35+ Business Ideas for Teenagers (2025): Easy Ways to Make Money Online & Start Young
Thinking about starting a side hustle or small business as a teen in 2025? You’re not alone—and you’re not too young. In fact, now is one of the best times to dive into entrepreneurship, especially with so many online business tools right at your fingertips.
Whether you’re looking for easy businesses to start, want to make money online as a teen, or dream of turning your skills into cash, this guide has something for you.
We’ve rounded up 35+ practical and creative business ideas for teenagers that are low-cost, beginner-friendly, and designed for today’s digital world. From online business ideas for teenagers to hands-on small business ideas for teens, you’ll find inspiration that fits your lifestyle, interests, and schedule.
So whether you want to earn extra money, build skills for your future, or launch your first brand—these ideas are your starting point. Let’s explore how you can take control of your income and start something amazing.
Want to explore more beginner-friendly guides? Check out How to Start a Blog for Beginners in 2025 – Step by Step Guide and How to Start a Small Business from Home in 2025 for more in-depth tutorials and profitable startup ideas.
🖥️ Online Business Ideas for Teenagers
Starting an online business is still one of the easiest and most flexible ways for teens to make money in 2025. But now, thanks to major leaps in AI tools, teenagers can do more—faster and with less effort. Whether it’s generating product designs, writing content, editing videos, or managing social media, today’s AI can help even total beginners build a legit business right from their bedroom.
All you need is a phone or laptop, Wi-Fi, and a few smart tools—and you’re in business.
1. Start a Dropshipping Store
With dropshipping, you never touch the products. You set up an online storefront, and when someone buys, the supplier handles the shipping. It’s low risk and perfect for learning eCommerce.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🧠 AI Product Research Tools (like Koala AI + ChatGPT plugins) suggest trending, high-converting products.
- 🛒 AI-powered store builders like Shopify Magic or Wix AI set up your entire store layout with branded text, product descriptions, and images in minutes.
- 🤖 AI chatbots handle customer inquiries on your site automatically, even when you’re asleep.
Platforms to use: Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy + Spocket/Printful
2. Print-on-Demand T-Shirts or Stickers
Create custom apparel or accessories without inventory. You just upload your design, and the platform prints and ships it for you.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🎨 AI design generators (like Canva AI or Midjourney) help you create eye-catching shirt graphics, meme-inspired quotes, and sticker ideas—even if you can’t draw.
- ✍️ AI copywriting tools generate catchy product titles and descriptions tailored to Gen Z buyers.
- 🔍 Trend forecasting AI helps you stay ahead with what’s going viral in fashion or pop culture.
Top platforms: Printful, Redbubble, TeePublic
3. YouTube Channel or Faceless Shorts Channel
Create videos in any niche—tech, lifestyle, reviews, or even storytelling—and earn through ads and sponsorships.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🎥 AI video editing tools (like Pictory or Adobe Sensei) auto-edit your videos with captions, transitions, and music.
- 🗣️ AI voice generators let you create faceless videos with natural voiceovers (no need to speak or show your face).
- 💡 Script writing tools like ChatGPT write engaging video scripts or hooks based on trending topics.
- 📊 AI analytics suggest best times to post and what’s likely to go viral based on real-time data.
Monetization: YouTube ads, affiliate links, and brand deals
4. Affiliate Marketing for Teens
Share product links on your blog, YouTube, or social media, and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral.
How AI helps in 2025:
- ✍️ AI blog content generators write optimized product reviews, comparison articles, or listicles that rank on Google.
- 📈 AI analytics dashboards track which affiliate links are performing best and help improve your strategy.
- 🔗 Link-in-bio AI tools (like Koji or Beacons) auto-optimize your social bio to feature your top affiliate deals.
Affiliate networks to join: Amazon Associates, ShareASale, Impact, Digistore24
5. Digital Product Sales
Sell templates, eBooks, digital planners, or worksheets. Once created, digital products can bring passive income without inventory or shipping.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 📘 AI template generators help create planners, social media kits, resume templates, and more—faster.
