Top 10 Gig Platforms to Earn More Money On The Side (2025)

₹15,000 or ₹1,50,000?

The difference between these monthly earnings isn't talent. It's picking the right gig platform for your skills.

The gig workforce in India reached a total of 12 million workers by 2024. However, with the number of options in the market, which is the right gig platform for your monthly projects?

Whether you code, write, or design - this guide maps your fastest path to consistent income with these top ten gig platforms.

Why is it called the gig economy?

The word has historically been used by musicians and singers who have "gigs" with a specific band or venue for a certain period of time. Jazz musicians in the 1920s coined this term for their one-night performances.

Today, it represents any short-term, project-based work across industries - from coding to driving to content creation.

What is a gig platform?

A gig platform is a digital marketplace that connects independent workers with businesses or individuals needing specific tasks completed.

These platforms handle payments, provide ratings systems, and streamline the matching process between supply and demand.

1. Upwork: Connecting Creative Professionals with Global Opportunities

Upwork is one of the largest online gig platforms. Upwork provides dedicated video editing, scriptwriting, and podcast creation projects for people looking for jobs. Film studios also post projects ranging from quick edits to full features.

Netflix and HBO productions hire their editors and sound designers on Upwork. The competition will be rough at first, so start with small projects.

• Payment Structure and Fees

Fees start at 10% of your earnings for new clients. Later, it falls to 10% when you earn $500 and to 5% after $10,000 with the same client. Upwork lets you earn more money as you develop lasting relationships with your clients.

2. Fiverr: Marketplace for Freelance Services in Entertainment

Selling on Fiverr makes entertaining services more accessible. You can pack your skills into gigs at a minimum of $5 and a maximum of $10,000 with a premium.

Fiverr works well for voice actors, music composers, video editors, and animators. Big YouTube channels and indie studios hire through Fiverr.

The platform prioritises people with great delivery speed and good reviews. So, not every project pays much, but the number of clients makes up for it.

• Payment Structure and Fees

Fiverr takes 20% of what you earn. So, for a $100 gig, you get $80 14 days after you complete the project.

3. Toptal: Exclusive Network for Best Creative Talent

Toptal stands out as it only invites the best 3% creative talent. You must screen through a process involving portfolio reviews and test projects.

Toptal focuses on high-end productions. You can also work with Fortune 500 companies and significant entertainment brands.

Game corporations like Ubisoft outsource their work on Toptal. Most companies require you to spend at least 10 hours weekly. You need to be highly experienced to get it, but the payoff is worth it.

• Payment Structure and Fees

Toptal has no publicised fee structure. They handle all payment-related and negotiation affairs with clients. You determine your fee, and you get paid every time.

4. Freelancer: Multiple Opportunities for Artists and Creators

Freelancer.com uses a bidding system where you need to compete with other makers to bid on projects.

Freelancer provides jobs in 3D animation, video production, music composition, and more. The portal is best for milestone projects, like making music videos or developing character animatics for video games.

TV commercials, indie films, and game developers often publish projects here. You can start working immediately with no strict entry requirements. However, you will have to spend a lot of time writing proposals and facing global talent.

• Payment Structure and Fees

They charge 10% or $5 (whichever is higher) on fixed-price projects. For the hourly projects, it is 10% of what you make. You can also pay $10 monthly for their premium membership and get more bids and project visibility.

5. SoundBetter: Revolutionizing the Music Production Gig Economy

SoundBetter is a music-only platform where even Grammy nominators work alongside serious music projects.

The platform has categories like mixing engineers, singers, composers, and producers. Each job listing is very specific - like "need a jazz bassist for 3 tracks" or "looking for mixing engineer for an EP."

Considering the quality of the talent pool, it often takes time to get attention. Maintain a good portfolio, mentioning the best of your experiences.

• Payment Structure and Fees

They take a 5% commission from artists and producers- much lower than other gig platforms. Plus, you keep 100% of your repeat business with the same clients.

6. PeoplePerHour: Flexible Freelancing for the Entertainment Sector

PeoplePerHour dominates the UK and European entertainment scene. It attracts clients from BBC, ITV, and major European production houses. The platform gives you full flexibility in creating fixed-price offers or bids on custom projects.

PeoplePerHour covers animation, video production, and podcast editing. Bilingual creators have an edge because European clients often post projects in multiple languages.

The platform is good for targeting UK/EU clients, with timezone-friendly work and local payment options. But you'll need to handle your own tax arrangements for cross-border payments.

