2. Sell digital products
With digital products, you create once and sell endlessly to build passive income. From eBooks and printables to spreadsheets and design templates, these items are popular because they help people learn, save time, or stay organized.
Take Luke Scaprino, a TikTok creator who shared a travel-packing spreadsheet. After seeing the positive response, he chose to self-publish a free version, then a paid pro edition for extra income.
Best for: Problem-solvers who can turn ideas into useful tools.
Requirements:
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A digital product idea.
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Online platforms to create digital products, like Google Workspace tools or Canva.
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A sales channel, like a marketplace or your own website.
Tips:
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Start with products you already use that make your own life easier.
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Share your product on social media to connect with your target audience and demonstrate its benefits.
3. Start a dropshipping business
Dropshipping is similar to Print on Demand – you don’t need to buy inventory or store products yourself. The difference is that you sell ready-to-ship goods that suppliers already produce, with no custom design.
Because it’s so simple to set up, many consider dropshipping a solid starter side hustle. But since the products you sell will be similar to those already in the market, it can be harder to build a strong brand and compete with other shops.
Best for: Entrepreneurs who want to build an online store quickly without managing stock.
Requirements:
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4. Sell stock photos
Selling stock photos is a flexible side gig where you upload images to platforms like Adobe Stock, Wirestock, or Kaboompics. You’ll get paid whenever someone buys your pictures.
This side hustle idea is not just for professional photographers. Many brands now look for authentic photos to use on their social media platforms.
Even simple shots taken on your smartphone – like a workspace layout or morning coffee – can sell if they have the right aesthetic.
Best for: Casual or professional photographers seeking a low-effort way to earn extra income from their photos.
Requirements:
Tips:
Quick read: How to sell photography prints like a pro
Source: Pexels
AI or tech-driven side hustle opportunities
If you’re tech-savvy, these side hustle ideas can provide new opportunities to earn money online.
5. Create and sell AI prompts
Selling ready-made prompts for AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or MidJourney has become a popular idea for earning extra income while working full-time. You help people save time and get better results without wasting their AI credits.
Best for: Skilled AI users who want to make easy money from their prompts.
Requirements:
Tips:
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Invest time in testing prompts to ensure they deliver consistent results.
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Bundle prompts for a specific niche – like marketing or design – to give buyers more value for their money.
Quick read: How to make money with AI – Ideas and practical tools
6. Flip and sell websites
Website flipping means buying or building websites, improving them, and then reselling for profit – like digital real estate.
Many prefer buying a website that already has steady traffic from search engines, so they won’t have to start from scratch. At the same time, entrepreneurs often sell sites when they no longer want to maintain them or when they’d like to cash in on the value they’ve built.
Best for: People with existing skills in web development and digital marketing.
Requirements:
Tips:
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Target niches with high profit potential, like travel or health.
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Track and show traffic growth to make your site more attractive to buyers.
7. Sell NFTs
NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) let creators sell unique digital assets like art or music through blockchain marketplaces.
While some artists have earned big returns, the NFT market is competitive and not without risks. Still, it can be a profitable side hustle if you take the time to learn the space and approach it strategically.
Best for: Digital artists with an interest in blockchain technology,
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Source: Pexels
Skill-based side hustles and freelance jobs
Many people do freelance work alongside their day job, then gradually turn it into a full-time gig once they’ve built steady clients.
8. Offer digital marketing services
With every brand today needing a strong online presence, offering digital marketing services is one of the easiest ways to earn money fast.
Digital marketing covers everything from social media and email marketing to search engine optimization (SEO). Many local businesses lack the resources to handle these tasks, so they often hire freelancers for help.
Best for: Marketers who can create high-quality content and measure the results of their campaigns.
Requirements:
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Knowledge of at least one digital marketing channel.
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Access to platforms to find potential clients, like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn.
Tips:
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Start with one service, like social media management, to establish expertise and make it easier to attract clients.
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Collect testimonials and show measurable results to build trust and win more projects.
Source: Fiverr
9. Become a virtual assistant
A virtual assistant (VA) helps entrepreneurs handle tasks they don’t have time for. The range of services can vary widely. Some VAs focus on admin work like managing emails, while others support marketing tasks like freelance writing for socials.
