How to Start a Tiny Business with Just Your Phone in 2025
Making money is getting harder these days, but if you have certain skills, you can still stay competitive in the market.
If you know English or have other useful skills (even if it's just a hobby others find valuable), take three minutes to read this article — it might be worth your time.
You don't need a computer, a shop, or even a lot of money to start earning online. All you really need is a smartphone and a little bit of time.
In this guide, I'll show you four simple ways to make money using just your phone. These methods are real, tested, and used by people all over the world.
Let's start.
1.Make Money on TikTok Shop & Temu: How to Resell Trending Products Without Inventory
Have you ever seen something go viral on TikTok or Instagram and thought, "I wish I could sell that"? Well, you can — without buying a store or stocking shelves. Just try these steps:
How to Resell Trending TikTok Shop & Temu Products
Scroll through social media and find products that are getting a lot of likes and comments.
Go to sites like TikTok Shop, Temu, or AliExpress and look for the same product at a lower price.
Post the item for sale on Facebook Marketplace, WhatsApp groups, or local selling apps.
When someone buys it, have the seller ship it directly to them.
Use a digital wallet like PayPal, Google Pay, or Alipay to receive payment safely.
It only takes $10 to get started, and you never have to hold or ship the product — everything is done online.
Tools to try:
TikTok Shop: For finding trending products
Temu App: For cheap reselling items
Google Pay: For secure mobile payments
Besides the idea about reselling, let's explore how you can take advantage of price differences around the world.
2.Turn Local Goods into Global Profits: eBay & Amazon Cross-Border Selling Guide
If you live in a country where things are cheaper, you can buy items locally and sell them to people in other countries for more money.
Here's what you do:
A Step-by-Step Guide Using eBay & 4PX Logistics:
Find a popular product in your area — maybe skincare from Thailand, spices from India, or crafts from South Africa.
Take clear photos and list them on eBay, Amazon, or Facebook Marketplace.
When someone buys it, purchase the item and arrange shipping through a service like 4PX Logistics and DHL eCommerce.
When considering international shipping, cost is definitely a factor. 4PX Logistics, and DHL eCommerce are some affordable options:
4PX specializes in cross-border e-commerce logistics, offering affordable rates for small packages.
Ideal for individual sellers or small businesses looking to keep costs low while ensuring reliability.
DHL eCommerce is suitable for sellers who don't need express delivery but still want reliable service.
Get paid using your mobile wallet.
This method works well because prices vary so much around the world. What costs you 5 might sell for 20 elsewhere.
Try these tools:
eBay Seller Hub: For listing and managing international sales
PayPal: For cross-border transactions
Another great way to earn is by creating short videos that promote products — and get paid when people buy them.
3.Monetize Your Phone Camera: Earn with CapCut & YouTube Shorts Affiliate Marketing
Do you enjoy taking videos on your phone? Then you can use that skill to earn money.
Start by doing this:
How to Create Profitable YouTube Shorts & TikTok Videos:
Choose a useful or fun product — like a kitchen tool, phone case, or beauty item.
Film a quick video showing how it works.
Upload it to TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram Reels.
In the description, add a link to where people can buy it (like Amazon or Shopee).
Every time someone buys through your link, you get a commission.
You don't need fancy equipment. Just your phone and a little creativity.
Best tools for the job:
CapCut: For free video editing and effects
YouTube Shorts: For reaching millions of viewers
Amazon Associates: For affiliate marketing links
You've seen how videos can make money — but what if your knowledge could do the same?
4.Teach What You Know: Monetize Skills on Udemy, TikTok, and Bilibili
Are you good at cooking? Do you know how to fix phones? Are you great at helping kids with homework?What about doing makeup or giving nail art tips?
Just share what you already know, and people will pay to learn from you.
You can start with:
Record a short video teaching something useful.
Upload it to YouTube, TikTok, or Bilibili.
Join a monetization program like YouTube Partner Program or TikTok Creator Fund.
Or create a simple course and sell it on Udemy or NetEase Cloud Classroom.
Even if you're not famous, people will watch your videos if you teach something clearly and helpfully.
Don't worry about being perfect. Just speak naturally and keep it simple.
Beginner-friendly tools:
Canva: For making beautiful course covers
CapCut: For easy video editing
Udemy: For publishing full courses
Here are a few specific examples — and of course, if you have something else to teach, you can make money from that too.
💄Nail Art & Makeup Tutorial Ideas That Pay: Using TikTok Filters & Amazon Affiliate Links
If you love doing nails or makeup, you're in luck — millions of people search for beauty tips every day.
You can make videos showing:
How to do a French manicure at home
Step-by-step eye makeup for beginners
Product reviews for affordable makeup kits
Upload them to TikTok or YouTube Shorts and add links to where viewers can buy the tools you used.
Beginner-friendly tools:
TikTok Beauty Filters: For enhancing looks
CapCut: For adding text, music, and effects
Amazon Affiliate Link: For earning from product clicks
📚Online Tutoring Tips: Use Khan Academy & Google Classroom for Student-Focused Content
If you enjoy helping kids with schoolwork, you can teach online too.
Make videos like:
"How to solve this math problem in 3 steps"
"Reading comprehension tricks for better grades"
"Simple science experiments for home learning"
Parents and students around the world are looking for these kinds of lessons — and they'll watch your videos again and again.
Top picks for beginners:
Khan Academy: For lesson inspiration
Google Classroom: For organizing your content
YouTube Shorts: For short-form tutoring videos
🔧 Tech Repair Guides That Earn: iFixit & YouTube Shorts for DIY Phone Fixers
iFixit & Free Diagnostic Apps Are Game-Changers
You don't have to be an engineer to help people with their phones.
Make short videos showing:
How to fix a cracked screen (without paying a shop)
What to do when your phone won't charge
The best free apps for cleaning up storage
Tech tutorials are popular all over the world — especially in places where repair shops are expensive.
Recommended apps and website:
iFixit Guide: For step-by-step repair instructions
Phone Doctor App: For checking device health
YouTube Shorts: For quick tech fixes
🍳Cooking & Meal Prep – Food is Always in Demand
People love watching food videos — especially ones that show how to cook fast, cheap meals.
You can make videos like:
You can make videos like: "One-pot dinner for under $5"
"Meal prep ideas for busy parents"
"How to use spices to make rice taste amazing"
Even if you're not a chef, your everyday kitchen skills could help someone else — and earn you some extra cash.
Tools to try:
Canva: For designing recipe cards
Pinterest: For sharing your cooking ideas
YouTube Shorts: For short, visual cooking guides
Final Thought: Anyone Can Make Money Online
You just need a phone and a little courage to try.
Pick one simple idea from above.
It doesn't matter if you're in the city or the countryside. The internet doesn't care. Your phone is your business.
Millions of people are already using free apps, mobile wallets, and short videos to earn every day. Why not you?
Just open your phone, take action today, and let the internet work for you.
Hi! I'm Aria — someone who loves sharing everyday randomness and has an obsession with AI.I like writing about funny little things in life — weird stuff I run into while traveling, or the cool (and not-so-cool) things I've discovered while messing around with AI tools. I'm all about finding the fun in the ordinary. Stick around for the stories I've picked up along the way, and feel free to share your own too!
