Passive Income for Teens (Ultimate 2024 Guide)

By Forrest McCall •  Updated: 02/26/24 •  19 min read

We all want passive income, including teens. But it can be difficult to manage.

And with so many passive income opportunities out there – it can be hard to find the right option for you.

In this post, I'll explore the best passive income ideas for teens, how you can get started, and much more. Let's dig in!

Invest in Real Estate with Arrived

If you're looking to invest in real estate but don't have the funds or expertise to purchase and manage a rental property, Arrived may be a good option for you. Arrived is a real estate investment platform that allows you to invest in a portfolio of properties with as little as $100.

Arrived Homes Investing

Arrived invests in a variety of properties, including single-family homes and vacation rentals.

Investing in Arrived is also a relatively low-risk option, as they only invest in properties that have a positive cash flow each month after expenses.

Overall, if you're interested in investing in real estate but don't have the funds or expertise for a rental property, Arrived may be a good option for generating passive income.

Affiliate Marketing

If you're a teen looking for a way to earn passive income, affiliate marketing can be a great option. Essentially, you promote someone else's product or service and earn a commission for any sales made through your unique affiliate link.

To get started, you'll need to find an affiliate program that fits your niche. This could be anything from beauty products to tech gadgets. Once you've found a program, you can start promoting their products through your blog or website.

To be successful in affiliate marketing, you'll need to create quality content that resonates with your audience. This could be in the form of product reviews, tutorials, or even social media posts. The key is to provide value to your audience while also promoting the product.

Another important aspect of affiliate marketing is building trust with your audience. Be transparent about the fact that you're promoting a product and only promote products that you truly believe in. This will help you build a loyal following and increase your chances of making sales.

Overall, affiliate marketing can be a great way for teens to earn passive income. With the right niche, quality content, and a loyal following, you can earn a steady stream of commission without having to do much work.

Here's a great video on how to get started.

Rent out your Car

If you have a car that you don't use regularly, you can make some extra cash by renting it out. There are several platforms, such as Getaround and Turo, that allow you to rent out your car when it's not in use. You can earn a decent amount of passive income by renting your car, and it's a great side hustle for teens who want to make some extra money.

Renting out your car is a simple process. You can list your car on the platform of your choice, set your own rates, and wait for renters to book your car. You can also choose to rent out your car only during specific times or days of the week, giving you more control over your schedule.

When renting out your car, it's important to make sure you have the right insurance coverage. Most platforms offer insurance coverage, but you should also check with your own insurance provider to make sure you're covered in case of an accident.

Use Your Car to Advertise

If you're a teen with a car, you can easily make some extra cash by using it as a moving billboard. Companies are always looking for new ways to advertise their products, and your car could be the perfect platform for them.

One way to get started is by signing up with a company that specializes in car advertising. These companies will match you with a brand that wants to advertise in your area. In exchange for wrapping your car with their logo and messaging, you'll receive a monthly payment.

Another option is to reach out to local businesses and offer to advertise their products or services on your car. This can be a great way to build relationships with local businesses and earn some extra cash on the side.

Keep in mind that you'll need to be comfortable with driving around with advertisements on your car. But if you don't mind the attention, using your car as a mobile billboard can be an easy and effective way to earn passive income.

Rent Your Other Belongings

You may have some items that you rarely use or don't use at all. Why not rent them out and earn some extra cash? You can rent out anything from your clothes to your electronics.

If you have a camera that you rarely use, you can rent it out to someone who needs it for a special occasion. You can also rent out your bike or your car if you don't use it often. This is a great way to make some extra cash without having to do much work.

Rent things with Fat Llama

There are several websites and apps that allow you to rent out your belongings. Some of the popular ones include RentNotBuy, Fat Llama, and Turo. You can set your own prices and terms, and you can choose who you want to rent your belongings to.

Renting out your belongings is a great way to earn some passive income. You don't have to do much work, and you can earn money while you sleep. It's also a great way to make use of the things you already own and make some extra cash on the side.

Sell Stock Photos and Videos

If you have a passion for photography or videography, you can make passive income by selling your work on stock photo and video websites like Shutterstock. You can earn money every time someone downloads your content, and you don't have to do any extra work once you upload it.

To get started, you'll need to create high-quality photos or videos that meet the standards of the stock photo websites. You can use a camera or even your smartphone to take pictures and videos. Once you have enough content, you can upload it to the stock photo websites and start earning money.

Selling stock photos and videos is a great way to earn passive income because you don't have to actively promote your work or interact with customers. Your photos and videos can be downloaded by people all over the world, giving you a global audience.

If you're keen on earning more money, you can also create digital products like presets or filters that photographers and videographers can use to enhance their work. This can be an additional source of passive income for you.

Start a Blog

If you're looking for a way to make passive income as a teen, starting a blog can be a great option. Blogging allows you to create content that can generate income through ads, affiliate marketing, and more.

To start a blog, you'll need to choose a niche that you're passionate about and that has potential for monetization. Once you've chosen your niche, you'll need to purchase a domain name and hosting.

