doing practice questions, or reviewing material before a test. The schedule is known in advance, payment is easier to predict, and you don’t need to create content or wait for results.
5. Offer freelance writing services
Being a freelance writer is suitable for teens who enjoy explaining ideas through writing and prefer working alone in a calm environment.
Ideal for teens who:
- Enjoy writing essays, stories, or captions
- Prefer typing over speaking
- Like working alone in a quiet environment
- Have a laptop or tablet
- Don’t want to appear on camera
As a freelance writer, you may receive assignments to write blog posts, social media captions, short articles, or product descriptions for small businesses and websites. Some tasks are simple and don’t require specialized knowledge. You can learn while you work.
You can find clients from your surroundings, such as family businesses, school organizations, local businesses, or online communities. Freelance platforms like Fiverr can also be an option. However, users aged 13–17 may only use Fiverr through a parent or guardian’s account and under their supervision. Account identity verification must also be done by the parent or guardian as the account owner.

Sample writing matters more than the length of experience you have. You can use school assignments, rewritten blog posts, or writing you’ve done for extracurricular activities or college projects as a simple portfolio.
As experience grows, the research, writing, and revision process usually becomes faster. In addition to earning money, these projects can build skills useful for marketing, content creation, and professional writing.
Typical daily activity
You research topics to write about, outline key points, start writing, then edit the piece before submitting. Some days you get no work at all. Other days you might work on one or two small tasks. Deadlines are clear, and most work can be done after homework or on weekends.
6. Participate in online surveys
Online surveys usually give you short tasks to complete. However, the earnings are not high, so this method is more suitable as a side hustle.
Ideal for teens who:
- Enjoy completing small tasks
- Only have a smartphone and internet connection
- Don’t mind receiving points, vouchers, or other rewards besides cash
- Want small rewards, not a steady income
- Prefer doing short tasks when there’s free time
In paid surveys, you answer questions about products, apps, or habits to earn points, vouchers, or other rewards. The compensation is usually small, and some platforms set a minimum amount before rewards can be redeemed. You can also fail to meet criteria after answering a few initial questions.
Not all survey services are available in Indonesia or accept participants under 18. Before signing up, check the age limit, survey availability in your region, reward redemption methods, and platform reputation. Treat surveys as a way to earn small rewards during spare time.
Typical daily activity
You can fill out surveys for 10–15 minutes when you have spare time, such as after doing homework or while waiting for other activities to start. The number of surveys and rewards available can vary, so don’t rely on this method as a regular source of income.
7. Sell handmade jewelry online
Selling handmade jewelry is a good fit if you enjoy crafting and want to turn a hobby into a source of income without rushing.
Ideal for teens who:
- Enjoy crafts and hands‑on activities
- Like making earrings, bracelets, necklaces, or rings
- Enjoy experimenting with designs and materials
- Don’t mind making the same item more than once
- Prefer creating things over interacting with many people
Start with a few simple designs that can be made consistently. This way, it’s easier to calculate material needs, production time, and the number of orders you can handle.
You can offer jewelry through social media, an online store, or marketplaces available in Indonesia, such as Etsy. However, if you want to use this foreign marketplace and you are aged 13–17, you may only sell through a parent or guardian’s account and under their direct supervision. The account’s financial and payment information must also use the parent or guardian’s data.

When setting prices, consider the cost of materials, the time you spend, packaging, and the transaction or service fees from the platform where you sell. Don’t just set a price based on what seems reasonable. By calculating all these costs from the start, you can avoid selling at a loss.
How you display the product is more important than just uploading it to a sales platform. Clear photos with natural lighting, a simple background, and tidy packaging are often more important than having many design variations.
Typical daily activity
You make jewelry a few evenings a week, perhaps while watching videos or listening to music. On weekends, you photograph new products and update the product page. When orders come in, you pack them neatly and ship several orders at once.
Becoming a social media manager is a good fit if you understand platforms like Instagram or TikTok but don’t want to be a creator who appears directly in front of an audience.
Ideal for teens who:
- Like Instagram or TikTok but don’t want to show your face
- Can write captions or short texts
- Don’t mind replying to comments or DMs politely
- Enjoy observing which posts perform well and why
- Prefer behind‑the‑scenes work
You can start by helping family businesses, acquaintances, local businesses, or school organizations manage their social media. Initial tasks may include preparing posts, writing captions, scheduling content, and replying to comments or messages. Agree on tasks, schedule, and payment from the start so the work can be adjusted to school activities.
Keep examples of your posts and work as a portfolio, such as content you’ve created, posting schedule consistency, or increased audience interaction.
Typical daily activity
Every day, you spend a few minutes checking messages or comments. Once or twice a week, you prepare several posts at once, write captions, and schedule content so nothing gets forgotten.
