2025: Make Extra Money on Your Phone with These Apps That Really Work

Is it still sensible to spend 8 hours a day in an office when you can create your own side income on your phone? The answer many people are giving in 2025 is a resounding “no.” Technology has made it possible to turn any smartphone into a money-making machine — from small amounts to supplement your income to significant sources of monthly revenue.

The truth is that there are dozens of legitimate ways to earn extra money on your phone, but not all are equal. Some require creativity, others require technical knowledge, and some simply require you to start. Here are the apps that truly deliver results in 2025, categorized by user profile.

Quick Income: Short Video Apps

If you want to earn extra money on your phone immediately, short video apps are your best starting point. They require no initial investment, and earnings begin as soon as you reach certain milestones.

TikTok remains the queen of short video platforms. The Creator Program pays directly based on views, and if you have more than 10,000 followers, you can withdraw via PayPal within 30 days. The platform also offers TikTok Shop, where you promote products as an affiliate.

Kwai, very popular in the North and Northeast regions, is virtually unknown in the rest of Brazil — meaning less competition. Creators earn per view, participate in paid challenges, and receive daily bonuses. Withdrawals are processed within 7 business days via Pix, making it extremely practical to earn extra money on your phone with this app.

YouTube is the heavyweight, with 2 billion active users. Besides ads (AdSense), it offers Super Chat, subscriptions, and affiliate marketing. It requires more initial work (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours watched), but the earnings can be potentially unlimited.

Paid Writing: For Those Who Prefer Words

Not into videos? Medium Brazil allows monetizing articles through the Partner Program. You earn based on the time people spend reading your content. Ideal for finance, technology, or entrepreneurship experts who want to earn extra money on their phone while building authority.

Affiliates: The “Sell Without Having” Model

Affiliate marketing continues to be the most democratic way to make money online. You don’t need inventory, customer service, or any responsibilities beyond sharing links.

Shopee Affiliate offers commissions of up to 28% per sale. Works on social media — Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook. Registration is free, and withdrawals are processed within 3-5 days via Pix.

Temu is the new phenomenon. Besides ultra-low prices, it offers an affiliate program with bonuses for clicks and sign-ups. Many creators are earning hundreds per day sharing personalized links.

Investment: When You Want to Put Money to Work

If you have available capital and want to earn extra money on your phone through investments, there are two reputable platforms:

Mitrade offers CFD trading in gold, Bitcoin, Brent, global indices — all in real-time and regulated by ASIC, CIMA, and FSC. Minimum deposit is US$5. Advanced charts and technical tools make the platform suitable for both beginners and experienced traders. Withdrawals via Visa, Mastercard, or bank transfer are processed on business days.

IC Markets is for more technical traders. Ultra-fast execution, competitive spreads, ideal for short-term trading in forex, cryptocurrencies, and commodities. It requires careful risk management but offers the potential for quick gains.

Remote Work: For Those Who Want to Offer Services

Workana Brazil connects freelancers (designers, writers, programmers, translators) with companies. The largest marketplace in Latin America, escrow system ensures security, payments via Payoneer, bank account, or PayPal.

99Freelas is 100% domestic, in Portuguese, with local support. Writers, designers, programmers, marketers offer services and negotiate prices directly. Withdrawals via Pix after client approval.

The Smartest Way to Earn Extra Money on Your Phone

There is no “best app” universally. The best is the one that aligns with what you already know how to do or what you enjoy doing.

Someone who loves creating visual content shouldn’t waste time writing on Medium. An experienced trader won’t earn anything by creating TikToks. A programmer leaves money on the table if they’re not on Workana.

The next step is obvious: start today. Test two or three apps that make sense for you. Track your earnings in the first week. Then, expand to those that show the best return.

In 2025, earning extra money on your phone is no longer “a distant possibility” — it has simply become “a choice you haven’t made yet.”

Free Bonus! ✨ Register on Mitrade and receive a US$100 bonus. Practice with US$50,000 in virtual funds and trade risk-free before investing your own money.