How to Make money with AI (20 ideas)

Relying on one job these days is scary and I believe 2023 massive layoffs taught us the hard way. That’s where AI side hustles come in to save the day. Learning how to make money with AI can make you a multi-earner and future-proof your skills. So stick around because I’m not just listing ideas.

I will break down the most profitable ones, give you the essential tools, and reveal how regular folks turn them into real businesses. Whether you’re a writer, designer, or data nerd, you will get the correct information on monetizing your AI skills. 

20 Ideas to Make Money with AI

There are dozens of AI side hustles you can start today, regardless of your background or experience. In this article, I’ll show you some of the best AI hustles that you can start right now.

Start an AI-powered Niche Site

You can use generative AI tools to create content for a website that focuses on a specific topic or niche. From there, monetize your site with ads, affiliate links, or products. 

Some tools that I highly recommend to help publish high-quality content are these fantastic AI writing tools for articles or GPT-3 Playground, Canva, a Midjourney, or images.

Start a Faceless YouTube Channel

This YouTube nerd, Noah Morris, owns over 20 faceless channels. Also, one of his first channels made him over $500,000 from Faceless YouTube Channels in 90 Days.  So yeah, a YouTube channel that doesn’t show your face or use voice but relies on AI  to generate videos from text or images is a viable business idea now. 

And just like other ‘normal’ channels,  you can earn extra income from YouTube ads, sponsorships, or merchandise. Some AI tools that can help you grow your channel are vidIQ for analytics and Pictory.ai for videos.

Start Prompt Flipping

This is another profitable side hustle if you are good at creating prompts for AI tools that generate text, images, or audio. Prompts are instructions or examples that tell the tool what to produce.

You can use tools like  ChatGPT to create custom AI  prompts and sell them on Prompt Base or PromptHero.

AI Freelance Copywriting

Businesses will always require a website or social media copy for various purposes, such as blog posts, ads, emails, landing pages, or product descriptions. Now, if you have great copywriting skills use Jasper AI, CopyAI, or ChatGPT apps to make compelling marketing campaigns for businesses.

Then, you can market your side hustle using services on  Fiverr, Upwork, LinkedIn, or Medium.    

AI-Powered Print-on-Demand

AI print-on-demand is another side hustle that can boost your income without needing design skills. Simply describe your concept; AI tools like Midjourney will generate unique designs. Choose your favorite, customize it as needed, and partner with a print-on-demand service like Printify to produce and ship items like t-shirts, mugs, and more.

This side hustle opportunity allows for quick product creation with minimal upfront costs, letting you offer one-of-a-kind items to customers. It’s also a fantastic way to express creativity and start your product line if you need money quickly.

Prompt Engineering

Many business owners and professionals struggle to write effective prompts for AI tasks. That is where you can swoop in and create refined prompts for data analysis, content writing, web scraping, and automation. Your expertise in understanding how AI interprets language and tailoring prompts will:

•  Save clients time
•  Improve their project outcomes.
• Teach them valuable prompt writing skills.

Social media platforms are now great places to create a profile, list your services, and set your rates. You can offer packages for prompt creation, optimization, or personalized training sessions.

AI-Powered Video Editing

If you’re curious about making videos, AI video editing tools can help you create a lucrative freelance career. A tool like Synesthesia is an AI video generator that can help you automatically add special effects and smooth transitions, generate subtitles, and even match music to your video’s content.

This frees you up to focus on the creative aspects while AI handles the time-consuming tasks. Once you’ve perfected your videos, offer your editing expertise on Behance or Toptal to connect with creators and businesses looking for a professional visual design.

Voiceover Services

You can now generate realistic and natural-sounding voiceovers for videos, podcasts, audiobooks, or even video games utilizing AI tools. Simply provide the script, and a tool like Eleven Labs  AI can help with the rest of the work.

Your AI voice-over management skills are in demand on Voice123, Voicebooking, etc. Again, this job is flexible and requires minimal which is a smart way to make money.

Create Online Courses

Go to platforms like Domestika and see millions of users making money selling simple skills like crocheting or photography. With access to  AI tools like ChatGPT,  course development tasks like crafting outline scripts and generating visual aids are easy. 

After your course is ready, publish it on a popular marketplace like Udemy or Skillshare to reach a worldwide audience eager to learn. You can even go solo by creating your website or using a software like Stan store.

Ensure your marketing strategy is compelling enough to maximize your course’s visibility and potential earnings.