- 📄 AI document formatting tools (like Canva Docs or Notion AI) design beautiful, downloadable products.
- 🔍 AI title + SEO suggestion tools help you name your digital product in a way that grabs clicks and ranks in search results.
Best platforms: Etsy, Gumroad, Payhip
6. Social Media Account Manager
Many small businesses struggle with creating content. If you’re a teen who’s good with TikTok, Instagram, or Reels, offer to run their social accounts.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 📅 AI content calendars suggest what to post, when to post, and how to optimize it.
- 📷 AI image and reel creators (like Lumen5, ClipDrop, or Canva Magic) auto-generate visuals and short-form video content.
- ✍️ AI caption writers generate viral hashtags and captions in your brand’s voice.
Hot clients: Cafes, pet brands, handmade shops, local services
7. Freelance Services (Writing, Design, Voiceovers)
Teens with strong skills in writing, art, or speaking can offer freelance gigs on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 📝 Writing support tools like Grammarly, ChatGPT, and Jasper enhance clarity, grammar, and structure.
- 🎨 AI drawing tools like DALL·E or Adobe Firefly help create concept art or logos for clients.
- 🎙️ AI voice tuning tools polish voiceover audio, even removing background noise or adding emotion!
Hot Freelance Ideas: Scriptwriting, logo design, social media posts, product descriptions, proofreading
8. Virtual Assistant (VA) for Influencers or Small Businesses
Offer remote help for things like email organization, scheduling, content research, and basic customer support.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🧭 AI task managers organize your workload and automatically sort tasks by priority.
- 📥 AI inbox organizers use smart filters to handle emails and notifications.
- 📌 ChatGPT-based assistants can summarize meetings, reply to basic messages, or schedule posts on social media for you.
Great for: Teens with strong time management and communication skills
9. Start a Niche Blog
Pick a topic—like fashion, study tips, books, or tech—and blog about it consistently. You can monetize through ads, digital products, and affiliate links.
How AI helps in 2025:
- ✍️ AI blog writers help outline and draft SEO-friendly posts in your tone and voice.
- 🔍 AI SEO tools (like Surfer SEO or NeuronWriter) optimize your articles to rank on Google and AI Overviews.
- 📸 AI stock photo generators create blog-ready images based on your topic or niche.
Pro Tip: Use WordPress + RankMath SEO plugin + ChatGPT integration for fast setup.
Starting a blog can be a great foundation for many of these online ideas. Learn exactly how to set one up in this beginner-friendly guide: How to Start a Blog for Beginners in 2025.
10. Sell Stock Photography
If you’re into photography, upload high-quality images to stock sites and earn when people use them.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 📷 AI photo enhancers automatically edit lighting, clarity, and remove blemishes in one click.
- 🏷️ AI auto-tagging tools generate smart keywords so your photos get discovered faster.
- 📊 Image performance dashboards help track your most downloaded photos and what’s trending next.
Where to upload: Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, iStock, Pexels, Unsplash
Why AI Is a Game-Changer for Teen Entrepreneurs
In 2025, updated AI tools remove so many barriers for young entrepreneurs. You don’t need to be a tech genius, professional designer, or experienced marketer to launch something impactful. With AI doing the heavy lifting—from design and writing to analytics and automation—teenagers can focus on creativity, strategy, and connection.
These online business ideas are easier, faster, and more fun than ever before. Whether you’re starting with zero dollars or zero experience, AI can be your sidekick every step of the way.
🛠️ DIY & Handmade Business Ideas for Teens
Are you crafty, artistic, or love working with your hands? Then a DIY business might be the perfect fit. In 2025, teens are turning their creative passions into profitable side hustles—selling handmade items locally, through social media, and on platforms like Etsy or Instagram Shops.
The best part? Updated AI tools in 2025 make the entire process faster, easier, and more scalable—from product creation to marketing and customer service.
