Not long ago, having fun and making money were two separate things. You played games or scrolled through social media to relax, not to earn. Today, people can enjoy what they love, whether it’s gaming, creating, or exploring new apps, and make money at the same time. Here’s how.
Games That Let You Earn While You Play
Gaming is leading the way in combining fun with earning. Play-to-earn (P2E) games let players collect rewards like crypto or NFTs, which can be traded for real money. For example, in Axie, you raise creatures, fight battles, and earn tokens you can turn into money.
While P2E games focus on earning through gameplay and digital assets, others are turning to online gambling as a form of entertainment with real money stakes. By playing online, users can try casino-style games, sports betting, and slots, often with welcome bonuses and a wide variety of options. While the goal here isn’t to earn like in play-to-earn games, the thrill of playing for a potential win is part of the appeal. To understand the potential payouts, players often look at a game’s ‘Return to Player’ (RTP) percentage and how frequently it pays out.
Beyond casual play-to-earn and online gambling, competitive video gaming (esports) offers another path to significant earnings. Professional esports players compete in organized tournaments such as the League of Legends World Championship for large prize pools. They also earn salaries from teams, and money from sponsorships, and make income by streaming their games to fans online, showing how top gaming skills can become a full-time, high-paying career.
Crypto and Blockchain Beyond Gaming
Blockchain technology is changing how people get paid online, with some choosing cryptocurrency for faster and cheaper international payments. For example, freelancers use services like Bitwage to receive their pay straight in crypto, avoiding bank fees and delays.
Making Money as a Content Creator
Creating videos and sharing content online is now a real way to earn money. Goldman Sachs Research estimates that the global creator economy, valued at $250 billion, could nearly double to $480 billion by 2027. Influencers earn money on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch through ads, brand partnerships, tips, and paid fan subscriptions.
Even if you don’t have a huge following, you can still earn. Creators with 10k-100k followers earn approximately $100 – $1,000 per post, depending on how active and engaged their audience is. Top names like MrBeast made millions in 2023, but regular people are also using these platforms to earn on the side. Nearly half of Gen Z has a side hustle, often using social media.
Apps That Reward Time and Effort
You don’t have to be a gamer or content creator to earn money online. Many mobile apps reward users for completing everyday tasks. For example, Swagbucks and InboxDollars pay users to take surveys, watch videos, or shop online, turning small tasks into real rewards during their spare time.
Learn and Earn at the Same Time
Many apps now use game-like features to teach users valuable skills for learning new languages. Duolingo, for instance, makes language learning fun and engaging. Gamified learning apps are especially popular among younger users because people look for more fun and interactive ways to learn.
Online Tools for Your Savings
Many online tools now help you grow your money. You can use social media to save and invest easily, even with small amounts. For example, Acorns can help you invest extra change in your daily spending, while Betterment can automatically build an investment plan for you. With these tools, you can turn small actions into ways to grow your wealth over time.
Conclusion
In short, today’s online world makes it easier than ever to turn time on your screen into money. You can earn by playing games, making videos, or using apps that pay you to learn, giving you financial freedom.
