20 New Side Hustles That Didn't Exist 10 Years Ago
The digital age has created brand-new ways to earn extra income—here are 20 side hustles that didn’t exist a decade ago.
- Chris Graciano
- 5 min read
The last ten years have seen the emergence of new revenue-generating opportunities due to the fast evolution of technology. These contemporary side gigs, which range from renting out personal things to AI prompt engineering, provide adaptable alternatives to increase your revenue. These 20 creative ideas will help you take advantage of the newest trends, whether you’re searching for a side employment or a full-fledged business.
1. AI Prompt Engineer
William Fortunato on Pexels
With the rise of AI, companies pay individuals to craft effective prompts for chatbots and generative AI tools. No coding skills are required—just creativity and strategic thinking. As AI expands, this gig is becoming highly lucrative.
2. NFT Creator & Seller
Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels
The NFT boom has given digital artists and designers a new way to monetize their work. Platforms like OpenSea and Rarible make it easy to sell digital collectibles.
3. Virtual Event Planner
Katerina Holmes on PExels
With more businesses and social groups going digital, virtual event planning has become a profitable niche. Coordinating online conferences, webinars, and remote parties pays well. Tech-savvy organizers can turn this into a full-time business.
4. Metaverse Real Estate Agent
Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
Virtual real estate is now a thing, with properties in digital worlds like Decentraland and The Sandbox selling for millions. Helping investors buy, sell, or develop virtual land is a fresh and growing industry. Early adopters are making serious profits.
5. Subscription Box Curator
Ron Lach on Pexels
Personalized subscription boxes for niche interests—like eco-friendly products, pet treats, or self-care kits—have skyrocketed. Entrepreneurs make money curating and shipping specialized boxes.
6. Drone Photographer
Rachel Claire on Pexels
With real estate, weddings, and marketing campaigns demanding aerial shots, drone photography is in high demand. Licensed drone pilots can charge premium rates for their footage. It’s a creative and tech-driven way to earn extra cash.
7. Print-on-Demand Store Owner
Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
Platforms like Printful and Redbubble allow anyone to sell custom merchandise without holding inventory. Artists and designers upload their work, and the platform handles printing and shipping.
8. Online Course Creator
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
If you have a skill—whether it’s coding, fitness, or language learning—you can package it into an online course. Platforms like Teachable and Udemy make it easy to sell your expertise.
9. TikTok Content Creator
Ron Lach on Pexels
TikTok has launched countless influencers into full-time careers through brand deals, ad revenue, and merchandise sales. Even micro-influencers with niche audiences can make money. Viral content and engagement drive success.
10. Voiceover Artist for AI
Kaboompics.com on Pexels
As AI voice assistants and audiobook apps grow, companies need unique human voices for training AI models. Recording short voice samples can earn you passive income. No acting experience is required—just a good microphone and clear speech.
11. Digital Product Seller
Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
From Canva templates to social media presets, digital products sell for passive income on platforms like Etsy and Gumroad. Creators can design items once and profit indefinitely. Low startup costs make this a high-reward side hustle.
12. Remote Virtual Stylist
Mizuno K on Pexels
Online styling services like Stitch Fix and personal shopper apps have opened doors for fashion lovers. Virtual stylists help clients build wardrobes without meeting in person. Trend awareness and communication skills are key.
13. Social Media Template Designer
Monstera Production on Pexels
Businesses and influencers need engaging social media graphics, and Canva template shops are booming. Selling ready-made designs for Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest can be highly profitable. Minimal design skills are needed with user-friendly tools.
14. AI Art Generator & Seller
Gülşah Aydoğan on Pexels
AI-generated artwork is gaining popularity in digital marketing and NFT spaces. Artists and marketers use tools like Midjourney or DALL·E to create unique visuals. Selling AI-enhanced artwork or custom commissions is a fresh income stream.
15. Notion Template Seller
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
Notion, a popular productivity app, has inspired a market for custom templates. Users create digital planners, goal trackers, and business dashboards to sell online. Productivity enthusiasts are cashing in on this trend.
16. Podcast Editor
Luis Quintero on Pexels
With the explosion of podcasts, many creators need help with editing and post-production. Offering editing services, noise reduction, and sound balancing can earn you steady income. Many podcasters outsource this to save time.
17. Digital Detox Coach
Vanessa Garcia on Pexesl
As screen time and social media addiction rise, digital detox coaches help people unplug. Offering workshops, one-on-one coaching, or content on mindful tech use can be profitable. This niche is growing as people seek balance.
18. Car Rental on Turo
JESHOOTS.com on Pexels
People are making thousands by renting out their personal vehicles on platforms like Turo. It’s an easy way to generate income from a car that’s sitting unused. The gig is especially lucrative in tourist-heavy areas.
19. Online Mystery Shopper
Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
Companies now hire remote mystery shoppers to test websites, chatbots, and digital services. These testers provide feedback on customer service and user experience. It’s an easy gig that pays well for minimal effort.
20. YouTube Automation Channel Owner
Christina Morillo on Pexels
Instead of showing their face, YouTube automation creators use AI-generated scripts, stock footage, and voiceovers to run channels. Monetization comes from ad revenue and affiliate marketing. The key is consistency and niche targeting.