Around 22 million teenagers aged 13 to 17 earn pocket money through digital work this summer, according to a recent whitepaper from Cash App, owned by fintech company Block. These earnings come from part-time, informal, or digital jobs, with about 10% of teens livestreaming video games, 16% involved in online reselling, and another 10% earning via in-game platforms like Roblox, Fortune.com reported.
The whitepaper highlights that Gen Alpha, the youngest generation of workers, is leveraging their hobbies to generate income through multiple streams. Unlike previous generations whose first income often came from traditional jobs, many teenagers today start earning through non-traditional digital activities considered recreational in the past. This shift reflects changing aspirations as younger teens focus on digital careers influenced by platforms like YouTube and online gaming.
This trend underscores a broader transformation in youth employment, where digital platforms are becoming primary sources of income. The rise of online reselling, livestreaming, and in-game economies offers new opportunities for teenagers to engage in entrepreneurial activities early. The whitepaper suggests that these experiences prepare teens to be 'modern earners' who enter the economy well before formal employment, reshaping how young people view work and income generation.
The whitepaper from Cash App was released in early June 2026, providing detailed insights into how Gen Alpha is redefining income generation through digital means, marking a notable shift in youth employment patterns.