Top 10 Gig Platforms Reshaping Entertainment Industry in USA, Australia, UK, etc
Finding work in entertainment involves endless networking and competing for a few opportunities. Gig platforms are changing this by providing access to global clients and steady income.
As a video editor, a musician, or even a designer, you can immediately approach your client. Large entertainment firms and independent creators scout for the best talents on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. By joining these platforms, you can provide services of your choice.
Read this article to find out the 10 best gig platforms where entertainers are making real money.
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[1] 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[2]. 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[3] (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[4] - 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[5] 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[6] 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[7]. 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[8] 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 is where freelancers offer clients distinct services or "gigs" worldwide. These gig platforms connect businesses requiring project-based work and skilled professionals.
The projects include freelance website content writing jobs and video production. The most popular examples are Upwork and Fiverr, where each transaction is handled safely.
2. What is gig full form?
Gig doesn't have a full form - it's actually used as an origin for musicians. They use the term for performance engagements.
Currently, online gig platforms mean any short-term project-based work freelancers undertake. Over time, the term has come to represent flexible, independent work arrangements.
3. What are gig apps?
Gig apps are mobile apps that allow you to explore and manage freelance work gigs. You can browse jobs on the web, submit proposals, and communicate with clients. You can even receive payments from these mobile apps. Some common examples are the Upwork mobile app and Fiverr's app.
4. What is a gig job example?
Gig job examples include freelance website content writing jobs or graphic designing. Other gigs could include making logos, video editing, or managing other's social media accounts. Platforms for gig marketplaces allow many such projects to be handled simultaneously.
Industries
Growth
Operations
Technology