Next, you'll need to start creating content for your blog. This can include written posts, videos, podcasts, and more. The key is to create high-quality content that your audience will find valuable.

Once you have content on your blog, you can start monetizing it through ads and affiliate marketing. Google AdSense is a popular ad network that allows you to earn money by displaying ads on your blog.

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission on any sales that result from your promotion. You can find affiliate programs in your niche and promote products that you believe in and that your audience will find valuable.

Overall, starting a blog can be a great way to make passive income as a teen. With hard work and dedication, you can create a successful blog that generates income for years to come.

Start a Vlog

If writing isn't your thing, starting a vlog can be a great way to earn passive income. Anyone can start a YouTube channel, but you'll need a sizable audience to monetize your channel. Like blogging, it takes a lot of effort to market your channel to get the viewership you need.

Create engaging content that your audience will love to watch. You can make videos about anything you're passionate about, from cooking to gaming to fashion. The key is to provide value to your audience and keep them coming back for more.

Once you have a decent following, you can start earning money through ad revenue. YouTube pays you based on the number of views and clicks your ads receive. You can also earn money through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and merchandise sales.

Editing skills are a plus, but you don't need to be a professional editor to make great videos. There are plenty of free editing software options available online that you can use to enhance your content.

Starting a vlog can be a fun and lucrative way to earn passive income as a teen. With dedication and hard work, you can build a successful channel and earn money while doing something you love.

Rent Textbooks

Are you tired of spending hundreds of dollars on textbooks every semester? Why not rent them out and make some extra cash? Many students are looking for ways to save money on textbooks, and renting them out is a great way to do so.

You can start by advertising your textbooks on social media or campus bulletin boards. You can also use online platforms like Chegg or BookRenter to rent out your textbooks. These platforms allow you to set your own rental price and handle all the logistics of shipping and returns.

Renting out your textbooks can be a great passive income stream. Once you have listed your textbooks, you can sit back and wait for the rental requests to come in. This is a great side hustle for students who want to make some extra cash without committing a lot of time and effort.

In addition to making extra cash, renting out your textbooks can also help other students save money. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved. So, next time you're done with your textbooks, consider renting them out and making some extra cash.

Use Cashback or Shopping Rewards Apps

If you're looking for an easy way to earn passive income, consider using cashback or shopping rewards apps. These apps allow you to earn money back on purchases you were already planning to make.

There are many different cashback and shopping rewards apps available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some apps offer cashback on a wide range of purchases, while others are more focused on specific categories like groceries or travel.

To get started, simply download a cashback or shopping rewards app and link it to your preferred payment method. Then, whenever you make a qualifying purchase, you'll earn cashback or rewards points that can be redeemed for gift cards, cash, or other prizes.

By using cashback and shopping rewards apps, you can easily save money on everyday purchases and earn passive income without any extra effort. So why not give it a try and start earning today?

Invest in Stocks with Acorns

If you're looking for an easy way to invest in the stock market, Acorns might be worth considering. Acorns is a mobile app that allows you to invest your spare change automatically. The app rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference in a portfolio of exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Acorns Investing

With Acorns, you can start investing with as little as $5. The app offers several investment portfolios to choose from, ranging from conservative to aggressive. These portfolios include a mix of stocks and bonds, with the more aggressive portfolios containing a higher percentage of stocks.

One of the benefits of investing with Acorns is that you don't need to know much about investing to get started. The app takes care of everything for you, from selecting the investments to rebalancing your portfolio. Plus, with the ability to invest your spare change, it's an easy way to start building your investment portfolio without breaking the bank.

Overall, Acorns is a simple and convenient way for teens to start investing in the stock market and potentially earn passive income from dividends.

Create and Sell an Ebook

If you're a teen with a passion for writing, creating and selling an ebook is a great way to earn passive income. An ebook is a digital product that can be sold online, and once it's created, you don't need to do much else to keep earning money from it.

To create an ebook, you can write about anything that you're knowledgeable and passionate about. It can be a fiction story, a how-to guide, or even a cookbook. Once you've written your ebook, you can sell it on platforms like Amazon Kindle or even on your own website.

Creating an ebook may take some time and effort, but it's a great way to turn your passion into a source of passive income. With the rise of digital products and content creation, there's never been a better time to create and sell your own ebook.

If you're interested in creating and selling an ebook, you can also consider creating an online course or using platforms like Teachable to sell your digital products. The possibilities are endless when it comes to earning passive income online.

Pet Sitting with Rover

Looking for a flexible and easy way to make some extra cash? Pet sitting with Rover might be just the thing for you! With Rover, you can offer your services as a pet sitter or dog walker in your local area.

Rover

The process is simple: sign up for an account, create a profile, and start accepting clients. You can set your own rates and availability, so you can work as much or as little as you want. Plus, you'll get paid directly through the app, so there's no need to worry about collecting payment from clients.

Pet sitting with Rover can be a great way to earn passive income. Once you've built up a client base, you can start to earn money on a regular basis without having to actively seek out new clients. Plus, you'll get to spend time with adorable pets and make some furry new friends!