11. Handmade Jewelry
Bracelets, earrings, rings, and layered necklaces are always in style. Whether you’re using beads, wire wrapping, resin, or clay, jewelry is a high-demand niche with room for creativity.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🎨 AI design idea generators help brainstorm trendy styles based on current fashion trends.
- 📷 AI background removers create clean product images for Etsy or Instagram.
- ✍️ AI product description writers craft keyword-rich listings that attract buyers.
- 📊 AI pricing calculators suggest price ranges based on materials, time, and similar listings.
12. Custom Candles or Wax Melts
Scented candles, wax melts, and even aesthetic jars are popular gift ideas. You can make them in small batches with fun scents, colors, and glitter finishes.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🧠 Scent name and branding AI suggests candle names, label text, and color schemes based on your target vibe (e.g., cozy, clean, or teen-friendly).
- 🏷️ AI label design tools like Canva Magic or Adobe Express AI help create custom labels and packaging.
- 🔍 AI market research tools scan Etsy trends to help you choose what scent/style is currently hot.
13. Resin Art & Keychains
Resin is a fantastic medium to create everything from bookmarks and trays to keychains and coasters. It’s highly customizable and visually appealing.
Tip: Always use gloves and ventilate your workspace—resin safety comes first.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 📹 AI video editors automatically create short how-to or product showcase videos for TikTok and Reels.
- 🎨 AI concept art generators help plan out color combos and mold ideas.
- ✍️ AI listing assistants generate optimized Etsy titles, tags, and search-friendly descriptions.
14. Personalized Gifts or Digital Portraits
Teens with a knack for drawing or graphic design can create custom digital portraits, cartoon avatars, or name art. These are especially popular for birthdays, anniversaries, and pet lovers.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🖌️ AI-assisted drawing tools (like Clip Studio Paint AI or Adobe Firefly) help you sketch and polish faster while maintaining your style.
- 🧑🎨 AI face stylizers turn real photos into cartoon or anime-style portraits that can be fine-tuned by hand.
- 🛒 AI eCommerce plugins recommend upsells like custom frames or matching wallpapers.
15. Decorated Phone Cases
Everyone loves a unique phone case. Buy blank ones in bulk and decorate them using resin, stickers, or acrylic paint. Gen Z especially loves aesthetic or meme-based styles.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 💡 Trend AI shows what phone case themes are currently going viral (think: cottagecore, coquette, or minimalist).
- 📷 AI lifestyle mockups let you display your phone cases on virtual models or backgrounds without needing a photoshoot.
- 🎨 AI decal design tools generate sticker packs or printable art you can apply to the cases.
16. Embroidery & Patchwork Items
If you can sew or embroider, you can create custom tote bags, T-shirts, hats, and patches. These items are loved by students and teens alike and are great for personalization.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🧵 AI embroidery pattern generators create digital templates based on your chosen quote, name, or aesthetic.
- ✂️ AI product planning tools help visualize your item before stitching with color previews and layout suggestions.
- 📊 AI cost estimators calculate profit margins based on time and material usage.
17. Bath Bombs & Lip Balms
DIY skincare is always trending. Colorful bath bombs, whipped scrubs, and lip balms make great gifts or self-care items. The more aesthetic your packaging, the better they sell.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🧪 AI formulation tools suggest scent combinations and safe ingredient lists based on customer skin type or trend (e.g., “calm and sleep,” “energizing citrus”).
- 🏷️ AI label and packaging generators create product packaging that matches your brand vibe.
- 📈 AI review analyzers from competitor shops help you learn what customers love—or want improved—so you can stand out.
✨ Bonus Tip: Use AI to Manage Your Handmade Business Like a Pro
Even if you’re doing everything yourself, updated AI tools can help you:
- Track your orders and materials
- Automate customer thank-you messages
- Generate daily content ideas
- Suggest seasonal product launches
- Help you price items competitively
- Create invoices and order summaries automatically
In short: AI becomes your mini business partner—so you can focus on creating and connecting.
