Apps That Pay: Discover the Best Ways to Make Money with Apps in 2025

Is working from 9 to 5 inside an office still the only option in 2025? For many, the answer is definitely no. Digital transformation has opened doors that were previously unimaginable: now anyone can make money with apps directly from a smartphone, choosing their own schedules and work partners. Whether you are a content creator seeking monetization, an investor interested in financial operations, or a freelance professional looking for projects, the digital market offers diverse opportunities. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the apps that truly pay in 2025, categorized by activity type, so you can find exactly the path that aligns with your professional profile and financial goals.

Social Networks: Turn Your Engagement into Income

Social media platforms have evolved far beyond simple moment sharing. Today, earning money with content-focused apps is a tangible reality for millions of creators worldwide.

TikTok: Short Videos with Great Earning Potential

For those who master creativity and trend timing, TikTok represents one of the main monetization opportunities. The platform offers multiple ways to monetize beyond just accumulating views. Established followers can access the Creator Program, receiving rewards proportional to their posts’ performance. There is also the option to integrate products via affiliate links and commissions on transactions.

The requirements are clear and relatively accessible: you need to have accumulated more than 10,000 followers to start earning. Transfers are made via PayPal or direct bank transfer, typically within up to 30 days for processing.

• Platform: Social Media
• Main advantage: Quick access to monetization with short-form content
• Available on: Android and iOS

YouTube: The Video Monetization Giant

The video platform maintains its position as one of the most robust for those wanting to earn money with visual content apps. With billions of active users worldwide, it offers various revenue streams: from integrated advertising to exclusive channel subscriptions, and viewer donations during live streams.

YouTube allows monetization through the (AdSense) ad system, offering monthly payments transferred via Google. Other flows include Super Chat and Super Stickers during live broadcasts, as well as marketing opportunities through third-party affiliate programs.

To get started, you need to reach 1,000 subscribers and accumulate 4,000 hours of watch time in the last 12 months. Once these metrics are met, payments follow a regular flow, usually processed within 30 days after the month closes.

• Platform: Social Media and Videos
• Main advantage: Multiple revenue sources for established creators
• Available on: Android and iOS

Investment Platforms: Operating in the Financial Market

Making money with apps is not limited to content — those following financial markets also find opportunities through specialized trading platforms. These applications allow trading of various assets — currencies, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and indices — directly from your phone.

For beginner investors, it’s essential to understand that short-term operations involve significant volatility. The choice should fall on regulated platforms that offer accurate charts, reliable analysis tools, and proper protection systems. Look for platforms certified by international regulatory bodies.

Deposits generally start from accessible amounts like (USD 5 in many cases), and withdrawals are processed on business days via methods such as credit card, recognized e-wallets, or direct bank transfer.

• Category: Investments
• Earning method: Profit from real-time price fluctuations
• Essential requirement: Strict risk management and financial education

Kwai: Brazilian Alternative for Creators

Within the short-video social media ecosystem, Kwai has gained a strong presence especially in Brazil, offering a viable alternative to TikTok. The app structures its monetization around the Creator Program, which pays based on views and engagement generated.

Besides compensation for views, there are promotional campaigns that reward those who invite new users, viral challenges with associated rewards, and opportunities for direct brand partnerships. Daily bonuses are also offered as incentives for consistent posting.

Payments are processed via Pix or digital wallets, with transfers typically within 7 business days after request.

• Platform: Videos and Entertainment
• Main advantage: Strong presence in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil
• Available on: Android and iOS

Medium: Monetizing Writing

For those who prefer expressing themselves through texts rather than videos, Medium Brazil offers a payment structure based on performance. The Partner Program pays writers according to the time readers spend with their content and the level of engagement generated.

The platform is particularly suitable for specialists in topics like technology, finance, entrepreneurship, or market analysis. Regular publishing builds your reputation as an authority, opening doors to other opportunities beyond direct Medium revenue.

Payments are made monthly via Stripe (for international transfers) or PayPal, offering flexibility to the creator.