Best for: Organized individuals who learn quickly and have good time management skills.
Requirements:
Tips:
Quick read: How to make money from home
10. Become an online tutor
Help students learn subjects like math, science, or languages over video calls. This side hustle idea has gained popularity in recent years because parents are looking for flexible, personalized learning solutions for their children to stay on top of their schoolwork.
Best for: Teachers or subject experts.
Requirements:
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Source: Pexels
11. Create and sell online courses
Share your knowledge with learners through online courses – whether as recorded lessons, slides, or downloadable guides.
Creating a course takes effort at first, but once it’s live, it can generate sales repeatedly without you having to teach every session.
Best for: Professionals or hobbyists with skills others want to learn.
Requirements:
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A topic you know well to turn into online courses.
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A platform like Teachable, Udemy, or your own website to host your course.
Tips:
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Research what questions people often ask about your field to shape your lessons.
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Make the course practical by incorporating exercises that allow students to apply what they’ve learned.
Source: Udemy
12. Start an online coaching business
Unlike online courses, coaching involves working with clients in a live, one-on-one setting. You provide personalized guidance in areas like fitness, career, or business, helping people reach their goals.
Because coaching is tailored to each client’s needs, it often commands higher rates and can grow into a successful business.
Best for: Field experts with a strong reputation.
Requirements:
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13. Become a voiceover artist
Have a great voice? Do voiceover work for commercials, audiobooks, podcasts, or animated videos in exchange for money.
With more content being produced than ever, businesses and creators are always looking for voices to bring their projects to life.
Best for: People with a clear speaking voice and interest in storytelling.
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Source: Pexels
Creator economy side hustles
If you enjoy making content and growing an audience, the creator economy offers plenty of side hustle opportunities.
14. Become a social media influencer
Think only big-time influencers can make money? Think again. If you love creating and connecting online, there’s still room for you to earn.
Even in a crowded space, brands often look for new creators to reach untapped audiences – especially in niches where viewers crave authenticity.
Best for: People who love creating content and sparking conversations online.
Requirements:
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Active social media profiles.
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A consistent posting schedule.
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A clear niche and personality that resonates with followers.
Tips:
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Don’t chase perfection – genuine, relatable posts often perform better than overly-produced ones.
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Collaborate with other creators to reach new audiences and boost your visibility.
Quick read: Best time to post on Instagram
15. Launch a YouTube channel
Starting a YouTube channel is one of the most profitable ways to turn your skills or personality into income.
Through the YouTube Partner Program, creators can earn ad revenue once they meet the platform’s requirements. Beyond that, many also make money through sponsorships, affiliate links, memberships, and YouTube merch.
Best for: Creators who enjoy teaching, entertaining, or sharing ideas through videos.
Requirements:
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A YouTube channel.
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Filming setup with a camera, mic, and lighting.
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Video editing software.
Tips:
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Join online courses like Ali Abdaal’s Part-Time YouTuber Academy to get insider tips and tricks.
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Cover trending topics with your own spin to gain traction.
Source: Pexels
16. Become an affiliate marketer
Think of affiliate marketing as recommending your favorite finds and getting paid for it. You share products through special links and earn a commission when someone buys.
Many affiliates build blogs or social profiles around niches where people are actively searching for trusted opinions. An example is Sleepopolis, a site dedicated to sleep-related education and product reviews.
Best for: Creators who enjoy sharing recommendations.
Requirements:
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A platform to share content, whether it’s a blog or a social media platform.
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Joining an affiliate program like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or Printful Affiliates.
Tips:
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Promote products you actually use and trust – audiences can tell when it’s genuine.
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Compare similar products in your niche, since people often look for side-by-side reviews before making a purchase.
17. Start a podcast
Did you know that 71% of podcast listeners are open to learning more about brands they hear advertised? That’s higher than any other medium like videos.
This makes podcasting a powerful way to grow an audience and make money through ads, sponsorships, or listener support.
Best for: Conversationalists who love sharing ideas in long-form content.
