If you are someone currently living in the UK, then you might be looking for some ways to earn money from home. The thing is, you won't have a lot of time to spare because you will be balancing work, studies, or other commitments. If you'd like some opportunities that would give you extra income without interfering with your main responsibilities, then this guide is for you.
So, let's check out what all options you've got.
Best Ways to Make Money Online in UK in 2025
Here are some of the best ways to make money online in the UK:
1. Online Tutoring
We highly recommend online tutoring if you have knowledge in any academic subject. The demand for tutors has exploded in the UK since parents saw how much their children needed extra academic support. You're going to find this one of the highest-paying online opportunities available right now.
UK tutoring rates range from £15-60 per hour depending on your subject and level. Primary school tutoring pays around £15-30 per hour, while GCSE tutoring can get you £30-50 per hour. If you can teach A-level subjects, you're looking at £40-70 per hour. The highest-paid tutors teach university-level subjects or entrance exam prep, earning £45-100+ per hour.
You don't need teaching qualifications to start, but having a degree in your subject area definitely helps you charge higher rates. The most in-demand subjects are Maths, English, Sciences, and modern languages. But there's also strong demand for 11+ exam prep, GCSE support, and A-level coaching.
Some of the best tutoring platforms in the UK are Tutorful, FindTutors, MyTutor, and TutorCruncher. Many of these platforms handle the marketing and payment processing for you. At TLC LIVE, qualified UK teachers can start from £13 per hour plus VAT. You can also work directly with families through local advertising or word of mouth.
2. Freelancing
We only recommend freelancing if you are an expert in a specific niche, like technology, web development, digital marketing, or professional services. But if you are completely new to freelancing and thinking of making money writing articles on different platforms, then we would tell you to steer clear from those gigs. Why? Because AI has hit content creation and basic graphic design very hard. You're going to have to upskill considerably and pick up specialized expertise in your respective domain.
The same goes for basic graphic design jobs as well. AI has been taking over most routine design work, and you're going to have a hard time competing in crowded markets. So don't go for basic freelance writing and graphic design, especially if you don't have AI expertise and if you are not highly skilled in specific niches that are in high demand.
However, if you have specialized skills, freelancing can work well. PeoplePerHour is probably the best starting point for UK freelancers. Unlike Upwork, where you're competing globally, PeoplePerHour gives you better visibility to UK clients who prefer working with local talent. You can also try Bark, which focuses on connecting local service providers with customers.
UK freelancers typically earn £15-40 per hour for general services, though specialized skills like web development, graphic design, or digital marketing can command £40-80+ per hour.
3. Virtual Assistance
Virtual assistance has become one of the most accessible ways to start earning money online in the UK. Virtual assistants provide administrative, technical, or creative support to businesses and entrepreneurs from their home offices.
The demand for virtual assistants has grown considerably, especially after businesses realized they could save money on office space and hire remote support. Companies worldwide are looking for cost-effective ways to handle tasks like email management, data entry, customer service, and social media management. UK-based VAs are sought after because of timezone compatibility and native English skills.
What VA Services You Can Offer
You can offer services like appointment scheduling, email management, social media posting, data entry, customer support, and basic research tasks. Some virtual assistants specialize in specific areas like real estate, e-commerce, or digital marketing support. The key is to start with general tasks and gradually develop expertise in areas that interest you most.
How Much Money Can You Make?
Entry-level virtual assistants in the UK typically earn £5-15 per hour, while more experienced VAs with specialized skills can charge £15-25 per hour or more. Many UK-based VAs work on monthly retainer packages ranging from £400-1200 for part-time work.
Best Platforms for Virtual Assistance Jobs in the UK
You can find VA work through platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and UK-specific job boards. There are also specialized VA companies like Wishup, Wing Assistant, and Time Etc that hire UK-based assistants. You can also reach out directly to small businesses and entrepreneurs who might need assistance.
Skills Needed to Become a VA in the UK
The best part about virtual assistance is that it requires minimal startup investment. You just need a reliable internet connection, basic computer skills, and strong communication abilities. As you gain experience, you can expand into higher-paying specialized services and potentially build your own VA agency.
4. Dropshipping
Dropshipping can work well in the UK if you choose the right suppliers and approach it as a real business rather than a get-rich-quick scheme. You need a good online storefront set up for this to work.