Create Music With AI

Musical creativity can also be your ticket to being part of one of the most lucrative side hustles leveraging AI tools. These tools can quickly generate unique beats, loops, or even entire songs for business or entertainment purposes. You can then use SoundCloud, Bandcamp, or DistroKid to distribute and monetize your AI-crafted music. 

This will enable you to reach a global audience of listeners excited by cutting-edge sounds.

AI Freelance Designer

Designing is challenging, and as a beginner, you can waste so many hours struggling with design software. But forget that since the power of  AI  will be on your side as you launch your design hustle in a couple of hours instead of days or weeks.

Tools like Namify, Wix, Framer, Canva, or Midjourney allow you to create stunning logos, graphics, and even full websites in record time. 

AI SEO Services

Businesses now want the top Google spot. So, if you can do that for them, you have a great business using AI tools to make that happen. But remember, you need to master SEO before making big promises. However, courses and AI have made it easy to help your clients achieve their goals. The tools have lighting speed features that can help you. 

• Analyze website performance 
• Track keywords and trends.
• Allow you to use AI writing tools to create search-optimized content.

Social media, personal websites, or freelance marketplaces are the best platforms to market these services.  

AI Voice Assistants

Build custom voice assistants using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant platforms. A smart assistant can help your clients order pizza, track fitness goals, or simply play their favorite music. Custom voice skills can be lucrative for one-time development fees and ongoing maintenance. This is a great side hustle since you can earn money through partnerships with brands or niche communities.

Begin with a simple skill for Alexa or Google, then showcase it to gain clients, brainstorming possibilities that fit their business needs.

AI Consulting

AI consulting is a viable career since some businesses want to integrate it into their operations. However, how much you earn and the kind of clients you attract highly depends more on your knowledge base. For example, new side hustlers often charge high hourly rates. 

And those with a deep understanding of AI applications within specific industries command even higher fees. So familiarize yourself with AI use cases across industries, from data analysis tools to TensorFlow.

AI-Generated Books on Amazon

You can use AI software to generate and sell books on Amazon, such as self-help fiction, non-fiction, or children’s books. Jasper, Rytr, and Gemini will help with writing, while  BookBrush will assist with cover design and formatting. After completing the book, use Kindle Direct Publishing, CreateSpace, or BookBaby to publish and market your books.

Earning on those websites depends on your genre, effective marketing, etc. So, focusing on niche topics with less competition can be a smart way to earn good money.

AI Marketing Automation

If you’re in marketing or ready to learn, marketing automation can help you earn thousands of dollars per month. You just need to learn how AI  can handle your clients’ email newsletters, schedule social posts, and even track what their competitors are up to. The most popular platforms are  

• Mailchimp for email marketing. 
• Hootsuite for social media.
• Lately, for social media, too.
• AI writing tools like Jasper or Phrasee 
• Hubspot 

This skill is gold for busy businesses and a major selling point for you as an AI-savvy marketer.

AI Language Learning

People want to learn languages, but textbooks are boring. So you can use AI to help make AI apps that are fun. Think of features like Duolingo’s  Roleplay. This AI feature immerses learners in realistic conversations with characters from across the globe, enhancing their practical language skills. 

So you can create an AI app and pitch your ideas to investors or course ideas on Udemy. Language learning is now a massive market, and it is always hungry for new approaches.

AI Mental Health Support

There has been a huge debate about how ‘AI can’t replace human connection’. While true, AI  has a role, making it a noble business idea. Think of an app idea that helps users maintain their mental health with daily reminders, sleep noises, and guided meditations. So these are just a few ways AI is improving mental health which means there are other thousand ways to leverage these tools.

BetterHelp already incorporates AI elements, meaning they’re open to consultants with the right expertise to improve those features.

AI Art Generation

Art takes time and skill, but using ChatGPT and other AI tools like DALL-E 3  or Artbreeder can generate an incredible AI image with simple text descriptions. This opens possibilities: sell unique prints, an AI avatar, create custom character art for online games, or even design digital products. 

Marketplaces like Etsy and Wirestock make it easy to list and reach buyers. Please ensure the app you’re using gives you commercial rights to sell the images, or else you might be banned on Etsy or face legal issues. 

AI Personalized Fitness Coaching

AI fitness coaches are the future. Consider apps that analyze your workout data to suggest tailored routines, or use your phone camera to check your exercise form. So you can use AI tools to help create courses, planners, or apps.

