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17 Best Passive Income Apps That Make Money While You Sleep (2025)
Gone are the days when generating passive income required massive upfront capital or specialized knowledge. Today's apps allow you to invest in real estate, stocks, and even alternative assets like wine and art—all from your smartphone. Additionally, some platforms reward you for activities you're already doing, such as shopping or sharing your internet bandwidth.
The best part? Many of these apps require minimal time commitment after initial setup. From micro-investing tools like Acorns to real estate platforms like Fundrise and Arrived Homes, this list covers 17 legitimate apps that can help diversify your income streams in 2025. Rather than wasting time on get-rich-quick schemes, these proven platforms offer realistic ways to build wealth gradually while you focus on what matters most in your life.
Fundrise
Image Source: Fundrise
Fundrise stands out as America's largest direct-to-consumer private markets platform, breaking down barriers that once limited real estate investing to wealthy individuals. This innovative app allows everyday investors to build wealth through real estate without becoming landlords.
Fundrise key features
Fundrise offers diverse investment plans including Supplemental Income, Balanced Investing, Long-Term Growth, and Venture Capital. The platform manages over $7.1 billion in real estate investments across 20,000+ residential units and e-commerce industrial assets [1]. Investors receive quarterly dividends and potential appreciation, all managed through an intuitive mobile app. Furthermore, their end-to-end technology platform provides real-time reporting and oversight.
Fundrise pros and cons
Pros:
- Extremely low $10 minimum investment [2]
- Open to non-accredited investors [2]
- Transparent fee structure
- Quarterly redemption options [2]
Cons:
- Highly illiquid investments [2]
- Early redemption may incur penalties [2]
- Limited direct customer service access
- Average historical income returns compared to liquid investments [2]
Fundrise pricing
Fundrise charges a straightforward 0.15% annual advisory fee plus a 0.85% management fee for real estate investments [2]. The Innovation Fund carries a higher 1.85% management fee [2]. Fundrise Pro costs $10 monthly or $99 annually for additional customization options [3].
Fundrise best for
Fundrise particularly suits long-term investors seeking portfolio diversification outside traditional stocks and bonds [2]. Given its five-year investment horizon, it's ideal for those comfortable with limited liquidity in exchange for stable real estate exposure. Since 2012, Fundrise has paid an impressive $361 million in dividends to over 385,000 investors [3].
Arrived Homes
Image Source: Arrived
Arrived Homes transforms how investors access real estate by offering fractional ownership in residential properties. Backed by notable investors like Jeff Bezos, this platform enables anyone to purchase shares in rental homes with minimal capital.
Arrived Homes key features
Arrived focuses exclusively on residential real estate, offering both long-term rentals and vacation properties [4]. Investors can start with just $100 to own partial shares in properties across 56+ markets nationwide [4]. The platform handles all property management aspects, creating truly passive income through quarterly dividends from rental income and potential property appreciation [4]. Moreover, Arrived recently launched a mobile app for iOS, allowing investors to manage their portfolios on the go [5].
Arrived Homes pros and cons
Pros:
- Extremely low $100 minimum investment [4]
- Available to both accredited and non-accredited investors [4]
- No property management responsibilities [4]
- Quarterly dividend payments [4]
Cons:
- Limited property availability (listings sell out quickly) [4]
- Low liquidity for individual property investments (5-15 year holding period) [4]
- Multiple fee layers [4]
- Relatively new platform with limited track record [4]
Arrived Homes pricing
Arrived's fee structure includes a one-time sourcing fee (3.5% for long-term rentals, 5% for vacation rentals) [4], quarterly asset management fees (0.1-0.3% depending on property type) [6], and property management fees (8% for long-term rentals, 15-25% for vacation rentals) [4]. Notably, Arrived collects agent rebates from property sellers to help offset investor costs [6].
Arrived Homes best for
Arrived Homes is ideal for beginning investors seeking exposure to residential real estate without the typical headaches of property ownership [4]. The platform especially suits those wanting to diversify across multiple properties, as $1,000 can be spread across ten different rental homes in various markets [4].
Acorns
Image Source: TechRadar
Acorns makes investing accessible to everyone through its innovative micro-investing platform. This app automates the investing process by rounding up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and investing the spare change.
