10 Proven Ways to Generate Income Using Your Smartphone in 2025: Which One Suits You?

2025 is the year when working from 9 am to 6 pm ceased to be the only viable option. The digital revolution has opened doors for those who want to be self-employed, content creators, or digital entrepreneurs — all operating from their smartphones. If you’re looking to supplement your monthly income or create your own business, there is a suitable platform for each profile.

In this article, we explore ten platforms that allow you to make money via mobile in 2025, analyzing their features, profit potential, and requirements to get started.

Monetization through Videos: TikTok and YouTube

TikTok: The Fast Track for Short-Form Content Creators

For those producing short videos and wanting to earn money quickly, TikTok offers multiple monetization channels. The platform’s global user base allows for significant reach with relatively little initial effort.

The TikTok Creator Fund pays based on views and engagement rate. There is also TikTok Shop, which operates with commissions on sales through affiliate links. The minimum withdrawal usually requires more than 10,000 followers, with processing within up to 30 days via PayPal or bank transfer.

YouTube: Building a Stable Income Source

YouTube remains the most robust platform for those wanting to earn consistently with videos. With over 2 billion active users, monetization opportunities are varied: AdSense (official partnership program), Super Chat and Super Stickers during live streams, channel memberships, and affiliate marketing.

Requirements are more stringent — at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time in the past 12 months. Payments are processed monthly via Google AdSense, usually within 30 days.

Trading and Investments: Alternatives for Market Followers

If you enjoy market analysis and want to earn income through financial operations on your phone, CFD and trading platforms offer significant earning potential — but with corresponding risks.

CFD Trading: Flexibility and Real-Time Monitoring

Specialized platforms for contracts for difference allow trading multiple assets: gold, global indices (NASDAQ, NAS100), Bitcoin, Brent crude oil, and other financial instruments. These tools are regulated by international agencies and offer advanced charts, technical analysis tools, and an intuitive interface.

Earning potential is high, especially for short-term trades. However, market volatility requires strict risk management. Minimum deposits vary (often starting from US$5), and withdrawals are processed on business days via credit cards, digital wallets, or bank transfers.

Forex and Commodities Market: For More Experienced Traders

Specialized trading brokers enable trading currency pairs, cryptocurrencies, stocks, indices, and commodities with ultra-fast execution and competitive spreads. This mode is aimed at those seeking short-term variable income, operating manually or with automated systems.

Written Content Creators: Brazilian Platforms

Kwai: National Alternative to Short Videos

Kwai has established itself as one of Brazil’s main short video platforms, offering various ways to earn. The Creator Program pays per views, while promotional campaigns reward for referring new users. Daily bonuses, viral challenges with rewards, and brand partnerships complement the opportunities.

The platform is particularly popular in the North and Northeast regions. Payments are made via Pix or digital wallets, usually within 7 business days. Earnings vary according to engagement and view volume.

Writing and Publishing: Medium for Text Content Producers

For those who prefer writing articles, essays, or informational content, Medium offers monetization through its partner program. Publishing in Portuguese allows access to Brazilian readers, with payments based on reading time and subscriber engagement.

The platform is suitable for finance, technology, entrepreneurship, or digital culture experts who want to build authority while generating income. Payments are processed monthly via Stripe or PayPal.

Affiliate Marketing and E-commerce: Earning Commissions

Affiliate Programs on Shopping Platforms

Affiliate marketing remains one of the most accessible online income models. You promote products through personalized links and earn commissions on each sale made.

Temu: Recent Growth and Rewards Program

Temu has emerged as an e-commerce platform with competitive prices and an expanded affiliate program. Sharing links or coupons with friends, family, or followers on social media generates cash or app credits. Temporary campaigns offer additional rewards for clicks and sign-ups.

Payments are made via Pix, PayPal, or platform credit, depending on the campaign.

Shopee: Established Affiliate Model

Shopee’s Affiliate Program remains one of the most reliable options for beginners. Commissions reach up to 28% per sale through your link. Registration is free and can be done directly in the app or website.

After approval, generating affiliate links and sharing them on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or Facebook is the next step. The higher the engagement, the greater the profits. Bank transfers via Pix are processed within 3 to 5 business days.

Remote Work and Freelancing: Connecting with Clients

Latin American Platforms: Workana Brazil

Workana is one of the largest freelancer marketplaces in the region, connecting professionals in design, writing, digital marketing, translation, IT, and customer service with hiring companies.

The platform allows creating a profile, showcasing a portfolio, and receiving proposals. Payments are protected by an escrow system, ensuring security. Transfers are made via Payoneer, bank account, or PayPal.

100% Brazilian Alternative: 99Freelas

99Freelas is a national platform specialized in connecting freelancers with companies. With a Portuguese interface and local support, it offers broad categories: writing, design, translation, programming, marketing, and customer service.

Freelancers negotiate prices directly with clients. Payments in reais via bank transfer (Pix) occur after client approval.

How to Choose the Ideal Platform to Make Money with Your Phone

Choosing the right tool depends on several factors:

1. Align with Your Skills Working with what you excel at significantly increases your chances of success. Natural creators thrive in video; writers in written content; sellers in affiliate marketing; investors in trading platforms.

2. Prioritize Reliability Research reputation, punctual payment history, user reviews, and support availability. Established platforms tend to be safer.

3. Understand Payment Methods Each app offers different methods — PayPal, bank transfer, Pix, digital wallets. Confirm compatibility with your preferences before starting.

4. Compare Commission Structures Some platforms retain significant percentages. Analyzing whether the return justifies the effort is essential for real profitability.

5. Check Communities and Reviews Opinions from real users reveal if payments are honest, support is responsive, and if the platform delivers on its promises.

Final Considerations: Reality and Expectations

Making money with your phone in 2025 is feasible but requires realism. Starting with platforms that match your profile is crucial. Testing multiple options, monitoring results, and adjusting your strategy as you learn are natural steps.

Whether creating videos, writing, promoting products, or operating in the financial market, opportunities exist. Success depends on dedication, consistency, continuous education, and choices aligned with your goals — not just luck or empty promises.

Start small, learn from experience, and gradually expand. In 2025, building additional income via mobile is a matter of strategy, patience, and creativity.