How to Make Money From Home: 16 Reliable Ways That Work

The most realistic and effective ways to make money from home is by finding a remote job, providing a specific service online, or content creation. You can also sell things online or rent out a spare bedroom. Other ways to make money from home include pet sitting, completing online surveys, and testing websites or products for organizations. 

Everyone wants more money, and nowadays, there’s a ton of ways to do it online. 

This guide walks you through all the legit and most effective ways on how to make money from home. Time is money, so let’s dive straight in. 

What Makes a Good Income Stream From Home?

Here’s what makes a “good” income stream from home: 

• Realistic: something achievable for the average person. 
• Earning potential: you’re able to make a decent amount of money. 
• Starting requirements: little to no costs and time required to effectively get started. 
• Sustainable: provides an ongoing income that you could maintain long-term. 
• Scalable: you can grow it over time and increase your earnings as you invest more time and effort. 

Lastly, it should be enjoyable so that you don’t dread doing it and in the sense that it matches your skills or interests. The methods I’ll be walking you through tick all these boxes. You can make serious money from these, and if you already have the skills, you could start seeing results much faster than you might expect.

16 Legit and Reliable Ways to Make Money From Home

These are the most effective ways to make money from home: 

• Apply for remote job opportunities
• Start freelancing
• Build a YouTube channel
• Be an online tutor
• Offer coaching 
• Create an online course
• Sell products using your own online store
• Sell items on online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon
• Sell pictures and digital art
• Rent out a spare bedroom
• Become an influencer
• Host a podcast
• Pet sitting
• Test websites and products
• Become a streamer
• Invest in the stock market

You can start and grow these methods while working a full-time job, which is what makes them so great. Below, I’ll go through each in more detail, covering what they are, how they work, and advice for getting started. 

1. Apply for remote job opportunities

Earnings Potential: $1,000–$5,000+ per month.

Time Commitment: 10–40 hours per week (depending on whether the job is part-time or full-time). 

Difficulty: Easy–Medium (depending on your work experience). 

Starting Costs: $0.

Long-term Potential: High. 

Remote jobs allow you to work for a company or client completely from home. This means you won’t have to commute or be physically present in the office–you have location-freedom. A remote job could be a contractual, part-time, or full-time employment basis. 

To get started, all you need is a reliable computer or laptop and a stable internet connection. Simply find job openings for a remote position that aligns with your skills and experience. If there’s a new particular field you’re interested in, focus on learning the new skills required and then proceeding with the remote job search process. 

Here are examples of high-paying remote job positions:

• Copywriter
• Customer service
• Data entry
• Digital marketing manager
• Project manager 
• Virtual assistant

How to get started with remote job opportunities

• Identify the role you’re interested in.
• Update your resume.
• Update your LinkedIn profile.
• Actively look for remote job opportunities in places like LinkedIn jobs.
• Sign up for remote job boards, like Remotely.
• Apply to remote positions daily with a tailored job application.
• Prepare for virtual interviews.

2. Start freelancing

Earnings Potential: $500–$10,000+ per month.

Time Commitment: 5–40 hours per week. 

Difficulty: Medium.

Starting Costs: $0–$100. 

Long-term Potential: High.

If you’ve always wanted to be your own boss, this is for you. Instead of working full-time for a company, offer your skills as services to clients. Choose your own working hours and the types of projects you take on. 

Getting started is usually one of the hardest parts, but once you’ve secured clients and delivered great results, you can steadily increase your earnings. Building a strong reputation and expanding your client roster will keep you growing.

Examples of in-demand freelance services include: 

• Graphic design
• Digital marketing 
• Social media management
• Web development
• Writing (blogging, copywriting, video scripts, and technical writing)

How to get started with freelancing

• Identify your areas of expertise that you can sell, whether it’s writing, design, or something else. 
• Set up an online profile on social media platforms where your clients can find you, e.g., LinkedIn and X. 
• Build a portfolio by creating sample projects. You can simply use Google Drive to showcase your skills or use a personal or portfolio website. 
• Determine and set a rate that reflects your value. 
• Find clients and secure freelance work. This is typically the most challenging step, but there are several ways to find clients, such as applying for freelance platforms or jobs on LinkedIn, or directly reaching out to decision-makers via email. 
• Build your network and reach out to connections who might need your services or can refer you to others. 