Acorns key features
Acorns offers automated investing through its signature Round-Ups feature, which has helped customers invest over $4 billion in spare change alone [1]. The platform provides expert-built diversified ETF portfolios based on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Users can access retirement accounts with IRA matching (up to 3% for Gold members) [1], checking accounts with 2.42% APY [1], and custodial investment accounts for children. The app also includes an "Earn" feature that provides bonus investments when shopping with partner brands [1].
Acorns pros and cons
Pros:
- Low $5 minimum to start investing [7]
- Automatic round-up feature simplifies saving
- Diversified ETF portfolios built by experts
- High-yield checking (2.42% APY) and savings (3.82% APY) accounts [1]
Cons:
- Monthly fees can be significant for small balances [1]
- $35 per ETF transfer fee to other brokers [1]
- Limited investment customization in lower tiers
- No tax-loss harvesting [1]
Acorns pricing
Acorns offers three subscription tiers:
- Bronze: $3/month (basic investing tools) [1]
- Silver: $6/month (includes 1% IRA match) [1]
- Gold: $12/month (adds 3% IRA match and customization options) [1]
Acorns best for
Acorns works best for beginning investors looking to build good financial habits [8]. It's ideal for people who struggle to save on their own, consequently automating the investing process. The platform is also suitable for passive investors with at least $10,000, as flat fees become more competitive at that level [8].
M1 Finance
Image Source: M1 Finance
M1 Finance uniquely blends automated investing with customization options, allowing users to create their own investment "Pies" while benefiting from hands-off portfolio management.
M1 Finance key features
M1's distinctive pie-based interface enables investors to build portfolios with stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies through visual allocation charts [9]. The platform excels with its Dynamic Rebalancing feature, which intelligently distributes new deposits to underweight holdings without triggering taxable events [10]. Additionally, M1 offers automated investing that executes trades based on your schedule and portfolio design [10]. The platform recently introduced enhanced dividend features, including a dividend tracker and customizable dividend handling options [11].
M1 Finance pros and cons
Pros:
- No commission or management fees for self-directed brokerage accounts [9]
- Fractional share investing for precise allocation [2]
- Automated investing with customizable minimum cash settings [12]
- Built-in tax minimization when selling investments [2]
Cons:
- Limited trading windows (morning at 9:30am ET, afternoon at 3:00pm ET) [12]
- USD 3.00 monthly platform fee for accounts under USD 10,000 [13]
- No mutual funds, options, or futures trading [13]
- Not suitable for active traders or day traders [2]
M1 Finance pricing
M1 requires USD 100 minimum for standard brokerage accounts and USD 500 for retirement accounts [14]. The platform charges USD 3.00 monthly for accounts under USD 10,000, but this fee is waived for larger accounts or those with active personal loans [2]. Crypto trading is commission-free, though Bakkt charges a 1% fee on transactions [9].
M1 Finance best for
M1 Finance works exceptionally well for long-term, passive investors seeking portfolio automation with some customization control [15]. Unlike many robo-advisors, M1 appeals to those with investing knowledge who prefer not to actively manage their investments day-to-day [9]. The platform particularly attracts dividend investors through its dedicated dividend dashboard and reinvestment options [15].
Vinovest
Image Source: App Store - Apple
Vinovest offers wine enthusiasts a chance to uncork profits through fine wine and whiskey investing. This AI-driven platform combines master sommelier expertise with advanced algorithms to build investment-grade beverage portfolios.
Vinovest key features
Vinovest handles the entire investment process, from authentication to climate-controlled storage in bonded warehouses [3]. Investors gain 100% ownership of their bottles with the freedom to either sell for profit or have them shipped for personal enjoyment [3]. Beyond traditional portfolios, the platform also provides a Marketplace for buying and selling individual bottles with other investors [16]. First-time investors benefit from personalized portfolio creation based on their risk tolerance and financial goals [3].
Vinovest pros and cons
Pros:
- Full ownership of physical assets [3]
- Climate-controlled, insured storage facilities [15]
- Direct sourcing at below-retail prices [15]
- No excise duty or VAT in bonded warehouses [3]
Cons:
- Annual management fees range from 2.25% to 2.85% [5]
- Recommended 5-10 year holding period for wine [5]
- Limited liquidity compared to traditional investments
- Relatively new platform with limited track record
Vinovest pricing
Four investment tiers are available:
- Starter: $1,000 minimum, 2.85% annual fee [5]
- Plus: $10,000 minimum, 2.70% annual fee [5]
- Premium: $50,000 minimum, 2.50% annual fee [5]
- Grand Cru: $250,000 minimum, 2.25% annual fee [5]
Vinovest best for
Vinovest suits investors seeking portfolio diversification through tangible alternative assets [17]. In essence, it's ideal for those with patience, as fine wine investments typically mature over 5-10 years [5].
