Top 20 Sites to Make Money:
- YouTube: Earn through ads, sponsorships, and memberships.
- Instagram: Monetize with sponsored posts and affiliate sales.
- Facebook: Generate revenue from ads and fan subscriptions.
- X (formerly Twitter): Paid subscriptions and promoted tweets.
- OnlyFans: Offer exclusive content via paid subscriptions.
- Fansly: Similar to OnlyFans with exclusive content options.
- TikTok: Use the Creator Fund, gifts, and brand partnerships.
- Patreon: Earn from monthly subscriptions for premium content.
- Fiverr: Sell freelance services like design and writing.
- Upwork: Secure hourly or project-based contracts.
- Etsy: Sell handmade or vintage goods online.
- Shopify: Launch an online store to sell products.
- Amazon: Profit from eBooks and product sales through FBA.
- Substack: Offer paid newsletter subscriptions.
- Twitch: Earn from channel subscriptions, tips, and ads.
- Medium: Partner Program pays for reader engagement.
- Reddit: Monetize via tips and subreddit partnerships.
- Skillshare: Royalties from courses based on watch time.
- LinkedIn: Host paid webinars and secure business deals.
- Airbnb Experiences: Sell curated tours and activities.
Top 20 Sites to Make Money
The internet offers endless opportunities to earn money, with platforms catering to various skills and creative pursuits. Whether you’re a content creator, freelancer, or entrepreneur, there’s a site that fits your goals.
From video sharing and social media monetization to freelance marketplaces and e-commerce stores, these platforms enable users to generate income innovatively. YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok reward creators for engaging audiences, while Fiverr and Upwork connect freelancers with clients.
Sites like Etsy and Shopify allow sellers to sell products, and platforms like Patreon and Substack support direct funding from fans.
This list covers the top 20 platforms that help individuals turn their talents and ideas into sustainable income streams.
1. YouTube
YouTube is one of the largest platforms for creators of video content. It allows users to monetize videos through various methods.
- Monetization Options:
- Ads through YouTube’s Partner Program
- Sponsored content deals with brands
- Channel memberships for exclusive content
- Super Chats (paid messages during live streams)
- Merch shelf integration for product sales
- Best For:
Creators who produce video content such as tutorials, vlogs, reviews, gaming, and entertainment. - Example: A beauty vlogger can earn through ad revenue, sponsorships with cosmetic brands, and selling branded makeup products.
2. Instagram
Instagram is a visually driven platform ideal for influencers and businesses focusing on lifestyle, fashion, travel, and more.
- Monetization Options:
- Sponsored posts and brand collaborations
- Affiliate marketing (earning a commission through product recommendations)
- Selling physical or digital products directly via Instagram Shopping
- Best For:
Influencers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses that excel at creating visually appealing content. - Example: A travel influencer can partner with hotels and tourism boards for sponsored posts and earn affiliate commissions by promoting travel gear.
3. Facebook
With billions of active users, Facebook offers multiple ways for content creators and businesses to monetize their presence on the platform.
- Monetization Options:
- In-stream ads for video content
- Fan subscriptions for exclusive perks
- Sponsored content and brand deals through Facebook’s Partner Program
- Best For:
Content creators who use Facebook groups, pages, and videos to build engaged communities. - Example: A fitness coach can create workout videos with ad breaks and offer fan subscriptions to access personalized fitness plans.
4. X (formerly Twitter)
X focuses on real-time news, updates, and conversations. It provides monetization options for thought leaders and influencers.
- Monetization Options:
- Paid subscriptions (formerly Super Follows) for exclusive tweets
- Promoted tweets and paid brand partnerships
- Affiliate links embedded in tweets
- Best For:
Writers, journalists, thought leaders, and influencers who engage in discussions and share timely insights. - Example: A tech analyst can offer subscribers early access to industry reports and monetize viral tweets through brand deals.
5. OnlyFans
OnlyFans caters to creators offering exclusive, subscription-based content. It allows a high level of control over monetization strategies.
- Monetization Options:
- Monthly or yearly subscriptions for premium content
- Pay-per-view (PPV) content like videos and photos
- Direct tips from fans
- Best For:
Creators across various niches, including fitness, lifestyle, and adult content, want to provide behind-the-scenes access or exclusive material. - Example: A fitness influencer can share exclusive workout videos and diet plans with paying subscribers while earning tips during live sessions.
6. Fansly
Fansly is a subscription-based platform where creators offer exclusive content to paying subscribers. It’s particularly popular among adult content creators and supports various other niches.
- Monetization Options:
- Subscription plans with tiered access
- Tips from subscribers and followers
- Pay-per-view (PPV) content, including custom requests
- Best For:
Models, adult content creators, and niche influencers who provide premium content to a loyal fan base. - Example: A model can set up multiple subscription tiers, offering fans exclusive photo sets and video content based on their level of support.
7. TikTok
TikTok has rapidly become one of the largest platforms for short-form video content, providing multiple avenues for creators to monetize their popularity.