We recommend sourcing products from verified suppliers who can provide fast shipping and good customer service to UK customers. Some top UK dropshipping suppliers include AutoDS UK for automated product importing, SaleHoo UK for vetted supplier directories, and UK-based companies like Wayfair UK, Costway UK, and VidaXL.
You can also use platforms like Spocket, which gives you access to some of the best US and EU dropshipping suppliers that ship to the UK. Spocket offers 24/7 VIP customer support and has over 100 million winning dropshipping products. They provide print-on-demand customization, branded invoicing, and integrate with popular platforms like WooCommerce, eBay, and Amazon. You can try their 14-day free trial to see how their automated inventory management and one-click product imports work.
Popular UK dropshipping platforms include Avasam, which is specifically designed for UK retailers. Other options include using Shopify with UK supplier integrations or selling through Amazon UK.
There's no fixed cap on how much money you can make as a dropshipper in the UK. Some make £200-500 a month while successful businesses can make thousands in monthly sales. It all depends on your product niche, marketing skills, and customer service abilities.
5. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing represents one of the most promising passive income opportunities for UK residents. This business model involves promoting other companies' products or services and earning commissions for each sale generated through your unique referral links.
The beauty of affiliate marketing lies in its potential for passive income generation. Once you create content and establish your affiliate links, you can continue earning money even while sleeping. However, building a successful affiliate marketing business requires consistent effort in the beginning to create quality content and build an audience.
How to Join UK Affiliate Programs
UK residents have access to both local and international affiliate programs. Amazon Associates UK remains the most popular choice, offering 1-10% commissions depending on product categories. Other strong programs include web hosting companies like Bluehost (£40+ per signup), digital marketing tools, and online course platforms.
International affiliate programs offer higher earning potential but require content targeting global audiences. ClickBank specializes in digital products with commissions up to 70%. Commission Junction and ShareASale also provide access to thousands of UK-friendly affiliate programs.
How to Get Started as an Affiliate Marketer in the UK
Choose 2-3 affiliate programs in your niche, create accounts, and start producing quality content consistently. You can promote through blog posts, YouTube videos, social media content, or email newsletters. Track your performance using analytics tools and concentrate on what generates the most engagement and conversions. With patience and persistence, affiliate marketing can become a substantial income source.
6. Content Creation
Content creation has emerged as one of the most exciting opportunities for UK creators to earn money online. The digital content ecosystem offers multiple ways to monetize your audience across different platforms.
YouTube remains the biggest earner for UK content creators. Successful UK YouTubers with substantial followings can earn £2,000-10,000+ per month through various revenue streams. Ad revenue typically generates £2,000-4,000 monthly for channels with around 1 million subscribers, while brand deals can pay £2,000-5,000 per collaboration.
What Kind of Content?
The most successful UK YouTube channels tend to be lifestyle, cooking, technology reviews, comedy, and educational content. Food channels have found particular success by concentrating on British cuisine and cooking tips. You can also create content around UK-specific topics like travel guides, British culture, or local business reviews.
TikTok monetization in the UK requires more creativity since the Creator Fund has regional restrictions. However, UK creators can still earn through brand partnerships, live streaming gifts, and by using TikTok to drive traffic to other monetized platforms like YouTube or Instagram.
How to Become a Content Creator in the UK
Starting a content creation career requires minimal investment - just a smartphone with a decent camera and basic editing skills. While professional equipment can improve quality, many successful UK creators started with simple setups and upgraded as they grew. Free editing software like DaVinci Resolve or mobile apps can handle basic editing needs.
Content creation requires consistency and patience - most successful UK creators took 6-12 months to build audiences large enough for meaningful monetization. But the potential is there if you can create content that resonates with UK audiences.
7. Survey Sites and Market Research
Paid surveys offer one of the most straightforward ways for UK residents to earn money online during their free time. While survey earnings won't replace a full-time income, they provide a reliable method to generate £50-200+ per month with minimal effort.
What to Know Before Trying Paid Surveys
You should complete your profile thoroughly to get more targeted survey invitations. Check your email regularly and respond promptly to survey invitations, as many surveys have limited participant quotas that fill quickly.
Most users earn £0.25-5.00 per survey, with occasional higher-paying opportunities for specific demographics. Treat surveys as supplementary income rather than a primary earning method. The key advantage is flexibility - you can complete surveys between other activities or during any spare moments.
Be cautious of survey scams that ask for upfront payments or sensitive personal information like banking details. Legitimate survey companies never require payment to join and will never ask for your social security number or bank account information. Stick to established platforms with positive user reviews and clear payment terms.
