Ever find yourself scrolling through TikTok, seeing someone totally blow up, and thinking, “I have ideas like that, but… you know… for reading?” If you’ve got a passion—whether it’s for rare sneakers, baking, book reviews, or sharing your art—a blog is your personal corner of the internet to build a community and maybe even make some money online. But wait a moment. The second you Google “how to start,” you’re hit with a million choices. WordPress, Blogger, Wix, Ghost… it’s enough to make you shut your laptop and give up. But don’t! I was shocked myself at how complicated it all seemed at first. This isn’t some boring lecture. This is your ultimate guide to the best platforms to start a blog as a teen in 2025. We’ll break down the real tea on what’s free, what’s easy, and what will actually help you get noticed. We’re going to cover everything from the absolute basics for beginners to the power moves for when you’re ready to level up your blog into a serious project. Let’s get into it!
Before You Pick: 3 Crucial Things to Know
Hold up! Before you bounce onto a platform, you want a sport plan. Seriously, thinking about these three matters for ten minutes will prevent HOURS of frustration later. Think of it as your pre-sport warm-up. Don’t skip this part; it’s the muse for the whole lot else you’re about to build. A little bit of prep now will assist you pick out the precise home to your new blog.
1. What’s Your Vibe? (Your Niche)
What are you going to blog about? This is your “niche.” And no, it doesn’t have to be super narrow like “18th-century left-handed teacups.” But it needs to be something. Are you the go-to friend for fashion advice? Do you spend your weekends coding or gaming? Maybe you write amazing short stories. Your niche is your topic, your passion, your thing. When you pick a niche you genuinely love, writing content won’t feel like homework. It’ll be fun, and your readers will feel that energy. This is your chance to make your own business as a teen based on what you already enjoy.
2. What’s the Goal? (Hobby vs. Hustle)
Get actual with yourself for a 2d. Why are you starting this weblog? Is it only for amusing, a digital diary to share with buddies? Or are you secretly dreaming of it becoming a facet hustle? There’s no wrong answer! But your goal will absolutely exchange which platform is right for you. If it is only a interest, a loose and simple platform is perfect. But in case you need to make cash, you may need a platform that gives you the freedom to run ads or promote products down the road. We’ll explore the best blogging platforms for both paths.
3. What’s Your Blog’s Name and Look?
This is the fun component! What’s your weblog’s name? Try to make it catchy and associated with your area of interest. Think approximately the cultured. Is it going to be dark and moody, or bright and bubbly? You do not want to be a seasoned picture clothier. I mean, have you ever visible the “Canva” memes on TikTok? That app is your high-quality pal for developing a easy logo and graphics without cost. Having a clear idea of your logo’s appearance and feel will assist you pick out a platform that helps you to bring that imaginative and prescient to life.
Platforms to start a blog for beginners
If you’re just dipping your toes into the blogging world, you want something that’s easy, fast, and won’t make you want to throw your computer out the window. The goal here is to get your ideas online with as little technical drama as possible. These beginner-friendly platforms to start a blog are designed to get you from zero to published in under an hour. No coding, no stress—just you and your ideas.
Blogger: The Super Simple Starter Pack
Think of Blogger as the OG of blogging platforms. It’s owned by Google, it’s 100% free, and it’s incredibly straightforward. You can literally have a blog up and running in less than 15 minutes. It’s a fantastic choice if you just want to write and share your thoughts without getting bogged down in a ton of features. It’s a solid, no-frills option to just… start. You won’t have endless design choices, but you also won’t have endless confusion.
WordPress.com (The Free Plan)
Okay, this is where it gets a little confusing, so listen up. There are two WordPresses (more on that later). WordPress.com is the commercial version that offers a free plan. It’s a step up from Blogger in terms of features and design options, but it’s still very beginner-friendly. The free plan is great for getting a feel for the platform, but it comes with limitations—like you can’t install certain plugins or run your own ads, and your domain will have “wordpress” in it (e.g., yourcoolblog.wordpress.com). Still, it’s a powerful and popular place to begin your journey.
