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Last updated: 10 October 2026 · Checked against each platform’s own site and GOV.UK on 10 October 2026. Rules, pay and who can join change often, so always check the platform’s own site before you sign up.
You can make money from your phone in the UK, but most ways to do it pay a little, not a lot. In this guide I’ll walk you through four popular ideas to make money from your phone UK style: apps that pay you to walk, TikTok, audiobook narration and getting paid to read books.
For each one I’ll tell you what the platform itself says about who can join and how you’re paid, the catches nobody mentions, and what to know about tax and scams. I’m Dr Kalpana Govindaraasan, a scientist and former secondary science teacher, a mum, and I’ve made my home in the UK. I’m not a financial adviser, so think of this as a friendly, well-researched starting point.
1. Make money from your phone UK: what to expect
Before we start, here’s the honest picture in one table. “Effort” is my own rough guide, not a promise of anything.
| Idea | How you’re rewarded | Effort | Realistic? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step apps (Sweatcoin, WeWard, Winwalk) | In-app coins or points for vouchers, gift cards, prize draws or small transfers | Low | Pennies to a few pounds. A nice bonus, not an income |
| Paid dog walking (Rover) | Cash for each booking, at prices you set | Medium to high | Real money, but it’s a proper service with responsibilities |
| TikTok | Creator rewards, TikTok Shop commission, brand deals, LIVE gifts | High | Possible for some, but you need a big, engaged audience first |
| Audiobook narration and voiceover | Per finished hour, royalty share or per job | High | A skilled job. Needs a quiet space, kit and practice |
| Paid book reviews | Free books, or a small fee per review | Medium | Some paid work for experienced reviewers. Many sites pay only in free books |
If you’d like quicker wins, my guides to receipt cashback apps, Swagbucks UK and supermarket mystery shopping are good companions to this one.
2. Apps that pay you to walk UK
Step apps track your steps and turn them into points. I love the idea of being “paid” for the school run, but let’s be really honest: these apps pay very little. They make their money from adverts, partner offers, premium upgrades and, in some cases, data. Think of them as a small reward for something you’re doing anyway.
2.1 Sweatcoin
Sweatcoin says that 1,000 verified steps convert to 1 sweatcoin, minus a 5% commission, so 10,000 steps a day earns you 9.5 sweatcoins. Its app filters out shakes and bumps, so not every step counts. Sweatcoins are a virtual currency you spend in the app’s own marketplace on things like gadgets, subscriptions and vouchers. Its own pages I checked don’t mention cash or PayPal withdrawals, so don’t download it expecting cash in your bank. The UK app also offers in-app purchases and premium upgrades, which you don’t need.
2.2 WeWard
WeWard rewards your steps with “Wards”. Its help centre says you can convert them into a bank transfer, gift cards, vouchers, prize draws or donations to causes. There’s no fixed exchange rate between Wards and pounds, and the amounts on offer vary by country. You have to wait 14 days of activity after signing up before your first transfer, and you’ll need to pass ID checks. Transfers usually take 2 to 5 days, but can take up to 15 working days. WeWard doesn’t publish a UK minimum, so check the “Convert” tab in the app to see what’s available to you.
2.3 Winwalk
Winwalk gives you 1 coin for every 100 steps, up to 100 coins a day (so it stops counting at 10,000 steps). On the UK Google Play store it says coins can be swapped for gift cards from Amazon, Tesco, Google Play and more. It doesn’t say how many coins a gift card costs on its website, so you’ll only find out inside the app. It also warns that using a VPN or more than one account can get you suspended.
2.4 The privacy trade-off
As a scientist, this is the bit I’d want you to think about most. Step apps want your movement, health and often location data. On the UK App Store, Sweatcoin and WeWard both list location and identifiers as data that may be “used to track you” across other companies’ apps and websites. Winwalk’s Google Play listing says it may share personal info with third parties. Sweatcoin does say it doesn’t sell your location data.
Before you sign up:
- Read the privacy section on the App Store or Google Play listing.
- Turn off location access if the app works without it, and say no to ad tracking.
- Skip paid “premium” upgrades. They can easily cost more than you’ll earn.
