The metaverse is evolving, exciting, and still a little mysterious—and it offers plenty of opportunities to generate income, from virtual real estate to digital art to gaming. In this article, you’ll learn what the metaverse economy is, how it’s evolving, and 16 innovative ways to make money in the metaverse.
What is the metaverse?
The metaverse is a virtual world where people can interact, work, play, and build digital assets. Think of it as an interconnected network of 3D virtual spaces that replicate and enhance real-world experiences. Users access the metaverse through technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Meta, Decentraland, Roblox, and The Sandbox are some of the leading metaverse platforms.
Unlike traditional online experiences, the metaverse offers a highly immersive and interactive experience. You can attend concerts, purchase real estate, start a business, or even create your own avatar and live a virtual life.
Going forward, you’re likely to see even more seamless integration of immersive technologies into real-world applications, says Alexandra Stone, founder and CEO at Starseed Studios. “The focus is shifting from novelty to human-centered experiences that resonate deeply and make the technology feel essential, not optional,” she says.
For instance, brands like Gucci, Nike, and Adidas are already selling virtual products, while investors are profiting from digital real estate. Here’s a glimpse into Gucci Town—a digital destination created by Gucci on the Roblox platform.
The metaverse economy
The metaverse isn’t just a tech trend—it’s a full-fledged economy with opportunities for entrepreneurs, creators, and investors alike. The global metaverse market stands at $130 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow more than $2 trillion by 2032.
Metaverse platforms have their own ecosystems that allow individuals and companies to buy, sell, and trade digital assets and experiences. Most platforms use cryptocurrencies to facilitate transactions via digital wallets. Users spend crypto to buy land, decorate their virtual home, get ahold of the latest fashion, or even purchase tickets to virtual concerts.
“Platforms that prioritize mobile-first or browser-based accessibility will dominate, while advanced technologies like smart glasses and VR headsets continue to evolve and become more accessible,” Alexandra says. “In a recent Starseed Studios study with teens (ages 13–15), participants expressed that virtual worlds must combine ultra-realistic experiences, powerful narratives, and social connectivity to captivate them.”
What is a non-fungible token?
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are unique digital assets such as virtual goods, art, land, or audio/visual content, tokenized and stored on the blockchain. Tokenization assigns unique digital codes to assets, allowing users to prove ownership. The blockchain provides a secure, transparent, and decentralized platform for managing these digital tokens.
NFTs function much like tangible assets. For example, if a company creates a limited-edition run of 50 physical handbags, each can be purchased, resold, and traded—but only 50 authentic handbags from the collection exist. Similarly, if the company releases 50 digital handbags as NFTs, the same parameters apply to the digital items—tokenization protects the digital asset’s value by controlling supply, regulating its exclusivity and authenticity.
NFTs form the backbone of commerce within the metaverse, enabling more efficient and transparent transactions.
16 ways to make money in the metaverse
- Invest in virtual real estate
- Become a virtual real estate agent
- Become a metaverse marketer
- Sell virtual products
- Become a metaverse influencer
- Become a metaverse educator
- Sell physical products
- Become a metaverse architect
- Offer metaverse coaching or consultation
- Rent out virtual real estate
- Trade tokens
- Host events
- Become a metaverse freelancer
- Become a product tester
- Offer tourism services
- Develop metaverse games
While the metaverse doesn’t perfectly mirror the physical world, a surprising number of real-world industries have virtual counterparts. You can earn money in the metaverse by opening a consulting firm, creating products, and buying and selling investments.
Here are the top ways to make money in the metaverse:
1. Invest in virtual real estate
You can buy digital real estate and sell it for profit once its value appreciates. Or, you can hold the property and develop it into profitable virtual businesses like stores or event spaces. Platforms like Decentraland and The Sandbox allow you to buy digital land.
Investor activity suggests that digital real estate investments have value.
For example, Tokens.com invested $2.4 million in a plot of virtual land in Decentraland. Also, companies like Adidas and Warner Music Group have purchased large pieces of virtual land on The Sandbox platform.