- Monetization Options:
- TikTok Creator Fund, which pays based on views and engagement
- Live gifts (virtual currency sent during live streams)
- Brand partnerships and sponsored content
- Ads integrated with creator videos
- Best For:
Short-form video creators, dancers, comedians, and influencers looking to reach a global audience. - Example: A comedian with a large following can earn from brand partnerships and virtual gifts sent during live Q&A sessions.
8. Patreon
Patreon is a membership platform that enables creators to earn a sustainable income through direct support from their fans.
- Monetization Options:
- Monthly or annual subscriptions from patrons
- Patron-exclusive content such as videos, podcasts, or blog posts
- Merchandise or other premium perks for high-tier supporters
- Best For:
Artists, podcasters, writers, musicians, and creators who want to build a direct relationship with their audience. - Example: A musician can share behind-the-scenes videos, early access to new songs, and personalized shout-outs for loyal patrons.
9. Fiverr
Fiverr is a freelance marketplace where users can offer various services, from graphic design to voiceovers and digital marketing.
- Monetization Options:
- Selling project-based services (gigs) with custom pricing
- Offering additional services through gig extras
- Earning through repeat clients and positive reviews
- Best For:
Freelancers in creative, technical, and business service fields who want to work on short-term projects. - Example: A graphic designer can create multiple gig offerings, such as logo design, social media graphics, and product packaging, all tailored to client needs.
10. Upwork
Upwork is a leading platform for freelancers seeking longer-term or high-value contracts. It connects professionals with businesses in need of services across various industries.
- Monetization Options:
- Hourly contracts with time tracking via Upwork’s desktop app
- Fixed-price projects with agreed deliverables
- Long-term freelance contracts for recurring work
- Best For:
Freelancers specialize in web development, marketing, writing, and consulting. - Example: A marketing consultant can find clients for tasks like SEO audits, social media strategy development, and ad campaign management.
11. Etsy
Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade, vintage, and custom goods. It allows creative entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their unique products to a global audience.
- Monetization Options:
- Selling handmade items, vintage goods, and custom products
- Offering personalized services, such as custom orders
- Promotions through Etsy ads and seasonal campaigns
- Best For:
Artisans, crafters, and small business owners focus on unique or handcrafted products. - Example: A jewelry maker can list handmade necklaces and offer customization options to buyers, generating additional revenue through personalized orders.
12. Shopify
Shopify provides an all-in-one solution for entrepreneurs to create and manage their e-commerce stores. It supports multiple sales channels, including social media and marketplaces.
- Monetization Options:
- Selling physical and digital products through an online store
- Integrating dropshipping services for streamlined product fulfillment
- Offering subscription-based products and memberships
- Best For:
Entrepreneurs looking to build a brand and sell products online without relying on third-party marketplaces. - Example: A clothing brand can use Shopify to set up a store, offer seasonal promotions, and connect to Instagram Shopping for direct sales.
13. Amazon (Kindle Direct Publishing and FBA)
Amazon offers multiple monetization paths through its platforms, including Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for authors and Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) for product sellers.
- Monetization Options:
- Royalties from eBooks published via Kindle Direct Publishing
- Sales of physical goods with Amazon handling storage, packing, and shipping via FBA
- Access to Amazon’s massive customer base for product visibility
- Best For:
Authors, entrepreneurs, and product sellers aim to reach a large global audience. - Example: An author can self-publish eBooks on KDP and earn royalties, while an e-commerce seller can use FBA to sell products like electronics or home goods.
14. Substack
Substack is a platform that allows writers and journalists to build their subscriber base by offering exclusive content through paid newsletters.
- Monetization Options:
- Monthly or annual paid subscriptions for newsletters
- Free content offerings to attract new subscribers and upsell premium content
- Opportunities for sponsorships and partnerships
- Best For:
Writers, journalists, and thought leaders want to monetize their expertise and engage directly with readers. - Example: A financial analyst can publish weekly market insights, offering in-depth reports and analysis to paying subscribers.
15. Twitch
Twitch is a leading live-streaming platform that is particularly popular among gamers. It also caters to music, art, and lifestyle creators.
- Monetization Options:
- Channel subscriptions that offer perks like ad-free viewing and custom emotes
- Virtual currency (bits) sent by viewers as tips during streams
- Ad revenue generated from in-stream advertisements
- Best For:
Gamers, streamers, and live content creators engage with a dedicated audience. - Example: A gamer can stream live gameplay sessions, earning revenue through viewer subscriptions, bits, and sponsorships from gaming brands.
16. Medium
Medium is a content publishing platform where writers and bloggers can earn money through its Partner Program, which rewards engagement.
- Monetization Options:
- Partner Program payouts based on the time members spend reading your articles
- Increased visibility through curated recommendations and trending topics
- Opportunities for sponsorships or collaborations through thought leadership
- Best For:
Writers, bloggers, and content creators who want to reach a broader audience with their articles and essays. - Example: A tech writer can publish articles about emerging technology trends and earn money based on the engagement of Medium subscribers.
