Uber pilots new digital earning feature for US drivers and couriers outside of driving
- Perry Richardson
- Oct 20
- 2 min read
Uber has announced a new pilot project in the United States that will allow its drivers and couriers to earn money without taking passengers or delivering food. The initiative, titled “digital tasks”, introduces a new form of flexible earning that can be completed directly within the Uber Driver app.
The company says the pilot will begin later this year and will initially be offered to a select group of drivers and couriers. Those taking part will be able to complete small online activities that take only a few minutes to finish. The aim is to create new income opportunities during periods when drivers are not on the road while also supporting technology companies that require human input for digital projects.
According to Uber, digital tasks could include recording short voice samples, uploading photos within specific categories, or submitting text documents written in different languages. These short activities are designed to help businesses train and improve artificial intelligence systems, such as those used for language recognition and visual processing.
Drivers and couriers who wish to take part will need to opt in through the app’s Work Hub. Once registered, they will see occasional invitations appear in the Opportunity Center when tasks become available. Each task listing will display an estimated time to complete and expected earnings, allowing users to decide whether to accept. Uber said tasks will vary depending on demand from partner clients, meaning there may not always be opportunities available.
The company confirmed that all work is optional and that no additional qualifications or experience are required. Payments for completed tasks are expected to be added to driver accounts within 24 hours. Uber has framed the pilot as an extension of its ongoing efforts to expand flexible earning options across its platform.
According to Uber the trial reflects the company’s commitment to helping people make money on their own terms. The details found on their website noted that the project will also contribute to the development of advanced technology by allowing companies to access a wide pool of real-world contributors across different languages and cultural backgrounds.
The pilot forms part of Uber’s wider exploration into non-transport income streams for its network of independent contractors. Over the past few years, the firm has launched a series of initiatives aimed at improving financial stability for drivers, including in-app savings and loan tools, vehicle rental options, and delivery partnerships.
By giving drivers more earning options outside traditional trips, Uber may be attempting to keep users engaged within its ecosystem even during quieter periods.
The company has not provided details on potential pay rates or how many participants will be involved in the first phase. It also remains unclear whether the digital tasks feature will eventually be rolled out internationally to the UK.
