Discover how to monetize your social media following in just 7 days
Side hustles are more popular than ever, but most people make the mistake of picking the wrong one. They either choose something that takes too long to become profitable, has no real growth potential, or simply doesn’t align with their skills or lifestyle.
That’s why in this post, we’re breaking down the seven best side hustles for 2025—ranked from good to absolute best. You’ll learn how they work, how to get started, and how much you can realistically earn so you can make the right choice.
Let’s dive in.
7. Print on Demand with AI Art
AI-powered print-on-demand is one of the most exciting side hustles right now. With tools like Midjourney and Leonardo AI, you can create unique artwork and sell it on t-shirts, mugs, stickers, and more.
How It Works:
- Use AI to generate original designs – Enter creative prompts into AI tools to generate artwork.
- Choose your products – Sell designs on t-shirts, hoodies, posters, or mugs.
- Sell on platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, or your own website – Market your designs and start selling.
Earning Potential:
- Low: $50/month
- Medium: $500/month
- High: $5,000+/month (if you tap into viral trends)
Pros & Cons:
✔ No upfront investment required
✔ No need to be an artist—AI does the work
✖ Low profit per sale due to platform fees
✖ AI-generated art can sometimes be flagged for copyright issues
Best For: People who want passive income and enjoy experimenting with AI.
Not For: Those looking for fast cash—this takes time to gain traction.
6. User-Generated Content (UGC) for Brands
UGC is exploding right now because brands want real, relatable content from everyday people. You don’t need a big following—you just need to create authentic short-form videos that showcase products.
How It Works:
- Create a UGC portfolio – Record sample videos featuring brands you love.
- Apply to brand deals – Use TikTok Creator Marketplace or UGC platforms to find paid gigs.
- Get paid for your videos – Brands pay you directly for your content (you don’t have to post it yourself).
Earning Potential:
- Low: $100/month
- Medium: $1,000/month
- High: $10,000+/month (if you consistently land deals)
Pros & Cons:
✔ No need to build an audience
✔ Brands pay high rates for quality content
✖ Competitive—many creators are applying for the same deals
✖ Requires pitching and negotiating contracts
Best For: People who love creating short videos but don’t want to become influencers.
Not For: Those uncomfortable pitching brands or being on camera.
5. PLR Course Flipping
PLR (Private Label Rights) courses allow you to buy, rebrand, and resell digital courses as your own. Instead of creating a course from scratch, you can take existing materials, update them, and sell them for a profit.
How It Works:
- Buy PLR courses from platforms like IDPLR – Find high-quality courses in your niche.
- Rebrand and improve the content – Change the design, add your insights, and update outdated info.
- Sell on platforms like Gumroad, Systeme.io, or your own website – Market your course and start earning.
Earning Potential:
- Low: $200/month
- Medium: $2,000/month
- High: $10,000+/month
Pros & Cons:
✔ No need to create a course from scratch
✔ High profit margins (buy low, sell high)
✖ Some PLR courses have low-quality content
✖ Requires strong marketing skills to make sales
Best For: Entrepreneurs who want a fast-track to selling digital courses.
Not For: People who want completely original content or dislike marketing.
4. Affiliate Marketing on TikTok
Affiliate marketing lets you earn commissions by promoting products without creating your own. TikTok makes this easier than ever because short-form content can go viral quickly.
How It Works:
- Choose a product to promote – Find trending items on Amazon, Best Buy, or TikTok Shop.
- Create engaging videos – Review the product, show a tutorial, or share your experience.
- Add your affiliate link – Earn a commission every time someone buys through your link.
Earning Potential:
- Low: $100/month
- Medium: $1,500/month
- High: $10,000+/month
Pros & Cons:
✔ No need to handle inventory or customer service
✔ Can create passive income over time
✖ Requires consistent content creation
✖ Commissions can change unexpectedly
Best For: People who love making videos and want a low-cost way to earn commissions.
Not For: Those who don’t want to be on camera.
3. TikTok Shop Affiliate
Unlike traditional affiliate marketing, TikTok Shop Affiliate allows you to promote products inside the TikTok app, making it even easier to get sales.
How It Works:
- Apply for TikTok Shop Affiliate – Meet follower requirements and set up your account.
- Find trending products – Choose items with high commission rates.
- Post short videos featuring the product – TikTok boosts product-related content, increasing your visibility.
Earning Potential:
- Low: $100/month
- Medium: $2,500/month
- High: $20,000+/month
Pros & Cons:
✔ Higher commissions than standard affiliate marketing
✔ TikTok actively promotes shop-related content
✖ Some products are low quality, which can hurt your credibility
✖ Trends change quickly, requiring constant content creation
Best For: TikTok users who enjoy creating viral-style videos.
Not For: Those looking for a long-term passive income stream.
2. Email List Monetization
Building an email list is one of the most profitable ways to make money online. Unlike social media, you own your email list, and you can sell products, recommend affiliate offers, or promote services directly to your subscribers.
How It Works:
- Offer a free lead magnet – Create a free guide, checklist, or mini-course to attract subscribers.
- Grow your email list – Use social media or paid ads to get sign-ups.
- Sell to your audience – Promote affiliate products, digital products, or coaching offers.
Earning Potential:
- Low: $500/month
- Medium: $5,000/month
- High: $50,000+/month
Pros & Cons:
✔ Highly passive income once set up
✔ No need for a large social media following
✖ Takes time to build a large, engaged list
✖ Requires strong email copywriting skills
Best For: Long-term entrepreneurs looking for a sustainable income stream.
Not For: People who dislike writing emails or prefer instant results.
1. Creating and Selling Digital Products
Selling digital products like e-books, templates, and mini-courses is one of the most profitable and scalable side hustles in 2025.
How It Works:
- Create a digital product – Solve a problem in your niche (e.g., “TikTok Growth Planner”).
- Choose a platform – Sell on Gumroad, Systeme.io, or your own website.
- Promote your product – Use social media, email marketing, or paid ads to drive traffic.
Earning Potential:
- Low: $300/month
- Medium: $5,000/month
- High: $100,000+/month
Pros & Cons:
✔ 100% profit margins
✔ Highly scalable and passive income
✖ Requires consistent content creation
✖ Highly competitive market
Best For: Content creators and marketers looking to build a long-term business.
Not For: Those who dislike content creation or marketing.
Which of these side hustles are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments!