In an age where attention spans are fleeting and content is consumed in bite-sized portions, listicles reign supreme. From quirky trivia to thought-provoking top tens, the listicle format has carved out a significant niche in online publishing. But what many don’t realize is that writing these engaging lists isn’t just a creative outlet—it can also be a source of income.
You don’t need a journalism degree or years of writing experience. If you’ve got solid internet research skills, a knack for storytelling, and an idea worth reading, there are websites ready to pay you for your words. Let’s explore 12 standout platforms where your list ideas could turn into cold hard cash.
1. Cracked
Cracked is a household name in internet humor. Known for its satirical take on pop culture, science, and history, the site thrives on well-researched, offbeat, and funny content. Whether it’s “10 Bizarre Celebrity Meltdowns” or “20 Ridiculous Movie Tropes,” if you can make people laugh, Cracked wants to hear from you.
- 💸 Pays: Around $100 per list
- 📌 Categories: Trivia, pop culture, history, relationships, more
- 🔗 Submit via: Contact page
2. Listverse
One of the OGs of the listicle world, Listverse welcomes lists that are strange, educational, or just plain mind-blowing. The magic number here is ten—each post must feature ten well-developed points and be at least 1,500 words.
- 💸 Pays: $100 per accepted list
- 📌 Focus: Bizarre, general knowledge, science, society
- 🔗 Submit via: “Submit a List” page
3. Wonderslist
If you’re just getting started, Wonderslist could be a gentle entry point. While the payout is minimal, contributors gain a byline and ongoing opportunities.
- 💸 Pays: $5 per article
- 📌 Topics: Animals, travel, luxury, oddities
- 🔗 Submit via: “Write for Us” page
4. A List Apart
For those with a professional edge, A List Apart caters to web designers, coders, and UX enthusiasts. While it’s less humorous and more technical, it’s a great venue for thoughtful and informative content.
- 💸 Pays: $50–$200 depending on article length
- 📌 Topics: Design, development, web standards
- 🔗 Submit via: “Write for Us” section
5. WhatCulture
Pop culture junkies and wrestling fans, rejoice. WhatCulture thrives on entertainment and crowd-pleasing lists. Think “10 Times Game of Thrones Shocked Everyone” or “Top 10 WWE Heel Turns.”
- 💸 Pays: $0.40 per 1,000 views
- 📌 Topics: Wrestling, TV, comics, offbeat lists
- 🔗 Submit via: “Hiring Writers” page
6. TopFiveBuzz
Focused on travel and lifestyle, TopFiveBuzz is perfect if you’ve got a wanderer’s soul. Lists generally range from 600 to 1,000 words and give you the freedom to explore your own interests.
- 💸 Pays: Not stated
- 📌 Perks: Author bio + blog link
- 🔗 Submit via: “Become a Contributor”
7. Sporteology
Calling all sports buffs! If you’re passionate about cricket, soccer, or basketball, Sporteology is a solid place to share stats, rankings, or juicy sports gossip.
- 💸 Pays: $7 per list
- 📌 Focus: Sports news, top 10s, athlete profiles
- 🔗 Submit via: “Write for Us” page
8. Ranker
More than a listicle site, Ranker invites users to vote and influence the rankings of various topics. If you’re an entertainment geek, this is a goldmine.
- 💸 Pays: Not publicly disclosed
- 📌 Topics: Movies, TV, music, pop culture
- 🔗 Submit via: “Freelance Writer” job page
9. TopTenz
TopTenz thrives on informative and quirky content. The tone is casual yet insightful, and every list counts down from ten to one—structure is everything here.
- 💸 Pays: $50 per list
- 📌 Subjects: History, crime, science, humor
- 🔗 Submit via: “Submit a Top 10 List”
10. List25
Home to the weird and wonderful, List25 embraces lists that dive into the odd corners of the internet and the world. You won’t get paid, but you will get exposure.
- 💸 Pays: None
- 📌 Focus: Science, random, bizarre topics
- 🔗 Submit via: “Contribute” page
11. KnowledgeNuts
Though not always accepting submissions, KnowledgeNuts posts lists that are fun, surprising, and educational. Keep an eye on them for when doors reopen.
- 💸 Pays: $10 per “nut”
- 📌 Topics: Misconceptions, facts, trivia
- 🔗 Submit via: “Submit a Nut” page (when active)
12. History Lists
Perfect for the amateur historian, this site showcases lists on world events, mythology, and historical oddities. While submissions are temporarily closed, it’s worth bookmarking.
- 💸 Pays: $10–$20
- 📌 Topics: Historical events, people, art
- 🔗 Submit via: “Write for Us” page
Pro Tips to Break Into Listicle Writing
- Write What You Know – Start with topics you’re passionate about or well-versed in.
- Find a Fresh Angle – The quirkier or more controversial, the better.
- Know Your Audience – Read published lists to match tone and style.
- Master the Title – A great listicle title should spark curiosity instantly.
- Keep Practicing – Rejection is part of the process. Keep refining your approach.
Final Thoughts
Listicle writing is more than a creative hobby—it’s a side hustle with real earning potential. Whether you want to share your passion for pop culture, geek out over ancient myths, or rank obscure gadgets, there’s a platform out there for you.
So start drafting, keep your lists sharp and engaging, and who knows? Your quirky countdown might just be the next viral hit—and earn you a few bucks in the process.
