39 Best Gig Economy Apps to Make Extra Income in 2023

Last updated Jul. 19, 2024 by Peter Jakes

The gig economy continues to burgeon, revolutionizing the way people work and earn money. With the rise of technology, an array of apps has emerged, making it easier than ever for individuals to find gig work, earn money, and even build long-term careers. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or transition into a full-time freelance career, these apps have something to offer. Here’s a comprehensive list of the 39 best gig economy apps to make extra income in 2023.

1. Uber

Uber is still one of the leading ridesharing services. As a driver, you can set your own hours and use your car to pick up and drop off passengers.

2. Lyft

Lyft is another dominant player in the ride-sharing industry. Similar to Uber, it offers flexible hours and the potential for tips.

3. DoorDash

DoorDash allows you to deliver food from local restaurants to customers. You can work when you want, and the app is available in numerous cities.

4. Postmates

Postmates stands out because it doesn’t just deliver food; it delivers almost anything. Whether it’s groceries, alcohol, or retail goods, you can deliver them through Postmates.

5. Instacart

Instacart lets you earn money shopping for and delivering groceries. You can pick your hours and get paid weekly.

6. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit connects people with local workers for various tasks like moving, handyman work, and cleaning services.

7. Fiverr

Fiverr lets you offer services on a freelance basis. Whether you write, design, or consult, you can find a gig on Fiverr.

8. Upwork

Similar to Fiverr, Upwork offers a platform for freelancers to find work. You can bid on projects and build a portfolio.

9. Rover

If you love animals, Rover lets you earn money by walking dogs or pet sitting.

10. Turo

Turo is a car-sharing app that allows you to rent out your car to people who need a vehicle temporarily.

11. Wag!

Another great app for pet lovers, Wag! focuses on dog walking. You can walk dogs in your community and get paid for it.

12. Airbnb

Airbnb allows you to rent out your home or a room in your home to travelers. It’s a fantastic way to earn substantial extra income, especially if you live in a popular location.

13. Shipt

Shipt is another grocery delivery service that allows you to earn money by shopping and delivering groceries to people in your community.

14. Handy

Handy connects skilled professionals with people who need household services, such as cleaning or handyman tasks.

15. Gigwalk

Gigwalk offers small tasks that can be completed in your local area. You might find yourself auditing stores, taking photos, or conducting surveys.

16. Field Agent

This app pays you to gather information from local retail stores, such as product pricing and availability.

17. Swagbucks

Swagbucks lets you earn points (Swagbucks) that can be redeemed for gift cards or cash by completing simple online tasks like surveys or watching videos.

18. UserTesting

UserTesting pays you to test websites and mobile apps, providing valuable feedback that helps companies improve user experience.

19. Qmee

Qmee rewards you for searching online, taking surveys, and shopping with partnered retailers.

20. Amazon Mechanical Turk

Known as MTurk, this platform allows you to perform small, often repetitive tasks online for pay.

21. GigSmart

GigSmart connects workers with on-demand gigs, from short-term tasks to full-time opportunities.

22. Wonolo

Wonolo (short for "Work Now Locally") helps you find hourly or daily jobs quickly.

23. Thumbtack

Thumbtack connects local professionals with people who need their services, ranging from personal training to photography.

24. Freelancer

Another significant freelancing platform, Freelancer allows you to bid on jobs worldwide and build a freelancing career.

25. Uber Eats

Uber Eats is Uber’s food delivery service. Similar to DoorDash, it allows you to work flexible hours delivering meals.

26. Grubhub

Grubhub is another well-known name in the food delivery industry, offering a similar model to DoorDash and Uber Eats.

27. Lime

If you have a vehicle that qualifies, Lime allows you to charge their electric scooters and bikes. You pick them up, charge them, and then drop them off.

28. Bird

Bird is another electric scooter charging gig. Like Lime, you collect the scooters, charge them, and then drop them off at designated spots.

29. Tutoring with Wyzant

Wyzant connects tutors with students. If you have expertise in a subject, you can find students needing tutoring services.

30. Gigspot

GigSpot focuses on connecting users with various gig tasks like mystery shopping, surveys, and merchandising.

31. Trend

Trend lets you partner with brands for social media influencer gigs, helping you monetize your Instagram or TikTok presence.

32. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a job board specializing in telecommuting, freelance, and flexible work opportunities.

33. Care.com

Care.com connects caregivers with families in need of services such as childcare, senior care, and housekeeping.

34. Zaarly

Zaarly connects homeowners with trusted local service providers for tasks like landscaping, cleaning, and repair work.

35. Moonlighting

Moonlighting is a comprehensive freelancing platform that allows users to list their services, find gigs, and even request full-time jobs.

36. Steady

Steady helps you find part-time, hourly, gig, or remote jobs.

37. Bluecrew

Bluecrew connects you with hourly, W-2 jobs in various industries like warehousing, delivery, and hospitality.

38. Bellhops

Bellhops specializes in providing moving services. If you’re physically fit and enjoy helping people, this is a great gig.

39. Shiftgig

Shiftgig connects you with blue-collar shifts in various industries such as hospitality, retail, and logistics.

✓ Short Answer

The gig economy offers diverse ways to earn extra income through various platforms. From ridesharing and delivery services to freelance platforms and micro-tasks, you can find a gig that suits your skills and lifestyle. Popular apps include Uber, Lyft, Fiverr, and Instacart, among others.

FAQs

Q1: What is a gig economy app?
A gig economy app is a platform that connects freelancers or independent workers with clients who need temporary, flexible jobs done. These can range from driving and delivery services to specialized freelance tasks like graphic design or writing.

Q2: How do I get started with gig economy apps?
To get started, you’ll typically need to download the app, create a profile, verify your identity, and provide any required information (like vehicle details for driving apps). Once approved, you can start accepting jobs.

Q3: Are gig economy jobs safe?
While many gig economy jobs offer flexibility and independence, safety does vary. Reputable platforms have safety measures in place, and it’s always important to follow recommended safety guidelines, such as meeting clients in public places and sharing your location with trusted friends or family.

Q4: Do gig economy apps take a commission?
Yes, most gig economy apps take a commission or fee from your earnings. This varies by the platform, so it’s essential to understand the fee structure before starting.

Q5: Can I rely on gig economy apps for full-time income?
Some people do use gig economy apps for full-time income, although it typically depends on the demand for services in your area and your availability to work. It’s often recommended to diversify your income streams if you plan to rely solely on gig work.

Q6: How do taxes work with gig economy jobs?
As a gig worker, you are usually considered an independent contractor, which means you’ll need to handle your taxes. This typically involves setting aside money for taxes and possibly making quarterly estimated tax payments. It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional to understand your obligations.

Q7: What types of payment methods are available on gig economy apps?
Payment methods vary but often include direct deposit to your bank account, PayPal, or other electronic payment systems. Make sure to check the payment options available on the platform you choose.

Q8: Are there any mobile requirements for gig economy apps?
Yes, most gig economy apps require you to have a smartphone with a reliable internet connection. Specific requirements can vary, including the need for GPS capabilities for delivery and driving apps.

In summary, the gig economy presents diverse opportunities for extra income. Whether you drive, deliver, freelance, or offer other specialized services, these 39 apps stand out as excellent platforms to help you achieve your financial goals in 2023.