🤝 Service-Based Business Ideas for Teenagers
Not into crafts, screens, or social media marketing? No problem. Service-based businesses are perfect for teens who enjoy helping others, staying active, and connecting with their local community. They usually require little to no startup costs—and in 2025, AI tools and apps can help you manage your schedule, promote your services, and stay organized like a pro.
18. Babysitting
Babysitting is a classic teen job—and still one of the most trusted ways to earn money. It teaches responsibility, builds trust, and can easily grow through referrals.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 📅 AI calendar apps like Google Assistant or Notion AI can schedule and remind you of your babysitting gigs.
- 📲 Free flyer & promo design tools (like Canva AI) help you create babysitting ads in minutes for Facebook groups or neighborhood bulletin boards.
- 👶 AI safety apps can offer real-time childcare tips, first aid responses, and activity ideas based on the child’s age.
Bonus: Get certified in CPR and first aid via online courses (many are teen-friendly and now include interactive AI simulations).
19. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
If you love animals, pet sitting and dog walking can be fun and rewarding. It’s flexible, requires minimal tools, and builds trust within your neighborhood.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🐾 AI route planners map out the safest and most efficient dog walking paths.
- 🐶 Pet care reminder apps (like PawPal AI) track feeding times, walks, and medications across multiple pets.
- 📸 AI-enhanced pet photo tools can automatically create cute updates for pet parents while you’re watching their furry friends.
Tip: Use a shared calendar to manage multiple bookings—Google Calendar or Notion templates make this easy.
20. Lawn Mowing & Yard Work
A great way to make money in warmer seasons, yard work includes mowing lawns, pulling weeds, raking leaves, and basic clean-up.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 📍 AI flyer designers can create branded flyers to distribute around the neighborhood.
- 🧾 AI invoice apps like Wave or Square can track jobs, log hours, and create payment reminders for clients.
- 📊 AI expense trackers calculate gas, equipment costs, and your profit margins—great for teens learning budgeting.
Tool Tip: Ask your parents to help with an initial investment in tools if you’re serious about scaling up.
21. Car Washing
Simple, quick, and easy to market—car washing is a great weekend business. You can add extras like waxing, interior vacuuming, or tire shining for extra income.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 📱 Booking apps with AI (like Calendly + SMS automation) help customers schedule services without back-and-forth messaging.
- 🧼 Tutorial AI apps provide step-by-step guides or even AR instructions for doing a pro-level clean.
- 📸 Before-and-after photo tools automatically enhance photos to showcase your work on social media or in your portfolio.
Marketing Tip: Offer package deals or “refer a friend” discounts to increase bookings.
22. Tutoring
If you’re strong in school subjects, offer tutoring to younger students—either in person or via Zoom. Parents are always looking for reliable help, and you can earn well per session.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 📚 AI-assisted learning platforms (like Khanmigo or ChatGPT-edu) help explain concepts in simple ways, so you can assist more effectively.
- 📝 AI whiteboards let you teach online with live notes, diagrams, and voice.
- 📊 AI assessment tools can help create mini quizzes or track a student’s progress.
Popular subjects: Math, science, reading, grammar, SAT prep, or homework help.
23. Tech Help for Seniors
Older adults often need help with phones, social media, email, or video calling. If you’re tech-savvy, you can offer to teach or troubleshoot at home.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 💬 Speech-to-text AI allows you to explain steps clearly or leave verbal instructions.
- 📋 AI checklists help create printable guides for things like setting up apps or password recovery.
- 🧓 AI translation tools even assist if you’re working with seniors who prefer another language.
Advertising Tip: Post in local senior centers, religious groups, or offer a free intro session.
24. Errand Running / Grocery Pickup
Many adults (especially the elderly or busy parents) need help picking up groceries, prescriptions, or small packages.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🛒 AI route optimizers help plan efficient errand runs for multiple clients.
- 🧾 AI expense trackers keep a running total of reimbursements and your service charges.
- 📱 Text-to-update apps let you auto-notify customers when you’ve started or finished a task.
Safety Tip: Always get clear instructions and payment terms up front, especially if you’re handling money or sensitive items.
