How to make money as a 13 year old fast
Teenagers today have a major advantage when it comes to making money online. They’re digital natives — they grew up with YouTube, TikTok, gaming, and social media. If you’re 13 years old and wondering how you can turn your skills into income, this article breaks down beginner-friendly ways to get started. From YouTube channels to Discord management, these ideas can help you earn real money even before finishing high school.
Let’s dive in!
1. Sell Your Drawings and Paintings (Even at School)
If you’re artistic, your talent can pay off — literally. Selling your drawings and paintings is one of the oldest ways teens have earned money, but now you can take it to the next level.
How it works:
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Start by selling your art at school to classmates or during events.
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You can offer customized notebook covers, portraits, or posters.
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Later, take pictures of your work and post them online on Instagram or TikTok to attract buyers.
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Platforms like Etsy or Redbubble (with a parent’s help) can allow you to sell your designs as stickers or digital prints.
Bonus Tip: Promote your art on your social media and add a link for custom orders!
2. Start a YouTube Channel
There are 13-year-olds making thousands of dollars per month on YouTube — especially in niches like ASMR videos, gameplay content, and unboxings.
How it works:
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Choose a niche you enjoy. For example: Minecraft gameplay, Fortnite tips, Roblox adventures, or relaxing ASMR content.
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Use your phone or a basic webcam to start — you don’t need fancy equipment.
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Grow your subscribers and watch hours to join the YouTube Partner Program and start earning ad revenue.
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You can also earn money through affiliate links, sponsorships, and merch later on.
Example niches:
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“ASMR for kids by kids” has a growing audience.
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Gamers like you are getting millions of views just playing and reacting to games.
Tip: If you want examples, drop a comment on the video/blog and we’ll hook you up with real teen YouTubers doing it!
3. Start a Social Media Marketing Agency
Think that only adults can run businesses? Think again. If you know how to use Instagram, TikTok, or even Facebook better than your parents — you can help small businesses grow online.
How it works:
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Reach out to local businesses like cafes, barbershops, or small clothing brands.
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Offer to manage their Instagram posts, create simple TikTok videos, or help with engagement.
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Charge a small monthly fee (even $50–$100 to start) and scale up from there.
Skills needed: Canva (for graphics), basic video editing (CapCut or InShot), and understanding how hashtags work.
4. Become a Discord Server Manager
Discord is more than just a gaming app. Big communities — from crypto projects to fan clubs — need moderators and managers.
How it works:
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Join public Discord servers and volunteer to help as a mod.
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Learn how to manage roles, bots, channels, and member rules.
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Once you have experience, apply to paid mod or community manager jobs.
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Some pay per hour or offer a fixed monthly payment for keeping the community active and safe.
Great for: Gamers and social teens who love chatting and community vibes.
5. X (Twitter) Account Manager
Even though it’s called “X” now, many still refer to it as Twitter — and it’s still a goldmine for making money.
How it works:
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Offer to run themed or meme Twitter accounts and grow them.
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You can flip accounts, promote affiliate links, or get paid to manage brands’ profiles.
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Businesses or influencers might pay you to tweet consistently and interact with followers.
Tools to learn: Scheduling tools like Hypefury, Buffer, or TweetDeck.
6. Learn Web Development and Build Websites
If you’ve ever thought “I want to build a site like this,” then web development could be your thing.
How it works:
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Learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (many free courses online).
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Use beginner-friendly platforms like WordPress or Wix to build practice websites.
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Offer your services to local businesses or online creators who need personal websites, portfolios, or blogs.
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Start by charging a small fee and build a portfolio to earn more.
Long-term bonus: Web development is a high-paying skill and can be your full-time career after school!
7. Grow a TikTok Theme Page
TikTok is one of the easiest platforms to go viral on — and teens dominate it.
How it works:
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Choose a theme (funny clips, satisfying videos, motivational quotes, or edits).
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Use trending sounds and hashtags to reach more viewers.
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Once you build followers, you can:
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Sell shoutouts
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Promote affiliate products
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Get brand deals
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Tip: Repurpose viral content (always give credit) or create your own using CapCut.
8. Pick Up Trash-Pile Treasures (Offline Idea)
Ever seen a thrown-away lawnmower or old scooter on the side of the road? You might be looking at your next $100.
How it works:
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Walk around your neighborhood and spot junk items that can be cleaned or fixed.
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Ask your parents for permission to bring it home.
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Clean, repair (if possible), and list it on Facebook Marketplace.
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Many people will buy refurbished lawn equipment, toys, or furniture.
Extra tip: You can combine this with short TikTok videos showing the transformation for even more reach.
9. Start a 3D Printing Business
Got access to a 3D printer at home or school? It can make you money.
How it works:
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Start by printing simple items like keychains, phone stands, or fidget toys.
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List your prints for sale on Facebook Marketplace, school fairs, or even Instagram.
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You can also take custom orders from classmates or teachers.
Tip: Use sites like Thingiverse for free designs to print.
Final Thoughts
Being 13 doesn’t mean you can’t start earning. In fact, your age can be your biggest strength — you’re relatable, tech-savvy, and creative. Whether you want to make money online with videos or start a small offline hustle, now’s the perfect time to get started.
💬 Want help launching any of these ideas? Leave a comment and I’ll reply with more tips or even tutorials!
