20 Profitable hobbies that make money

1. Social media

If you spend a lot of time on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, why not turn that screen time into a money-making hobby? Creators earn ad revenue, land brand partnerships, and sell digital products or custom t-shirts through platforms like Printify.

It’s one of the most accessible hobbies that make money – you don’t need a degree or startup capital. Start by sharing tutorials, relatable stories, or niche tips, then build your audience and monetize what makes you unique.

2. Blogging and writing

Blogging is a classic side hustle and one of the most flexible hobbies. Start making money writing with beginner-friendly blogging platforms like WordPress.org, Wix, Squarespace, Substack, or Medium, depending on whether you want full customization or a built-in audience.

If you’re just starting out, consider publishing a blog post on Medium or Substack to practice your voice and attract your first readers. From there, branch into freelancing and writing opportunities by pitching guest posts, applying on platforms like Upwork, or reaching out to businesses that need blog content. 

Monetization options include affiliate links, sponsored content, selling digital products, launching an online course, or even offering coaching. Use your own website or online store to package your expertise and build a profitable business around your niche.

3. Starting a YouTube channel

Launching a YouTube channel is one of the most popular and profitable hobbies – especially if you enjoy teaching online, entertaining, or storytelling. Whether you’re into gaming, tutorials, reviews, or niche commentary, all you need to start is a smartphone, a basic USB mic like the Fifine K669 (around $30), and free editing tools like CapCut or DaVinci Resolve.

As a beginner, focus on clarity and consistency over perfection – your first videos don’t need fancy gear. Once your channel hits 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, you can join the YouTube Partner Program and start earning ad revenue.

Many creators also monetize by adding affiliate links to their descriptions, selling digital products, or offering branded merchandise through platforms like Printify. With a clear marketing strategy and some patience, your content can grow into a successful business with long-term passive income potential.

4. Podcasting

Podcasting is one of the most personal and powerful formats for content creation. Host interviews, share insights, or tell stories using tools like Spotify for Podcasters or Buzzsprout.

Monetize through sponsorships, listener donations, podcast merch, and premium content. Share highlights with your social media accounts or repurpose episodes into blogs and YouTube videos to generate income from multiple sources.

5. Health and fitness coaching

If you’re into strength training, yoga, nutrition, or wellness, fitness coaching is one of the best cheap hobbies to make money. It’s a fast-growing space with low startup costs and global reach – perfect for turning passion into profit.

Begin by offering one-on-one sessions via Zoom or apps like Trainerize, or scale with an online course using platforms like Thinkific or Teachable. Sell digital products like meal plans, fitness trackers, or workout programs through your own website, and promote them on social media, especially Instagram and TikTok.

With time, you can grow a loyal client base and earn recurring income from memberships, video libraries, or coaching bundles, making it a sustainable, full-time business idea.

6. Makeup and beauty

The beauty industry offers plenty of ways to turn your creativity into a money-making hobby. If you enjoy experimenting with makeup or skincare, you can make money by creating tutorials, offering event makeup services, or sharing product reviews on social media.

Start by building a personal brand on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, then expand by teaching virtual classes, offering bridal and special event packages, or selling digital products like skincare routines or makeup planner templates. Many beauty creators also grow through affiliate marketing, paid partnerships, and exclusive content for loyal followers.

7. Creating digital products

Digital products are downloadable files like planners, templates, spreadsheets, or trackers – and you don’t need design experience to get started. Open Canva, Google Docs, Google Sheets, or Notion and create something simple, like a weekly planner, budget tracker, or social media calendar.

Choose a niche you understand – such as wellness, productivity, or personal finance – or go more specific: Dungeons & Dragons character sheets, wedding planning checklists, pet care trackers, or home plant watering logs. The key is to solve one clear need with each product.

Save your file as a PDF or editable template, then upload it to Etsy, Gumroad, or Payhip. You can also sell through your own website using Shopify or Podia.

Make sure your files are mobile-friendly and use strong keywords in your product titles to help potential customers find them. Start small, test what sells, and refine your offers as you go.

8. Photography

Photography is a flexible and rewarding money-making hobby, and you don’t need pro gear to get started. A good smartphone paired with free tools like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile, is more than enough. If you’re ready to upgrade, entry-level cameras like the Canon EOS Rebel T8i or Sony ZV-E10 with a 50mm lens are great all-rounders.