Masterworks
Image Source: Masterworks - Learn to Invest in Fine Art
Masterworks disrupts the art investment world by enabling fractional ownership of blue-chip artworks from renowned artists like Banksy, Picasso, and Andy Warhol. This platform opens up a previously exclusive asset class to everyday investors seeking portfolio diversification.
Masterworks key features
Masterworks purchases high-value paintings, then securitizes them through SEC-qualified offerings [4]. The platform creates an LLC for each artwork, allowing investors to buy shares starting at $20 [6]. Users gain access to a secondary market for potential liquidity before final artwork sales [18]. Despite its newness, Masterworks has realized an annualized net return of approximately 20% on artworks held longer than a year [4].
Masterworks pros and cons
Pros:
- Open to both accredited and non-accredited investors [4]
- Provides access to vetted art investments [4]
- Potential liquidity through secondary market [4]
- User-friendly platform with research tools [4]
Cons:
- High fees that lack transparency [4]
- Fine art involves high risk and low liquidity [4]
- Target holding periods of 3-10 years [4]
- Prospective members must complete phone interviews [4]
Masterworks pricing
Masterworks charges a 1.5% annual management fee plus a substantial 20% fee on all profits [18]. The standard minimum investment is $15,000, although advisors might lower this during onboarding [4]. An additional one-time 11% expense allocation fee covers securitization and management [4].
Masterworks best for
Masterworks suits experienced investors comfortable with limited liquidity in exchange for alternative asset exposure [4]. Indeed, the platform works best for those who can afford to tie up capital for several years [6].
Groundfloor
Image Source: Groundfloor blog
With Groundfloor, everyday investors can step into the shoes of lenders, funding real estate projects and earning passive income through interest payments. This SEC-qualified platform democratizes real estate debt investing for all.
Groundfloor key features
Groundfloor offers multiple investment options starting with just $10 [19]. The Flywheel Portfolio automatically diversifies your investment across 200-400 loans, providing weekly cash flow [20]. In fact, all investments are backed by real property in a first-lien position [21]. The platform's mobile app enables easy account management and investing directly from your smartphone [21].
Groundfloor pros and cons
Pros:
- Low minimum investment of $10 for individual loans, $100 for Flywheel Portfolio [21]
- Open to both accredited and non-accredited investors [22]
- Average 10% annual returns since inception in 2013 [20]
- Short loan terms (typically 6-18 months) [23]
Cons:
- No secondary market for early withdrawals [23]
- Loan defaults may impact returns [23]
- Limited bankruptcy protection [20]
- 0.5-1% management fee for Flywheel Portfolio [20]
Groundfloor pricing
Groundfloor requires $10 to invest in individual loans, $100 for the Flywheel Portfolio [21], $1,000 for Notes, and $5,000 for international investors [23]. Accordingly, the platform charges no upfront fees to investors as borrowers pay all loan-related fees [20].
Groundfloor best for
Groundfloor works exceptionally well for investors seeking short-term passive income without long-term commitments [24]. It's ideal for those wanting to diversify across many real estate loans with minimal capital [25].
Roofstock
Image Source: www.roofstock.com
Roofstock pioneers online trading of single-family rental properties, connecting investors with tenant-occupied homes across the United States. This platform streamlines real estate investing by eliminating geographical barriers to property acquisition.
Roofstock key features
Roofstock offers access to pre-vetted single-family rentals in 70+ U.S. markets [26]. The platform provides comprehensive property inspection reports and financial analytics for each listing [27]. Most properties come with existing tenants, allowing immediate rental income after purchase [28]. For investors seeking fractional ownership, Roofstock One enables property share purchases starting at $5,000 [8].