25. Party Helper
Parties need extra hands—whether it’s setting up balloons, serving food, managing games, or cleaning up. This is great for birthdays, weddings, and school events.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🎉 AI event checklist apps (like PartySlate AI) help you stay organized with setup tasks and timing.
- 📸 AI photo booth apps let you offer a “digital photo booth” service using a tablet or phone.
- ✍️ AI flyer/caption writers help you promote your service on social media or in event planning Facebook groups.
Extra Income Tip: Offer to stay for clean-up or even help plan small events to expand your role.
🌟 Why Service-Based Businesses Are Perfect for Teens
- ✅ Low startup cost (often just your time and effort)
- ✅ Great for building real-world confidence and soft skills
- ✅ Easy to promote within your school, family, or neighborhood
- ✅ With AI tools in 2025, even offline businesses can feel professional and efficient
📦 Product-Based Small Business Ideas for Teens
These businesses involve creating or curating physical products and selling them online or locally. With just a small inventory and clever marketing, teens can earn real income—and thanks to AI, handling inventory, design, and customer experience is easier than ever.
26. Sell Thrifted or Upcycled Clothes
Turn your love of fashion into a sustainable business. Visit thrift stores, find trendy or vintage items, and upcycle or style them for resale. This business is great for creative teens who love fashion.
Where to sell: Depop, Poshmark, Instagram Shops
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🛍️ AI fashion trend analyzers identify styles Gen Z shoppers are loving right now.
- 📸 AI photo editors clean backgrounds, adjust lighting, and apply aesthetic filters.
- ✍️ AI product description writers help you write trendy captions and descriptions for each item.
27. Snack Box Subscription
Curate snack boxes for movie nights, study sessions, birthdays, or “just because.” Add cute packaging and labels to boost appeal. You can even theme them monthly or seasonally.
Who it’s great for: Foodies, creative teens, or those who love packaging design.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 📦 AI packaging designers generate printable box labels and cute insert cards.
- 📊 AI trend analysis tools help you pick viral snacks or global favorites to include.
- 📱 Subscription management apps powered by AI help automate renewals, delivery scheduling, and customer updates.
28. Sticker Packs & Stationery
Design and sell your own stickers, washi tape, notebooks, or planner pages. This low-cost idea works great for students who love journaling and aesthetics.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🎨 AI drawing tools (like Canva AI, Adobe Firefly, or Procreate AI) help create sticker art from scratch or templates.
- 🖨️ AI print layout tools optimize pages for sticker printing or planner cuts.
- 🧠 AI title/SEO tools help name your packs and write search-friendly Etsy listings.
29. Custom Water Bottles & Tumblers
Using tools like Cricut or vinyl cutters, personalize tumblers or water bottles with names, motivational quotes, or Gen Z-inspired slogans.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🖋️ AI font pairing tools suggest matching fonts that fit your aesthetic.
- ✍️ Slogan generators come up with funny, positive, or trendy phrases to print.
- 📸 Mockup tools display your design on a bottle virtually—great for previews before crafting.
30. Art Prints & Posters
Whether you create aesthetic wall art, motivational quotes, or digital illustrations, selling downloadable or printed posters is a profitable creative outlet.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🎨 AI art generators help brainstorm layouts, palettes, or backgrounds based on your original idea.
- 📄 AI formatting assistants ensure your posters are sized correctly for print or digital download.
- 📈 AI Etsy keyword analyzers improve your shop listings to boost visibility and sales.
📲 Creative Social Media-Fueled Business Ideas
Social media isn’t just for entertainment—it’s also a powerful business tool. These ideas let teens leverage their platforms and personalities to build income streams, often with zero startup cost.
31. TikTok Product Reviewer
Review trending items from Amazon, Shein, or AliExpress on TikTok. Include affiliate links in your bio or link-in-bio tool to earn commissions.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 📹 AI video editors trim and enhance your content with transitions, captions, and sounds.
- 🔍 AI product research bots find viral or fast-selling products to feature.