9. Sell handmade crafts online
Selling handmade crafts online is a good fit if you’re already used to making handmade products and want to try selling without making it a full‑time job.
Ideal for teens who:
- Already enjoy making items like candles, knitting, artwork, or decorations
- Prefer selling finished products rather than taking custom orders
- Like working at your own pace
- Want to determine the type and quantity of items to make yourself
- Don’t mind if sales are slow at first
Start small with materials you already have and limit the number of products or orders you accept. This helps keep costs down and ensures production time doesn’t interfere with school activities.
You can start selling crafts through social media, an online store, or available marketplaces like Shopee and TikTok Shop. If the chosen platform has age requirements or identity verification, ask a parent or guardian to help manage the account and payments according to the terms. This way, you can focus more on making, packaging, and shipping products.
Packaging, quality, and communication matter more than having many product variations. Customers are more likely to buy again if the item arrives in good condition, matches the photos, and order information is communicated clearly and politely.
If you don’t know what product to make yet, you can look for inspiration from available handmade craft ideas based on difficulty level, materials, and demand. Also find out the sales potential and time required to make them.
Typical daily activity
You make products in small quantities for one or two evenings, such as a few candles or knitted items. On weekends, you photograph them, create listings, then wait for orders. When orders come in, you pack and ship several orders at once.
10. Offer freelance graphic design services
Freelance graphic design is a good fit if you enjoy visual work and like making things look neat, clear, and organized.
Ideal for teens who:
- Enjoy drawing, visuals, or design
- Like using tools like Canva or design apps
- Prefer visual work over writing
- Have a smartphone, tablet, or laptop
- Don’t want to appear on camera
As a freelance graphic designer, you can create simple visuals such as YouTube thumbnails, basic logos, flyers, or social media graphics. Some beginner-level graphic design jobs have small, specific scopes, making them a practical way to start earning while learning.
You don’t need advanced software to start. Canva is sufficient for most initial projects. What’s more important is following instructions, communicating clearly, and completing work on time.
You can start with small projects, such as creating several YouTube thumbnails for a single creator. Keep track of the time it takes to complete each design so you have a basis for setting prices for future projects.

Build a portfolio from some of your best work, such as designs for friends, school organizations, or small creators. Prioritize finished works that clearly demonstrate your abilities. This experience also trains visual skills useful for marketing, branding, and content creation.
Typical daily activity
You receive requests, confirm client requirements, then create an initial design. After receiving feedback, you make revisions and deliver the final file. Most projects take one to three days. Some weeks you get no work at all. Other weeks you might handle two small projects simultaneously.
11. Sell used clothing or preloved items online
Selling preloved items can be one of the fastest ways for teens to earn money online because you don’t need to create new products.
Ideal for teens who:
- Enjoy fashion and hunting for second‑hand items
- Like searching, sorting, or reselling items
- Have clothing or belongings you no longer use
- Want quicker results than having to create products
- Prefer practical work over creative work
To sell used clothing online, you can start by organizing your closet. Try to find a hoodie that’s too small, jeans you never wore, or shoes that no longer fit. This is often the easiest initial step, and the first sale can provide motivation to continue.
Next, you can also look for sellable items from thrift stores, flea markets, or other sources around your area, then offer them through marketplaces or social media. Start with a small quantity to keep capital under control while learning what types of items buyers want.
Before buying items to resell, compare the prices of similar items and calculate all costs, including purchase price, platform fees, packaging, and shipping costs. Choose items that still leave a reasonable profit after all these costs are deducted.
Use trusted buying and selling platforms and keep your personal data confidential. Items in good condition and high demand are usually easier to sell. Examples may include vintage clothing, Y2K‑style jeans, or sneakers from specific brands.
Typical daily activity
You search for items from your own closet or thrift stores, take clear photos, write simple descriptions, then create a listing. When an item sells, you pack and ship it. Sales of used items tend to be unpredictable. In one week there may be no sales, while in another week several items may sell at once.
12. Test websites and applications online
Testing websites and applications allows teens to earn money by trying out websites or applications and then providing feedback on which parts are easy or confusing to use.
Ideal for teens who:
- Enjoy trying new apps or websites
- Quickly notice when something is confusing
- Don’t mind recording screen or voice
- Prefer short, one‑time tasks
- Have a smartphone or computer
When testing websites, you might be asked to open a website, try to complete a specific task, then explain which parts felt easy or confusing. App testing is done similarly. Some tests ask you to speak while recording the screen. Others just request written feedback.
You don’t need technical skills. Companies aren’t testing your knowledge, but rather how easy their product is to use. Feedback like “I don’t know what to click” is exactly the information they need.