Roofstock pros and cons
Pros:
- 30-day money-back guarantee [29]
- Tenant-occupied properties provide immediate income [30]
- Access to pre-vetted property managers [28]
- Geographical diversification opportunities [26]
Cons:
- Large down payments often required [8]
- Website functionality issues reported by users [27]
- Transparency concerns with rental estimates [27]
- High illiquidity of investments [28]
Roofstock pricing
Buyers pay a marketplace fee of 0.5% of the contract price or $500, whichever is higher [29]. Sellers face a 3% listing fee or $2,500, whichever is greater [28]. Property management fees typically range from 6-10% of collected rent [30].
Roofstock best for
Roofstock suits remote real estate investors seeking turnkey rental properties without geographical limitations [30]. It's ideal for those wanting passive rental income without the headaches of tenant acquisition [29].
Neighbor
Image Source: Neighbor
Neighbor transforms unused space into passive income through its peer-to-peer storage marketplace. Unlike traditional investments, this platform connects hosts who have extra space with renters seeking affordable storage solutions.
Neighbor key features
Neighbor provides multiple storage options, from garages and driveways to attics and basements [1]. Renters can search for various storage types including climate-controlled spaces, RV storage, and parking [1]. The platform offers flexible month-to-month arrangements without long-term commitments [1]. Hosts and renters receive comprehensive protection, including $1 million in host liability coverage [1][31].
Neighbor pros and cons
Pros:
- Zero startup costs for hosts [31]
- Automated payments through the app [32]
- Guaranteed payouts even if renters fail to pay [32]
- Significant earnings with minimal effort (hosts spend only 45 minutes monthly) [31]
Cons:
- Service fee of 4.9% plus $0.30 per payout for hosts [32][7]
- Must provide strangers access to your property [32]
- Not yet widely available in all locations [32]
- Requires ID verification for hosts [1]
Neighbor pricing
Hosts set their own rates based on space type and location. Typical monthly earnings include: garages ($50-$500), driveways ($50-$150), and sheds ($50-$200) [7]. The platform's earnings calculator helps determine competitive local pricing [7].
Neighbor best for
Neighbor excels for homeowners with underutilized space seeking passive income [32]. Additionally, it's ideal for side hustlers wanting minimal time commitment—hosts in top markets like Los Angeles and San Francisco earn up to $294 per hour of work invested [31].
Tapestri
Image Source: tapestri.io
Tapestri rewards users for something they're already giving away—their data. This free app operates in the background of your mobile device, providing a unique passive income opportunity.
Tapestri key features
Tapestri offers six distinct earning methods: Set2Earn (sharing location data), Answer2Earn (surveys), Browse2Earn (tracking web sessions), Tap2Earn (watching ads), Drive2Earn (based on miles driven), and Play2Earn (playing games) [33]. The app works seamlessly whether users interact with it or not [10]. First of all, Tapestri maintains complete user anonymity while collecting data [12]. Beyond basic data sharing, users can boost earnings through a two-tier referral program [12].
Tapestri pros and cons
Pros:
- Free app with no startup costs [13]
- Operates automatically in background [10]
- Complete anonymity protection [12]
- Available in 27 countries worldwide [13]
Cons:
- Low earnings (USD 0.01-0.03 daily for location sharing) [33]
- High payout threshold (USD 65 in Geo 1/2 countries) [12]
- Several earning methods often unavailable [33]
- Annual membership fee required [12]
Tapestri pricing
Tapestri charges a USD 19.95 annual membership fee regardless of location [12]. Subsequently, withdrawal fees include USD 2.25 plus 1% when cashing out via Stripe [12].
Tapestri best for
Ultimately, Tapestri works best for individuals who travel frequently throughout their city, as potential earnings reach USD 5-25 monthly simply from movement [12][2]. Nonetheless, the app suits those comfortable sharing anonymous data for minimal passive income [2].
Pawns App
Image Source: Christina's Side Hustles - Medium
Pawns App turns your unused internet bandwidth into a steady stream of passive income. This innovative platform allows you to earn money by simply keeping the app running in the background.
Pawns App key features
Pawns App operates on multiple devices including Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux [34]. The platform pays users $0.20 per GB of shared bandwidth [35]. Beyond bandwidth sharing, users can complete surveys (earning up to $2.00 each), play mobile games (earning $10.00-$100.00), and participate in quests [35]. Firstly, all traffic is encrypted, guaranteeing privacy and security [14]. Simultaneously, users can access additional income through referrals, lucky draws, and prize wheels [9].