• Platform: Writing and Publishing
• Main advantage: Ideal for independent journalists and niche experts
• Available on: Android and iOS

Affiliate Marketing: Commissions for Referrals

One of the most direct ways to make money with apps is through affiliate marketing. This model offers commissions for each sale made via your promotional link or personalized coupon.

Temu: E-commerce with Referral Program

Temu revolutionized online retail by offering extremely competitive prices. Its affiliate program allows earnings by sharing links or coupons with your network. Each purchase made through your code generates commissions in cash or credit within the app.

Seasonal campaigns offer extra bonuses based on the number of clicks or new sign-ups referred, amplifying revenue potential during strategic periods.

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

• Category: E-commerce
• Main advantage: Accessible affiliate program with variable commissions
• Available on: Android and iOS

Shopee: Competitive Commissions in E-commerce

Shopee’s Affiliate Program has established itself as a reliable option for those wanting to earn money promoting online products. The program offers commissions of up to 28% per sale made through your affiliate link, allowing promotion on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and other channels.

Registration is completely free and can be done directly on the website or app. After approval, just generate your personalized links and distribute through your networks. The higher the engagement and conversion rate, the greater your monthly earnings.

Bank transfers via Pix are processed within 3 to 5 business days after approval.

• Category: E-commerce
• Main advantage: Attractive commissions and a consolidated affiliate structure
• Available on: Android and iOS

Freelance Work: Offering Specialized Services

The freelance job market has expanded significantly, connecting autonomous professionals with companies seeking specific expertise without long-term commitments.

Workana Brazil: Established Marketplace in Latin America

Workana functions as a trusted intermediary between freelancers and hiring companies. Experts in design, writing, digital marketing, translation, development, and support can create profiles with complete portfolios, receiving proposals from clients seeking their services.

The escrow system protects both professional and client, ensuring payments are released only after satisfactory project completion. The platform mainly operates in Portuguese, facilitating local negotiations.

Withdrawals can be made to Payoneer, bank account, or PayPal, offering flexibility.

• Category: Freelancer and Remote Work
• Main advantage: Transactional security and projects in Portuguese
• Available on: Web and Android

99Freelas: Brazilian Platform for Digital Services

Developed specifically for the Brazilian market, 99Freelas simplifies the process of finding paid jobs in reais. The interface in Portuguese and local support facilitate direct negotiations between professionals and clients.

Various service categories are covered — writing, design, translation, programming, marketing, and customer service — allowing freelancers to offer expertise in their area of specialization. The transparent system allows open price discussions before hiring.

Payments are processed via bank transfer (Pix) after client approval.

• Category: Freelancer and Digital Services
• Main advantage: 100% national approach with transactions in reais
• Available on: Web and Android

Essential Criteria for Choosing Your App

With so many platforms available, selection should be strategic. These criteria help in decision-making:

Identify Your Natural Skills

Success in earning money with apps depends on alignment between your skills and the activity chosen. If you naturally create visual content, social networks are a direct path. If writing is your strength, Medium and content platforms make more sense. Professionals of specific services find better fit in freelancer marketplaces.

Validate Reputation and Payment History

Prioritize platforms with consistent user reviews and a history of processing payments without delays. Research independent reviews before investing your time.

Study the Payment Structure

Each app offers different methods — some favor international transfers, others operate locally. Understand commissions, processing times, and withdrawal methods before committing.

Compare Retained Fees

Different platforms retain different percentages of earnings. Analyze whether the retained commission makes your effort adequately compensated.

Consult Real Experiences

Online communities, specific groups, and forums maintain active discussions about which app truly pays consistently. These practical perspectives are pure gold for decision-making.

Final Perspectives: Your Path to Digital Income

In 2025, barriers to earning money with apps have practically disappeared. Anyone with dedication, consistency, and creativity can build significant income streams through their specialized skills. Whether through viral content, financial operations, affiliate marketing, or providing professional services, opportunities abound.

The secret is to test different apps, measure their real results, and select those that genuinely fit your lifestyle and financial goals. The digital market rewards dedication and strategic experimentation — the more you engage, the broader your earning horizons.

Start today exploring the platforms that resonate with your skills. The digital business you’ve always dreamed of could be just a few clicks away.