Fiverr is an online marketplace for freelance services established in 2010, and has been ranked in the top 200 websites in the world since 2013. There are over 500 categories of services offered on Fiverr, but some of the most popular include video-game training, writing, video editing, image editing, artwork, and graphic design. Draws provides custom graphic design and artwork for customers interested in social media careers. This includes YouTube, TikTok and Twitch graphics. His professional work has garnered a good reputation on the platform.

“People want to work on their own terms, especially millennials and GenZ. They want to work when they want to and where they want to. They want to work on things they’re passionate about and that peak their curiosity,” said Fiverr representative Sveva Boecca.

The potential Fiverr holds for young adults and teenagers as a way to begin an entrepreneurial career at as early as 13 years old is incredible. With no training and no certifications, a teenager can use raw talent and passion not only to begin on the platform but also to thrive on it.

“Fiverr pioneered a Service as a Product model (SaaP) making buying a digital service as easy and transparent as buying a product on Amazon,” said Boecca

Compared to other freelance services, Fiverr uses a unique system called gigs (like a store). Within each gig there is a series of sections including packages, reviews and portfolio which all assist the maker and customers in getting exactly what they need.

In each gig is the Portfolio section. The portfolio features a series of videos or pictures related to the gig. While the user can personally curate a few of them, the majority of the portfolio will be automatically added to show orders the seller has completed on the site.

Most Fiverr gigs list three packages at varying price points, essentially good, better, and best. For example, while my gig’s first and second package both offer streaming graphics, the first one comes with noticeably basic animation while the second is more advanced.

Finally, the review section allows for new customers to see a seller’s reputation, and get a feel for whether their previous customers have been satisfied.

Fiverr allows for a minimum price of $5 to a maximum of $995. However, they do take a 20% cut of the profit. Depending on the seller’s prices, Fiverr can be a hassle to develop into a livable salary, however, it is possible and being a teenager that likely doesn’t have to worry about monthly life expenses allows a seller to work toward this goal with far less risk.

While to some Fiverr might sound like a dream job, it has difficulties, too. Fiverr, like social media such as Tiktok or Instagram, uses an advanced algorithm to recommend certain gigs in each search and category. While these algorithms are what allow people to grow and become successful sellers, those who fail to recognize and adapt to the algorithm are very easily left with zero orders or gig traffic. Overcoming this requires the seller to make their service unique and to put work into advertising and marketing.

“You need to beat the algorithm to appear on the top. If you can’t, you are dead,” Draws said.

The seller does not need any form of license to sell on Fiverr, and can do so just by making an account, however, they are required to fill out a W-9 tax form using some of their personal information. According to the Fiverr Help and Education Center, they do not need to pay taxes on their Fiverr income unless they earn at least $20,000 in a single calendar year and have at least 200 separate orders, otherwise, the W-9 form goes unused.

“We have successful stories of teenagers selling on the platform. For example Harry Edwards, based in Australia, who raked in $100,000 in 2020 by selling his video editing skills on Fiverr,” Boecca said.

While the downsides can be discouraging, it is important to note that the system is proven to be beatable and those willing to work hard like Edwards can absolutely become successful making money all with their own passionate work.

“In the end, Fiverr got me exactly what I wanted,” said experienced Fiverr seller Devin Balfour.