3. Build a YouTube channel

Earnings Potential: $100–$10,000+ per month.

Time Commitment: 5–20+ hours per week. 

Difficulty: Hard.

Starting Costs: $500–$2,000. 

Long-term Potential: High.

Becoming a “YouTuber” is an actual profession and can be a lucrative side hustle for making money online. It works by creating high-quality videos about a particular topic you’re interested or knowledgeable about. You can earn money through ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and even eventually selling your own products. 

To succeed, it’s all about consistently producing engaging videos that attract viewers and build a loyal audience. 

Examples of topics to create YouTube content on:

• Cooking
• Gaming
• Music
• Personal finance
• Technology
• Travel

How to get started with YouTube

• Learn basic videography and editing techniques for creating high-quality videos. 
• Choose your niche by picking a topic you’re passionate or interested in, which also has a proven audience on YouTube. 
• Plan your content by creating a content calendar and brainstorming video ideas. 
• Create a YouTube account and set up your channel. 
• Invest in basic equipment. Start with a camera, microphone, and editing software. 
• Start uploading videos consistently, aim for a minimum of 1–2 per week. 
• Actively promote your channel on social media. 
• Monetize your channel once you meet YouTube’s monetization requirements. 

4. Be an online tutor 

Earnings Potential: $100–$2,000+ per month. 

Time Commitment: 5–30+ hours per week. 

Difficulty: Medium. 

Starting Costs: $0.

Long-term Potential: High. 

Online tutoring is a growing field, with the global market valued at $7.69 billion in 2022 and projected to grow at an annual rate of 14.9% through 2030, according to Grand View Research. 

Share your knowledge and help students improve in subjects like math, science, and languages. There’s a good demand for online tutoring, especially in academic fields and test preparation. 

Online tutors typically work one-on-one with students via video calls, focusing on assisting with assignments, exam prep, or mastering difficult concepts. 

How to get started with online tutoring

• Select a subject that you’re highly knowledgeable about that you can teach to others. 
• Sign up on tutoring platforms like Tutor.com and Wyzant.
• Create a strong profile, highlighting relevant experience, education, and certifications. 
• Set a competitive rate that reflects your knowledge and experience. 
• Reach out to potential students through the online tutoring platform, social media, or forums. Alternatively, reach out to your connections to see who might be interested in hiring a tutor. 
• Prepare for your online lessons. Make sure you have a quiet, professional space and use reliable video conferencing tools like Zoom or Google Meet.

5. Offer coaching services

Earnings Potential: $500–$10,000+ per month.

Time Commitment: 10–30+ hours per week.

Difficulty: Medium.

Starting Costs: $0–$100. 

Long-term Potential: High.

Just as online tutoring is a growing field, online coaching services are also on the rise. In fact, the U.S. life coaching market was valued at $1.47 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow annually by 4.85% through 2030, as shown in another report by Grand View Research. 

Coaching is a service where you help your clients achieve specific goals by providing guidance, support, and actionable advice tailored to their needs. If there’s a particular field you already excel in, why not offer coaching services to those who could benefit from your guidance? 

Everyone could use a coach for something—whether it’s life coaching, career coaching, fitness, music, or business—you can offer coaching services from home. With dedication and the right plan, it can turn into a lucrative online business. 

How to get started with online coaching

• Pick a topic or field you have significant knowledge or experience in.
• Create a coaching program by outlining the structure of your sessions and services, as well as what clients can expect. 
• Build an online presence by setting up social media profiles where your potential clients are. Optionally, you can create a website. 
• Set up a seamless work process, including tools like Calendly or Zoom for easy client booking and meetings. 
• Establish your own rates that reflect your value and expertise. 
• Promote your coaching services through social media and networking. 

6. Create an online course

Earnings Potential: $100–$2,000+ per month. 

Time Commitment: Varies. 

Difficulty: Medium. 

Starting Costs: $0–$500+. 

Long-term Potential: High.

The number of users in the online education market is anticipated to reach 87.6m users by 2029, according to Statista. 