Pawns App pros and cons
Pros:
- Truly passive income requiring no active work [9]
- Global availability in 190+ countries [36]
- Multiple payout methods including PayPal, crypto, and gift cards [37]
- Low $5.00 cash-out minimum [37]
Cons:
- Modest earnings (average $12.00 per day) [37]
- 4% PayPal withdrawal fee [37]
- $4.00 Bitcoin withdrawal fee [37]
- Dependence on internet quality [34]
Pawns App pricing
The app is free to download and use. However, withdrawal fees apply: 4% for PayPal transfers and a flat $4.00 for Bitcoin withdrawals [37].
Pawns App best for
Ideal for students seeking pocket money without affecting studies [34]. Likewise perfect for remote workers already spending most of their day online [34]. Additionally well-suited for anyone with extra unused devices [34].
Ibotta
Image Source: Ibotta
Ibotta flips the passive income script by turning everyday shopping into a revenue stream, rewarding users with cash back for purchases they already make. As part of the Ibotta Performance Network (IPN), this app has credited American shoppers with over $2.30 billion in cash rewards since 2012 [11].
Ibotta key features
Ibotta connects users with cash-back offers from over 2,000 retailers and brands [15]. Users can earn by adding offers before shopping, submitting receipts afterward, or linking store loyalty accounts for automatic rewards [16]. Besides in-store purchases, users can earn up to 30% cash back when shopping online through the app [38]. Equally important, Ibotta offers multiple earning methods: grocery rebates, online shopping, gift card purchases, and referrals [39].
Ibotta pros and cons
Pros:
- Realistic cashout process with $20 minimum threshold [15]
- Compatible with major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco [15]
- Average savers earn $261 annually [38]
- User-friendly mobile interface [15]
Cons:
- Must link store accounts or submit receipts to claim rewards [15]
- Might encourage purchasing unnecessary items [15]
- $3.99 fee for inactive accounts after six months [40]
- Bonuses often require specific spending thresholds [40]
Ibotta pricing
Ibotta is completely free to use [15]. Users must reach $20 in earnings plus redeem at least one offer to withdraw funds [41]. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 days via PayPal, direct bank deposit, or gift cards [15]. Yet, an inactivity fee of $3.99 applies if accounts remain dormant for 180 days [42].
Ibotta best for
Ibotta works best for regular shoppers seeking passive income from everyday purchases [43]. Specifically, it benefits those willing to try new products while maximizing savings [15]. Still, it's not ideal for extremely budget-conscious shoppers, as some featured products carry premium prices [15].
Fetch Rewards
Image Source: Business Insider
Fetch stands among the most popular passive income apps with over 17 million users who earn rewards by scanning everyday shopping receipts [44]. This free app transforms routine shopping into a passive income stream through gift cards.
Fetch Rewards key features
Fetch awards at least 25 points for every receipt uploaded, regardless of store [45]. The app accepts receipts from virtually anywhere—grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and online purchases [44]. In addition, users earn substantial bonus points when purchasing from 600+ partner brands [44]. The eReceipts feature automatically collects points by linking email accounts for online shopping [44]. For gamers, Fetch Play offers points for downloading and playing mobile games without spending money [45].
Fetch Rewards pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface with simple scanning process
- Low redemption threshold of 3,000 points ($3) [5]
- Compatible with receipts from any store
- Multiple earning methods beyond receipts [45]
Cons:
- Points expire after 90 days of inactivity [5]
- Limited to 20 receipts per 7-day period [5]
- No PayPal or direct deposit options [5]
- Modest earnings unless buying sponsored products
Fetch Rewards pricing
The app is completely free to use. Most gift cards require 3,000 points ($3) to redeem [5]. As a rule of thumb, users earn approximately 1 point for every $0.10 spent [5]. Yet, sponsored offers can significantly boost earnings up to $3 per receipt [5].
Fetch Rewards best for
Fetch works exceptionally well for regular shoppers who frequently purchase from major brands [5]. In the meantime, patient users can accumulate significant rewards—some reporting $45 worth of gift cards from 100 receipts over a year [5]. Given its minimal effort requirement of just 30 seconds daily, it's perfect for passive income seekers with existing shopping habits [45].
Swagbucks
Image Source: Android APP Reviews
Swagbucks rewards members for completing everyday online activities, providing a straightforward path to passive income without investments. This popular rewards program has paid out over $700 million since 2008 [3].
