How to make money online as a teenager
4 of the 5 programs below need you to be 18. That is the real limit. Here is what the rules say.

The age rules
| Program | Age rule | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Google AdSense | 18 or over | So YouTube and blog ad money needs an adult’s account or a wait |
| Amazon KDP | At least 18 | Or the age of majority where you live, whichever is higher. A parent or guardian can open the account for a minor |
| TikTok Creator Rewards | 18 or older | Reported by independent sources |
| Prolific | Over 18 | With a verified account |
| Etsy | 13 to 17 with a parent | The parent registers the account and is responsible for it |
What is left
- Selling on Etsy with a parentIt must be their name, their financial details and their responsibility.
- Local paid workIn the UK, some council areas let children work part-time from 13, so ask your local council. Rules differ by country.
- Learning a skill nowWriting, design or video pay later, once you are old enough to be paid directly.
Warnings for teens
- Do not use a false age on an account. The money can be withheld, and the account closed.
- Never pay to join anything or to ‘unlock’ a balance.
- Never give out a parent’s card details.
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Sources
- AdSense eligibility requirements, checked 5 Nov 2026
- Kindle Direct Publishing: terms and conditions, checked 5 Nov 2026
- Gemlist: TikTok Creator Rewards requirements 2026, checked 5 Nov 2026
- Prolific: who can take part, checked 5 Nov 2026
- Etsy Help: can minors sell on Etsy?, checked 5 Nov 2026
- gov.uk: child employment, checked 5 Nov 2026
- FTC Data Spotlight: Paying to get paid (12 Dec 2024), checked 5 Nov 2026