Just like physical real estate, investing in virtual properties requires thorough research, says Kevin Shahnazari, data scientist and founder of FinlyWealth. He suggests considering the following before investing in virtual real estate:
- Platform knowledge and legalities. “Acquire knowledge of the specific laws and regulations related to land ownership on the metaverse platform.”
- Location. “Identify virtual land with high traffic potential. For example, property near popular virtual landmarks.”
- Project Utility. “Invest in platforms that have a clear vision for their virtual world, along with planned features that induce land ownership.”
- Community and Development. “Select platforms with a strong, active, and engaged community.”
2. Become a virtual real estate agent
If you have a knack for sales, consider becoming a virtual real estate agent. You can help others buy, sell, or lease digital land and earn commissions, just like in the physical real estate industry.
The global metaverse real estate market was valued at nearly $3 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to approximately $54.95 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 38.20%. This suggests a strong potential to monetize opportunities in the metaverse real estate.
3. Become a metaverse marketer
If you have expertise in digital marketing, consider starting a metaverse marketing agency. By mastering metaverse marketing strategies, you can help businesses create immersive ad campaigns, virtual storefronts, and even events.
Businesses have already started using metaverse platforms to advertise their products or brands. For instance, the grocery delivery service Shipt partnered with Driving Empire, a well-known racing game on the Roblox platform.
Since the metaverse is still in its early stages, you have the opportunity to experiment with different marketing ideas and establish your authority in metaverse marketing.
4. Sell virtual products
You can design and sell digital items like clothing for avatars, accessories, or 3D art. Platforms like Roblox and Decentraland have marketplaces for creators where they can sell their unique virtual products.
For example, Gucci launched a limited-edition virtual handbag on Roblox. Initially, the bag was sold for $6. But later it was resold for over $4,000, which is more than many of the brand’s real-world bags.
5. Become a metaverse influencer
If you’re a creator, you can make money by building a virtual presence on metaverse platforms—much like social media influencers. Create a virtual avatar, grow your following, and partner with brands to monetize your influence.
6. Become a metaverse educator
If you’re an educator or niche expert, you can monetize your expertise by teaching skills or hosting workshops in virtual spaces. From programming to design to gaming strategies, the metaverse combines the interactivity of a real classroom with the accessibility of e-learning.
“There is significant scope to grow in education since it still hasn’t covered a large portion of metaverse applications, such as virtual classrooms and immersive learning experiences,” says Kevin Shahnazari.
7. Sell physical products
You can also integrate your real-world products into the metaverse by creating virtual replicas or unique branded experiences that encourage users to purchase the physical versions.
Here’s what Ani Ghazaryan, head of content at Neptune.ai, says about selling physical products through virtual platforms: “For physical products, setting up virtual showrooms or pop-up shops within metaverse platforms like Decentraland or Roblox can create immersive shopping experiences. It’s all about creating an environment where people can interact with your products, whether that’s virtually trying them on or interacting with them in a way that sparks excitement.”
For example, Nike introduced digital sneakers called Dunk Genesis CRYPTOKICKS in collaboration with RTFKT (a company that creates digital products).
This digital sneaker collection included 20,000 unique NFTs, each representing a virtual pair of sneakers. Owning these digital collectibles also allows you to get the physical versions of your virtual sneakers.
8. Become a metaverse architect
As virtual spaces grow, there’s an increased demand for architects who can design virtual buildings and landscapes. If you have 3D modeling and programming skills, you can help clients build unique spaces for their virtual businesses or homes.
9. Offer metaverse coaching or consultation
As the metaverse expands, users and businesses may want to get involved but lack the technical skills or strategic insight. You can help fill this gap as a metaverse coach or consultant and help your clients establish their presence in the metaverse.
“One of the greatest challenges is adoption. As creators, it’s our responsibility to demystify the metaverse and help audiences feel comfortable stepping into these new worlds,” says Alexandra Stone.
You can offer one-on-one consultations, workshops, or ongoing mentorship programs in areas such as:
- Platform selection: Helping clients choose the right metaverse platform (e.g., Decentraland, Roblox, or The Sandbox) based on their goals.
