12 Unusual Online Side Hustles You’ve Never Heard Of (But People Are Making Money From in 2025)
Tired of hearing the same old advice about dropshipping or starting a blog? You’re not alone. In 2025, people are getting creative with how they earn income online—and some of the most lucrative side hustles are still flying under the radar. Whether you’re looking to make an extra $500 a month or build a full-time digital income, here are 12 little-known side hustles worth exploring (plus how to get started).
1. Digital Decluttering Consultant
What it is: Help busy individuals clean up their cloud storage, digital files, email inboxes, and desktop chaos.
How it works: With more people overwhelmed by digital clutter, there’s a growing demand for someone to organize files, unsubscribe from junk emails, and optimize folder structures.
How to start: Offer your services on Fiverr or Upwork, or advertise in digital organization Facebook groups. Create a simple checklist of what’s included in your service.
2. Stock Video Background Creator for AI Avatars
What it is: Create looping video backgrounds that AI avatar creators can use in talking head videos.
How it works: Tools like Synthesia and HeyGen use green screen AI avatars. These creators often need professional or fun backgrounds to add personality.
How to start: Use Canva Pro or DaVinci Resolve to make high-quality loops. Sell on platforms like Etsy or Gumroad. Make sure your files are MP4 or WebM and under 30 seconds.
3. Chatroom Moderator for Virtual Spaces
What it is: Moderate live events and chatrooms in virtual spaces like Discord, Twitch, and even VR platforms.
How it works: Businesses running webinars, online events, or gaming communities need trusted moderators to manage spam and ensure positive experiences.
How to start: Join Discord communities and look for moderator roles. Check freelance sites and job boards like ModSquad or Upwork.
4. Create “Done-for-You” Digital Journals
What it is: Pre-made digital journals (in GoodNotes, Notion, or PDF formats) for specific audiences like moms, students, or entrepreneurs.
How it works: People love templates that help them stay organized without building from scratch.
How to start: Use Canva or Notion to create aesthetic layouts. Sell them on Etsy, Payhip, or Shopify. Bonus: use TikTok to demo your journal features.
5. AI Prompt Engineering Services
What it is: Write and sell custom AI prompts that help businesses generate better content or automate tasks.
How it works: Small businesses struggle to get good results from AI tools like ChatGPT or Midjourney. You can solve that with optimized prompt packs.
How to start: Create niche prompt packs (e.g., for realtors, coaches, or e-commerce). Sell them on Gumroad, PromptBase, or your own site.
6. Remote UX Tester for Beta Apps
What it is: Give feedback on new websites or apps before they go live.
How it works: Founders want to know if their app makes sense to everyday users. You’ll test for usability, speed, and clarity.
How to start: Join sites like PlaytestCloud, BetaTesting.com, or respond to calls in indie developer forums and Facebook groups.
7. Sell Custom Notion Dashboards
What it is: Build productivity or aesthetic dashboards in Notion that solve a specific need (e.g., homeschooling, content creation, ADHD planning).
How it works: Users love plug-and-play systems. Sell templates that are useful and look amazing.
How to start: Build a few samples. List them on Gumroad, Etsy (as digital downloads), or your own website. Promote with before/after screen recordings on socials.
8. Become a Subreddit Virtual Assistant
What it is: Act as a virtual assistant for subreddit moderators, helping organize content, track rule violations, or write community updates.
How it works: Reddit mods are unpaid, but some subreddits have monetization streams (Patreon, ads). Larger subs hire help for admin tasks.
How to start: Reach out to active subreddits with a pitch and examples of what you could do. Look for opportunities in r/forhire and r/assistant.
9. Repurpose YouTube Content into Pinterest Carousels
What it is: Turn video content into Pinterest posts for creators who want to expand to a new audience.
How it works: Pinterest favors educational carousel-style content. Repurpose video clips or summarize key points into slides.
How to start: Offer repurposing services to YouTubers via DMs or freelancing platforms. Use Canva or Figma to design fast.
10. Offer “Digital Closet” Services for Influencers
What it is: Organize, link, and track outfits for fashion influencers using Notion, Airtable, or Trello.
How it works: Influencers often need help managing which items they’ve worn, posted, or need to return. You keep their wardrobe sorted and shoppable.
How to start: Create a free sample Notion board to show your system. Offer services in influencer Facebook groups or pitch via Instagram DMs.
11. Create Local Resource Guides as Digital Products
What it is: Compile hyper-local digital guides (e.g., “Best Coffee Shops in Toronto for Remote Work”) and sell them to locals or tourists.
How it works: People are willing to pay a few bucks for curated, helpful lists; especially with maps, insider tips, or niche interests.
How to start: Use Google My Maps, Canva, and Notion to design guides. Sell on Etsy, Gumroad, or your own Canadian blog.
12. Build Mini Niche Job Boards
What it is: Create a simple job board for a specific niche (e.g., jobs for AI trainers, Canadian moms, or Discord moderators).
How it works: Niche job boards are valuable for small communities that don’t want to dig through big platforms.
How to start: Use tools like Niceboard or Webflow. Monetize with listing fees or monthly subscriptions. Promote in Facebook Groups or LinkedIn.
Final Tips:
- Start fast with platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or Notion to test ideas quickly.
- Focus on underserved audiences — not everything has to go viral; a loyal niche is gold.
- Document your process and share it online. Even if you’re new, people love behind-the-scenes journeys.
- Use free design tools like Canva, Notion, and Google Sheets to build products with no upfront cost.
You don’t need to follow the crowd to make money online in 2025. Sometimes the best income streams are hidden in plain sight or just waiting for someone creative enough to build them. Ready to try one?