Similar to coaching and tutoring, you can share your expertise in the form of an online course. The difference is that you won’t need to be actively involved in every session. An online course is typically a one-time effort, with only occasional updates or maintenance. Plus, it’s scalable. Once your course is created, you can generate ongoing income as students enroll. 

Platforms like Skillshare and Teachable make it easy to create your course. Examples of online course topics include: 

• Coding
• Digital marketing
• Music
• Photography

How to get started with creating an online course

• Choose a course topic that you can teach where there’s demand in the market. 
• Outline your course structure, modules, lessons, and assignments. Make it comprehensive yet easy to follow. 
• Record your content. Use a decent camera and microphone to create high-quality video lessons. 
• Select a platform to host and sell your course, such as Teachable and Skillshare.
• Consider competitive pricing options. You can charge a one-time fee or even leverage a subscription model. 
• Promote your course to your network and on social media.

7. Sell products using your own online store 

Earnings Potential: $100–$10,000+ per month.

Time Commitment: 10–30+ hours per week.

Difficulty: Hard.

Starting Costs: $100–$500+.

Long-term Potential: High.

Running your own online store is a popular way to make money from home. You can either sell your own products or source items to sell at a higher price than what you paid. This type of business falls under eCommerce, which refers to buying and selling goods online—a sector that’s expected to reach almost $8 trillion in sales by 2027, as findings show on eMarketer. 

You might have also come across the term "dropshipping.”  With dropshipping, you don’t keep any physical inventory. When a customer makes a purchase, you forward the order to a supplier who handles the packaging and shipping directly to the customer. This eliminates the need for storage or shipping logistics.

Whether you’re using the dropshipping model or managing inventory yourself, setting up an online store allows you to reach a global audience and earn from home.

How to get started with an online store to sell products

• Select a product niche that’s in strong demand that you’re determined to sell. 
• Set up your online store by using a platform like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce. 
• Find a supplier for your products, like AliExpress. 
• Add your chosen products to your store. 
• Promote your store using social media, influencer partnerships, and paid ads to drive traffic. 
• Handle customer service by staying on top of orders, responding to customer inquiries, and ensuring timely delivery. 

8. Sell items on online marketplaces

Earnings Potential: $100–$500+ per month.

Time Commitment: 5–20 hours per week. 

Difficulty: Easy.

Starting Costs: $0–$200. 

Long-term Potential: Medium.

Use online marketplaces to sell both new and used items. Here are a few examples: 

• eBay for reselling or auctioning products.
• Etsy for handmade, vintage, and unique items.
• Amazon for selling a broad range of products, including those sourced through wholesalers or manufacturers.
• Depop for selling second-hand clothing, particularly trending or vintage fashion.

You can start with little to no upfront costs, especially if you’re thinking about sourcing products inexpensively from local stores, thrift shops, or even items you already own.

How to get started with selling items on online marketplaces

• Decide which marketplace is the best platform based on the types of products you want to sell.
• Start by looking at items around your home or source new products from local stores, thrift shops, or wholesale suppliers.
• Set up your seller account and list your products with clear, high-quality photos and detailed descriptions.
• Price your items competitively.
• Stay responsive to buyer questions, manage orders, and ensure timely shipping.
• Optimize your listings by using relevant keywords and improve product descriptions to attract more buyers.

9. Sell pictures and digital art

Earnings Potential: $100–$2,000+ per month.

Time Commitment: 5–20+ hours per week.

Difficulty: Medium.

Starting Costs: $0–$500. 

Long-term Potential: Medium.

Put your photos or artwork up for sale as digital downloads, prints, or even use them for licensing on stock photography sites. Many photographers use platforms like Shuttershock for their photos, while digital artists may use platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or their own websites. 

A big plus about being able to sell your work online is that once you’ve created it, you can sell it more than once without you having to put in any additional effort. In other words, it could become a passive income stream, which makes it an attractive option for many creatives. 

