DoorDash Launches Tasks App for Couriers to Generate AI Training Data

This initiative reflects a growing trend of gig economy platforms leveraging their workforce for data collection to enhance AI capabilities.

• DoorDash launched the Tasks app on March 19, 2026, allowing couriers to earn money by completing microtasks for AI training.
• Available in select U.S. markets, the app excludes areas with strict gig worker regulations, such as California and New York City.
• Dashers can earn between $16 to $20 for tasks like filming household chores or recording multilingual speech, with compensation based on task complexity.

• DoorDash's previous initiatives included in-app microtasks that allowed Dashers to complete over 2 million assignments since 2024, focusing on delivery optimization.
• The global data labeling market was valued at $3.77 billion in 2024, highlighting the increasing demand for authentic real-world data to train AI models.
• Uber's pilot program in October 2025 for driver AI data contributions indicates a broader shift among gig platforms towards supporting AI infrastructure.

The launch of the Tasks app is a strategic move by DoorDash to tap into the burgeoning demand for real-world data needed to train artificial intelligence and robotics systems. With the AI industry rapidly expanding, companies are increasingly seeking high-quality, authentic data to improve their models. This places gig economy platforms like DoorDash in a unique position, as they already have a vast network of couriers—referred to as Dashers—who can provide this data.

By enabling Dashers to engage in microtasks that involve filming, recording, and photographing everyday activities, DoorDash is creating a dual revenue stream: couriers can earn extra income while the company collects valuable data. This initiative is particularly relevant as the global data labeling market is projected to grow significantly, driven by the increasing reliance on AI across various sectors, including retail, insurance, and hospitality.

The Tasks app operates on a straightforward compensation model, where Dashers are paid upfront based on the complexity of the tasks they complete. For instance, a simple shelf scan may yield $16, while a more involved task like recording a conversation in a foreign language could earn $20. This tiered payment structure incentivizes Dashers to engage with the app and complete more complex tasks, thus providing richer data for AI training.

However, the app's availability is limited to select U.S. markets, as DoorDash has chosen to exclude areas with stringent gig worker protections, such as California and New York City. This decision reflects ongoing regulatory challenges faced by gig economy companies, as they navigate the balance between worker classification and operational flexibility. By focusing on markets with fewer restrictions, DoorDash can maximize the potential of the Tasks app without running afoul of existing labor laws.

Privacy concerns are also at the forefront of this initiative. DoorDash has emphasized that it will implement safeguards to protect the personal information of Dashers while they engage in these tasks. This is crucial, as the collection of data for AI training can raise ethical questions about consent and data ownership.

Overall, the Tasks app represents a significant evolution in how gig economy platforms can leverage their workforce to meet the growing demands of the AI industry, while also providing new earning opportunities for workers.

• Gig workers: Dashers can earn supplemental income through new microtasks.
• AI companies: Benefit from a steady stream of real-world data for training models.
• DoorDash: Expands its service offerings and enhances its data collection capabilities.
• Regulated areas: Workers in states like California and New York City may miss out on these opportunities due to existing labor laws.

• Expansion plans: Monitor if DoorDash will roll out the Tasks app to additional markets, especially those with fewer regulatory restrictions.
• Market response: Watch for reactions from competitors like Uber and Lyft, who may develop similar initiatives in response to DoorDash's move.
• Regulatory developments: Keep an eye on potential changes in gig worker classification laws that could impact the availability of the Tasks app in more regulated areas.