Swagbucks key features
Swagbucks offers diverse earning options: online shopping with cashback at over 1,500 retailers [17], taking surveys worth 100-300 SB ($1-3) each [17], searching the web, playing games, scanning receipts, and watching videos. Users earn SB points (100 SB = $1) [3] redeemable for gift cards or PayPal cash. The platform provides a mobile app for on-the-go earning [17] alongside a browser extension that automatically finds savings opportunities [46].
Swagbucks pros and cons
Pros:
- Free to join with no upfront costs
- Multiple earning methods for different preferences
- Immediate redemption starting at just $1 [47]
- Monthly discounted gift card options (12% savings) [47]
Cons:
- Modest earnings (typically $2-5 daily) [3]
- Survey disqualifications mid-completion [6]
- Time investment required for meaningful rewards
- $3.99 inactivity fee after six months [47]
Swagbucks pricing
Swagbucks is completely free to use. Redemption thresholds vary: $1 minimum for Amazon gift cards [47], $25 for PayPal withdrawals [47], and various other gift card denominations between these amounts. Primarily, earnings depend on time invested—average users make $100-200 monthly with 10-25 minutes of daily activity [3].
Swagbucks best for
Ideal for individuals seeking supplemental income through daily online habits. Overall, Swagbucks works effectively for those comfortable with consistent small rewards rather than large payouts, as dedicated users can earn $730-1,825 annually [3].
Mistplay
Image Source: www.mistplay.com
Mobile gamers can monetize their playtime with Mistplay, a loyalty platform that pays users for testing new games. With over 10 million downloads and $150 million paid to users, this platform transforms leisure time into passive income [48].
Mistplay key features
Mistplay tracks gameplay hours and rewards users through a multi-tiered points system. Users earn Units (redeemable currency), GXPs (game experience points), PXPs (player experience points), and Loyalty Gems [49]. Initially, new members receive 200 units as a welcome bonus [50]. For this reason, the platform works only with games users haven't previously installed [49]. Typically, gameplay is capped at two hours daily per game to ensure diversity [49].
Mistplay pros and cons
Pros:
- Legitimate platform with verified payouts [51]
- Extensive game selection across multiple genres
- Low-effort passive income while gaming
- Now rolling out for iPhone users [52]
Cons:
- Earning rates decrease as you level up in games [51]
- Two-hour daily earning cap per game [49]
- New games have a level cap of 20 [49]
- Modest earning potential (about $5 for 1.5 hours of gameplay) [53]
Mistplay pricing
The app is completely free to download and use. Redemptions start at 1,800 units ($5) with better conversion rates at higher redemption thresholds [49]. In terms of rewards, options include Amazon gift cards, PayPal cash, and over 30 other gift card choices [49].
Mistplay best for
Generally ideal for casual mobile gamers seeking supplemental income [51]. Hence, it suits players who enjoy sampling various games rather than focusing on one title [49]. Given its structure, dedicated players can potentially earn $70 weekly with consistent gameplay [49].
Foap
Image Source: Shotkit
Photographers seeking to monetize their creativity can leverage Foap, a mobile platform that enables selling smartphone photos directly to brands and individuals.
Foap key features
Foap connects 4.5 million creators with brands seeking authentic visual content [54]. The platform's standout feature is "Missions"—brand-specific photo assignments where photographers compete for prizes ranging from $50 to $150 [18]. Users can join brand "Crowds" to receive notifications about new opportunities and build long-term relationships [55]. Meanwhile, the app allows selling the same photo multiple times, maximizing earning potential [56].
Foap pros and cons
Pros:
- Photos sell for a fixed $10, with creators earning $5 per sale [18]
- Multiple sales possible from a single photo [56]
- No photo resolution requirements—smartphone images suffice [56]
- Direct connection with international brands [4]
Cons:
- 50% commission taken from each sale [18]
- Hard to stand out among millions of uploads [4]
- "Premium Missions" require purchasing coins ($5-$20) [4]
- Monthly payouts require manual withdrawal requests [18]
Foap pricing
Foap offers three tiers for businesses: Standard ($39-49/month), Premium ($520-650/month), and Enterprise (custom pricing) [57]. Yet for photographers, the app is free to download and use [56]. Essentially, earnings derive from $5 per photo sale plus potential Mission prizes [58].