Requirements:
Tips:
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Create podcast-branded merchandise to diversify your income.
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Expand beyond the show with webinars, online courses, or consulting tied to your niche to make money.
No-experience online side hustles
These online side hustles let you pick up short tasks, work when it suits you, and stay in full control of your own schedule – no special skills needed.
18. Test websites and apps
Companies pay everyday users to test their websites or mobile apps and give feedback on how easy they are to use. It’s a beginner-friendly way to make money online while helping brands improve their user experience.
Best for: People who enjoy exploring new digital products.
Requirements:
Tips:
19. Offer transcription services
Are you a fast typer with great attention to detail? Transcription could be your perfect match. You’ll listen to audio from podcasts, videos, or meetings and turn it into written text – all from home, on a flexible schedule.
Best for: Detail-oriented individuals who enjoy focused, independent work.
Requirements:
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A computer, headphones, and transcription software.
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Strong typing and language skills.
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Access to a freelancing platform for transcriptionists like TranscribeMe.
Tips:
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Use keyboard shortcuts to save time and boost accuracy.
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Check with your client if they allow AI tools to generate a rough transcript before you edit and polish for quality.
20. Take online surveys
Earn small rewards or cash by taking surveys for market research companies. Brands and researchers use these responses to understand customer preferences and improve their products.
Best for: People who enjoy sharing honest feedback.
Requirements:
Tips:
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Monitor your email for survey invites.
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Look for surveys that match your interests or experience, so you can provide more thoughtful responses.
How to pick a side hustle
To build an online side hustle that actually sticks, think through these important factors before you start.
Time required vs flexibility
Some side hustles require set deadlines and steady hours each week. Others let you work at your own pace.
Be realistic about how much time you can put in regularly. If you only have evenings or weekends, look for flexible options that don’t rely on real-time client communication.
Required skills and learning curve
Consider what you already know and what you’re willing to learn. Simple tasks like taking surveys or testing apps require almost no experience. But digital marketing, building websites, and creating online courses take time to master.
If you have existing skills, start there. You’ll see faster progress and stay motivated for longer.
Startup cost and tools needed
Most side hustles have upfront costs, no matter how small. For example, YouTubers need to invest in microphones and editing tools, and POD sellers need to build a website or pay marketplace fees to sell their products.
Create a list of what’s essential now versus what you can upgrade later. Many online resources – like Canva, Google Workspace, and free SEO tools – help you start with a limited budget.
Income potential vs effort
A freelance job like copywriting or tutoring might pay within your first month, while building an online store could take weeks or months before you see steady sales.
Think about your priorities – do you need extra income quickly, or are you willing to invest time into something that scales later for bigger returns? Balancing effort with payoff helps you avoid burnout and disappointment.
Common pitfalls to avoid when side hustling
Learning how to start a side hustle is exciting, but keeping it sustainable takes strategy. Here’s what to watch out for.
Overcommitment
Balancing a side hustle with your day job and personal life can get overwhelming fast. Doing too much in the beginning can make you burn out before seeing real results.
Start small with one client, one product, or one platform. Once your process feels steady, you can scale without losing energy or motivation.
Underestimating time and monetary investment
Even online side hustles from home need some investment, whether it’s upfront costs, marketing tools, or time to learn new platforms.
Expect a learning curve, especially in the early stages. Track how long tasks take and how much you spend on tools or ads. Knowing these numbers helps you price your work properly and plan for realistic growth.
Relying too heavily on one platform
Just using a single platform to find customers or freelance work can be risky. Algorithms change, and accounts can be suspended without warning.
Consider building a safety net by creating your own website, using multiple social media platforms, and collecting customer emails. This way, you can still reach out to shoppers or clients and make sales even if you run into issues on another channel.
Conclusion
Starting an online side hustle can open the door to extra money, new skills, and long-term financial freedom. Whether you’re building digital products, offering freelance services, or creating content, success comes from patience and steady effort – not overnight wins.
Ready to start your journey with low upfront costs? Join Printful. With on-demand printing, fast fulfillment, and easy integrations with top eCommerce platforms, you can create and sell custom products and build your own brand without managing inventory.