The rise of remote work and the gig economy has opened doors to a variety of side hustles. However, some are more popular than others, making it hard to earn money out of them.
Our team searched many online platforms for unpopular side hustles that pay well. Whether you’re a data whiz, a creative storyteller, or a passionate hobbyist, you will find an opportunity that aligns with your strengths and interests.
Data Labeling
Companies need massive amounts of data labeled for AI training, which can be a flexible way to contribute. You’ll be tasked with a variety of activities. Such as identifying objects in images, translating text snippets, or classifying data points. Sites like Amazon Mechanical Turk or Labelbox offer these gigs. While the pay per task might be low, you can string together hours when you have downtime.
Online Course Narrator
If you have a captivating voice and can emote well, consider narrating audiobooks or online courses. Many platforms like ACX or Upwork allow you to audition for projects. This can be done remotely. They let you record at your convenience, making it perfect for adapting to your work schedule.
SMM for Local Businesses
Many small businesses struggle to maintain an active social media presence. It is great for people who have experience with remote jobs. You can leverage your remote work experience to manage social media accounts, create content calendars, schedule posts, and engage with the audience. Depending on the agreement, this can be done during your remote work hours or evenings. Look for local businesses on social media or reach out through community forums to find potential clients.
Specialized Online Cooking Classes
If you have a passion for cooking, consider offering online classes that cater to specific dietary needs or interests. This could be vegan baking workshops, international cuisine tutorials, or even “healthy meal prep on a budget” classes. Platforms like Zoom or google meet allow for live interactive sessions. You can also provide pre-recorded content for self-paced learning.
Editing for Academic Papers
Universities and research institutions often have a surge in demand for proofreading and editing academic papers before submission. This can be a lucrative side hustle if you have a strong grasp of grammar, research experience, and an eye for detail. Look for postings on freelance marketplaces. You can also contact universities directly through their English departments or research centers for side hustles.
Freelance Grant Writing
Non-profit organizations and universities often need help securing grant funding. You can offer freelance grant writing services if you have strong research and writing skills. This can be done remotely and allows you to work on impactful projects while building a valuable client base. Check out platforms like Upwork for grant writing requirements.
Audio Description Writing
Blind or visually impaired people rely on audio descriptions to access regular content. This can include movies, documentaries, and other visual media. If you have a knack for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, you can become an audio description writer. This is a specialized field with growing demand and can be done on a flexible schedule.
Online Language Tutor
If you have a strong hold over your native language or another language, you can offer online classes for that. Many platforms connect language learners with tutors for online lessons. This allows you to set your own hours and work remotely, making it perfect for your flexible work schedule.
Podcast Editing & Production
The podcasting world is booming, and many podcasters need help with editing, sound design, and even guest booking. If you have good audio editing skills and enjoy the world of podcasts, this could be a fun and flexible side hustle. You can work remotely and tailor your workload to your schedule.
Data Visualization Specialist
Presenting complex data clearly and visually appealingly is a valuable skill. If you’re good with data analysis tools and have a creative flair, consider offering data visualization services. This can be done remotely for clients across different industries.
Content Creation for ASMR
Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a tingling sensation people experience with certain sounds. If you have a calming voice or can create unique sounds with everyday objects, record ASMR videos for platforms like YouTube or Patreon. This can be done remotely and on your schedule, allowing you to experiment and find your niche within the growing ASMR community.
Social Media Mystery Shopper
Businesses are increasingly using social media to interact with customers. Brands use secret shoppers to evaluate response times, professionalism, and overall customer service. Companies like Lionbridge offer such gigs, often with flexible hours that can adapt to your work schedule.
Content Repurposing
Many businesses create valuable content that can be repurposed across different platforms. You can offer services to rewrite blog posts into social media captions, create infographics from website content, or develop video scripts from blog articles. This leverages your writing and content management skills while allowing for a flexible schedule. By repackaging existing content, businesses can reach a wider audience. Platforms like Canva or Adobe Spark offer user-friendly tools for creating visual content.
E-commerce Reseller
With a keen eye for deals and trends, you can buy products at a discount and resell them online for a profit. Find underpriced items in thrift stores, online marketplaces, or clearance sales. Platforms like Poshmark or eBay allow you to set up your own online store. The flexible schedule lets you manage your inventory and listings around your work. Networking with other resellers and staying informed about market trends can help you stay competitive in the e-commerce space.
Online Community Manager
If you are passionate about a certain niche, you can turn that into a side hustle by becoming an online community manager. This could involve moderating forums, creating engaging content, or organizing online events. For example, if you’re passionate about video games, you could manage a community dedicated to a specific game or gaming platform.
Platforms like Discord or Reddit offer tools for managing online communities, while social media platforms like Meta or X (Formerly Twitter) can also be used to connect with like-minded individuals.