99designs by Vista
99designs, part of Vista, is an on-demand graphic design marketplace that connects businesses with freelance designers through two models: design contests where multiple designers submit concepts, and one-to-one direct hire with a chosen designer. Categories include logos, branding, web and app design, packaging, and more. Designers build profiles and compete for projects or are matched directly with clients.
Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex is Amazon's delivery program in which independent contractors use their own vehicles to deliver packages in pre-scheduled time blocks, typically three to five hours. Drivers reserve blocks in the Amazon Flex app, pick up routes from delivery stations or stores, and know the block pay before starting. Requirements include being 21 or older, a four-door midsize or larger vehicle, a valid license, insurance, and a bank account.
Andela
Andela is a talent network that connects vetted software engineers and technologists with companies on contract and staff-augmentation engagements. Its network spans a large global pool of technologists across many countries, with a low reported acceptance rate. The company has added AI-focused upskilling programs for its talent pool.
Arc.dev
Arc is a remote-hiring marketplace that connects companies with freelance and full-time software developers, designers, and marketers who pass a multi-stage vetting process. Clients share their goals and budget and are matched with pre-screened candidates rather than browsing open bids. The platform supports both contract freelance engagements and permanent placements.
Behance
Behance is a creative portfolio platform owned by Adobe where designers, photographers, illustrators and other creatives publish project galleries and discover work. It includes a hiring section with freelance proposals and a creative job listing board. Accounts integrate with Adobe Portfolio and Creative Cloud.
Braintrust
Braintrust is a talent network that connects freelance technologists, including developers and designers, with enterprise and startup clients. The network is community-owned via a blockchain token (BTRST), and the platform states freelancers keep 100% of their pay with no platform fee taken from talent earnings. It is used by a range of large enterprise clients.
Catalant
Catalant is an expert marketplace that connects enterprises with independent management consultants and subject-matter experts for project-based work. Its network includes experienced professionals, including former corporate operators and alumni of major consulting firms. The platform manages sourcing, contracting, project tracking, and payments between clients and experts.
Codementor
Codementor is an online marketplace where experienced developers provide live one-on-one coding help, code review, and mentorship, and can also take on freelance projects. Mentors set their own rates and schedules, working through screen sharing, video, and text. The platform also operates a freelance arm for longer engagements.
Contently
Contently is a content marketing platform that connects enterprise brands with a network of freelance writers, editors, designers, photographers and videographers. Rather than competitive bidding, Contently matches vetted creators to client projects and manages the workflow and payments. Acceptance into the freelance network requires a portfolio demonstrating prior professional work.
Contra
Contra is a freelance platform built around a commission-free model where independents keep the full amount they invoice, aside from standard payment-processing fees. Freelancers create profiles and portfolios, send proposals and contracts, and receive payments without a platform commission deducted from their earnings. Optional paid subscriptions provide premium features.
DoorDash (Dasher)
DoorDash is a US food-delivery platform whose Dasher program lets independent contractors accept and complete delivery orders from restaurants and stores. Dashers use the Dasher app to choose when they work and which offers to accept, and are paid per delivery plus tips. It operates in thousands of US cities, and many markets allow delivery by car, bike, scooter, or on foot.
Dribbble
Dribbble is an online community where designers, illustrators and other creatives showcase portfolios, share work and gather feedback. It also operates a job board and freelance hiring marketplace where clients can search designers and post roles. The platform spans UI/UX, illustration, branding and product design.
Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com is a global crowdsourcing marketplace where employers post projects and freelancers bid to win the work, with support for both fixed-price and hourly contracts. It also runs design and other contests where freelancers submit entries and clients select a winner. The platform uses a milestone escrow system and charges project fees to both clients and freelancers.
Grubhub (Driver)
Grubhub is a US food-ordering and delivery platform whose delivery partners are independent contractors who complete restaurant orders. Drivers use the Grubhub for Drivers app to schedule blocks or deliver on demand, and they keep 100% of tips. Requirements include being 18 or older, a valid license, a vehicle (or bike in some markets), a smartphone, and passing a background check.
Gun.io
Gun.io is a freelance engineering platform that connects vetted software developers with companies for contract, part-time, and contract-to-hire projects. Developers go through algorithmic screening, a background check, and a live technical interview to join. The platform handles contracts, billing, and compliance for engagements across many countries.
Guru
Guru is an online marketplace where employers post jobs and freelancers across categories such as programming, design, writing, and administrative support submit quotes. It offers SafePay escrow and several payment structures including fixed-price, hourly, task-based, and recurring. Freelancers can use a free membership or pay for higher tiers that reduce service fees and provide more bids.
Instacart (Full-Service Shopper)
Instacart is a grocery-delivery platform whose full-service shopper role has independent contractors shop for customer orders in stores and deliver them. Shoppers use the Instacart Shopper app to accept batches, choose their hours, and earn per batch plus tips. The role requires a reliable vehicle, a smartphone, the ability to lift up to 40 pounds, and passing a background check.
Lemon.io
Lemon.io is a freelance platform that connects pre-vetted senior software engineers with startups and mid-sized companies, primarily sourcing talent in Europe, Latin America, and the US. Developers pass a multi-step vetting process covering resume review, identity and background checks, English proficiency, a coding test, and a live interview. Engagements are full-time or part-time on a month-to-month basis.
Lyft (Driver)
Lyft is a US rideshare platform that connects independent drivers with passengers requesting rides via its app. Drivers choose their own hours, accept ride requests, and earn per trip plus tips. Driving requires a qualifying four-door vehicle, a valid license with driving history, insurance, and passing a background check through Lyft's screening provider.
PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is a freelance marketplace, strongest in the UK and Europe, that connects clients with freelancers for hourly or project-based work across categories such as design, development, writing, and marketing. Clients post jobs and freelancers send proposals, or sellers list fixed-price 'Offers.' The platform uses escrow to hold funds until work is approved.
Reedsy
Reedsy is a marketplace that connects self-publishing and traditionally published authors with vetted freelance professionals, including editors, cover designers, illustrators, ghostwriters, translators and marketers. Freelancers apply to join and Reedsy lists only a small fraction of applicants. The platform handles project messaging, contracts and payments and charges a commission on completed work.
Roadie (a UPS company)
Roadie is a crowdsourced same-day delivery platform owned by UPS that connects independent drivers with delivery jobs ('Gigs') from retailers and businesses. Drivers browse and select available Gigs in the Roadie app, which can include packages, furniture, and appliances along their routes. Pay per Gig is based on factors such as distance, delivery speed, and item size.
Shipt (Shopper)
Shipt is a Target-owned same-day delivery platform whose shoppers are independent contractors who shop for and deliver grocery and retail orders. Shoppers use the Shipt app to claim orders, set their own hours, and earn per order plus tips. Requirements include a valid US driver's license, current auto insurance, and a reliable vehicle.
Shutterstock Contributor
Shutterstock Contributor is the program that lets photographers, videographers, illustrators and musicians upload content to Shutterstock's stock library and earn royalties when customers license it. Earnings are tiered from 15% to 40% based on lifetime download counts, with levels resetting annually. Contributors are paid monthly once a minimum threshold is reached.