Examples of what to sell: 

• Stock photography (e.g., landscapes, portraits, business images)
• Digital illustrations and graphics
• Printable wall art
• Custom digital portraits or caricatures
• Digital textures, patterns, and design elements for other creators

How to get started with selling pictures and digital art

• Select a platform for uploading your work, such as Shutterstock and Etsy or even your own website. 
• Do what you do best and create amazing photos or digital art. If needed, consider investing in a good camera or art software like Adobe Photoshop for top-notch visuals. 
• Price your work. This is a bit tricky, but consider your value and the target market.  
• Promote your work on social media and spread the word to your connections. 
• Optimize your listings by using relevant keywords and concise, descriptive titles and descriptions. 

10. Rent out a spare bedroom

Earnings Potential: $500–$2,500+ per month.

Time Commitment: 5–10+ hours per week.

Difficulty: Medium.

Starting Costs: $0–$500. 

Long-term Potential: High.

Got a spare bedroom in your home or apartment? Renting it out can be a great way to generate extra income from home.

However, one of the challenges is screening potential renters to make sure they’re reliable tenants who take care of the property and pay on time. You’ll also need to stay on top of maintaining the property. 

How to get started with renting out a spare bedroom

• Prepare the space by cleaning, decluttering, and even furnishing the room to make it appealing to potential renters. 
• List your spare bedroom on platforms like Airbnb, depending on whether you’re seeking short-term or long-term tenants. 
• Research local rental prices and set competitive rates. 
• Create a detailed listing by uploading high-quality photos and writing a clear description of the room, showcasing any notable features. 
• Manage your bookings. Stay responsive to inquiries and keep a calendar for availability. 
• Provide a positive experience by maintaining strong communication and keeping the property clean and comfortable. 

11. Become an influencer

Earnings Potential: $100–$5,000+ per month.

Time Commitment: 10–30+ hours per week.

Difficulty: Medium.

Starting Costs: $0–$500. 

Long-term Potential: High.

Building a loyal following pays off. Having millions of followers might seem nice, but really, a small yet dedicated audience is enough to sustain a rewarding and profitable career as an influencer. 

Influencers partner with brands to promote products or services, earning money through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or even selling their own products and services. Additionally, research from Influencer Marketing Hub revealed that 60% of those who budget for influencer marketing intend to increase their budget in 2024.

Select a social media platform where you’d like to grow, and then focus on creating high-quality content on a particular topic. 

How to get started with becoming an influencer

• Decide what your content will revolve around, e.g., self-development. 
• Set up a social media profile where you’d like to build your audience, such as Instagram, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn. 
• Start creating content and posting regularly. 
• Engage with your audience by responding to comments and even commenting on other posts to increase your visibility. 
• Grow your following through high-quality content, effective collaborations, and consistent engagement. 
• Consider reaching out to brands for a potential partnership once you’ve built a solid following. 
• Monetize your content and explore income streams like sponsored posts and affiliate links. 

12. Host a podcast

Earnings Potential: $100–$5,000+ per month.

Time Commitment: 5–20+ hours per week.

Difficulty: Medium.

Starting Costs: $0–$500.

Long-term Potential: High.

If you often have conversations on a certain topic you’re knowledgeable and passionate about, why not share those discussions with a wider audience through a podcast? 

Whether it’s sports, gaming, or self-development, podcasting allows you to connect with those who share similar interests. As you grow, you can monetize your podcast and earn money through sponsorships, listener donations, affiliate marketing, or even selling related industry products. 

A bonus is that you can add podcasting to your resume and impress potential employers when applying for your next job. 

How to get started with podcasting

• Decide what your podcast will be about. Reflect on your interests, hobbies, and areas of expertise. 
• Select a platform to host your podcast, e.g., Spotify. 
• Invest in basic equipment, such as a microphone and headphones. You may also consider editing software. 
• Plan your episodes and establish a content calendar. 
• Let everyone in your network know about your podcast and promote it on social media. 
• Once you’ve built a solid following, monetize your podcast and explore sponsorships or collaboration opportunities. 

13. Pet sitting

Earnings Potential: $10–$50+ per hour. 

Time Commitment: 5–20+ hours per week.

Difficulty: Easy.

Starting Costs: $0–$100.

Long-term Potential: Medium.

Pet owners typically look for trustworthy sitters to take care of their pets while they’re away. So, if you’re an animal lover, this is a fun and rewarding way to make extra money on the side from home. 