Best Platforms for Paid Surveys in the UK
Top UK survey platforms include Swagbucks UK, which offers various earning opportunities beyond surveys. Prolific is particularly popular with UK users for academic research studies. Many UK participants earn £100-300+ per month by consistently participating in research studies.
Beyond basic surveys, market research opportunities like Dscout and User Interviews can pay significantly more - often £20-100+ for participating in longer studies or focus groups. These require more time commitment but offer much better hourly rates.
8. Copywriting and Content Writing
Copywriting and content writing represent significant opportunities for UK residents with strong language skills to earn substantial income online. The demand for quality English content continues growing as businesses worldwide expand their digital presence.
The distinction between copywriting and content writing is important to understand. Copywriting concentrates on persuasive writing that drives specific actions like sales, sign-ups, or downloads. Content writing typically involves informational pieces like blog posts, articles, and educational materials designed to engage and inform readers. Both skills are valuable, but copywriting generally commands higher rates due to its direct impact on business revenue.
Earning Potential for Content Writers and Copywriters in the UK
UK content writers and copywriters can earn competitive rates in the international market. Entry-level writers typically start at £10-20 per hour, while experienced professionals can command £30-80 per hour for specialized work. Project-based pricing often proves more profitable, with articles ranging from £50-500 depending on length, complexity, and client requirements.
Which Niches Pay the Best?
Technical writing, particularly for construction, healthcare, and technology sectors, can pay £50-100+ per hour. Legal writing, financial content, and medical writing also command higher rates due to specialized knowledge requirements.
Many businesses now seek writers who can edit AI-generated content, create AI prompts, and blend human creativity with AI efficiency. Learning to work with tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and other AI writing platforms can enhance your value as a writer.
SEO knowledge significantly increases your earning potential as a content writer. Understanding keyword research, on-page optimization, and content strategy adds value beyond basic writing services. Many UK businesses specifically seek writers who can create content that ranks well in search engines.
9. Remote AI Jobs
The artificial intelligence sector in the UK is experiencing rapid growth, creating exciting opportunities for people interested in technology careers that can be done remotely. Remote AI jobs offer some of the highest earning potential in the tech industry.
AI job categories span multiple specializations suitable for different skill levels and interests. Entry-level positions include AI Developer, Junior Machine Learning Engineer, and AI Research Assistant roles. These positions typically require foundational knowledge in Python programming, basic machine learning concepts, and familiarity with frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
Salary of Remote AI Jobs in the UK
Entry-level AI engineers in the UK can earn £25,000-40,000 annually, while senior professionals command £50,000-80,000+ per year. International remote positions often offer even higher compensation, with some senior roles reaching £100,000+ annually for UK professionals working with global companies.
In-demand AI Skills in the UK
Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Model (LLM) expertise are particularly valuable in today's market. Many companies are building AI-powered applications that require professionals who can work with transformers, prompt engineering, and conversational AI systems.
How to Get Started and Land Your First AI Job
Getting started in AI careers typically requires strong mathematical foundations and Python programming proficiency. Many positions also expect knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure for deploying AI systems.
UK residents can build AI skills through online courses, university programs, and hands-on projects. Many successful AI professionals recommend starting with online courses from platforms like Coursera, edX, or specialized AI bootcamps. Build a portfolio of projects demonstrating practical AI applications.
10. UK-Specific Side Hustles
Several money-making opportunities are particularly well-suited to UK residents due to local market conditions, regulations, or customer preferences.
The gig economy in the UK offers numerous opportunities through apps like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat for food delivery. While not technically "online" work, these app-based jobs offer flexibility and can be combined with other online income streams.
UK property owners can monetize spare rooms through Airbnb, particularly in tourist areas like London, Edinburgh, Bath, and other popular destinations. Even in smaller cities, spare room rental can provide £200-800+ monthly depending on location and demand.
Cashback and rewards apps specifically designed for UK consumers include TopCashback, Quidco, and Honey. While not huge earners, they provide passive income when combined with normal shopping habits and can add £20-50+ monthly with minimal effort.
Conclusion
You can make money online in the UK. The opportunities are there if you approach them seriously and pick methods that match your skills and available time. Don't expect to get rich but consider these avenues as supplemental sources of income. You can balance financial goals with other responsibilities so take your time. Don't be too hard on yourself and go slow. Because there are many paths you can take.
