In a world that’s increasingly remote, organized, and fast-paced, virtual assistants (VAs) have become the digital backbone for entrepreneurs, creators, and businesses of all sizes. If you’re detail-oriented, tech-savvy, and enjoy helping others stay organized, becoming a VA in 2025 could be your ticket to a thriving online side hustle (or even a full-time business).

The best part? You don’t need a fancy degree or corporate background to start. All you need is a marketable skillset, a laptop, and access to the right platforms. Below are the best virtual assistant platforms to launch, grow, and scale your VA services this year.

1. Belay

Best For: Highly skilled U.S.-based VAs

Belay is a company that recruits exceptionally skilled virtual assistants to assist executives, CEOs, and entrepreneurs in optimizing their operations. They offer part-time contract opportunities in various roles, including executive support, social media management, bookkeeping, and email management. 

 

One of Belay’s standout features is its rigorous vetting process, which ensures that it hires only the most qualified candidates. This careful selection guarantees that clients receive high-quality support tailored to their specific needs. In addition to consistent work opportunities, Belay provides its virtual assistants with access to a professional community, fostering networking and growth within the industry.

 

For those looking to apply, here’s a pro tip: emphasize any experience you have in corporate environments. Mentioning your familiarity with popular productivity tools such as Google Workspace, Asana, or Slack can significantly strengthen your application, as these are often essential in the roles offered by Belay.

2. Time Etc

Best For: Entry-level VAs with some experience

Time Etc is an accessible platform designed for individuals looking to work as virtual assistants (VAs). It offers hourly pay for a variety of tasks, including inbox management, scheduling, data entry, and research. This platform is particularly welcoming to beginners, as it emphasizes the importance of reliability and effective communication rather than focusing solely on impressive résumés or extensive experience.

 

For those just starting in the field, Time Etc provides an excellent opportunity to build skills while earning a steady income. This is beneficial for individuals who are eager to enter the workforce, allowing them to gain practical experience and develop their professional competencies in a supportive environment.

 

In terms of compensation, Earnings on Time, etc., typically range from $13 to $18 per hour, depending on the individual’s level of experience. This pay structure allows for growth as VAs enhance their skills and take on more responsibilities over time. Overall, Time Etc is a great choice for anyone looking to establish themselves in the virtual assistant industry while ensuring a reliable income stream.

3. Fancy Hands

Best For: Microtasks and flexible hours

Fancy Hands allows VAs to complete short, simple tasks like making phone calls, scheduling appointments, or conducting internet research. This platform is ideal for those who want to ease into VA work or stack smaller gigs around other commitments. Work is claimed on a task-by-task basis, and pay is per task.

Pro Tip: Speed and quality are key. Top performers get first dibs on better-paying requests.

4. Upwork

Best For: Freelancers ready to market themselves

Upwork is a freelance marketplace where VAs can create a profile, pitch for jobs, and build long-term relationships with clients. While it’s competitive, it offers the highest earning potential and the most flexibility in pricing, niches, and working hours.

Niche Opportunities: Podcast assistant, social media VA, customer support, Shopify/email marketing support.

Pro Tip: Specialize early. Generalist VAs get overlooked—niching down helps you stand out and charge more.

5. Zirtual

Best For: U.S.-based executive assistants

Zirtual matches VAs with busy professionals, founders, and business owners. The work is typically part-time, but high-level and well-paid. They provide clients for you, so you can focus on doing the work instead of finding it.

Earnings: Around $20–$30/hour with room to grow based on responsibility.

6. Freelancer.com

Best For: Global freelancers and project-based VAs

Similar to Upwork, Freelancer.com is a job marketplace with thousands of posted VA gigs every day. It’s less curated, but gives VAs across the world access to a huge variety of jobs, including long-term contracts and one-time projects.

Pro Tip: Use filters and alerts to snag quality opportunities quickly. Competition is high, but consistent bidding pays off.

7. PeoplePerHour

Best For: UK-based and European virtual assistants

PeoplePerHour is a solid option for VAs in the UK and Europe. The platform lets you post pre-packaged service offers (“Hourlies”) or bid on custom projects. Popular VA services include diary management, CRM updating, and invoice processing.

Pro Tip: Build reviews quickly with smaller gigs, then raise your rates.

8. LinkedIn + Your Own Website

Best For: Scaling your own brand

While platforms are great for getting started, the real money comes from building your own VA business. Many successful VAs use LinkedIn to connect with entrepreneurs and small businesses, then direct them to a website or services page. You set your rates, terms, and client relationships.

Must-Have Elements:

• Clear service menu (e.g., 10 hours/month retainer)

• Testimonials or case studies

• Booking calendar (like Calendly)

Bonus: Niches That Pay Best in 2025

• Podcast Management

• E-commerce Store Support (Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce)

• Social Media Content Scheduling + Repurposing

• Email Marketing (ConvertKit, MailerLite, AWeber)

• Online Course Support (Kajabi, Thinkific, Teachable)

Turn Virtual Assistance into a Smart, Sustainable Business

In 2025, offering virtual assistant services is one of the smartest, lowest-barrier ways to build a flexible online income stream. With demand rising across industries—from solopreneurs to startups—you can choose your clients, niche, and hours.

Start on a platform, get great at what you do, and then grow beyond the platform into a brand that brings income, freedom, and fulfillment.