In 2025, earning extra income doesn’t require coding, capital, or complex tech skills. What it does require is the ability to adapt and explore new tools that work smarter than most people. One of the biggest trends this year? Starting a side hustle using AI tools.
If you’re wondering about the best AI tools for side hustle, or looking for AI tools for beginners that don’t need a programming degree, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a student, a 9-to-5 warrior, or a weekend dreamer, these tools can unlock serious income potential with minimal effort.
Let’s unpack the AI side hustle ideas for 2025 and the tools that make them easy.
2. MidJourney – Create & Sell AI Art
AI-generated art is everywhere, from phone wallpapers to merchandise. With MidJourney, you can create unique art using text prompts and sell them on Etsy, Redbubble, or Gumroad.
Want to know how to make money using AI tools like this? Focus on a niche theme: anime characters, gothic landscapes, or fantasy creatures. Combine art with story prompts to sell as printable content.
Don’t miss this read: How to Make Money from AI Art
3. Lumen5 – Turn Blogs into YouTube Shorts or Reels
Lumen5 turns text into engaging videos. Perfect for anyone building a faceless YouTube channel, personal blog, or Instagram page.
Use it with Secret Tools to Automate YouTube Shorts (Tips to Boost Views!) to batch-create Shorts for trending topics, all without showing your face or hiring an editor.
What to avoid? Don’t rely only on default templates. Customize visuals and music for branding.
4. Notion AI – Launch a Digital Product Business
From journals to planners and even course outlines, Notion AI can help you brainstorm, organize, and format products. Sell these templates on Gumroad, Etsy, or Ko-fi.
Secret trick: Bundle templates with AI-generated instructions or bonus cheat sheets. Add phrases like “AI-designed” to attract curious buyers.
5. Remove.bg & Canva – Start a Product Mockup Shop
These two tools together are unstoppable. Remove.bg lets you erase image backgrounds in seconds, and Canva helps you create stunning mockups.
Side hustle idea: Offer custom mockup services to small businesses or influencers. Use trending niches: skincare, books, digital downloads.
Want to level up? Add a license option for commercial use.
6. ChatGPT + Perplexity – Become a Micro SaaS Copy Creator
Use AI to generate landing page content, ad copy, social bios, and even app descriptions. Bundle them as a low-cost monthly service.
Combine this with These Free Tools That Outperform ChatGPT for Students (2025) to increase accuracy, fact-checking, and tone variety.
What to do: Niche down by targeting fitness brands, real estate agents, or NFT creators.
7. Descript – Audio and Podcast Side Hustle
If you’ve ever wanted to jump into the podcasting scene, but hate the editing process, Descript does it all. It edits audio like you edit a doc.
Start offering podcast editing as a service, or build your own monetized show based on trending facts, motivation, or tech.
Fun angle? Use AI voices to create mini-podcast shows that run on autopilot.
8. PromptBase – Sell Your AI Prompts
Got great prompt-writing skills for tools like DALL·E or MidJourney? Sell your best prompts on PromptBase. People pay for specific outputs like “3D isometric gaming avatars” or “Minimalist travel illustrations for blogs”.
Secret Tip: Package prompts into categories and upsell them as themed prompt books.
9. Tome AI – Create and Sell Digital Storybooks or Courses
Tome is a presentation-style storytelling platform. It uses AI to design elegant, visual-first content , great for online courses, children’s stories, or digital magazines.
Add in original AI visuals and you’ve got a complete product.
You can also combine with These Tech Skills That Guarantee High-Paying Jobs Before You Graduate! to make educational content bundles that sell.
10. Runway ML – Offer AI Video Editing Services
This tool is perfect for creating green screen videos, cinematic AI effects, or repurposing content for brands. You don’t need editing skills, just creativity.
Sell services like “video cleanup”, “stylized Shorts”, or “AI-powered intro animations” to creators and small businesses.
Bundle these services with SEO content or thumbnail design to boost value.
What to Avoid in AI Side Hustles
Don’t start multiple side hustles at once. Pick one tool. Master it.
Avoid violating copyright. Don’t generate AI versions of protected characters or content.
Don’t skip branding. Even if it’s just a color palette and logo, consistency builds trust.
Hidden Tricks That Nobody Tells You
Offer monthly subscriptions , Turn one-time buyers into fans with new content delivered monthly (templates, wallpapers, social packs).
Blend tools together , Like using Notion AI for product planning, Canva for visuals, and Lumen5 for promo content.
Sell in low-competition markets, Try AI-generated digital downloads for teachers, parents, or freelancers.
Automate lead capture , Use free tools to grab emails via AI quizzes, content upgrades, or free downloads.
Final Thoughts: The AI Hustle Starts Now
2025 is the year of smart hustling. You no longer need degrees, investors, or coding chops. With these best AI tools for side hustle, you’re equipped to build something impactful, and profitable, from scratch.
Your side hustle could start with a single image, a tiny website, or a three-minute video. The point is to start. One tool. One project. One idea at a time.
So go on explore, experiment, and take that leap. Your first dollar (or thousand) from AI could be just one click away.
Need extra hacks for life and income? Check out How to Get Netflix for Free in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide and boost your savings while you build your empire.