17. Reddit
Reddit is a community-driven platform with various niche forums (subreddits). Content creators can monetize through direct support and partnerships.
- Monetization Options:
- Tipping system (Community Points and other subreddit-specific features)
- Partnerships and collaborations within niche subreddits
- Sponsored content and affiliate marketing
- Best For:
Niche content creators, moderators, and community leaders engage with highly targeted audiences. - Example: A finance expert moderating a subreddit on investing can earn tips from community members and secure sponsorships from financial brands.
18. Skillshare
Skillshare is a learning platform where educators and experts can create and sell courses on various topics, including art, design, and technology.
- Monetization Options:
- Royalties are paid based on watch time for your courses
- Affiliate marketing through promoting other Skillshare courses
- Opportunities to build a following and sell additional educational resources
- Best For:
Educators, artists, and professionals who want to share their expertise through structured online courses. - Example: A graphic designer can create a course on logo design and earn royalties each time students watch their lessons.
19. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that offers monetization options through premium content, business services, and partnerships.
- Monetization Options:
- Hosting paid webinars and training sessions for professional audiences
- Securing partnerships, consulting gigs, and speaking engagements
- Offering services such as career coaching or resume writing through LinkedIn Services
- Best For:
Professionals, consultants, and thought leaders offering business services or career development insights. - Example: A career coach can host live webinars on job search strategies, attracting paying clients and business opportunities.
20. Airbnb Experiences
Airbnb Experiences allows users to offer unique activities, tours, and events to travelers, providing an alternative income stream for entrepreneurs and creatives.
- Monetization Options:
- Selling curated experiences such as cooking classes, guided tours, or workshops
- Offering premium experiences like private tours or specialty services
- Partnering with local businesses to create collaborative events
- Best For:
Entrepreneurs, tour guides, artists, and creatives looking to share local expertise with travelers. - Example: A chef can offer classes showcasing regional cuisine and earn money through bookings from tourists and locals alike.
FAQ: Top 20 Sites Where Someone Can Make Money
How does YouTube monetization work?
Creators earn from ads, sponsorships, memberships, and merchandise sales. YouTube’s Partner Program requires 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours to join.
Can Instagram creators earn without a large following?
Micro-influencers can earn through niche sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and product or service sales.
What are Facebook’s monetization options?
Facebook offers in-stream ads for video content, fan subscriptions, and brand partnerships. It’s ideal for creators building communities through groups and pages.
Is it possible to make money on X (formerly Twitter)?
Yes, creators can earn from paid subscriptions, promoted tweets, and affiliate links. Engaging content and a loyal following increase revenue potential.
How do OnlyFans and Fansly differ?
Both platforms offer subscription-based models for exclusive content. Fansly includes additional features like free trial subscriptions, appealing to a broader audience.
What is TikTok’s Creator Fund?
The Creator Fund pays eligible TikTokers based on video views and engagement. Additional income comes from brand partnerships and live gifts.
Can I make recurring income on Patreon?
Yes, Patreon allows creators to earn through monthly subscriptions. Patrons pay for exclusive content, early access, and personalized perks.
What types of services sell well on Fiverr?
Popular categories include graphic design, writing, video editing, voiceovers, and digital marketing. Offering quick, high-quality services helps attract repeat clients.
How is Upwork different from Fiverr?
Upwork focuses on longer-term, higher-value contracts. Freelancers bid on projects, and clients often seek professionals for ongoing work.
Is Etsy only for handmade products?
No, Etsy also allows sales of vintage goods (over 20 years old) and craft supplies. However, most sellers focus on unique, handmade products.
What can I sell on Shopify?
You can sell physical or digital products through your online store. Dropshipping integration allows you to sell products without holding inventory.
How do authors earn on Amazon Kindle?
Authors earn royalties by self-publishing eBooks through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Royalties typically range from 35% to 70%, depending on the pricing.
What is Substack’s primary monetization method?
Writers monetize by offering paid newsletter subscriptions. Substack supports free and premium content to attract and retain subscribers.
How do Twitch streamers make money?
Streamers earn from subscriptions, bits (virtual currency tips), and ad revenue. Successful streamers often have engaged fan communities.
Does Medium pay writers upfront?
No, Medium’s Partner Program pays writers based on how much time members spend reading their content, encouraging high-quality articles.
How does Reddit support content creators?
Reddit offers a tipping system in some subreddits. Creators can also monetize through partnerships and community-based sponsorships.
What topics are popular on Skillshare?
Creative fields like graphic design, photography, and writing perform well. Technical courses on coding, business, and marketing also attract students.
Can I promote business services on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn allows professionals to market services, host paid webinars, and connect with potential clients for consulting or job referrals.
What are Airbnb Experiences?
These are curated activities and tours offered by locals. Creators can sell experiences like cooking classes, guided tours, and cultural workshops to travelers.
Which platform is best for beginners?
Platforms like Fiverr and Etsy are beginner-friendly due to their low barriers to entry. Creators can start small and build their reputation over time.