In a world where remote work, mobile apps, and flexible schedules are the norm, your smartphone isn’t just for social media or messaging—it could become your side hustle HQ. Whether you're a student, parent, or someone looking to earn extra without committing to a full-time second job, these ideas are practical, doable, and growing in demand this year.

Here are 7 side hustles you can start using just your smartphone—no expensive gear, no large upfront investment, just consistency, good ideas, and the right apps.

1. Micro-tasks, Surveys & Market Research

Simple, low barrier ways to earn: apps that pay you for completing surveys, testing websites or apps, watching videos, giving reviews. You won’t get rich overnight, but these are flexible and great when you have spare time. Platforms like Swagbucks, UserTesting, InboxDollars are known names.

Best practice tips:

• Choose trustworthy apps with good payouts and clear withdrawal rules.
• Fill out your profile fully—some tasks are gated behind demographics.
• Be consistent: even small earnings add up when done daily or weekly.

2. Freelancing & Microservices

If you have even a basic skill—writing, editing, voiceovers, graphic design, captions—you can offer them via mobile-friendly platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or even directly via social media.

To stand out:

• Start with lower rates to build reviews, then increase.
• Use good tools on your phone (Google Docs, Canva, voice recorder apps) to deliver quality.
• Offer “packages” or fixed deliverables (e.g. three captions + image, etc.) so clients know what they get.

3. Digital Products & Print-on-Demand

Got creative flair? You can design templates, eBooks, planners, stickers, or print-on-demand merchandise all from your phone. Apps like Canva, Procreate (on mobile), combined with platforms like Gumroad, Shop-ify, Etsy, are very effective.

What works:

• Find niches (e.g. productivity, study aids, budget trackers, hobby planners).
• Price competitively but don’t under-value your work.
• Improve presentation: good mockups, attractive visuals, clear descriptions.

4. Social Media Management & UGC Content Creation

Small businesses often need help posting consistently, responding to messages, growing engagement. You can manage their social media from your phone—creating posts, scheduling, interacting with followers. Also, user-generated content (UGC) is in demand—brands want real, authentic content (photos, videos) you can create just using your phone.

Tips:

• Focus on one or two niches first.
• Learn hashtag trends, posting schedules, what kind of content gets engagement.
• Use free/cheap editing apps (CapCut, InShot, etc.).

5. Teaching, Tutoring & Coaching

If you're good in a subject or skilled in a field, you can tutor or coach through mobile apps. English teaching (conversation), academic subjects, or skills like drawing, fitness, etc. Platforms such as Cambly, Preply, etc. allow for mobile use.

What to do:

• Define your specialty / what you enjoy teaching.
• Set a schedule that works with your main commitments.
• Use good audio (or quiet space) to improve student experience.

6. Smartphone Photography & Stock Content

Modern phones have cameras powerful enough to shoot high-quality shots/videos. You can upload these to stock image/video platforms (Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Foap) and earn passive income when people license them.

Pro tips:

• Focus on what’s in demand: lifestyle, work-from-home, urban scenes, nature, food, diversity.
• Edit with mobile tools for color, clarity, composition.
• Tag carefully: titles, keywords matter heavily for discoverability.

7. Retail & Reselling / Marketplace Selling

Buy items (new or gently used) or create something, then sell via marketplace apps. Photos + good descriptions + competitive pricing go a long way. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Shopee, eBay, or TikTok Shop (depending on your country) are useful.

Strategies:

• Start with items you already have or can get cheaply.
• Use good lighting and clear photos.
• Factor in shipping, fees, returns to set your pricing.

Why These Side Hustles Are Trending in 2025

• Increased smartphone power and improved mobile apps make it feasible to do serious work without a computer.
• More businesses value authentic content and social media presence, opening demand for UGC, micro-influencers.
• Audiences and buyers are online now more than ever; tools to start small with minimal risk (digital products, marketplace selling) are more accessible.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step

1. Choose one idea that aligns with your skills or interest.
2. Set realistic goals (hours per week, income target).
3. Gather your tools — phone apps, internet connection, maybe a quiet space.
4. Create a simple portfolio or sample work—even if free or discounted—to show what you can do.
5. Market yourself—social media, word-of-mouth, online platforms.
6. Track earnings and time—so you know what pays off and what doesn’t. Then adjust.

In the digital age, access to timely and trustworthy financial information is no longer optional — it’s essential. That’s where MSN Money comes in. Created by Microsoft, it aggregates market news, real-time stock data, and personal finance tools into one unified platform. Whether you’re a casual investor or a finance enthusiast, MSN Money aims to keep you informed and empowered.

What Is MSN Money?

