Move over, Gen Z.Gen Alpha, the generation following you, may soon be known for its entrepreneurial spirit and embrace of the side hustle.

A recent survey of 2,002 U.S. individuals from Gen Alpha and Gen Z (ages 12 to 28) revealed that over half are leveraging the internet to earn money in addition to socializing. the survey, conducted by social commerce platform whop, highlights a meaningful shift in how young people view online opportunities.

The oldest members of the “iPad kid” generation are only 15, but they are already making productive use of their screen time. Almost half (47.1%) are actively earning money online through digital side hustles such as selling vintage clothing, streaming video games, and engaging on social media. This represents a 15% increase compared to the previous year. Furthermore, 72.3% of respondents know someone who earns money online.

Instead of depending on allowance, Gen Alpha members are earning an average of $13.92 per hour from their online ventures, which is nearly double the U.S. federal minimum wage of $7.25. Based on thes hourly earnings,they are potentially earning the equivalent of a $28,000 full-time annual salary before even turning 16. At the higher end, 1.7% of Gen Alpha and Gen Z hustlers earned over $40,000 last year.

Popular Online Side Hustles

Social media platforms have created new avenues for employment, and digitally native young people are well-positioned to take advantage of them. Reselling new or vintage clothing is the most popular side hustle, with 20.1% of Gen Alpha and Gen Z members earning income this way.Other popular options include streaming video games (14.1%) and competing in esports tournaments (13.1%).

Approximately one in ten (10.5%) are monetizing content by posting on social media or “clipping,” which involves repurposing content from YouTube videos, podcasts, or livestreams into short, shareable clips. While only 9.1% are currently earning through brand sponsorships, many aspire to become full-time creators.

“Social media raised this generation,so making money on the internet is now the norm.”

According to Brett Malinowski,the marketing director at Whop,”Social media raised this generation,so making money on the internet is now the norm.When you grow up watching YouTube creators and Twitch streamers living lavish lifestyles, it’s only natural to want to be part of that. Many of today’s biggest creators started posting content when they were teenagers-and now they realize that this is a way for them to make real money.”

Financial Independence and Shifting Screen Time

So,what are these young entrepreneurs saving for? While many are investing in cryptocurrency or stocks,or saving for college,a house,or a significant purchase,their primary goal is frequently enough to achieve financial independence from their parents.

These side hustles are also changing how they spend their time online. Gen Alpha now spends 3.5 fewer hours per week on screens for entertainment compared to Gen Z.Rather, they are dedicating approximately one-fifth (20.3%) of their screen time to their side hustles, slightly more than Gen Z, at 19.5%.

With the increasing cost of living motivating more individuals to seek additional income, the youngest generation of workers is leading the way and shows no signs of slowing down.Over half of Gen Alpha members (51.5%) express their intention to transform their side hustle into a full-time career.

As these generations increasingly participate in the workforce, they are moving away from traditional career paths and creating their own opportunities.They are not just earning money; they are redefining how it is earned.