The idea of commuting into an office underwent a necessary reversal during Covid – now for many people working exclusively online appears to be the norm, and they are cashing in
Brits are making as much as £4,000 a month from working online, according to new research.
From TikTok influencers and podcast hosts to people selling second-hand clothes on Vinted, millions are earning serious money without ever stepping into an office. The survey from mobile and broadband provider giffgaff reveals a fast-growing “broadband economy”, with digital careers now contributing an estimated £15 billion to UK finances.
For many digital work is not a full-time job with 60% saying it supplements their main job. However, 44% claim it has reduced their reliance on traditional employment. The highest earners are 25 to 44-year-olds who have a top monthly average wage of £4,113.501. However, there is a significant gender divide with men earning 58% more than women.
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The ways people are making money online are also increasingly diverse. More than half of those polled (53%) sell physical products on marketplaces such as Etsy, eBay and Vinted.
Other areas for earnings are digital content creation (32%), selling digital products e.g. ebooks, courses and greeting cards (21%) and teaching online (15%). Of course, AI is playing a role with some cashing in on making “how to use AI” guides using ChatGPT (13%).
The research shows a significant change in attitudes towards work itself. Over a third (38%) of UK adults say they would prefer to earn online rather than through traditional employment. Of that 38% who would prefer online, 31% plan to do so within the next five years.
Lack of digital skills (38%), confidence or experience (38%), training support (27%), and awareness of opportunities (32%) top the list as the biggest barriers, suggesting people’s ambition is outpacing access and guidance.
The other difficulty is your connection and its cost. As many as 73% say reliable, fair-value broadband plays a role in maintaining an online income stream, underlining the importance of strong digital infrastructure in supporting our shift to earning money online.
Kate Dohaney, CEO of giffgaff, said: “Digital and creator-led work is an increasingly vital career space, with our data showing these roles contribute £15 billion to the UK economy. From podcasters, gamers and creators to online sellers, digital earners are making more than the UK average salary. However, millions of people still face barriers to fair-value connectivity, limiting their ability to participate in the creator economy and wider digital opportunities.
At giffgaff, we are working consistently with our partners to improve our network and reach to ensure fair access for all. We believe reliable, high-quality broadband is the essential foundation for this growing workforce. Through initiatives like Broadband Boss Academy, we’re providing the practical tools and connectivity people need to turn digital ambition into long-term opportunity.”
In response to the research, mobile and broadband provider giffgaff is opening the UK’s first Broadband Boss Academy on May 19 in Liverpool, an exclusive creator-led one-off event designed to help people turn digital ambition into real income.
The event will bring together aspiring creators with established digital earners for practical insight, mentorship and real-world guidance on building online careers.
Speakers include DJ AG, who has turned TikTok live streaming into the equivalent of a full-time annual salary each month – and has performed with artists including Stormzy, Ed Sheeran and Central Cee.
Lucy Bowes, who has generated £4m in income using her iPad, and PieFace, who has built a big audience through gaming content will also be appearing.
One attendee will even receive a £1,000 grant from giffgaff to fuel their online career – those interested should check Eventbrite to find out more.
