2025: How to Monetize Your Smartphone and Create Extra Income with the Best Online Apps

Is working from 9 to 6 in an office still relevant in 2025? For many people, the answer is a clear “no.” The explosion of digital platforms has opened doors that once seemed impossible: anyone with a smartphone can turn free time into real money. Whether creating content, investing, selling products, or providing services — online earning opportunities have never been more accessible.

In this guide, we gather the main ways to monetize your mobile app in 2025, organized by profile and type of work. If you want to understand how tech is revolutionizing the way to make money, keep reading.

Content Creators: Turning Views into Cash

Short-form video platforms have exploded in popularity, and now it’s possible to earn real money by creating content people actually want to consume.

TikTok: The Short Video Giant

With a user base exceeding 1 billion worldwide, TikTok has become synonymous with monetization for creators. The app pays creators through views and engagement — the more people watch and interact with your videos, the more you earn.

To start earning:

• Gain at least 10,000 followers
• Produce consistent content that captures attention
• Take advantage of brand campaigns to boost extra earnings

Withdrawals are usually processed within 30 days via PayPal or bank transfer.

YouTube: The Most Robust Option for Serious Creators

YouTube remains the most powerful platform for building a lasting income stream through videos. With over 2 billion monthly users, the opportunities are vast: Google AdSense ads, channel memberships, Super Chat during live streams, and affiliate programs.

The requirements are more strict (minimum 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time in 12 months), but the return is worth it. Payments are made via Google AdSense every month.

Kwai: The Video App That’s Booming in Brazil

If you’re from the North or Northeast, or want to reach audiences less connected to global trends, Kwai is pure gold. It works similarly to TikTok — monetizes through views and engagement — but with daily bonuses, paid challenges, and direct brand partnerships.

Content creators there earn transfers via Pix within 7 business days, making the process much faster.

Writers and Journalists: Earning with Words

If videos aren’t your strength but you’re good at writing, tech offers legitimate ways to monetize your talent.

Medium: Publishing Articles That Generate Income

Medium has opened a special space for Brazilian creators to publish in Portuguese. You write about what you know — finance, technology, entrepreneurship — and receive money based on reading time and subscriber engagement.

It’s a solid way to build authority while earning money. Payments are made via Stripe or PayPal monthly.

E-commerce and Affiliates: Selling Without Stock

One of the most practical ways to make money online is to stay in the middle: promote products created by others and earn commissions on each sale. Zero initial investment, pure marketing.

Shopee: The Marketplace That Pays the Most

Shopee’s affiliate program remains reliable and generous. You pick any product from the platform, share the link on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook — wherever — and earn up to 28% commission on each sale made through your link.

Registration is free, takes minutes, and money is paid via Pix in 3 to 5 business days. The higher your engagement, the more conversions you generate.

Temu: The Aggressive E-commerce That Became a Fever

Temu recently exploded in popularity and brought an aggressive affiliate program with it. You share personalized links, and each purchase generates a commission. Additionally, there are temporary campaigns that pay extra for clicks and sign-ups.

Payments can be made via Pix, PayPal, or in-app credit, depending on the campaign.

Freelancers: Working by Project

For those who prefer occasional jobs over viral content creation, the online freelancer market has become huge.

Workana: The Latin American Freelancer Giant

Workana connects thousands of professionals — designers, writers, developers, translators — with companies and clients who need them. You build a portfolio, receive proposals, and your money is protected in an escrow system until the work is approved.

Payments are made via Payoneer, bank account, or PayPal, with high security.

99Freelas: Made for the Brazilian Market

This is 100% local, with real Portuguese support, and everything you earn is in reais. You offer your services — writing, design, translation, programming — and negotiate prices directly with clients.

Withdrawals are via Pix after client approval, simple as that.

How to Choose the Best App for Your Profile

With so many options, it’s easy to get lost. Use these 5 strategies to make the right choice:

1. Play to your talent — If you’re good at video, TikTok or YouTube are great. If you write well, Medium and similar platforms pay more. Wasting effort on something you don’t understand is pointless.

2. Prefer established platforms — Apps with a history of punctual payments and good support give you peace of mind.

3. Evaluate how you receive payments — Each app pays differently (PayPal, Pix, bank transfer). Choose one that aligns with your reality.

4. Negotiate commissions and fees — Some apps retain a good chunk of your earnings. Compare before committing.

5. Read real experiences — Check communities and social media to see what others say about payments and support.

Conclusion: 2025 Is Your Playground

The landscape in 2025 is clear: earning money online has become so accessible that anyone with discipline and creativity can do it. Whether TikTok, YouTube, Shopee, freelancing, or any other combo — the right app exists for your profile.

The winning strategy is to test, monitor your results, and double down on what works. That free time that used to vanish on social media can now become a genuine source of extra income — and maybe even your own digital business.

Tech made all this possible. Now it’s up to you.