Making Money in Apps in 2025: A Practical Guide to the Top Platforms for Extra Income

Is working only in an office from 9 to 6 every day still the only option? By 2025, the reality is quite different. The expansion of digital platforms has created new possibilities for those seeking financial independence, flexible schedules, and the freedom to choose their own projects. Using just a cellphone, it is feasible to turn free hours into additional income or even build a digital enterprise. This guide gathers the main categories of apps to make money in 2025, analyzing each so you can identify which best suits your profile and goals — whether as a content creator, investor, service provider, or digital entrepreneur.

Content Creation: Turning Views into Revenue

Social media platforms have ceased to be just entertainment spaces and have become legitimate sources of income. Content producers can monetize their talents in various ways, from short videos to live streams.

TikTok remains one of the biggest opportunities for short video creators. The platform offers direct rewards based on views, as well as affiliate sales through TikTok Shop. Requirements include having more than 10,000 followers, and earnings are transferred via PayPal or bank transfer, usually within 30 days. The app is available on Android and iOS, with a focus on quick earnings through consistent production of creative content.

YouTube continues as a reference for those wanting to build a lasting income source with videos. With over 2 billion active users, the platform offers multiple monetization methods: ads through partnerships, Super Chat during streams, channel memberships, and affiliate marketing. Payments are made via the partnership system, generally within 30 days. To start earning, you need to reach 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time in the last 12 months.

Kwai represents a strong alternative, especially relevant in Brazil. The app offers rewards for views, promotional campaigns with bonuses, paid viral challenges, and partnership opportunities with brands. Transfers occur via Pix or digital wallets within 7 business days, making it accessible for creators seeking quick earnings from the app.

Writing and Publishing: Monetizing Your Knowledge

For those who prefer expressing themselves through texts, there are specific platforms that pay based on content quality and reader engagement.

Medium Brazil allows writers to publish articles in Portuguese and receive payments based on readership and the time subscribers spend on the material. It’s particularly advantageous for finance, technology, or personal development experts who want to build authority while earning money. Payments are made monthly via Stripe or PayPal.

This model works well for those with expertise in a specific topic and who can maintain regular, quality publications.

Affiliate Marketing: Generating Commissions from Sales

Affiliate marketing remains one of the most effective strategies to make money in apps, requiring little initial investment and offering scalable revenue potential.

Shopee offers one of the most accessible and reliable affiliate programs in Brazil. Affiliates can share product links on social media and earn commissions of up to 28% per completed sale. The process is simple: create an account, generate personalized links, and share them. Earnings are transferred via Pix in 3 to 5 business days. The higher the engagement and conversions, the greater the revenue.

Temu presents an emerging affiliate program alternative. The app allows sharing links and personalized coupons with friends, family, or followers, generating commissions for each purchase made. There are also temporary campaigns that reward clicks or sign-ups. Payments occur via Pix, PayPal, or in-app credit.

Freelance Work: Providing Specialized Services

For autonomous professionals, freelance platforms connect specialists with companies needing one-off or ongoing work.

Workana Brazil is one of Latin America’s largest freelancer marketplaces, connecting professionals in design, writing, marketing, translation, IT, and customer service with hiring companies. The escrow system ensures protection for both parties. Freelancers create a profile, showcase their portfolio, and receive proposals. Payments are made via Payoneer, bank account, or PayPal.

99Freelas is a 100% Brazilian platform focused on connecting freelancers with service demanders. With an interface in Portuguese and local support, it offers categories like writing, design, programming, marketing, and translation. The system is transparent, allowing direct negotiation of prices. Payments are made via Pix after client approval.

Choosing the Right App for Your Goals

With multiple options available, selecting the ideal app depends on specific factors of your profile.

Identify your skills: Reflect on your natural abilities — creating videos, writing, drawing, programming, or selling. Choosing a platform aligned with your skills significantly increases your chances of success and sustainability.

Prioritize established platforms: Select apps with a solid reputation, active support, and a history of punctual payments. Check reviews from real users before investing time.

Evaluate payment mechanisms: Each platform uses different methods — some via PayPal, others via Pix or international transfer. Understand the available timelines and methods to avoid frustrations.

Compare commission structures: Different apps retain varying percentages of your earnings. Analyze whether the return justifies the effort invested in each platform.

Research other users’ experiences: Read comments and testimonials from people already using the app. This helps confirm whether payments are actually made and if support is reliable.

Effective Strategy: Combining Multiple Income Sources

An approach that often yields better results is not relying on a single platform. By combining different ways to earn money in apps, you reduce risks and maximize your total income.

For example, a creator can simultaneously produce content on TikTok and YouTube (content monetization), promote Shopee products as an affiliate (commissions from sales), and offer occasional video editing services on Workana (freelancer). This diversification creates more stable and predictable revenue streams.

Important Considerations Before Starting

Earning money through apps requires realism about the time and dedication needed. Significant results do not happen overnight. Content creation apps, for example, demand consistency in posting, technical quality, and understanding platform trends.

Similarly, affiliate marketing works best when you already have an engaged audience or know how to build one. Freelancer platforms require a professional portfolio and proven skills.

Security also deserves attention: use only recognized apps, avoid sharing unnecessary bank or personal data, and be wary of unrealistic promises of quick gains.

Conclusion: Your Path to Digital Income in 2025

Making money in apps in 2025 is entirely feasible for anyone willing to learn and work consistently. Opportunities exist across different categories — from content creation to freelancing, affiliate marketing, and article publishing.

The key is to choose platforms aligned with your skills, genuinely dedicate yourself to the work, monitor your results, and adjust your strategy as needed. Many people have already turned hours of free time into real, ongoing income, even building their own digital businesses through these channels.

Start by testing one or two platforms that resonate most with your profile, learn how they work, optimize your approach, and expand gradually. Consistency and quality of work are ultimately the decisive factors for financial success in any digital platform.