- ✍️ AI caption writers generate witty hooks and hashtags for TikTok SEO.
32. Instagram Theme Page
Create a niche IG page—whether it’s for memes, fashion inspo, study motivation, or cottagecore aesthetics. Grow followers and monetize through shoutouts or affiliate links.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 📸 AI image curators gather viral content ideas or trending aesthetic boards.
- 📅 AI content schedulers post automatically and adjust times for better engagement.
- 📈 AI follower analytics help identify what content resonates and why.
33. Digital Influencer for Gen Z Brands
Love being in front of the camera (or behind it)? Build your personal brand and collaborate with microbrands targeting Gen Z on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🧠 AI brand matchmakers connect micro-influencers with sponsorship opportunities based on content style and niche.
- ✍️ AI pitch templates help write emails or media kits to send to brands.
- 🧾 AI contract readers simplify partnership terms so teens can understand their rights and fees.
🧠 Educational & Skill-Based Business Ideas
These are perfect for teens who want to build skills while earning, setting the foundation for future careers in tech, content creation, or education. They may take more effort upfront, but they offer long-term growth.
34. Coding & Website Design for Beginners
Learn the basics of HTML, CSS, or WordPress and offer web design to local businesses, clubs, or creators. It’s one of the best resume-builders for teens.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 💻 AI coding assistants (like GitHub Copilot or ChatGPT Code) help you fix bugs or write code faster.
- 🌐 AI website builders like Wix AI and Framer simplify the design process without advanced coding.
- 🔍 AI audit tools check sites for mobile-friendliness, SEO, and load speed.
35. Online Course or eBook for Teens
Teach something you’re good at—note-taking strategies, time management, drawing basics, or language learning. Create a short online course or eBook and sell it to other teens.
How AI helps in 2025:
- 📚 AI course planners help outline modules and video lessons step-by-step.
- 📖 AI eBook creators format your writing into a polished, downloadable file.
- 🧠 AI headline generators craft compelling course or eBook titles that get clicks.
36. Sell Notion Templates or Study Planners
Design productivity tools like Notion dashboards, aesthetic trackers, or digital planners tailored to students. Aesthetic and functional sells best!
How AI helps in 2025:
- 🧩 Notion AI templates give you starter layouts you can customize and sell.
- 📈 AI market research shows what types of templates are trending on TikTok and Pinterest.
- 💬 AI customer assistants answer FAQs and deliver download links automatically.
37. Resume & College Essay Editing
Teens with strong grammar and writing skills can help others improve their resumes or college essays. Offer editing, structure improvement, and tone suggestions.
How AI helps in 2025:
- ✍️ Grammarly AI and ChatGPT offer real-time grammar checks, clarity tips, and tone adjustments.
- 📄 AI resume builders auto-format documents based on role or school.
- 💡 AI brainstorming tools help applicants develop essay ideas that stand out.
📌 Final Tip: Start Small, Grow Fast
No matter which business idea you choose—whether you’re crafty, techy, or social-media savvy—you don’t need to have it all figured out to get started. Use free tools, explore with curiosity, and let AI support you in every step.
From designing products to automating your schedule, marketing your work, or helping you write compelling content, AI in 2025 can help teen entrepreneurs start faster and scale smarter than ever before.
👉 Start where you are, use what you have, and build as you grow. Your business journey can start today.
Whether you’re starting a handmade shop, tutoring business, or digital brand, it’s easier than ever to begin. If you’re ready to take that next step, explore these helpful resources:
Wrapping Up,
Starting a business as a teen isn’t just a great way to earn money—it’s a smart move for building independence, confidence, and real-world skills early on. From easy businesses to start to exciting online business ideas for teenagers, you now have a variety of paths to explore.
The best part? You don’t need a ton of money or experience to begin. Just passion, creativity, and a willingness to try. Whether you’re selling products, offering services, or exploring how to make money online as a teen, there’s never been a better time to start.
Ready to launch your first business? 💼 Share this post with your friends or save it for later—your future success starts now.