Foap best for
Foap primarily suits amateur photographers looking to monetize everyday moments [59]. In particular, mobile photographers benefit from the platform's smartphone-friendly approach [60]. Given its structure, patient creators can potentially earn modest passive income without specialized equipment or technical expertise [58].
YouTube
Image Source: Google Help
Creating evergreen content on YouTube offers a different approach to passive income, allowing creators to earn money from videos long after publishing them.
YouTube key features
YouTube enables content creators to monetize through multiple avenues simultaneously. Primarily, creators earn through watch page ads, which account for the bulk of revenue [61]. Alternative income sources include YouTube Premium revenue sharing, channel memberships, Super Thanks (one-time tips), and affiliate marketing through video descriptions [21]. Creators can upload once but earn continuously—a creator reported making USD 96.00 in a day without active work [21].
YouTube pros and cons
Pros:
- Videos can generate income for years with proper SEO optimization [20]
- Multiple revenue streams beyond just AdSense [62]
- No ceiling on earning potential
- Full ownership of content
Cons:
- Requires significant upfront work before becoming passive [61]
- Average CPM of USD 9.66 per 1,000 views (varies by niche) [61]
- Strict monetization requirements (4,000 watch hours, 1,000 subscribers) [62]
- Revenue can fluctuate unpredictably
YouTube monetization
Joining the YouTube Partner Program requires meeting specific thresholds: 4,000 watch hours over 12 months and 1,000 subscribers [62]. Creators must follow content guidelines—avoiding inauthentic, mass-produced, or reused content [63].
YouTube best for
YouTube works best for those creating educational, evergreen content that solves specific problems [21]. Appropriately, creators focused on tutorial videos in underserved niches will see consistent views indefinitely [21].
Conclusion
Passive income apps have certainly transformed how we think about building wealth. Gone are the days when generating extra income required massive capital investments or specialized knowledge. Therefore, anyone with a smartphone now has access to diverse income-generating opportunities.
Throughout this guide, we've explored apps across multiple categories—from real estate platforms like Fundrise and Arrived Homes to micro-investing tools such as Acorns and M1 Finance. Additionally, alternative asset platforms like Vinovest and Masterworks allow everyday investors to diversify into wine and fine art with minimal starting capital.
The beauty of these passive income opportunities lies in their flexibility. You can start small with just $10 on platforms like Groundfloor or Acorns, gradually building your portfolio as you become more comfortable. Undoubtedly, the most successful passive income strategies combine several of these apps based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and available time.
Remember that true passive income rarely happens overnight. Most of these platforms require some upfront effort—whether setting up accounts, learning investment basics, or creating content. Nevertheless, the long-term benefits make this initial work worthwhile as your money continues working while you sleep.
Starting your passive income journey might feel overwhelming with so many options. Accordingly, consider beginning with one or two apps that align with your interests. Perhaps you already shop regularly (making Ibotta or Fetch Rewards natural choices) or have unused space in your home (making Neighbor a perfect fit). Eventually, you can expand your passive income streams as you become more confident.
Financial freedom doesn't necessarily mean quitting your day job. Instead, these passive income apps provide supplemental earnings that can help pay down debt, build emergency savings, or fund future investments. The key lies in consistency—allowing these small income streams to compound over time into significant wealth-building tools.
References
[1] - https://www.neighbor.com/
[2] - https://medium.com/@FP./unleashing-passive-income-the-tapestri-app-guide-to-monetizing-your-data-a8882c56886b
[3] - https://www.swagbucks.com/articles/can-you-make-money-on-swagbucks/
[4] - https://sidehusl.com/foap/
[5] - https://www.thebudgetdiet.com/is-fetch-rewards-legit
[6] - https://www.savethestudent.org/make-money/swagbucks-review-rewards.html
[7] - https://financebuzz.com/neighbor-review
[8] - https://www.mashvisor.com/blog/is-roofstock-legit/
[9] - https://coachchristinanm.medium.com/i-made-money-playing-games-and-sharing-internet-on-the-pawns-app-here-is-how-much-i-earned-493f24587ee1
[10] - https://tapestri.io/
[11] - https://investors.ibotta.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/116/ibotta-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-financial-results
[12] - https://paidfromsurveys.com/tapestri-review
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