12 Best gig economy platforms for your side hustle
What are the best gig economy platforms for a side hustle?
The best gig economy platforms include Prospa, Fiverr, Upwork, Appen, Crowdspring, Tongal, Toptal, 99designs, Freelancer, Contently, FreelanceDiary, and PeoplePerHour, each matching workers with paid projects online.
- Gig economy platforms connect freelancers and clients for short-term or ongoing work.
- They give workers flexible hours and give businesses a fast way to hire.
- The right platform depends on your skills, your field, and your goals.
- Prospa
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- appen
- Crowdspring
- Tongal
- Toptal
- 99designs
- Freelancer
- Contently
- FreelanceDiary
- PeoplePerHour
The gig economy is one of the great gifts of modern tech. Workers can earn extra income through many gig economy platforms online.
As businesses embrace remote work, many traditional employees now look for jobs on these platforms too. In fact, gig job seekers use them to find part-time work, freelance projects, or full-time roles.
For businesses, these sites are where they find freelancers or contractors for specific tasks. So they can get help without hiring a full-time employee.
In this article, we explain why the gig economy matters today. Next, we show how gig economy platforms help both sides. Finally, we list twelve leading gig economy platforms for your side hustle.
Gig economy platforms: What is the gig economy?
The gig economy works much like freelance work and contract work. The word “gig” means earning income by connecting with clients through an online platform.
Gig worker definition
The gig economy is made up of many workers with different skills. So a gig worker can be a freelancer or an independent contractor.
Some gig economy platforms serve only certain pros with set services. Others, meanwhile, welcome workers with a wide mix of skills.
The gig economy is not just about flexible jobs or extra money. In addition, it connects workers with businesses. As a result, both sides widen their networks and open new doors.
Some gigs last just an hour or a few minutes. In contrast, others run for months or longer, based on the client or project.
Gig jobs available on gig economy platforms
These days, a decent living no longer belongs only to full-time staff. A typical gig is often a digital service.
Still, some gig workers pick physical side hustles. For example, even running errands for others can count as a gig job.
From grocery delivery to food delivery, people can now find flexible work that fits their schedule. As a result, they gain more control over their time.
Here are some gig jobs that count as on-demand services today. These are examples of posts you will see on gig economy platforms:
- Food delivery, grocery delivery, or other delivery service
- Reselling or selling goods online
- Graphic design
- Digital marketing
- Copywriting
- Social media management
- Web development
- Customer service
- Software development
These gig economy companies give people short-term projects, freelance contracts, and part-time gigs. So workers gain flexibility and more than one income stream.
Which working class is in the gig economy platforms?
In general, people on gig economy platforms want flexible jobs or extra money. So who are these gig workers?
As per a 2016 study by Mckinsey, there are four types of independent workers on gig economy platforms:
- Casual earners: these workers use independent work as a second income.
- Free agents: these workers use gig economy platforms as their main income.
- Financially strapped: like casual earners, these workers seek extra income out of need.
- Reluctants: these workers prefer traditional jobs but earn a living through independent work.
How these gig economy platforms benefit companies and gig workers
In the US, over 36% of the working population takes part in gig economy platforms for many career options. Today that share keeps climbing as more people choose flexible work.
Gig economy platforms help both workers and businesses. In fact, small business owners gain the most, since they save money.
These platforms also fit current needs and flexible lifestyles. As a result, they make remote work even easier.
Advantages of gig economy platforms on companies
For companies, gig economy platforms bring these clear benefits:
Cost-saving
Companies can save a lot on gig workers versus a full-time in-house hire. For one, they skip benefits, office space, and other resources. So they only pay for fixed-price projects.
This helps small businesses most, since they often work on a tight budget. As a result, hiring freelancers helps them stay ahead while they protect their cash.
Freedom to hire seasonal and temporary workers
This suits seasonal businesses that need extra hands in busy months. So some firms turn to agencies, such as outsourcing providers.
Still, these third-party providers charge added fees. In turn, those fees can add up fast.
In-house employees can do more high-value tasks
By sending low-value tasks to contractors, leaders free up their teams. As a result, in-house staff can focus on high-value, core work.
Advantages of gig economy platforms on workers
For workers, gig economy platforms bring these clear benefits:
Flexibility
One great benefit is the freedom to set your own hours. In addition, workers can choose where they work while they finish tasks.
Wide variety of available jobs
Workers always have many job options to pick from. So rather than repeat the same task, they can take on new work with each client.
Independence
Workers on gig economy platforms work on their own, without daily office time. Their tasks come straight to them. Then it is up to them to finish the work by the agreed date.