- Don’t let children use them without checking the age rules first.
2.5 Actually getting paid to walk: dog walking
If you want real money for walking, dog walking is the honest answer. Platforms like Rover let you set your own prices and schedule in the UK. Rover’s help centre says sitters take home 85% of each booking (so 15% goes to Rover), payments are available to withdraw two days after you finish, and you may have to pay a sign-up fee depending on where you live and the services you offer. Everyone has their identity checked.
It’s a genuine responsibility: you’re looking after someone’s much-loved pet, so think about insurance, the weather, and whether you can handle a strong dog. Local Facebook groups can also be a good place to find dog-walking clients. My post on selling in local Facebook groups shows how useful your local community can be.
3. How to make money on TikTok UK
TikTok has several ways to earn, but they nearly all need an audience first. Here’s what TikTok’s own pages say.
3.1 Creator Rewards Program
When TikTok launched the Creator Rewards Program in March 2024, it said you need to be:
- 18 or over
- have at least 10,000 followers
- have at least 100,000 video views in the last 30 days
- have a personal account in good standing, in a country where the programme is available
It only rewards videos that are over a minute long, and original, high-quality content. TikTok doesn’t publish a set rate per view, so I won’t give you one. To check whether you can join from the UK right now, open TikTok Studio in the app and look for Creator Rewards. If it is not there, check TikTok’s current eligibility and account-region rules rather than assuming every UK account has access.
3.2 TikTok Shop affiliate
With TikTok Shop, you can earn commission by featuring products in your videos or LIVEs and tagging them. TikTok Shop’s UK eligibility policy says you need to be 18 or over and have 500 followers, with an account registered in the UK and used from the UK. The commission rate is set product by product, so check it before you agree to promote anything. If you already sell on Vinted, you’ll find product photos and honest descriptions are skills that carry across.
3.3 Brand deals (and labelling them #ad)
Brands may pay you, or send you free products, to feature them. This is where the UK rules really matter. Government guidance for content creators (from the Competition and Markets Authority) says that payment, commission, free or discounted products, loans, affiliate links and discount codes all count. Whatever your follower count:
- Label the post clearly as “Ad” or #ad, upfront, where people see it straight away (for videos, at the start).
- You can use TikTok’s own branded content toggle, but add #ad if it isn’t clear.
- Avoid vague labels like #gifted, #aff, #affiliate, #collab, #spon, #sponsored or “thank you”.
- Only say things you can back up, and only claim you use a product if you really do.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) says the same for affiliate links: put “Ad” at the start, because the word “affiliate” on its own isn’t widely understood.
3.4 LIVE gifts
On TikTok LIVE, viewers can send you virtual gifts that turn into Diamonds, which you can exchange for money. TikTok says you must be 18 or over to host a LIVE and to send or receive gifts. It’s unpredictable, and TikTok takes a share, so treat it as a bonus rather than a plan.
3.5 Simple kit for filming
You don’t need much. Your phone’s camera is fine. A phone tripod (ad) keeps things steady, and a ring light (ad) helps on dark winter evenings. Good natural light by a window is free, though!
4. Audiobook narrator jobs UK and voiceover work
If people often tell you that you have a lovely voice, narration might appeal. It’s a real skill, though: you’re acting, reading accurately for hours and editing your own audio. It’s not something you’ll do in odd minutes on the bus, but you can find and manage the work from your phone.
4.1 ACX (Audible’s marketplace)
Good news: ACX is open to residents of the UK, as well as the US, Canada and Ireland. You’ll need a UK address, your tax reference number and a UK bank account. You make a profile, upload samples, and audition for books authors have listed.
ACX offers three ways to be paid:
- Per finished hour (PFH): you’re paid a fee for each hour of the finished audiobook once it’s done. You and the author agree the rate, and ACX doesn’t publish one.
- Royalty Share: no upfront fee. Instead, you and the author split the royalties equally. On exclusive titles, ACX says that’s 20% each under its legacy model or 25% each under its new model. You only earn if the book sells.
- Royalty Share Plus: a lower upfront fee plus a royalty share.