Before signing up, make sure the platform you use accepts participants from Indonesia and users your age, and provides an accessible payment method. Since test availability is unpredictable, treat this as occasional extra income, not a regular source of income.
Typical daily activity
You receive test invitations via email or notifications. If you meet the requirements, you complete it in one session and then send feedback. Some weeks you get test invitations, but other weeks there may be none at all.
13. Create and sell digital products
You can earn money online by selling downloadable files without constantly trading time for money every day. Moreover, you only need to create a digital product once, and it can be sold repeatedly without having to recreate it each time there’s an order.
Ideal for teens who:
- Enjoy creating things on a laptop, such as designs, templates, notes, or layouts
- Prefer working alone rather than interacting with customers daily
- Don’t want to show your face or appear on social media
- Prefer uploading files rather than shipping physical goods
- Don’t mind waiting before getting your first buyer
If you want to try this method, you can create digital files to sell, such as digital planners or agendas, templates, and printable materials. Most beginners use free tools like Canva to create them, so initial costs can be near zero.
You can sell digital products through platforms available in Indonesia or create your own online store using a website builder. If you’re under 18, check the age requirements, account ownership, and withdrawal policies before choosing a platform.
Regardless of the platform chosen, sales in the first few months can be unpredictable. You might go through periods without orders, then receive several orders close together. If a product isn’t selling, try improving the preview and product description to make it clearer, then give it time to be discovered by potential buyers.
Typical daily activity
Most of your time is spent creating and refining products, such as designing pages, testing layouts, and writing clear instructions. After launching a product, maintenance work is relatively light. You might need to update listings, answer questions, or refine designs based on feedback.

Tips for safe online earnings for students and teens
Focus on developing skills, not just quick money
If you only chase quick money, your chances of growth are limited. In contrast, skills like writing, design, editing, tutoring, or content creation can keep growing. The more experience you have, the easier it usually is to take on the next project and increase the value of your services.
These skills can also complement each other. When creating YouTube thumbnails, for example, you’re not just earning from a single project. You’re also learning how to attract audience attention, organize information visually, and communicate clearly. The same skills can later be useful for social media, marketing, or your own projects.
Consider the first few months as an opportunity to learn while earning. Even small earnings are beneficial if each project helps you work faster, gain confidence, and become more skilled.
Ask for parental permission and support early on
Many platforms have specific rules for users under 18, especially regarding account ownership, identity verification, agreements, and payments. Therefore, involve a parent or guardian from the start and review the platform requirements together.
Explain your plans in detail. For example, if you want to try freelance writing, you could ask a parent or guardian to help check age requirements and set up the account and payments according to the platform’s terms.
Parents or guardians don’t have to do your work. They just need to be aware of what you’re doing and help handle parts that require adult involvement. This makes your activities safer and ensures compliance with platform rules.
Avoid scams and unrealistic income promises
Avoid offers that promise quick money or guaranteed earnings. Such claims can be signs of scams.
Some warning signs to watch for include:
- Claims of “quick payment”
- Being required to pay upfront for “training” or “starter kits”
- Requests for bank account details, OTP codes, PINs, passwords, or other sensitive financial information before any work or clear payment process
- Claims that you can earn money without any effort or skills
Before signing up, check the official website, age requirements, payment terms, and user reviews. You can also search for the platform name along with words like “scam,” “fraud,” or “review” to see other users’ experiences. Avoid parties that request upfront payment or sensitive data before providing clear job information.
Balance online work with school and personal life
Maintaining a balance between school and online work is more important than pushing yourself to earn extra income. Good time management helps you do online work without sacrificing responsibilities and daily needs.
Use this simple principle:
Prioritize school, rest, and health. Use the remaining time for online work.
If online work starts affecting grades, sleep, health, or daily activities, reduce your workload. Work shouldn’t interfere with your main role as a student, so adjust it to your school load, rest time, other activities, and personal circumstances. With clear limits, you can lower the risk of burnout and run online work more sustainably.
How to develop online earnings into an online business
After you start earning money, you don’t need to immediately set up a company or hire a team. At this stage, “business” simply means figuring out how to develop the skills you already have. Look at the activities you’ve done, such as tutoring, creating digital artwork, or editing videos, and find ways to do them more efficiently.
Your goal right now is to understand the process behind those earnings. As you learn the initial steps of starting an online business, you’ll begin to see how what you’re trying could evolve into a long‑term online business. This way, you can move from just doing small tasks to building a system that can keep running while you’re busy with school.
Don’t chase quick success. For now, focus on developing skills, understanding how to get customers or an audience, and managing earnings well. This experience can be a foundation if you later want to turn a side hustle into a more serious online business.
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