Working alone, without a manager over your shoulder, can boost your confidence. As a result, it teaches you to be more responsible and focused.
Connecting people
Besides paid work, gig economy platforms also connect people. For example, gig workers can network with peers, meet more clients, and grow their skills.
Top 12 gig economy platforms for your side hustle
Here are the twelve best gig economy platforms you can use for extra income:
1. Prospa
Prospa is a gig economy platform built by Outsource Accelerator. It gives people the chance to explore wider job options for remote work. Meanwhile, it also helps companies worldwide find top Filipino talent.
2. Fiverr
Fiverr is one of the popular gig economy platforms for freelancers worldwide. It welcomes workers in digital marketing, graphic design, writing, translation, video, audio, and animation.
This gig economy platform also lists many jobs in IT, business, data, and lifestyle. So there is room for a wide range of skills.
3. Upwork
Upwork has long been a go-to platform for gig workers and employers around the globe. In fact, it holds one of the biggest networks of skilled pros.
Upwork supports both companies and individuals. Its fields include design, IT, sales, marketing, writing, translation, finance, and accounting.
4. appen
Appen is a gig economy platform for IT pros. It has partnered with big tech names like Microsoft, AWS, and Google Cloud.
Appen’s IT pros have offered AI-powered solutions for over twenty years. As a result, it serves clients in automotive, financial services, healthcare, government, and retail.
5. Crowdspring
Crowdspring is a gig economy platform built for creative pros, mainly designers. However, unlike most sites, it uses an auction model to match clients and talent.
On Crowdspring, companies post their projects and needs. Then designers submit their concepts for the job. According to the platform, it hosts many designers across nearly 200 countries.
6. Tongal
Tongal connects content creators with global brands. For example, brands like Sesame Street and Warner Bros can find top writers, directors, animators, and editors.
Tongal is one of the gig economy platforms used in many countries. In addition, it hosts a large community of independent creators.
7. Toptal
Toptal is an exclusive platform for skilled software developers, project managers, product managers, finance experts, and designers.
Leading companies trust it, such as Airbnb, Shopify, Duolingo, and Bridgestone. So the bar for talent stays high.
8. 99designs
99designs is another gig economy platform for graphic designers. It suits companies that want to build logos, identity, web design, app design, packaging, and labels.
The platform also has designers for advertising, illustration, art, clothing, and merchandise. Prices often range from $100 to $500 per project.
9. Freelancer
Freelancer is a gig economy platform open to many skilled pros. Employers can sort job posts and filter applicants by skill or location.
As for workers, you can search for projects in many languages. These include Portuguese, German, Spanish, French, and English.
10. Contently
Contently offers roles in content marketing. This gig economy platform is backed by years of marketing experience.
In addition, Contently claims strong content value ROI for its clients each year.
11. FreelanceDiary
FreelanceDiary comes with management and collaboration tools, such as time tracking, a calendar, and contact apps. So employers can view a freelancer’s calendar and send task invites that fit their time.
Employers can also hire whole teams of gig workers for one project. Then they can use the platform’s shared tools to keep work on track.
12. PeoplePerHour
Unlike other gig economy platforms, PeoplePerHour leans on new tech as an AI-powered gig site. So it helps pros in many fields connect with clients worldwide.
Its featured services include IT, writing, translation, digital marketing, design, and social media.
Frequently asked questions about gig economy platforms
What are gig economy platforms?
They are online sites that match freelancers and contractors with paid work. So workers find gigs, and businesses find help fast.
Which gig economy platform is best for beginners?
Fiverr and Upwork suit many beginners. They cover a wide range of skills, so new freelancers can start small and grow.
How do gig economy platforms make money?
Most take a service fee or commission on each project. Some also charge for premium plans or extra tools.
Are gig economy jobs a reliable income?
They can be, though income often varies. For that reason, many workers use more than one platform to keep work steady.
Do businesses benefit from gig economy platforms?
Yes. Businesses save on benefits and office costs. In addition, they can scale their team up or down as needs change.
Key takeaways
- Gig economy platforms link freelancers and clients for flexible, project-based work.
- Prospa, Fiverr, Upwork, Toptal, and others each serve different skills and fields.
- Workers gain flexible hours, varied jobs, and useful networking.
- Businesses gain lower costs and a fast, scalable way to hire.
- The best platform depends on your skills, field, and income goals.
Gig economy platforms: The future of gig economy
Tech keeps changing how businesses run and how people work. So the rise of gig economy platforms shows that people now value work-life balance.
The gig economy lets you choose the projects you take on. In addition, it lets you work at your own pace.
Technically, you still work for a client. Still, gig jobs give you the feel of being your own boss, since you run the work on your own.
Independent