One really useful fact from ACX itself: one finished hour of audio typically takes 5 to 7 hours of actual work. Keep that in mind when you compare any rate.
4.2 Voices.com and Fiverr
For voiceover work like adverts, explainer videos and e-learning, there are freelance marketplaces:
- Voices.com: a free Guest profile lets you upload demos and receive private invitations. To be matched to jobs and reply to them, you need Premium, which costs $499 a year. It also takes a 20% platform fee from your quote. That’s a big outlay, so I’d only consider it once you have a strong demo and some experience.
- Fiverr: you set up “gigs” and clients come to you. Fiverr says freelancers get 80% of each cleared payment, money is held for 14 days, and you must be 18 or over.
You’ll also notice AI narration is growing. Spotify’s tools for authors now offer AI audiobook creation, for example. That makes careful, expressive human narration even more important to stand out.
4.3 Equipment you’ll need
- A quiet space. A wardrobe full of clothes is a classic home “booth” because soft things soak up echo.
- A decent microphone. A USB microphone (ad) is the simplest place to start.
- A pop filter to soften the “p” and “b” sounds: pop filter (ad).
- Headphones and free editing software such as Audacity.
ACX has a free Audio Lab tool that checks your files against its submission requirements, which is a great way to test your set-up before you audition. Don’t buy kit until you’ve recorded a few practice samples on your phone and know you enjoy it.
5. Get paid to read books UK
This is the dream for book lovers! The reality: paid review work exists, but most of it goes to people with reviewing experience, and many sites “pay” only in free books. Here’s what each site says. Most are US-based and pay in US dollars.
5.1 Sites that pay reviewers
- Reedsy Discovery: Reedsy says it pays freelance reviewers $50, $75 or $99 depending on the book’s word count, seven days after the review goes live. Its published requirements include at least three years of book-reviewing experience and a strong portfolio. You apply with your experience, genres and sample reviews.
- Kirkus Indie: Kirkus is recruiting experienced freelance book reviewers, location “anywhere”, for reviews of about 350 words due within two weeks. It doesn’t publish its pay.
- BookLife (Publishers Weekly): a job listing says it pays an honorarium of $25 to $75 per review of independent books. You send a CV and a sample review. Check the listing is still open before you apply.
- OnlineBookClub: you get free books in exchange for reviews. It says most payouts range from $5 to $60 per review, but only after your first approved review, and there’s “never any cost to you”.
5.2 Free books (no pay)
- Booksirens: free advance copies (ARCs) from publishers and authors in exchange for honest reviews. It’s free to join, and you don’t need a big social media following, but there’s no payment.
- BookBrowse: has a reviewer application and a “First Impressions” programme where members review books. It doesn’t state pay on its pages.
5.3 Beta reading and proofreading
Some authors pay “beta readers” to give feedback on a draft before it’s published. You can offer this as a gig on Fiverr. It’s more like freelance editing than relaxed reading: you’ll write detailed notes to a deadline. If you have a careful eye, my guide to transcription jobs in the UK covers another detail-focused way to earn.
5.4 Warning: never pay to read
Be very wary of any “get paid to read books” site that asks for a joining fee, a “membership” or a “starter pack”. Genuine review sites are free to join. If a site promises big money for reading, that’s a red flag.
6. Do you pay tax on money you make from your phone?
Earnings from dog walking, TikTok, narration and paid reviews usually count as self-employed (trading) income. The £1,000 trading allowance usually exempts eligible gross trading income of up to £1,000 in the 2026/27 tax year. Exceptions apply, and above the threshold you normally choose the allowance or actual expenses rather than both. That £1,000 covers all your side hustles added together, and it’s based on what you earn before costs.
If your total goes over £1,000, you need to register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the tax year ends. For 2026/27 (which ends on 5 April 2027), that’s 5 October 2027. Free products from brands can count too, so keep a note of them. Platforms like Fiverr and TikTok Shop may also report what you earn to HMRC under the digital platform reporting rules.
What about points and vouchers from step apps? The tax treatment of small app rewards isn’t clear-cut, so if you’re unsure, check with HMRC.