• Payment Structure and Fees

The fee structure starts at 20% for your first £500 with each client. It then drops to 7.5% for earnings between £500-£5,000 and settles at 3.5%. They pay every week once your balance hits £25.

7. GigSalad: Connecting Event Planners with Performers and Vendors

GigSalad connects live performers directly with event planners and venues. Bands, comedians, magicians, and DJs book corporate events and weddings to earn $250-$5,000 per gig.

You create a profile showcasing your performance style, sample videos, and rates. Clients can either book you instantly or send custom event requests.

Local venues, wedding planners, and corporate event managers rely on GigSalad for talent. The platform's location-based search helps you find gigs in your area, which is perfect for building a local following. Last-minute cancellations can happen, so having backup dates is crucial.

• Payment Structure and Fees

You choose between two membership levels: free with a 5% booking fee or a $40 monthly 'Pro' membership with a 2.5% fee. All payments go through their secure system, protecting both performers and clients.

8. 99designs: Creative Platform for Graphic Designers and Visual Artists

99designs has a contest-based system for entertainment design work. Instead of bidding on projects, you compete by submitting actual designs.

Entertainment designers focus on album covers, movie posters, and YouTube thumbnails. The platform sorts contests by skill level, from entry-level to expert. You can also get hired directly by clients who like your contest entries.

Record labels and indie filmmakers regularly run design contests here. You can start a direct client relationship through contest participation. However, uploading unpaid work is risky if your designs aren't chosen.

• Payment Structure and Fees

They take a 5% commission on direct client work. Contest fees vary by prize amount, and winners are paid within 24 hours of client approval.

9. TaskRabbit: Helping with Entertainment Setup and Event Logistics

TaskRabbit lets you set your hourly rates ($25-$75) for jobs like event setup, camera operation, lighting installation, and more.

You get to work on physical, on-location tasks, unlike other platforms. Clients book you based on your availability, location, and skillset.

Local theatres, event venues, and production companies regularly book skilled Taskers for their shows. While last-minute cancellations can happen, the hourly rates often beat traditional crew work.

• Payment Structure and Fees

The platform charges a 15% service fee on each task plus a one-time $25 registration fee. You keep all tips, and clients can hire you directly for future work without extra platform fees.

10. Thumbtack: Local Gig Marketplace for Creative Professionals

Thumbtack matches local entertainment professionals with clients focusing on events and performances. The platform covers live entertainment categories like DJs, photographers, and videographers. Corporate events and wedding planners frequently book through Thumbtack.

The platform's local focus means less competition than global sites, and you build a strong local client base. However, you'll need to handle your payment processing and contracts.

• Payment Structure and Fees

Their fee system is pay-per-lead, with costs varying for each client contact. You only pay when you reach out to clients, not when they contact you. The platform handles initial contact, but you manage all payment arrangements directly with clients.

How GrowthJockey Can Help You Leverage Gig Platforms for Entertainment Growth

GrowthJockey specialises in entertainment industry growth. We guide you through the gig economy to make you earn money effectively. We know exactly which platform best matches your skills and career objectives in entertainment.

Our team analyses each site's strengths, allowing you to avoid costly trial and error. We've been guiding videographers, musicians, and producers in creating successful careers across the platforms.

Contact GrowthJockey today to optimise your profile and strategically price your services to stand out in a competitive market. Let's create your personalised platform strategy and earn you on the right gig platforms.

FAQs on Gig Platforms

1. What is a gig platform?
A gig platform connects freelancers with clients needing project-based work such as content writing, video editing, or design. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr enable businesses to hire skilled professionals globally and manage transactions securely.

2. What is the full form and meaning of 'gig'?
'Gig' has no full form - it originated from musicians referring to performance engagements. Today, it represents short-term, project-based freelance work and flexible, independent employment.

3. What are gig apps and how do they work?
Gig apps let freelancers find, manage, and get paid for gigs on mobile. They offer job browsing, proposal submission, client chats, and secure payments. Examples include Upwork and Fiverr’s mobile apps.

4. What are some examples of gig jobs?
Examples include freelance writing, graphic design, video editing, logo creation, and social media management. Gig platforms allow professionals to handle multiple such projects simultaneously.

5. How big is the gig economy in India and what’s its future?
India has over 800 gig platforms and 12 million gig workers (as of 2024). The workforce is expected to reach 23.5 million by 2030, contributing about 1.25% to India’s GDP, with platforms like Urban Company, Zomato, and Ola leading in different sectors.