Best free blogging platform
Let’s be real, “free” is a magic word, especially when you’re a teen. The good news is that there are some amazing free platforms to start a blog that are perfect for when you’re starting out. These platforms let you test the waters, find your voice, and build an audience without spending a dime. Just be aware of the trade-offs, which usually involve less control and the platform placing their own ads on your site.
A Deeper Look at Blogger
As we mentioned, Blogger is the king of simplicity. It’s owned by Google, so connecting it to things like Google Analytics is super easy. You get a free blogspot.com domain, and there are a handful of basic templates to get you started. The best part? It’s completely free, forever. It’s a great choice if your main goal is writing and you’re not too worried about having a super custom design or advanced money-making features.
Wix and Weebly (Free Plans)
Wix and Weebly are known as “website builders” that also have great blogging features. They use a drag-and-drop editor, which means you can visually design your site exactly how you want it. It’s like playing a game! The free plans are pretty generous, but they will place their own branding on your site and your domain name will include their name (e.g., username.wixsite.com/yoursite). If you’re a visual person who wants more design control than Blogger offers, these are awesome free options.
Best platforms to start a blog
Okay, you’ve seen the beginner and free options. Now let’s talk about the best overall platforms to start a blog. This is about finding the right balance of power, flexibility, and ease of use. These platforms might have a bit of a learning curve or a small cost, but they give you the room to grow your blog into something truly special and professional. Think of this as choosing your forever home on the internet.
Choosing the right platform is a big deal! It’s like picking your main character in a video game—it affects your entire journey. To make it easier, here’s a quick comparison of the top contenders. Remember, “best” is subjective; the best platform for a future online store owner is different from the best one for a poet. Check out this table to see how they stack up.
| Platform | Best For | Cost | Ease of Use | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress.org | Serious bloggers, making money | $3-$15/month (for hosting) | Moderate (some learning) | Excellent (full control) |
| WordPress.com | Beginners, hobbyists | Free, with paid plans | Very Easy | Limited (on cheaper plans) |
| Wix | Visual design lovers, small businesses | Free, with paid plans | Very Easy | Good (on paid plans) |
| Blogger | Ultra-beginners, simple journals | 100% Free | Easiest | Okay (AdSense integration) |
Self-Hosted WordPress.org: The Pro Choice
This is the king. When you hear about people making a full-time income from blogging, they’re almost always using self-hosted WordPress.org. Here’s the deal: the software itself is free, but you have to pay for “hosting” (which is like renting space on the internet for your blog to live). It costs a few dollars a month. The trade-off? You have 100% control. You can use any theme, install any plugin, and monetize it any way you want. It has a steeper learning curve, but the freedom it offers is unmatched. This is the platform you grow into. Thinking about this option is a great first step if you want to start making money seriously.
Free platforms to start a blog
We’ve touched on this, but let’s be crystal clear about the best free options because they are awesome starting points. Choosing from the free platforms to start a blog is all about understanding what you get and what you give up. You get a platform to publish your thoughts immediately without opening your wallet. You give up a custom domain name (like yourname.com) and some control over ads and advanced features. For many new teen bloggers, this is a perfect trade-off. Start here, see if you love it, and you can always move to a paid platform later.
Best blogging platform to make money
Okay, let’s talk about the money. Maybe you want your blog to fund your gaming habit, your thrift store hauls, or even help you save for a car. This is totally possible! But you need to be strategic and choose the best blogging platform to make money from day one (or at least have the option to). This is where your platform choice becomes really important.
Why Self-Hosted WordPress.org is the Winner
If making money is a primary goal, self-hosted WordPress.org is the undisputed champion. Why? One word: Freedom. On WordPress.org, YOU are the boss. You can place affiliate links (where you earn a commission for recommending products), run your own ads through networks like Google AdSense (once you’re 18 or with a parent’s help), sell your own digital products like ebooks or guides, and even add a full e-commerce store. Other platforms limit what you can do, especially on their free or cheaper plans. With self-hosted WordPress, the only limit is your own hustle.
Can you really make $1000 a month blogging?