My side hustle tax guide explains the trading allowance step by step, my side hustle tax calculator gives you a quick estimate, and if you’re ready to go official, see how to register as a sole trader.
7. Scams to watch out for
Phone side hustles attract scammers. Watch for:
- Pay-to-join schemes: “join our reading club for £29.99” or “buy the starter kit”. Genuine platforms are free to join (with a few clearly published optional upgrades).
- Fake brand-deal DMs: messages offering a “collaboration” that ask you to pay for products, shipping or a “verification fee”, or send you to a dodgy login page. Real brands don’t ask you to pay them.
- Fake job ads: “earn £300 a day liking videos” or “get paid to read” jobs offered on WhatsApp or Telegram, especially ones asking you to deposit money to unlock “tasks”.
- Requests for your bank details or login: no genuine platform needs your online banking password.
Only sign up through the official app store or the platform’s own website. If you’ve been scammed, call your bank straight away and report it to Report Fraud (which replaced Action Fraud on 4 December 2025) at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.
Make money from your phone UK: FAQs
Which apps pay you to walk in the UK?
Sweatcoin, WeWard and Winwalk are all on the UK app stores. They reward steps with points for vouchers, gift cards or small transfers, and pay very little. Paid dog walking through a platform like Rover is the way to earn real money from walking.
How many followers do you need to make money on TikTok UK?
TikTok Shop UK says you need 500 followers (and to be 18+). TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program asked for 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in the last 30 days when it launched. Check TikTok Studio to see what you can join.
Can I be an audiobook narrator from the UK?
Yes. ACX is open to UK residents. You need a UK tax reference number and bank account, a good recording set-up and lots of practice.
Can you really get paid to read books in the UK?
Yes, but it’s mostly small fees for written reviews, and the higher-paying sites want experienced reviewers. Many sites give free books only. Never pay to join.
Do I have to pay tax on side hustle money from apps?
If your total self-employed income from all side hustles is over £1,000 in a tax year, register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the tax year. For small step-app rewards, check with HMRC if you’re unsure.
Make money from your phone UK: summary
- Step apps are fine for small rewards, but they pay very little and want your data. Check privacy settings.
- Dog walking is the real “paid to walk” option, with real responsibilities.
- TikTok earnings need an audience. Always label ads clearly as #ad.
- Narration is a skilled job. ACX is open to UK residents, and one finished hour can take 5 to 7 hours of work.
- Paid book reviewing exists, but pay is modest and many sites pay only in free books.
- Over £1,000 from all side hustles? Register for Self Assessment by 5 October.
- Never pay to join, and report scams to Report Fraud.
Want to make the most of whatever extra you earn? Grab my free 7-Day Financial Reset Kit. And for more ideas, browse everything in my make money section.
Sources and useful links
- Sweatcoin: How many steps does it take to earn 1 sweatcoin?
- WeWard help centre: converting Wards (French)
- Winwalk
- Rover UK: What are the service fees?
- TikTok Newsroom: Introducing the Creator Rewards Program
- TikTok Shop UK: Creator e-commerce eligibility policy
- TikTok Newsroom: Updating our gifting policies
- GOV.UK: Social media endorsements, guidance for content creators
- ASA: Affiliate marketing
- ACX: Create an ACX profile
- ACX: How royalties work
- Voices.com: Talent memberships
- Fiverr: How Fiverr works for freelancers
- Reedsy Discovery: Book reviewer jobs
- Kirkus: Careers
- OnlineBookClub: Free books for reviews
- Booksirens: Become a book reviewer
- GOV.UK: Tax-free allowances on property and trading income
- GOV.UK: Register for Self Assessment
- GOV.UK: Report Fraud, a new service from City of London Police
This is general information, not personal financial or tax advice. I’m not connected with any of the platforms mentioned, apart from the Amazon links marked (ad). Pay rates are in US dollars where stated, were taken from each platform’s own site on 10 October 2026, and can change at any time.
About the author: Dr Kalpana Govindaraasan is a UK mum, PhD materials scientist and former secondary science teacher. MoneySavvyUK shares practical ideas and general information with sources readers can check.
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