AI technology seems to be everywhere these days. AI-powered tools can generate social media posts, AI video editing software can help pump out YouTube videos, and AI-generated images provide fodder for online memes—or even serve as album covers.
As the AI landscape expands, ambitious entrepreneurs are devising innovative ways to use these tools to make money. The good news: If you want to explore this field, you can access several business opportunities with minimal upfront investment.
Here are 10 promising AI side hustle ideas to inspire your next business endeavor.
AI side hustles
- AI-powered social media management
- AI online course creation
- AI content creation
- AI-generated art and design
- AI prompt consulting
- Faceless YouTube channels
- AI-enhanced web design services
- AI-powered chatbots
- AI-powered freelance writing
- AI virtual assistant services
You don’t have to be an artificial intelligence wizard to take on a great AI side hustle. Here are the best AI side hustles for entrepreneurs:
AI-powered social media management
Manage social media accounts by utilizing AI tools to schedule posts, create content, and dissect performance analytics. Familiarize yourself with AI-powered social media management tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, and SocialBee. Then, pitch yourself to small businesses or influencers who need help growing their social media presence.
AI online course creation
Create and sell online courses on various topics using AI tools to support content generation and delivery. To create online courses, identify a subject where you can offer your expertise—like graphic design, music production, or bookkeeping. Then leverage AI tools to edit videos, design worksheets, and make social media assets to promote your course.
For example, Synesthesia turns text into video and D-ID animates images to help you create an engaging online course. You can then host your class on online learning platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare, or build a website with a custom learning environment.
AI content creation
Use AI writing tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or Writesonic to create ideas and first drafts of blog posts, articles, and marketing content for small businesses. A twist on this business model is AI-powered résumé writing, where you leverage an AI tool to draft CVs for individual clients.
Note that some clients may have a no-AI policy, so use these tools transparently. AI-generated content still needs to reflect a client’s brand personality, so be prepared to edit AI-generated writing and add a human touch.
AI-generated art and design
Take advantage of the growing number of AI art generators to create and sell AI-generated art pieces or offer AI-powered design services. Create visual art for logos or use print-on-demand services to sell posters and T-shirts featuring your creations.
Create art using AI tools like DALL-E or Midjourney, and sell your AI-generated products through online marketplaces like Etsy, an existing print-on-demand service like TeePublic, or your online store.
AI prompt consulting
For an out-of-the-box online side hustle idea, create and sell AI prompts that help other users generate ideas for creative content. Start by experimenting with different AI tools to understand how prompts influence output. Then, generate a library of prompts that cater to different niches, like blog post ideas, story generation, or business plans. Earn money online by selling these prompts to other creators via platforms like PromptBase.
Faceless YouTube channels
A faceless YouTube channel is one where the creator doesn’t show their face. Instead, videos typically feature voiceover, music, and graphics. You can earn extra cash and make money on YouTube by consistently creating videos that educate or entertain a target audience. Use AI-generated voice-overs, video editing tools, and graphics to build out your video library quickly and cost-effectively. For example, you can use Descript to generate voiceover narration from text inputs and create ASMR videos more quickly.
AI-enhanced web design services
Every online business needs a compelling website, which means you have plenty of opportunities to create stunning websites for clients that incorporate features like AI chatbots and AI-generated content. Learn web design basics, and use tools like Wix ADI or Bookmark AI to streamline the design process.
Pitch your web design services to small businesses or individuals. Offer search engine optimization (SEO) to boost search engine rankings and increase track site traffic, helping your clients stand out from the competition.
AI-powered chatbots
If you have advanced AI programming abilities, develop AI-powered chatbots for businesses to improve customer service and automate interactions. You can do the bulk of your work on chatbot development platforms like Dialogflow, Chatfuel, or ManyChat.
To demonstrate your skills and attract clients, create sample chatbots for different industries. Then pitch your services to small businesses needing customer support automation.
AI-powered freelance writing
If you’re a freelance writer, increase your productivity with AI tools for research, content generation, and editing. AI tools can be great first-draft generators, grammar checkers, and brainstorming buddies. Use AI tools to help you write product descriptions for ecommerce stores that sell digital products, craft updates for social media accounts, or create research reports for business analysts. Again, bear in mind that some clients you write for may have a no-AI policy, so use these tools transparently.
Offering multiple specialties increases your odds of making money in this field. For a creative twist, use AI to help you edit long-form fiction, which you can self-publish on platforms like Amazon.
AI virtual assistant services
Earn side hustle income selling virtual assistant services enhanced by AI tools. An AI-powered assistant can leverage natural language processing (NLP) to help with optimizing workflows, scheduling, email management, and data entry.
AI tools like Zoho Assist or TeamViewer can help you build your virtual assistant business.
AI side hustles FAQ
Can you use AI to make money?
Yes, you can use AI to make money. AI tools can help with content creation, social media management, chatbot development, and online course creation.
How can I make passive income with AI?
Make passive income with AI by creating and selling AI-generated digital products like printable coloring books and pitch deck templates, or by setting up automated systems like AI-powered chatbots and faceless YouTube channels. This requires an initial commitment but can potentially generate ongoing revenue as long as these products remain available in your online store.
What are the risks of AI side hustles?
The risks of AI side hustles include potential reliance on AI tools that may produce inaccurate or low-quality outputs and ethical issues regarding AI-generated content replacing human jobs or closely mimicking copyrighted works. To mitigate the risks, stay up to date on technological advancements, market demands, and AI-related legislation.