How to get started with pet sitting

• Find local pet owners looking for sitters by either signing up for pet sitting platforms like care.com or by reaching out to your close network. 
• Set a competitive rate that takes into account your experience, qualifications, and location. 
• Create a clean and comfortable environment in your home for pets. 
• Advertise your services on social media, local forums, communities, and word of mouth. 
• Build a strong reputation for offering great care for every pet you watch, leading to repeat clients and positive reviews. 

14. Test websites and products

Earnings Potential: $10–$50+ per test. 

Time Commitment: 1–5+ hours per week. 

Difficulty: Easy.

Starting Costs: $0.

Long-term Potential: Low.

Many companies and developers are seeking feedback before launching their websites, apps, and products. So, they rely on real users like you to test them. These tests usually focus on providing insight into the website or product’s functionality, user experience, and design. 

Although it may not be the most effective way to earn a full-time income, it’s still a legitimate way for earning extra money on the side.

How to get started with testing websites and products

• Sign up for online testing platforms like UserTesting and Userlytics. 
• Complete your profile. 
• Get familiar with how the platform works. You may be required to complete practice tests before being able to take on real tasks. 
• Start as soon as tests become available. Follow the instructions, record your feedback, and submit it. 

15. Become a streamer

Earnings Potential: $100–$5,000+ per month.

Time Commitment: 10–40+ hours per week.

Difficulty: Hard. 

Starting Costs: $0–$2,000.

Long-term Potential: High.

Stream a gaming session, creative project, or even just a casual chat with a live audience. Platforms like Twitch and Kick provide you with the opportunity to engage in real-time with viewers and earn money through subscriptions, donations, sponsorships, and ad revenue. 

Success as a streamer hinges on providing value and entertainment. With dedication, streaming can become a long-term source of income and even replace your full-time job. 

How to get started with streaming

• Create a schedule where you’re able to regularly stream. 
• Set up your equipment. If you don’t have any, invest in a good webcam and microphone. 
• Pick a platform to start streaming on, such as Twitch. 
• Engage with your audience on stream by responding to their comments and questions. 
• Monetize your stream and continue building your audience. Earn through donations, subscriptions, affiliate links, and sponsorships. 

16. Invest in the stock market

Earnings Potential: Varies.

Time Commitment: 1–10 hours per week.

Difficulty: Medium.

Starting Costs: $0–$100+. 

Long-term Potential: High.

Investing in the stock market is more of a long-term game to building wealth. You can invest in individual company stocks, index funds, ETFs, and dividend-paying stocks. However, every investment carries risk. 

It’s straightforward to invest, but I can’t stress that it’s crucial to do your own research to understand what you’re getting yourself into. 

How to get started with investing in the stock market

• Educate yourself by learning the basics of stock market investing, risk management, and how different investment strategies work. 
• Choose a brokerage platform where you can buy and sell stocks, such as Robinhood.
• Determine how much you want to invest, where you want to invest into, and consider diversifying your portfolio. 
• Keep track of your portfolio and market trends, and adjust your investment strategy accordingly if needed. 

More Alternative Ways to Make Money From Home

Here are a few more ways to make money from home: 

• Print on demand
• Online surveys
• Get cashback
• Make music
• Sell unused gift cards
• Do tasks for people

I’ve listed these as alternatives rather than part of the main list because they are often harder to scale or offer limited income potential. I’ll dive into each option in more detail below.

Print on demand

Earnings Potential: $100–$5,000+ per month.

Time Commitment: 5–20 hours per week.

Difficulty: Medium–Hard.

Starting Costs: $0–$100+.

Long-term Potential: Medium. 

Print on demand is where you sell custom-designed physical products like T-shirts, mugs, and phone cases without holding any inventory. You create the designs and upload them to a platform like Printful. Then, when someone purchases a product, it’s printed and shipped on demand. 

On the flip side, it’s difficult to scale and competition is tough. Consistency in product quality can be a challenge, alongside shipping costs and managing stock. 

Online surveys

Earnings Potential: $50–$500 per month.

Time Commitment: 2–10 hours per week.

Difficulty: Easy.

Starting Costs: $0.

Long-term Potential: Low.

While surveys are easy to complete in your spare time, the income is typically low and won’t replace a full-time job. Most surveys compensate you anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars, so you’ll need to complete quite a lot to see anything significant. 

