Looking for a way to make some extra money online is always a good idea, especially if you're a student. Since you already have access to the internet, why not use it to earn some cash instead of wasting your time?
After all, we're living in the digital era where anyone can harness the power of the internet to make a few extra dollars. The possibilities are endless, so you just need to find what works best for you.
As a student, money-making opportunities that require investing are usually not an option. Luckily, there are many ways to earn cash online without spending any money.
How to Make Money Online as a Student
Getting a typical job requires dedication, effort, and time, so it's out of the question. Fortunately, there are many ways you can earn money as a student that aren't classified as jobs. Here are a few great out-of-the-box ideas to boost your income from the comforts of your own home or dorm.
1. Pawns.app
Pawns.app is a free and 100% legit app that lets you earn cash by taking online surveys about general topics like tech and fashion. They take only a few minutes to complete and pay up to $2 each. This allows you to earn some money during commercial breaks, commuting, or any time you have a few minutes to spare. The app really pays --- you can earn anywhere from $5 to $140 per month on average for just keeping the app active on their device, and you can withdraw your earnings via PayPal once you make only $5.
Pawns.app allows you to boost your earnings by sharing your unused bandwidth with others. Once you enable the bandwidth-sharing option, you'll start making money no matter what you do as long it runs in the background. And if you refer your friends to Pawns.app, you can get 10% of their earnings for life.
2. Streaming Video Games
If you love video games, you can consider becoming a streamer and start making money from your hobby. By broadcasting your gameplay live on platforms like Twitch or YouTube, you can attract viewers who enjoy watching you play.
You can earn money through various avenues, such as ad revenue, sponsorships, and donations from your loyal audience. It's a fun and accessible opportunity to showcase your gaming skills, interact with viewers, and generate income while pursuing your passion for gaming.
3. Bug Testing
Bug testing is the perfect way for tech-savvy students to earn money online. Companies and developers often need help finding and fixing software glitches, and that's where bug testers come in. As a bug tester on platforms like Tester Work or Ferpection, you get the chance to try out new apps, websites, or games and identify any issues or "bugs" you come across.
By providing valuable feedback and reporting these bugs, you can help improve the overall quality and user experience of the product. In return, you get paid. It's a fantastic opportunity to apply your technical skills, gain real-world experience, and earn money.
4. Video Editing
With the increasing demand for video content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and social media, there is a need for skilled video editors. If this is something you're already good at, why not use it to make money? You can leverage your creativity and technical skills to edit videos for clients like vloggers, businesses, or content creators.
Freelance platforms like Upwork and Mandy give you a chance to find potential clients and exciting video projects where you can show your editing skills, develop your portfolio, and earn money. Even though you'll pay a certain fee to the platform, it's from the earnings you've already made.
5. Affiliate Marketing
Even though affiliate marketing may sound complicated, it doesn't have to be if you know what you're doing. Basically, you'll be promoting services or products on behalf of a company and getting a commission for each sale or action made through your unique affiliate link.
As a student, you can join affiliate programs of companies that align with your interests and audience. You can share your affiliate links and recommend products to your followers through social media, blogs, or websites. If someone makes a purchase or completes a desired action through your link, you earn a portion of the revenue. Alternatively, you can seek out freelance writing jobs and cover topics such as the best Canadian online casinos or sports betting topics in the US.
6. Reviewing Music
This money-making opportunity is perfect for students who love music. Websites like SliceThePie pay users to listen to and provide feedback on new music tracks from emerging artists. You can sign up for free and start reviewing tracks based on your preferences and interests.
For each review you submit, you earn a small amount of money. While the earnings per review may be modest, it can add up over time, especially if you enjoy discovering new music and sharing your opinions.
7. Social Media Management
With the widespread use of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, businesses and influencers are in constant need of help to manage and grow their social media presence. So if you understand these platforms well and can create engaging content, you can consider offering your services as a social media manager.
This can involve tasks such as creating and scheduling posts, interacting with followers, running ad campaigns, and analyzing performance metrics. Freelance platforms like Upwork, MarketerHire, and Fiverr can help you find potential clients and projects based on your interests and knowledge.
8. Publishing Kindle Books
Self-publishing platforms like Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) allow you to turn your writing skills and expertise into a source of income. Whether it's a fiction novel, a guidebook, or a non-fiction book on a specific topic, you can write and format your book using simple tools provided by KDP.
Once published, the book becomes available for purchase to millions of readers worldwide. By marketing and promoting your book through social media, blogs, or even word of mouth, you can attract readers and earn royalties from each sale. The best part is that publishing a Kindle book is completely free.
9. Online Tutoring
Online tutoring through platforms like Zoom or Skype can be a great way to make money online. You can leverage your expertise in subjects like math, science, languages, or test preparation to provide personalized tutoring sessions to learners worldwide via platforms such as Tutor Map and Tutor Hunt.
For example, if you're good at math, you can offer one-on-one tutoring sessions to struggling students. If you're fluent in multiple languages, you can offer online language tutoring sessions to people looking to learn or improve their language skills. There are plenty of things to teach online, so think about your interests and skills and start from there.
10. App Development
If you have programming and design skills, you can use them to develop an app that solves a specific problem or caters to a particular niche. Whether it's a game, a productivity tool, a language learning app, or any other innovative idea, you can monetize it by offering it for purchase or integrating ads or in-app purchases.
By promoting the app on platforms like Google Play Store or Apple App Store, you can reach a global audience and earn revenue from downloads or user engagement. You can also let ads show on your app and get paid according to the number of clicks or impressions your ads make.
Conclusion
The internet gives every student a chance to make money online. Whether you're an expert in a certain field like gaming or bug testing or just a regular student with some free time, we've provided you with enough money-making options to boost your income.