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Filter through the clutter of online marketplaces and competition. These unique side hustles provide a clear path for payouts, with a simple process that allows you to start earning right away.
The gigs on this list vary in availability, so we recommend testing them first before committing long-term.
Most lists of side hustles repeat the same ideas and promises. So, we wanted to create a list that offers unique but realistic opportunities to every interest.
We considered this five-point filter in coming up with the best side hustle ideas for you:
If you see side hustles that are not in this list, you can use the checklist above to see if it works for you. You can also do these simple tests to validate your potential side gig:
If you’re required to spend big upfront, that side gig might be a red flag. Also, difficulties in getting permits in your area might not be worth the legal trouble.
We also created this matrix to help you compare side hustle ideas. You can use this as a template when adding side gigs to your day job.
| Side hustle | Startup cost | Skills and tools to use | Time to first paycheck | Earning model | Difficulty level | Risk level |
| Share unused internet bandwidth | $0 | Internet connection and devices (computer or smartphones) | 3-4 weeks | Per data shared | Very easy | Low |
| Community management on Discord and social groups | $0 | Interaction and socialization skills | 1-2 weeks | Per hour | Easy | Low |
| Selling templates on Canva and Notion | $0 | Design skills and design software | 1 week | Per template sold | Medium | Low |
| Newsletter curation | $0 | Writing and research skills | 1-2 weeks | Per hour or per project | Easy | Low |
Some of these gigs might require you to balance the passive income vs active income lifestyle. There are easy side hustles, and there are more difficult ones. The key is to choose what works for you right now.
Are you still unsure which side hustle to choose? Let’s explore these opportunities, one by one.
If you have a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection, you can share your unused internet bandwidth to earn money with apps like Honeygain or PacketStream. You can simply let these apps run in the background; it won’t affect your device’s performance or internet connection. This is also a great way to make passive income.
To start:
It’s very important to ensure that your internet connection doesn’t have data caps. Otherwise, you might be charged with extra fees when you exceed the data cap.
Tip: Use a low-consumption device like the Raspberry Pi to save on electricity while running the bandwidth-sharing app.
There’s a market for design and productivity templates, simply because people want existing, easy-to-use templates. Create templates, promote them on multiple platforms, and earn extra income. Listing them on marketplaces can also provide passive income for students and professionals.
To increase earnings, consider bundling templates or offering premium versions.
Just ensure that you use design elements (like photos and emojis) that don’t have copyright licenses. Choose free-to-use stock photos only.
To start:
Tools to use:
Tip: Focus on templates that you personally have topical expertise with. This helps you cover specific pain points in your target market.
Content creators shoot long clips of video that are later broken down into short reels. After all, Sprout Social reported that short videos engage more users. Help them out by repurposing their long videos into shorter, more dynamic reels.
To get started:
Beyond charging per clip, you can offer extras such as thumbnails, captions, or bundled packages on a monthly retainer.
Tools and platforms: Capcut, Adobe Premiere Pro, Canva, or VEED.
Tip: Focus on one or two clients first, so that you don’t break deadlines.
Companies want to test the usability of their products before they fully launch on the market. Online surveys might not be enough; they pay people to test their products and provide feedback. If you fit their target persona, this is a good way for you to earn money.
To get started:
To get paid more, look for higher-pay focus groups and repeat panels. The key is to take your time and never rush through a test. Rushing through tests lowers quality and reduces the chance of repeat invitations.
Tools and platforms to use: UserTesting, Respondent, and Userlytics.
Tip: Sign up for different platforms to increase chances of getting selected.
Niche-focused newsletters are trending, since they cut through the clutter of information on social media and online platforms. You might have a small audience at the start, but that’s okay. Since you’re talking about a niche topic, you’ll get highly engaged readers.
To get started:
Once you’ve built trust, you can launch a premium subscription or secure sponsorships. Staying focused is key. Going too broad makes it harder to grow a loyal base.
Tools and platforms: Substack, Mailchimp, and Kit.
Tip: Start with a weekly newsletter and deliver consistently. If you’ve successfully established an audience, then you can publish more frequently. You can even transition this into a full-time job if you get enough sponsors and subscriptions.
Even traditional companies are tapping into their online potential. With that comes the need to manage and engage with their community. You can offer your services as a moderator on community management platforms like Discord and Slack.
To get started:
To be successful, don’t take on communities in topics you’re not interested in, as members will notice. Successful managers often expand into long-term contracts once they prove their value.
Tools and platforms: Discord and Slack for direct community management. Trello or Notion for creating content calendars.
Starter tip: Offer a low-cost trial period. Once the client sees the results, then you can increase your rates. Side hustlers must always show results to retain clients.
With more companies wanting to remain relevant online, they’re looking to automate some of their repetitive workflows. Not everyone can do this, though. That’s why there’s an opportunity for you to offer no-code automation setups for these businesses.
To get started:
Clients are often happy to pay for efficiency, but it’s important to be upfront about the limitations of no-code tools so expectations remain realistic.
Tools and platforms: Zapier, Airtable, and Make.
Starter tip: Focus on one niche and build a name in that space. Word-of-mouth can help you market your business.
Along with common side gigs like delivery services or selling t-shirts, there are lesser-known opportunities that you should know about. These side hustles also provide ways for you to earn passive income.
For a quick overview of our article, we created this four-point checklist. Take a look:
With so many tutorials available online, you can easily acquire a new skill to start a side hustle. Just make sure that you have mastered the basics before offering your services. Building trust through expertise is key.
Side hustles that pay per project provide fast and easy payouts, including online usability testing, video transcriptions, quick SEO audits, and digital template selling. Once you land a client, you can start it right away and submit the work for approval.
Most online side hustles, like selling digital templates, transcribing video clips, and completing surveys, don’t require a business license. Sharing unused internet bandwidth on Honeygain also doesn’t require permits. However, if you provide physical goods or enjoy baking and selling them, that’s the time when you need a business permit.
Side hustles that you can do online are recommended if you’re living in small apartments or houses. Examples of these online gigs include sharing internet bandwidth on Honeygain, starting niche newsletters, and managing online communities. These side hustles allow you to earn extra money without the need for large equipment.
Set an entry price that’s slightly lower to gain your first set of clients. Once you have established a portfolio and a name, that’s when you can offer higher rates and bundle premium services. This way, clients will be more willing to spend more to acquire your services.