Whether you're looking for a side hustle or just a way to earn some extra cash, pet sitting with Rover is a great option. With flexible hours and the ability to set your own rates, it's a great way to earn money on your own terms. So why not give it a try? Your new furry friends are waiting!

Sell Your Notes

Are you a diligent student who takes great notes? Did you know that you can turn those notes into passive income? That's right, you can sell your notes online to students who need help studying!

There are several websites where you can upload your notes and earn money every time someone downloads them. Some popular sites include Stuvia, OneClass, and Nexus Notes. These sites allow you to set your own prices and earn a percentage of each sale.

To maximize your earnings, make sure your notes are well-organized and easy to understand. Use headings, bullet points, and diagrams to make your notes visually appealing. You can also add your own commentary or explanations to help students better understand the material.

Selling your notes is a great side hustle for students who want to earn extra cash without investing a lot of time or money. Plus, it's a great way to democratize education by helping other students succeed.

In addition to selling your notes, you can also create other digital products like study guides, flashcards, and quizzes. These products can be sold on the same websites and can provide even more passive income.

Rent out a Room in Your Home

If you have an extra room in your home that you don't use, you can rent it out to make some passive income. You can list your room on Airbnb or other rental platforms and earn money from people who are looking for a place to stay.

Renting out a room in your home can be a great way to earn extra income without having to do much work. You can set your own price and choose the dates when you want to rent out your room. With a little bit of effort, you can turn your spare room into a source of passive income.

Keep in mind that there are some things you need to consider before renting out your room. You'll need to make sure that your home is clean and comfortable for your guests. You may also need to invest in some extra furniture or amenities to make your room more attractive to potential renters.

Renting out a room in your home can be a great way to earn passive income, but it's not for everyone. Make sure you do your research and understand the risks and responsibilities before you start renting out your space.

Become a YouTuber

If you have a passion for creating content, starting a YouTube channel can be a great way to earn passive income. All you need is a camera and an idea for a video. You can create videos on a variety of topics, from makeup tutorials to gaming walkthroughs.

To start earning money on YouTube, you need to monetize your videos. This means allowing YouTube to place ads on your videos. The more views and engagement your videos receive, the more ad revenue you can earn.

To build a following on YouTube, you need to create content that people want to watch. This means being consistent with your uploads and creating high-quality videos that are engaging and informative. You also need to interact with your audience by responding to comments and creating a community around your channel.

Overall, becoming a YouTuber can be a fun and rewarding way to earn passive income as a teen. Just remember to stay true to yourself and create content that you are passionate about.

Make Your Own App

If you have a great idea and know a lot about technology, making your own app can be an excellent way to generate passive income. Creating an app can take time and effort, but it has the potential to bring in cash from advertisers and in-app purchases.

To create an app, you'll need to have some initial investment and basic tools such as a computer and software. You can learn how to code and develop an app through online courses or tutorials, or you can hire a developer to do it for you.

Once your app is ready, you can monetize it by charging a fee for downloads or offering in-app purchases. You can also generate income by displaying ads to users.

The key to success is to create an app that solves a problem or fills a need in the market. You can start by researching popular apps in your niche and identifying gaps that you can fill with your own app.

Overall, making your own app can be a fun and rewarding way to generate passive income as a teen. With the right idea and execution, you can create a successful business in the app world.

Start Your Own Vending Machine Business

Looking for a side hustle that can earn you passive income? Starting a vending machine business might be the perfect fit for you. With low startup costs and the potential for high profits, vending machines can be a great way to make extra money.

To get started, you'll need to do some research on the types of vending machines that work best for your area and demographic. You can purchase machines online or through a vending machine distributor. Once you have your machines, find locations to place them where there is high foot traffic, such as schools, offices, and shopping centers.

One of the best things about a vending machine business is that it can be passive income. Once your machines are set up, you can sit back and collect the profits. However, it's important to regularly check and restock your machines to ensure they are functioning properly and fully stocked with products.

Starting a vending machine business can be a great way to invest in yourself and your financial future. With a little bit of effort and research, you can turn it into a successful and profitable venture.

Start a Podcast

Are you passionate about a particular topic or have a unique perspective on something? Starting a podcast can be a great way to share your thoughts and ideas with a wider audience while earning passive income.

Creating content for your podcast can be a fun and engaging experience. You can discuss topics that you're passionate about, interview experts in your field, or share your personal experiences. Once you've built up an audience, you can monetize your podcast through advertising and sponsorships.

To get started, you'll need to choose a platform to host your podcast and create a social media presence to promote it. You can also reach out to other podcasters in your niche to collaborate and cross-promote each other's content.

Remember, building a successful podcast takes time and effort. But with dedication and persistence, you can turn your passion into a profitable source of passive income.

Final Thoughts

If you're a teenager looking to make passive income, there are plenty of options out there.

Between starting a blog, investing in dividend stocks, or selling digital products, there are many ways to make money on autopilot.

Try a few ideas and see which ones work for you.

Forrest McCall

Forrest is passionate about helping others grow their passive income streams so they can reach financial freedom. He has been quoted in many popular finance publications including Business Insider, Bankrate, CNET Money, and more.