Passive Income Ideas In 2025 : 10 Business You Can Start As A Teen Living In New York

Passive Income Ideas in 2025: 10 Businesses You Can Start as a Teen Living in New York

Living in a fast-paced city like New York can be exciting but expensive—especially for teens looking to save money or earn without juggling multiple jobs. Fortunately, 2025 is the perfect time to dive into passive income. Whether you’re saving for college, helping out at home, or just want extra spending money, building passive income through simple business ideas is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Let’s explore 10 beginner-friendly businesses you can start as a teen in New York that earn money while you sleep, study, or even scroll social media.

1. Sell Digital Products on Etsy

Digital products are one of the best passive income ideas for teens. You can design planners, budget trackers, calendars, social media templates, or even flashcards for school and sell them on Etsy. Once uploaded, they sell over and over again without you needing to ship anything.

Example: Madison, 17, from Brooklyn, created a set of printable budgeting planners for other teens. After sharing them on Pinterest, she now earns passive income every week from her Etsy store.

Use free tools like Canva to design your products and include keywords like budget planner, finance aesthetic, and saving tracker in your listings.

2. Start a Blog About City Life on a Budget

Blogs take time to grow but can become a powerful passive income source. You can write about topics like frugal living tips, budget friendly meals, or summer activities for teens in NYC. Once you attract readers, you can earn through ads, affiliate links, and selling your own digital products.

Example: A teen blog about cheap eats in NYC could bring in affiliate money from food delivery apps, sponsored content from local cafes, or eBook sales.

Consistency is key. Use SEO phrases like budget meals, frugal aesthetic, and saving money budget to grow traffic.

3. Create and Sell a Niche eBook

Teens who enjoy writing can self-publish eBooks on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. Think of guides like “How to Save Money as a Teen in New York” or “Ultimate Side Hustles for NYC Teens.”

Example: Josh wrote an eBook on free side hustles and saving money in high school. He promoted it through TikTok and made over $500 in his first month.

You can also use your eBook to promote other products or lead readers to your website.

4. Monetize a TikTok or Instagram Account

Social media isn’t just for fun—it can be a serious business. Teens who post consistent, valuable content around topics like finance tips, frugal habits, or side hustle aesthetic can build a following and start earning through sponsored posts and affiliate links.

Example: Emily shares saving money tips and budget hacks for students. She earns commission through product recommendations and brand deals.

Make sure to include disclaimers for affiliate content and follow platform guidelines.

5. Launch a POD (Print-on-Demand) Business

With print-on-demand, you can design custom clothing, mugs, stickers, or tote bags, and your supplier handles everything from printing to shipping.

Example: Malik, a teen in Queens, started a “Finance Bro Aesthetic” clothing line using Redbubble. He now earns commissions every time someone buys his designs.

This is a great business for artistic teens who want to start a brand without upfront inventory.

6. Start a YouTube Channel With Evergreen Content

YouTube videos continue earning you ad revenue long after you post them. Create content on topics like budgeting finances, how to start a savings challenge, or side hustles women can do in NYC. Focus on helping viewers solve problems or learn something new.

Example: Nora started a channel about budget planning for teens. Her top video earns passive income daily from YouTube ads.

Add links in the description to your planners or affiliate products for extra income.

7. Create a Niche Pinterest Account

Pinterest is a goldmine for passive traffic. Teens can create niche accounts sharing pins about saving money tips, budgeting printables, or summer crafts for kids. Use these to link back to a blog, Etsy shop, or eBooks.

Example: Chloe built a Pinterest page with pins about budget meal planning and linked them to her Etsy shop. It now brings her hundreds of monthly visitors.

Use keyword-rich descriptions and consistent branding to grow faster.

8. Sell Audio Files or Music Loops

Are you musically inclined? Sell loops, sound effects, or royalty-free background music online. Teens can upload music to sites like Pond5 or AudioJungle and earn money every time it’s downloaded.

Example: Trey, 16, sells lo-fi music for YouTubers and vloggers. With just a few uploads, he earns every time someone licenses his tracks.

If you have a laptop and music software, this is a great creative outlet that pays.

9. Design Canva Templates for Students or Small Businesses

Templates are huge sellers in 2025. Think resume templates, vision boards, Instagram story templates, or business checklists. Canva even allows you to sell templates directly by sharing a paid link.

Example: Isabella creates budgeting templates for students and sells them through her Instagram bio.

Offer freebies to grow your audience and convert them into buyers.

10. Run a Local Niche Newsletter

If you’re passionate about New York City life, consider starting a newsletter. Share free local events, cheap eats, fun activities, or financial tips. Add affiliate links or sell ad space as your list grows.

Example: A teen-run email newsletter sharing free events in Central Park and budget friendly food trucks could attract local readers and sponsors.

You can build it with a simple platform like MailerLite and grow your audience through social media.

Tips to Get Started as a Teen in New York

  • Start small: Pick one idea that excites you and grow it over time.

  • Leverage free tools: Canva, Google Docs, and Pinterest are powerful and beginner-friendly.

  • Stay consistent: Passive income builds slowly. Give it time and keep learning.

  • Use your environment: NYC is full of inspiration, trends, and culture that can power your content or product ideas.

Start Your Business Journey Today

There’s never been a better time for teens in New York to tap into passive income. Whether you’re designing digital products, sharing tips on TikTok, or building a blog around frugal living, these small businesses can grow into big opportunities.

Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you!

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