- Monetization strategies: Teaching ways to generate income, such as selling digital goods, hosting events, or investing in virtual assets.
- Technical guidance: Assisting with avatar creation, NFT setup, and navigating blockchain technologies.
- Metaverse marketing: Advising brands on how to promote products and services effectively in virtual environments.
10. Rent out virtual real estate
Just as in the real world, you don’t have to sell virtual real estate holdings to earn money from them. You can rent out your virtual property to businesses or individuals who need space for events, storefronts, or offices.
Selling ad space is another viable option. If you own property in the metaverse, you can charge companies for the right to advertise on your land.
11. Trade tokens
Metaverse platforms like Decentraland, The Sandbox, and Axie Infinity have their own native cryptocurrencies that power transactions, governance, and rewards within their ecosystems. You can capitalize on market fluctuations by trading these tokens—similar to traditional stock trading.
The value of these tokens is influenced by factors like platform adoption, updates, partnerships, and broader cryptocurrency market trends. Monitor these trends and fluctuations so you can buy tokens at lower prices and sell at higher rates to earn profits.
12. Host events
The metaverse’s emphasis on real-time interaction makes it a promising outlet for live events such as virtual concerts, festivals, and panels. It also means that there’s money to be made in organizing and hosting events.
You can sell your services as a virtual event planner or make money off of your own events by selling tickets or securing paid sponsorships.
13. Become a metaverse freelancer
Just like digital freelancers, metaverse freelancers are independent service providers with expertise in a particular activity. Metaverse game designers, graphic designers, programmers, speechwriters, marketers, personal assistants, and other service providers can reach new audiences and boost earning potential by developing expertise in virtual worlds.
“If you’re a freelancer looking to thrive in the metaverse, knowledge of 3D modeling, scripting, and game development basics will set you apart,” says Ani Ghazaryan. “At the same time, it’s not just about creating assets. You also need to be fluent in community management and social media strategies specific to metaverse platforms.”
14. Become a product tester
The metaverse is relatively new, which means there’s a significant need for users who can test products and experiences and provide feedback to developers. Establishing yourself as an experienced metaverse product tester can help you provide niche value.
15. Offer tourism services
According to McKinsey, travel is one of the five most exciting metaverse use cases for consumers. Users can explore 3D models of physical spaces (like museums, hotels, and monuments), either as a way to decide where to go or as a substitute for physical travel.
Working in tourism-related services in the metaverse may include being a virtual tour guide or travel agent and using your unique knowledge of digital worlds to help users access experiences and spaces that fulfill their needs.
16. Develop metaverse games
The gaming sector is one of the most profitable and creative areas in the metaverse. Platforms such as Axie Infinity and Roblox allow creators to build games, monetize them, and share profits. If you’re a developer, you can monetize metaverse platforms by building games, selling in-game items, charging entry fees, or implementing token systems.
How to make money in the metaverse FAQ
How do you join the metaverse?
Joining the metaverse requires a compatible device, such as a VR headset or computer, and access to a platform like Decentraland, The Sandbox, or Meta Horizon Worlds. Sign up, create an avatar, and start exploring.
Is investing in virtual real estate a good idea?
Virtual real estate can be a high-return investment, but it carries risks. Research platforms, market trends, and demand before making any purchases. Also, diversify your investments to minimize risk.
Can you make real money in the metaverse?
Yes. You can make real money in the metaverse by speculating on virtual real estate, selling products (both real and virtual), hosting virtual events, and more.
How profitable is the metaverse?
The metaverse is still relatively new, and revenues are expected to grow significantly—but this does not guarantee a profit. To give yourself the best chance of profiting, you should follow industry best practices.
Are there risks to making money in the metaverse?
Yes. All investments carry risk—but just as in real life, you can adjust your strategy to suit your risk tolerance. For example, investing a large amount of money in a new metaverse token may be riskier than an activity like devoting time to developing your metaverse architecture portfolio.