This is the million-dollar question, or… well, the thousand-dollar question. And the answer is YES, people absolutely do. But let’s manage expectations. It’s not going to happen overnight. That influencer you see with a perfect blog and tons of brand deals has likely been working on it for years. Your first goal shouldn’t be $1000; it should be making your first $1. Seriously! That first dollar from an affiliate sale or an ad click is the most exciting one. It proves the concept. From there, you can learn, grow, and scale. For teens, a more realistic goal might be to earn your first $100. It’s a great way to learn about business and find some freelance work for teens through your writing.
Staying Safe and Legal as a Teen Blogger
This is the MOST important section. For real. Being online is fun, but you have to be smart and safe. Your blog is public, which means the whole world can see it. As a teen, there are a few extra steps you need to take to protect yourself and stay on the right side of the rules. Let’s not make this boring, but please read this carefully.
The Parent Talk
I know, I know. But you have to talk to your parents or a trusted guardian before you start a blog. First, many platforms and especially money-related tools (like PayPal or ad networks) require you to be 18. Your parents can help you set up accounts legally. Second, it’s a safety issue. They can help you navigate the tricky parts of being online. Frame it as a business proposal—show them your plan and how you’re going to be responsible. It’s great practice for when you want to create your own LLC as a teen later on.
Your Digital Footprint
Think before you post. A good rule is to not publish anything you wouldn’t want your grandma or a future college admissions officer to see. Avoid using your full name, your school, or your exact location. You can use a nickname or just your first name. Be careful with photos! Make sure there’s nothing in the background that gives away your personal information. Your online safety is priority number one, always.
The Money and Legal Stuff
If you start making money—awesome! But guess what? The government wants to know about it. This is where your parents are essential. Any money you earn needs to be reported. It can seem complicated, but it’s a crucial part of learning how to run a real project. Your parents can help you keep track of your earnings and figure out the tax situation. This is real-world experience that’s way more valuable than anything you’ll learn in a textbook.
Conclusion
Whew, that was a lot! But now you have the complete playbook on platforms to start a blog. You know the difference between hobby platforms like Blogger and money-making powerhouses like self-hosted WordPress.org. You know that starting with a free platform is a totally smart move to find your voice and that safety always comes first. The most important thing? Just start. Pick a platform today—even a free one—and write your first post. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Your first post is supposed to be a little cringe to look back on! That’s how you know you’ve grown.
What are you waiting for? Your corner of the internet is waiting for you. Go claim it! And when you do, drop a link in the comments below. I’d love to see what you create. For more ideas on how to grow your online presence, check out our guides on freelance writing for teens.
Stay Updated! The online world changes fast. Bookmark this page and check back, as we’ll be updating it with new platforms and tips throughout 2025!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best platform to start a blog?
The best platform depends on your goals. For beginners who want simplicity and no cost, Blogger is fantastic. For those who want total control and the best potential to make money, self-hosted WordPress.org is the undisputed winner. If design is your top priority and you want an easy-to-use editor, platforms like Wix or Squarespace are excellent choices. Evaluate your needs for customization, monetization, and ease of use before choosing.
2. Can you make $1000 a month blogging?
Yes, it’s definitely possible to make $1000 a month or even more from blogging, but it requires dedication and time. Success comes from consistently creating valuable content, building an audience, and implementing monetization strategies like affiliate marketing, ads, or selling your own products. It is not a get-rich-quick scheme; think of it as building a small business that can grow significantly over a period of several months or years.
3. Which blog is best for beginners?
For absolute beginners, Blogger or the free plan on WordPress.com are the best starting points. They require almost no technical skill and allow you to have a blog online in minutes for free. These platforms let you focus entirely on learning how to write and create content without the overwhelm of managing hosting or complex design settings. Wix is also a great visual option for beginners.
4. What is the best site to start a blog for free?
Blogger is arguably the best all-around site to start a blog for free because it’s completely free forever and very simple to use. WordPress.com’s free plan is another top contender, offering more features and a more modern interface. For writers who want to be part of a community and get discovered easily, Medium is also an excellent free platform to consider, though it offers less customization.