Furthermore, companies like Fitbit and Freeletics would be interested in features like these. Use the AI knowledge you have to pitch yourself as someone who understands fitness and AI. 

What Is An AI Side Hustle?

An AI side hustle means using AI-powered tools like Google Gemini or Midjourney to make extra money selling services or products. As an  AI  entrepreneur, you must identify a problem that artificial intelligence can help solve, like automating customer support, marketing, or content writing.  Then, learn the basics of tools through online courses and tutorials.

Some benefits of starting an AI venture are that you can:

• Save time and money by automating your work.
• You can access a large and growing market of businesses and individuals who need AI solutions.
• You can enhance your portfolio and reputation by showcasing your AI skills and projects.
• Learn new things and stay updated with AI technology trends and technologies.

PS: Creating AI solutions can help you make money online, BUT  you must be realistic. For example, you must learn how these tools work and consider the ethical implications. You should always be careful and respectful when using your favorite AI tools.

How do you choose the best AI side hustle?

The best thing about artificial intelligence is that it gives you diverse business ideas. While that’s good for side hustlers, you’ll face difficulty making decisions due to the abundance of promising ideas and tools.  

For instance, how do you balance your passion, skills, and what the market demands? How can you avoid ethical, legal, and technical pitfalls with AI tools? And most importantly, how do you stand out from the crowd and attract clients?

So here’s a straightforward guide on how to start an AI side hustle for that extra cash : 

Assess Market Trends and Growth Potential

Do not just believe what you read online from other entrepreneurs relying on  AI to create their products or services. You’ll need to identify the problems an AI-powered side business can solve and who will buy from you. From there, do a little spying on your competition to properly analyze the demand for your solution. 

You can use free tools like Google Trends or Exploding Topics to discover the latest trends and most in-demand opportunities in AI.

Evaluate Your Passion and Motivation

Having passion and grit is important when you’re starting. This is because you’ll run into some challenges and uncertainties along the way. So, first, figure out what area of AI excites you and what you want to achieve. 

Then, ask yourself why you’re doing this and what you can offer to your customers. Clarity on these points will help you succeed in the long run.

Assess Financial Viability and Sustainability

Before investing time and money in any AI business idea, it’s crucial to consider the financial aspects, like costs and revenues. For instance, what expenses will you incur for acquiring and maintaining AI tools, hosting, and marketing? Next, evaluate the potential income from your AI service or product. Also, consider profit margins to determine sustainability. 

Once the business is running, invest in software like Wave Accounting or QuickBooks. These tools will help you keep track of your financial health and ensure your hustle stays on a steady course.

Test and Validate Your Ideas

Always test and confirm your ideas. This means getting input from the people you aim to serve and seeing how they react. Then, use that information to tweak and refine your AI solution to fit your ideal customer.

The best way to validate your ideas is through social media and Typeform. They can be super handy for creating surveys and quizzes to gather feedback and insights.

Prioritize Long-Term Sustainability and Growth

When starting an AI business, focusing solely on quick returns is tempting. However, prioritizing long-term sustainability and growth is key to building an enduring and profitable business. 

So, instead of focusing on that quick cheque, focus on offering services that provide lasting value. Be on the lookout for new skills and tools to stay competitive and remain valuable to your clientele. 

Also, don’t be content with a few clients. Actively nurture and expand your customer base through automated marketing and word-of-mouth referrals. 

Consider the Impact on Work-Life Balance

So many people jump on a new venture without considering its impact on your work-life balance. This is wrong because a side hustle will require your time and energy.  Consider your primary job, family, and personal life to avoid burnout and stress to earn more money.

Use AI tools like Todoist to track productivity and organize tasks efficiently. 

make money with AI FAQs

Conclusion

Choosing the right AI side hustle requires carefully considering your skills, interests, resources, and goals. While the ideas and examples provided above give a solid overview of potential options, only you can determine what type of business to pursue. 

Take time to assess what you can offer realistically, the problems you can solve, and the value you can provide. Focus on a niche where you can make a meaningful impact.

With such a thoughtful approach, your AI side hustle can become a stable source of income. But don’t forget it takes commitment to turn your creative ideas into reality. Therefore, define your offering, master the necessary skills, invest in reliable tools, and patiently build your portfolio and clientele. 

Start your business today with the help of AI and enjoy the benefits of extra income, new skills, and creative freedom. And don’t forget to share your success stories. I’d love to hear from you AI can also be the reason we connect.