Originally launched as a financial news and data hub, MSN Money offers users access to:

• Live market data — stock prices, indices, commodities, and currencies
• News and analysis — from leading publishers like Reuters, Bloomberg, and CNBC Google Play+1
• Personalized feeds — content tailored to your interests, portfolios, and watchlists Apple
• Tools & calculators — mortgage, retirement, currency converters, budgeting, etc. Microsoft Support+1

MSN integrates content across Microsoft’s ecosystem, aligning with the app formerly known as Microsoft Start. Apple

How MSN Money Stands Out

Many platforms provide finance content, but MSN Money has a few distinctive advantages:

1. Seamless aggregation
   Rather than offering exclusively Microsoft content, MSN Money pulls from many trusted media sources, making it a one-stop hub for diverse voices. Google Play+1
2. User customization
   You can build a watchlist, follow specific stocks or sectors, and let the platform tailor your newsfeed to your interests. Google Play
3. Integration & versatility
   It is available across web, mobile, and can even interface with tools like Excel for live data (via MSN Money providers) stock-data-solutions.com
4. Rich toolset
   Beyond news and quotes, it offers calculators (e.g., mortgage, retirement), currency converters, index tracking, etc. Microsoft Support+2Google Play+2

Tips for Maximizing MSN Money

Here are practical ways to get the most out of the platform:

• Set up a watchlist early on. Follow stocks, ETFs, or indexes you care about, so your feed stays relevant.
• Enable alerts — price thresholds, major news events, earnings releases — so you don’t miss key movements.
• Use financial tools — run hypothetical scenarios using calculators or compare currencies directly within the platform.
• Link with Excel (advanced users) — you can feed live MSN Money quotes into Excel using RTD formulas. stock-data-solutions.com
• Cross-verify breaking news — while MSN is aggregated from trusted sources, always double-check big announcements with primary sources.

Real-World Use Cases

• A beginner investor uses MSN Money to browse trending stocks, read digestible news briefs, and track their portfolio.
• A finance blogger integrates live stock charts (via Excel or embed) fetched from MSN Money to enrich their articles.
• A small business owner consults market indexes, currency rates, and commodity prices on MSN to inform import/export decisions.

Potential Limitations & Considerations

• Latency: Though data is “real-time,” there may still be minor delays depending on your region or exchange.
• Paywalls on source articles: Some content may require subscription access from the original publisher.
• Region restrictions: Certain features or sources may vary depending on your country or language settings.

In recent years, Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) has become more than just a resource-sharing platform—it’s a thriving online marketplace where U.S. educators transform their hard work into a stream of income. Originally launched to help teachers share lesson plans, it has now grown into one of the most popular platforms in the education sector, with millions of resources downloaded every month.

What Is Teachers Pay Teachers?

Teachers Pay Teachers is an online marketplace where educators can buy and sell classroom materials such as lesson plans, worksheets, digital activities, assessments, and even professional development resources. It operates much like Etsy or eBay but focuses exclusively on teaching and learning tools.

For teachers, this is a game-changer. Instead of creating resources that only benefit their own students, they can share their expertise with others across the country—and earn income while doing it.

Why TPT Matters in the United States

In the U.S., teachers often face challenges with limited classroom budgets and the need for customized, engaging teaching materials. TPT bridges that gap by:

• Providing affordable resources: Schools don’t always supply everything teachers need. TPT offers cost-effective solutions tailored for specific grade levels and learning needs.
• Empowering educators financially: Many teachers use TPT as a side hustle to supplement their income. Some top sellers even generate six-figure annual revenues.
• Encouraging innovation in education: Instead of relying on outdated textbooks, teachers can purchase modern, creative, and engaging materials created by peers who understand today’s students.

How Teachers Earn on TPT

Selling on Teachers Pay Teachers can be as simple as uploading a worksheet or as complex as offering full unit plans. Educators earn money each time someone purchases their resource. Popular categories include:

• Interactive digital lessons for remote learning
• Printable classroom management tools
• STEM and coding activities
• Assessment tools aligned with state standards

Sellers keep a portion of the revenue, with higher earnings for those who invest in premium seller accounts. Some teachers treat it as a side income, while others have turned it into a full-fledged career.

The Growing Popularity of TPT in 2025

The rise of digital classrooms and hybrid learning in the U.S. has fueled TPT’s growth. Many schools now rely on supplemental resources from the platform to keep students engaged. Additionally, as teachers explore AI-powered tools for lesson planning, TPT continues to adapt by supporting digital formats and interactive content.

Challenges and Criticisms

While TPT offers opportunities, it’s not without concerns. Critics argue that it can widen inequities if only some teachers can afford premium resources. Others question copyright issues when teachers sell materials inspired by published curricula. Still, the platform remains a vital tool for educators nationwide.