Are you ready to start earning $100k a year? Believe it or not, it’s more possible than you think, and you don’t even need a lot of money to get started. Whether you want to replace your full-time job or just create a side income, I’ve found some of the best side hustles for 2025 that you can start with zero dollars. What’s even better? You can do them from anywhere!
I’ve personally grown two six-figure online businesses in under a year and want to share how you can do the same. Below, I’ll share ten side hustle ideas, most of which I’ve tried and can vouch for. Let’s dive into it.
- 1. Digital Products: Sell What You Know
- 2. Niche Stores: Start Selling Products Online
- 3. YouTube Automation: Earn Money Without Showing Your Face
- 4. Content Creator: Build Your Social Media Empire
- 5. UGC Creator: Get Paid for User-Generated Content
- 6. Affiliate Marketing: Make Money by Recommending Products
- 7. Print on Demand: Start Your Own Clothing Brand
- 8. Inventory eCommerce: For Hands-On Entrepreneurs
- 9. TikTok Shop: The Future of eCommerce
- 10. TikTok Affiliate: Earn with Other People’s Products
1. Digital Products: Sell What You Know
If you’re looking for a side hustle with minimal startup costs and almost 100% profit, digital products are the way to go. From eBooks, templates, and printables to online courses and guides, the possibilities are endless.
I personally love creating digital products because you only need to spend a few hours to design one, and you can sell it over and over again for years. Plus, AI tools like TrendAssist AI and free Canva templates make it easier than ever to create these products in under 10 minutes.
Why I Like Digital Products:
- No physical inventory to manage.
- Almost zero startup costs.
- The potential for passive income.
If you’re ready to start, I’ve got a free course linked to help you master digital products.
2. Niche Stores: Start Selling Products Online
One of the first online businesses I started at 16 was a niche store, and it was a total game-changer for me. A niche store allows you to sell specific products in one category, like eco-friendly products or fitness gear, without holding any inventory. There are tools like AutoDS that help you find products, and they even ship them directly to your buyers.
What’s exciting is that now, thanks to AI, you can set up a fully functional store with trending products in minutes! I’ve seen beginners find great success with this model—if they can do it, so can you.
Why Niche Stores Work:
- No need to buy inventory upfront.
- AI tools do the heavy lifting.
- You can start with minimal investment.
3. YouTube Automation: Earn Money Without Showing Your Face
Did you know that you can make thousands of dollars on YouTube without even showing your face? It’s true, and this business model is called YouTube automation. You create videos using stock footage and voiceovers, then monetize them.
I’ve seen so many YouTube channels like “Top 5” and “Toropia” make $1,000+ per day just by uploading faceless content. If they can do it, why not you?
Why I Love YouTube Automation:
- No need to be on camera.
- High passive income potential.
- AI tools help with content creation.
If you’re interested, I have a free course on how to get started with YouTube automation.
4. Content Creator: Build Your Social Media Empire
In 2025, being a content creator doesn’t mean you have to be an influencer. You can share what you love, teach what you know, and monetize it. Whether you start an Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube channel, there are endless opportunities to make money.
What I like most about being a content creator is that you can start with zero followers. The key is to pick a niche and stay consistent. I’ve seen people build entire social media empires by starting with one Instagram account, then branching out into affiliate marketing, brand deals, and more.
Why This Side Hustle is Great:
- Start with zero followers.
- Monetize in multiple ways (brand deals, affiliate marketing, ads).
- You can grow organically without paid ads.
5. UGC Creator: Get Paid for User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) is booming in 2025. Brands are looking for everyday people to create content for them, and you don’t need a following to get started. All you need to do is create simple videos or photos of products you use and love.
What I’ve found works best is creating a separate account where you post reviews of products you genuinely like. Brands will start reaching out, and you can charge anywhere from $100 to $300 per video. The best part? You don’t even have to post the content—just create it for the brand.
Why UGC is Perfect for Beginners:
- You don’t need a big following.
- Brands pay well for simple content.
- You can start from home.
6. Affiliate Marketing: Make Money by Recommending Products
Affiliate marketing is another excellent side hustle for 2025. You can start earning commissions by recommending products you use or love. The key is to create content around the product and share your unique affiliate link. Every time someone buys through your link, you get paid.
For example, I started a niche account for my dog and earned commissions by promoting pet products. The possibilities are endless!
Why Affiliate Marketing is a Win:
- No need to create products.
- Flexible—you can promote products in any niche.
- Potential for high earnings with little investment.
7. Print on Demand: Start Your Own Clothing Brand
If you’re a creative person, print on demand is an amazing way to start your own clothing brand without holding any inventory. You design the product, and the print-on-demand company takes care of the rest, from printing to shipping.
Why Print on Demand is a Top Choice:
- No inventory required.
- Great for artists or anyone who loves designing.
- Low-risk, high-reward.
8. Inventory eCommerce: For Hands-On Entrepreneurs
If you’re passionate about a product and want to have more control, an inventory-based eCommerce store might be for you. While this does involve purchasing inventory upfront, it allows you to create unique content around your product, which can result in higher sales.
Why Inventory eCommerce is Exciting:
- You get to control every aspect of your product.
- Great for people who want a more hands-on approach.
9. TikTok Shop: The Future of eCommerce
TikTok has transformed from a social media platform into an eCommerce powerhouse. You can sell products directly through TikTok Shop, and the platform boosts content from new sellers.
I’ve seen beginners get thousands of sales from TikTok Shop with the right content strategy. So if you’re looking to start a business in 2025, this is a great option.
Why I Love TikTok Shop:
- You can sell products directly on TikTok.
- New accounts get boosted by the algorithm.
- Perfect for beginners.
10. TikTok Affiliate: Earn with Other People’s Products
If you don’t want to start your own store, TikTok Affiliate is another great option. You can make money by promoting products already available on TikTok Shop. Many people have turned this into a full-time income, and it’s an easy way to get started with zero investment.
Why TikTok Affiliate is Perfect:
- No need to manage products.
- Make money from existing products.
- Ideal for beginners.
No matter which side hustle you choose, 2025 is the year to start building your dream business. With so many free tools and resources available, you can go from zero to $100k faster than you ever thought possible. Just remember: consistency is key! Happy hustling!
8 Best Side Hustles You Can Start in 2025