Make music

Earnings Potential: $100–$5,000+ per month.

Time Commitment: 10–30 hours per week.

Difficulty: Hard.

Starting Costs: $0–$1,000+.

Long-term Potential: High.

Making your own music can be a fulfilling way to make money from home. You can upload your music on Spotify and earn money from streams, downloads, and sales. Plus, the potential for passive income from royalties and licenses can be huge. The only challenge in succeeding in this field is that it requires musical skill and talent. 

Do tasks for people

Earnings Potential: $100–$2,000+ per month.

Time Commitment: 5–20+ hours per week.

Difficulty: Medium.

Starting Costs: $0.

Long-term Potential: Low.

Running errands or helping with online tasks is a flexible way to make money from home, especially if you prefer working on a per-project basis. 

However, a more sustainable approach is to focus on freelancing. With freelancing, you can offer a specific service and create more consistent income opportunities.

Other Ways to Make Money From Home (Not Recommended)

These are other ways of making money online, but are definitely not recommended. Although there might be potential, the risks and consequences are simply too high. 

• OnlyFans: earn money through subscription-based adult content. Some creators earn substantial amounts and even six figures, except there are serious consequences when it comes to mental health, privacy, future career opportunities, and society. The risks can also be life-threatening, according to a study on NCBI. 
• Online gambling: there are plenty of horror stories with gambling, and in the end, the odds are against you. You’re more likely to lose money and develop an addiction than make consistent income.
• Multi-level marketing: MLMs typically have high upfront costs with low success rates. The structure of MLMs is similar to a pyramid scheme and made to benefit those at the top. 

• Online day trading: day trading is highly volatile and requires advanced financial knowledge. It’s risky for most people and has a steep learning curve. 
• Cryptocurrency: the crypto market is extremely unpredictable and speculative, making it a risky option for most people without in-depth knowledge.

Summary

Let’s recap the different ways you can make money from home: 

• Find remote jobs or freelance work by offering your skills as a service.
• Build an audience through content creation on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or via podcasting, and monetize through sponsorships, ads, and affiliate links.
• Offer coaching or tutoring services by sharing your expertise in specific fields.
• Create and sell an online course to share your knowledge and generate passive income.
• Sell digital or physical products through online marketplaces like Etsy or by running your own website.
• Earn extra income through investments in the stock market or by renting out a spare room.
• Leverage creative skills by selling music, photography, or digital art.
• Provide additional services like pet sitting or completing online tasks for flexible, side income.

Now, you know how to make money from home. Go for the one that resonates most with you, but my biggest advice from this point is to pick one and get started as soon as you can. The sooner you start, the sooner you can start earning. 

FAQs

If I need money now, what’s the best way to make money from home?

If you need money urgently, focus on doing things with immediate earning potential. This includes online surveys, freelance gigs, and doing tasks for people. These methods require minimal setup and can generate income within days, if not immediately. 

What is the easiest way to make money from home?

The easiest way is by completing online surveys. There are also cashback apps you could earn from, but these methods won’t replace a full-time income. If you’re looking for the “easiest” way to make money from home and replace a full-time income, focus on long-term side hustles. This includes freelancing and building an audience on a platform such as YouTube or LinkedIn. But don’t get it twisted–these aren’t necessarily easy, since they require dedication and some learning. 

Are there any websites where I can earn money online? 

There are plenty. If you’re looking to earn money online through freelancing, for example, you can sign up and get paid through platforms like Upwork. Additionally, websites like UserTesting and Userlytics pay you for testing websites or products. If you’re looking to become a streamer, you can earn money online through Twitch. The websites where you can earn money online depend on how you want to earn money. 

How to find online gigs to earn extra cash from home?

Explore websites and platforms that can bring the work to you. For example, use freelance platforms to find freelance gigs. It’s also worth joining forums and communities to be aware of any opportunities relevant to you. 

What’s the best way to make money online if I want to earn a lot?

There are lots of ways to earn huge amounts of money online. Some of the most effective ways include scaling a freelance business, building a YouTube channel, and providing specific coaching services. The best way to make a lot of money online revolves around providing a specific service you excel in or building an audience through content creation.