9 Ways to Generate Extra Income on Your Phone in 2025: The Best Apps to Make Money Fast

Working in person from 9 to 6 is no longer the only option in 2025. Technological expansion and digital platforms have created new possibilities for those seeking autonomy — choosing how, when, and with whom to work. Using just a smartphone, it is entirely feasible to turn free moments into significant earnings or even develop your own business. This guide presents 9 apps to make quick money in 2025, organized by professional niche, so you can find the most suitable solution for your profile, whether as a content creator, affiliate, freelancer, or investor.

Make Money with Short Videos and Entertainment

Video platforms have ceased to be just leisure spaces and have become legitimate monetization channels. Creative visual content generates engagement and, consequently, income.

TikTok: Quick Monetization with Creative Videos

For creators who master short-form video, TikTok represents one of the best opportunities to turn views into money. With billions of global users, the platform offers multiple income sources — from the Creator Fund, which pays based on views and interactions, to TikTok Shop, where you can sell products through affiliate links with commissions on transactions.

Platform Specifications

• Category: Social Media and Entertainment
• Differentials: Accelerated earnings with original video production
• Withdrawal System: Need to reach 10,000 followers; transfers via PayPal or bank account, with processing up to 30 days
• Compatibility: Android and iOS

YouTube: Building a Stable Income Source

YouTube remains among the most robust platforms for those wanting to turn audiovisual production into sustainable income. With over 2 billion monthly users and various monetization options — ads via the partnership program, Super Chat during live streams, channel memberships, and affiliate marketing — it’s feasible to develop a consistent revenue stream.

Platform Specifications

• Category: Video Platform
• Differentials: Multiple monetization sources; massive and diverse audience
• Access Requirements: Minimum 1,000 subscribers + 4,000 hours of watch time in the previous 12 months
• Payment Processing: Google AdSense, usually within 30 days after monthly closing
• Compatibility: Android and iOS

Content Creation and Writing: Turning Creativity into Income

In Brazil, producing digital content has become one of the most direct ways to generate online revenue. Platforms pay according to performance and audience engagement.

Kwai: National Alternative for Short Videos

Kwai positions itself as one of the main choices among Brazilian creators seeking an app to make quick money. It offers various modes — Creator Program with earnings per views, promotional campaigns with bonuses for referrals, daily rewards, and brand partnerships. The platform has a strong presence in the North and Northeast regions.

Platform Specifications

• Category: Short Videos
• Differentials: Active reward system; viral challenges with prizes
• Payment Method: Transfers via Pix or digital wallets (deadline: up to 7 business days)
• Compatibility: Android and iOS

Medium Brazil: Monetizing Written Production

For those who prefer to express themselves through texts — articles, essays, or analyses — Medium offers monetization through the Partner Program. Publishing in Portuguese, you get paid based on reads and subscriber engagement. Ideal for specialists in finance, technology, entrepreneurship, or digital culture. Besides generating income, it builds professional authority.

Platform Specifications

• Category: Publishing and Writing
• Differentials: Compensation based on reading time; platform to develop expertise
• Payment Method: Stripe (international transfer) or PayPal, monthly
• Compatibility: Android and iOS

Affiliate Marketing: Selling Without Stock

Affiliate programs remain among the most accessible ways to generate online income. You promote products from established platforms and earn commissions on sales made through your personal link — minimal investment, significant potential.

Temu: Rewards for Promotion and Sales

Temu, which expanded rapidly in the Brazilian market, offers a viable affiliate program. Besides competitive prices, it allows earning by sharing products with your network or followers. Each purchase via your personalized link generates a commission or in-app bonus. Seasonal campaigns amplify earnings through pay-per-click or new registration rewards.

Platform Specifications

• Category: E-commerce
• Differentials: Sales commission system; campaigns with extra rewards
• Payment Method: Pix, PayPal, or in-app credit (varies according to promotion)
• Compatibility: Android and iOS

Shopee: Reliable Structure for Affiliates

Shopee Affiliate Program consolidates as a practical and secure option for promoting products online. Free registration allows generating affiliate links and sharing them on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, earning up to 28% commission per sale through your code. Higher engagement and conversions lead to increasing profits.

Platform Specifications

• Category: E-commerce
• Differentials: Attractive commissions; stable affiliate infrastructure
• Payment Method: Pix (bank transfer in 3–5 business days)
• Compatibility: Android and iOS

Remote Professional Work: Freelancing

The freelance job market has expanded significantly. Platforms connect professionals to opportunities, allowing you to earn from home with total flexibility.

Workana Brazil: Latin American Marketplace

Workana is one of the largest freelance hiring platforms in Latin America, offering security through an escrow system. Professionals in design, writing, digital marketing, translation, programming, and customer service find projects aligned with their portfolios. Simple process: create a profile, showcase previous work, start receiving proposals.

Platform Specifications

• Category: Remote Freelance Work
• Differentials: Projects in Portuguese; protected payments; global client base
• Payment Method: Payoneer, bank account, or PayPal
• Availability: Web and Android

99Freelas: 100% Brazilian Platform

99Freelas was born as a national solution connecting companies and freelancers. Interface in Portuguese with local support simplifies the experience. Find demands in writing, design, translation, programming, marketing, and customer service. Negotiation of values happens directly with clients, ensuring transparency.

Platform Specifications

• Category: Digital Services
• Differentials: Brazilian platform; payments in reais; intuitive interface
• Payment Method: Bank transfer (Pix) after client approval
• Availability: Web and Android

Criteria for Choosing the Ideal App

With so many options, here are 5 guidelines to choose correctly:

1. Identify Your Skills

Reflect on what attracts you — producing videos, writing, selling, or providing specialized services. Aligning your choice with natural skills increases chances of success.

2. Prioritize Established Platforms

Choose apps with a solid reputation, responsive support, and a history of punctual payments. Check user reviews before investing time.

3. Examine Withdrawal Methods

Each app operates differently — PayPal, bank transfer, Pix, or digital wallets. Understand the terms to avoid frustrations.

4. Compare Commission Rates

Platforms retain varying percentages of earnings. Analyze whether the return justifies the effort.

5. Research Real Experiences

Read reports from active users to confirm punctuality of payments and quality of support.

Final Perspectives

In 2025, earning income through your cell phone has become a tangible reality. With suitable apps and consistent dedication, anyone can develop additional income or even their own digital business — whether creating content for TikTok and YouTube, writing on Medium, promoting products via Shopee, or executing projects as a freelancer. Opportunities abound; the central question reduces to strategy, discipline, and creative use of available time.

Final Recommendation: try different platforms, monitor performance, and identify which align best with your lifestyle and goals. Making money online in 2025 is fundamentally about smart choices and consistent execution.