Question: Where I work I often agree to take extra shifts when someone else can't make their shift upon my manager's request. I've been doing this often and don't feel like I'm getting [recognition](https://workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/11816/why-is-it-important-to-gain-visibility-in-the-workplace). (I make the standard rate during these extra shifts.) Often times I am asked to cover a shift with less than 24 hours notice. The manager doesn't even say thank you.

Any way I can get more? I'm still on the probation period but after I will stop saying yes. In general I'm very bad with making my work stand out. For example a coworker is always talking about how successful his ideas are, even though they aren't really.

Answer: 
Difference in expectations
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This looks like classical example of difference in expectations in a (business) relation, between you and the company (represented by manager) .

What does company wants ? They need someone to fill in and do extra shift when someone else can't or won't. And that someone is often you. They do not expect from you to work for free, although they pay you only standard hourly rate, not some higher overtime rate. From their perspective you and them exchange work for money. Only this time they buy some more work from you at the same price. And that is all. Your reward is extra money.

What do you expect from them ? First of all, since you are on probation, you probably want to end that and become a regular employee. Employees on probation are usually more vulnerable to demands from management, therefore you do not dare to refuse requests for extra shifts, especially if manager in question has a say about your employment. In this case you are probably right not to confront him directly at least until your probation period passes. This is unfortunate and probably unfair, but it is what it is.

Second thing is recognition. Unless you are looking for plaque reading "Employee of the month", I'm afraid you are on a wrong path. **As a rule, companies do not promote people who do more grunt work** . If you are digging ditches, you won't become a manager just because you dig more ditches than rest of the workers. There are exceptions to this rule, and you didn't mention what industry you are working in, but in general terms this is usually true.

What can you do ? First of all, be honest to yourself and declare a goal. If you want to be a manager, okay. If you want pay rise, fine. If you want extra free time, that is OK too. And when you set up this goal, **try to emulate successful people around you**. What did Joe do to become a manager ? How did Jill get a pay rise ? Why does company keep Mike on pay roll even if he seemly does nothing ? All of this would help you to understand business world better and to learn to swim among sharks.
I hate to break it to you, but from a manager's point of view, there is no emotional component to shift assignments.

There is a limited amount of work available, and that is because there is a limited amount of pay available. The basic employment agreement is "I have something I need to be done and I'm willing to pay you to do it." No one person can do it all, and how much of it any person wants is between them and the overtime laws in your area.

All they are doing is trying to get the shift filled by people who have already agreed to do the work.

If you want additional "Recognition," you need to look in a different area. See if you have a path for promotion available by accepting additional responsibilities.