The growing digital economy, earning money from apps has become a popular and viable option. Whether you want to make some extra cash or create a full-time income, there are multiple ways to monetize apps.
This guide explores the best methods to earn money from apps in 2025.
Get Paid for Playing Games
Several gaming apps reward users with real cash or gift cards for playing and testing new games.
Top Gaming Apps to Earn Money:
Mistplay (Android) – Earn points for playing games and redeem them for gift cards.
Lucktastic – Play scratch-off games to win cash prizes.
HQ Trivia – Participate in trivia games to win real cash.
Pros:
- Fun and engaging.
- No investment required.
Cons:
- Earnings can be slow.
- Some apps have withdrawal limits.
Earn Money by Taking Surveys
Many market research companies pay users to complete surveys via mobile apps.
Best Survey Apps:
Swagbucks – Earn points for surveys, watching videos, and shopping.
Google Opinion Rewards – Answer short surveys and get Google Play credits.
InboxDollars – Get paid to answer surveys and watch videos.
Pros:
- Simple and quick way to earn money.
- No special skills required.
Cons:
- Limited surveys available.
- Some surveys may not qualify.
Get Paid for Walking and Staying Fit
Health and fitness apps reward users for their physical activity.
Top Fitness Apps:
Sweatcoin – Earn Sweatcoins for every step taken.
Achievement – Get paid for tracking fitness activities.
Runtopia – Earn rewards for running and completing challenges.
Pros:
- Encourages a healthy lifestyle.
- Completely free to use.
Cons:
- Earnings are limited.
- Rewards may take time to accumulate.
Earn by Watching Videos and Ads
Some apps pay users to watch videos, movie trailers, and advertisements.
Best Apps for Watching Videos:
- InboxDollars – Watch videos and earn cash.
- Perk TV – Get paid to watch ads and movie previews.
- Swagbucks Live – Participate in live trivia and earn rewards.
Pros:
- Passive income opportunity.
- No upfront cost.
Cons:
- Low earning potential.
- Repetitive content.
Make Money Through Cashback and Rewards Apps
Cashback apps allow users to save and earn money when they shop online or in stores.
Best Cashback Apps:
- Rakuten – Get cashback on purchases from major retailers.
- Dosh – Earn automatic cashback on linked debit or credit cards.
- Fetch Rewards – Scan grocery receipts to earn points for gift cards.
Pros:
- Easy way to save money on purchases.
- Works automatically in many cases.
Cons:
- Requires spending money to earn rewards.
Sell Your Photos and Videos
If you enjoy photography, some apps allow you to sell your pictures and videos for cash.
Best Apps for Selling Photos:
Foap – Sell your photos to brands and marketers.
Snapwire – Earn by submitting photos for creative challenges.
EyeEm – Connect with potential buyers for your photography.
Pros:
- Great for photographers.
- Passive income potential.
Cons:
- Earnings depend on demand for your content.
Freelancing and Gig Work Apps
If you have skills like writing, graphic design, or programming, you can earn money through freelancing apps.
Best Freelance Apps:
- Fiverr – Offer services like writing, graphic design, and marketing.
- Upwork – Connect with clients for long-term freelancing jobs.
- TaskRabbit – Get paid for doing small local jobs.
Pros:
- High earning potential.
- Flexible working hours.
Cons:
- Requires skills and effort.
- Competition can be high.
Passive Income with Investment Apps
Some apps allow users to invest and earn passive income.
Best Investment Apps:
- Robinhood – Invest in stocks and crypto commission-free.
- Acorns – Automatically invest spare change from purchases.
- Coinbase – Buy and trade cryptocurrencies.
Pros:
- Long-term wealth-building potential.
- No active work required.
Cons:
- Risk of financial loss.
- Requires knowledge of investing.
Rent Out Extra Space or Items
Some apps allow you to rent out extra space, your car, or other belongings for money.
Best Rental Apps:
- Airbnb – Rent out your home or a spare room.
- Turo – Rent out your car.
- Fat Llama – Rent out gadgets, tools, and more.
Pros:
- High earning potential.
- Flexible usage of assets.
Cons:
- Requires property or items to rent out.
- Risk of damage or loss.
Create Your Own App and Monetize It
If you have an idea for an app, you can develop and monetize it through ads, subscriptions, or in-app purchases.
Ways to Monetize Your App:
- In-app purchases – Sell premium features.
- Advertising – Display ads within your app.
- Subscription model – Charge users a monthly fee for access.
Pros:
- Unlimited earning potential.
- Passive income opportunity.
Cons:
- Requires technical skills or investment in development.
- High competition.
Conclusion
Earning money from apps is easier than ever, whether you prefer playing games, freelancing, investing, or shopping. Choose the method that fits your lifestyle and start earning today!