If you’re looking for ways to supplement your income while spending more time at home, the internet offers a variety of online opportunities. Many of these options can be done remotely and may fit the realities of social distancing, though earnings and availability vary.
Below are several online side hustle ideas to consider.
1. Sell Your Creative Talents
As unemployment has risen and some businesses have reduced staff, certain services have shifted toward freelance or contract work. This has created opportunities for people to offer skills such as writing, graphic design, photo editing, blogging, social media management, and more.
Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Shutterstock, Guru, and Gigster connect freelancers with clients seeking these services. Pay rates vary by platform, skill level, demand, and experience. Some gigs may start at low price points, but sellers often have the ability to set their own pricing and offerings.
2. Get Paid to Take Surveys
If you’re looking for an option that doesn’t require specialized skills, taking online surveys may offer a way to earn small rewards in your spare time.
Online research panels compensate participants for sharing opinions and completing questionnaires for market research purposes. Typically, you create a profile so platforms can match you with surveys you may qualify for. Compensation varies and may be provided in points, cash, or gift cards, depending on the site and survey length.
Examples of survey platforms include SurveyJunkie, InboxDollars, and Swagbucks. Participation and rewards depend on eligibility and survey availability.
3. Scan Your Grocery Receipts
Some apps offer rewards for uploading grocery receipts from purchases you’re already making. Services like Fetch Rewards allow users to earn points by scanning receipts through a mobile app.
After shopping or receiving a grocery delivery, you take a photo of your receipt, and the app processes it. Points earned may be redeemed for gift cards or other rewards, depending on the platform. Rewards vary based on promotions and receipt eligibility.
Other similar apps are also available that offer rewards for everyday purchases.
4. Sell Your Digital Photographs
If you already have a collection of photos, you may be able to upload them to stock photography platforms. Services such as Foap, Dreamstime, and Shutterstock allow contributors to submit photos that buyers can license.
Earnings depend on photo quality, demand, licensing terms, and how often images are purchased. Building a portfolio may take time, and sales are not guaranteed, but some contributors earn ongoing commissions when their images are downloaded.
5. Teaching English Online
Teaching English online is another option that may be available to native or fluent English speakers, depending on platform requirements.
For example, Cambly connects tutors with learners through video chat. Pay is typically calculated on a per-minute basis and paid through PayPal, though rates, availability, and requirements can change. Some platforms do not require a teaching degree, while others may have specific onboarding or qualification criteria.
Additional platforms include Boxfish, Italki, QKids, and Landi English. Compensation and schedules vary by service and tutor availability.
6. Sell Transcription Services
If you have strong typing and listening skills, transcription work may be an option. Platforms like Tigerfish and TranscribeMe offer transcription opportunities for approved applicants.
A skills or typing test is often required before you can begin accepting work. Once approved, you typically need a computer and headphones. Pay rates vary based on audio quality, turnaround time, and platform policies.
Online side hustles can offer flexible ways to explore earning opportunities from home. Earnings are not guaranteed, and results depend on time invested, demand, qualifications, and platform rules, but these options may be worth exploring if you’re looking to supplement your income remotely.
