Make Money with Your Phone: The Top 10 Apps of 2025 to Generate Extra Income

The 9am to 6pm routine in an office is no longer the only option for those seeking a source of income. In 2025, technology puts powerful tools in your hands to turn free time into real money. All you need is a smartphone and the willingness to discover which app to make money on your phone best fits your profile. Whether you’re a content creator, investor, service provider, or digital street vendor, there’s always an option waiting for you.

Monetize Creativity: Popular Video Platforms

If creating content is your strength, social media offers profitable pathways. The key is choosing the platform that best matches your style.

TikTok continues to dominate among short video creators. With billions of users worldwide, the platform rewards those who produce engaging content. To activate monetization, you need more than 10,000 followers — then, the Creator Program allows earnings based on views and interactions. There’s also TikTok Shop, where you can sell via affiliate links and earn commissions on sales. Withdrawals are made via PayPal or bank transfer within up to 30 days.

YouTube remains the money-making machine for those investing in quality content. With over 2 billion active users, the platform offers multiple income streams: AdSense (ads on videos), Super Chat and Super Stickers during live streams, channel memberships, and affiliate marketing. The minimum requirement is 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time in the past 12 months. Payments are usually made via Google AdSense within 30 days after the month closes.

Kwai is the go-to for earning money on your phone in Brazil. Competing with TikTok in popularity, especially in the North and Northeast regions, the app offers a Creator Program, promotional campaigns, and paid viral challenges. Daily bonuses and brand partnerships complete the revenue options. Transfers are made via Pix or digital wallets within up to 7 business days.

Write and Invoice: Platforms for Authors

Those who prefer working with words have solid options in the market.

Medium Brazil allows monetizing articles through its Partner Program. You publish in Portuguese, and payments are based on the time subscribers spend reading your text. Topics like finance, technology, and entrepreneurship tend to generate more income. Besides earning, you build reputation as an expert. Payments are made monthly via Stripe or PayPal.

Invest and Profit: Apps for Those Seeking Returns

For those following financial markets, trading apps offer real opportunities.

Mitrade is a modern app that allows trading gold, cryptocurrencies, Brent oil, currency pairs, and global indices (NASDAQ, NAS100) through contracts for difference (CFDs). The platform operates under international regulation by bodies like ASIC, CIMA, and FSC, ensuring security. Advanced charts and technical analysis tools facilitate operations for both beginners and experienced traders. The minimum deposit is just $5 USD, and withdrawals can be made on business days via Visa, Mastercard, Worldpay, Poli, Skrill, Neteller, or bank transfer.

IC Markets caters to more technical traders seeking ultra-fast execution and competitive spreads. It allows trading currency pairs, cryptocurrencies, stocks, indices, and commodities with potential short-term returns — ideal for manual or automated trading systems. Despite quick opportunities, rigorous risk management is required due to high volatility. Withdrawals are made on business days directly to the linked bank account.

Sell and Earn Commissions: Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing remains one of the most accessible ways to generate extra online income.

Temu recently launched in Brazil and already offers an attractive affiliate program. You share personalized links or discount coupons with friends, family, or followers on social media — each purchase generates commissions in cash or bonuses. Temporary campaigns pay extra rewards for clicks and sign-ups. Payments are made via Pix, PayPal, or credit within the app.

Shopee Affiliate Program is simple and reliable for promoting products online. You can promote any item from the platform on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, earning commissions of up to 28% per sale. Registration is free, and approval is quick. The more engagement and conversions you generate, the higher your earnings. Bank transfers (Pix) are made within 3–5 business days.

Work as a Freelancer: Platforms for Independent Professionals

For those skilled in digital services, established marketplaces exist.

Workana Brazil is one of Latin America’s largest freelancer marketplaces. It connects professionals in design, writing, digital marketing, translation, IT, and customer service with companies hiring by project. Your portfolio is visible, and you receive proposals regularly. The escrow system protects both client and professional. Payments are made via Payoneer, bank account, or PayPal.

99Freelas is 100% Brazilian and operates in Portuguese. It features a simple interface, local support, and direct price negotiations with clients. Categories range from writing, design, and programming to marketing and customer service. Transfers are made via Pix after client approval.

Criteria for Choosing Your App to Make Money on Your Phone

With so many options, the right decision depends on several factors.

First, identify what you do best — create visual content, write, invest, sell, or provide digital services. Choosing a money-making app on your phone aligned with your skills greatly increases your chances of success.

Second, prioritize platforms with solid reputation and active support. Check user reviews and payment history before committing.

Third, understand how each app pays — PayPal, Pix, bank transfer, or digital wallet. This prevents frustration later.

Fourth, compare commission rates. Some retain significant percentages; confirm if the return justifies the effort.

Fifth, look for real user experiences. Search forums and social media to verify if payments are made on time.

The Path to Turning Free Time into Real Income

In 2025, earning money via your phone is a matter of strategy, consistency, and creativity. Whether creating viral TikTok content, publishing articles on Medium, promoting products on Shopee, or trading on Mitrade, opportunities are accessible.

The final tip is to test different platforms, monitor your results, and stick with those offering the best return for your lifestyle. Free time can become a genuine extra income source — or even your own digital business, all starting from your phone.

Special Bonus: Many apps offer welcome bonuses. Registering on Mitrade, for example, grants you US$100 in bonus funds, plus US$50,000 in virtual funds to practice risk-free before trading with real money.