Learn the basics of lighting, framing, and editing by watching YouTube or Skillshare tutorials and practicing regularly. To get noticed, build a presence on Instagram, Pinterest, and photography platforms like 500px or VIEWBUG, and use hashtags relevant to your niche and location.

There are multiple ways to monetize: sell prints through your own website or Etsy, license your photos on stock platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or EyeEm, and offer paid downloads or limited editions.

You can also earn by selling prints, uploading your best shots to print-on-demand platforms, or bundling them as digital packs for bloggers, designers, or marketers.

9. Creating online courses

If you have a skill others want to learn – like photography, Excel, budgeting, parenting hacks, or even gardening – you can turn it into a sellable online course or learning series. You don’t need a teaching degree or fancy equipment. Just break your topic into clear, step-by-step lessons that solve a specific problem.

Start by outlining your content and recording videos using a smartphone or webcam. Edit with free tools like CapCut or Clipchamp, then publish your course on Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi, Skillshare, or Udemy.

Prefer a more flexible or community-building model? Share exclusive lessons on Patreon, offer private workshops, or build a free following by teaching on YouTube, then upsell paid content.

Promote your course through social media, newsletters, or niche online communities. Once it’s live, much of the sales process can be automated, giving you time to focus on creating even more value.

10. Graphic design

If you love creating visuals, graphic design is one of the most practical hobbies that can make money. You don’t need a degree or expensive software to start. Just try free tools like Canva, Figma, or test Adobe Illustrator with a free trial to practice designing logos, social media graphics, or digital templates.

Start small by offering designs for friends, local businesses, or creators. Then branch out by listing your services on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, or sell ready-made templates on Creative Market and Etsy. Participate in design contests on sites like 99designs for higher-paying projects and exposure.

Once you have a signature style and niche, turn your work into digital products like resume templates, Instagram kits, or printable wall art. You can also scale by teaching design through an online course or launching a print-on-demand store to sell your artwork on physical items.

11. Building websites

Building websites is a practical money-making hobby, and while it might feel technical at first, it’s easy to learn. Choose platforms based on the kind of work you want to do – Shopify is ideal for eCommerce but comes with a monthly fee, Webflow is great for visual control without coding, and WordPress.org offers full flexibility but requires separate hosting and a bit more setup.

Start by building a few demo sites or offering simple site makeovers to friends or local businesses. Then list your services on Fiverr or Upwork, and consider bundling related skills like SEO, branding, or freelance writing to increase your value.

Once you’ve built a portfolio and some referrals, you can switch to retainers or packaged services. Many turn web design into a long-term online business with steady income and room to grow.

12. Gaming

Gaming is one of the most rewarding hobbies that makes money, and getting started is easy. Pick a focus – live streaming, tutorials, reviews, or gameplay highlights – and start consistently sharing content on platforms like Twitch or YouTube. 

All you need is a decent headset, screen recording software like OBS Studio, and a passion for the games you play.

Once you build a small audience, you can monetize through affiliate links, channel ad revenue, and fan support. You can even coach new players or test unreleased games through platforms like PlaytestCloud or directly with publishers like Ubisoft.

If you’re more technical, explore game development and sell your own games, digital assets, or mods on platforms like Steam, itch.io, or the Unity Asset Store.

13. Music

Music is one of the most interesting ways to earn money with a hobby, offering creative freedom and multiple income streams. With platforms like DistroKid, Bandcamp, and Splice, you can distribute and monetize your music independently.

Sell beats, samples, or sound packs on BeatStars or Splice. Offer one-on-one lessons through Lessonface or build full music tutorials on Udemy. For commercial use, license your tracks on Music Gateway or Songtradr. You can also provide custom services like mixing, mastering, or songwriting through Fiverr or SoundBetter.

14. Traveling

Travel can be a rewarding side hustle when you document and share your experiences with the right tools. Start with a blog using WordPress or Wix, or create downloadable travel guides, maps, and packing lists to sell on Etsy or your own website.

To earn affiliate income, join travel programs like Booking.com or Agoda, where you’ll get paid a commission when someone books through your links. You can also use SafetyWing or GetYourGuide for activities, tours, and travel insurance referrals.

As you grow your audience, you can monetize through ads, build a travel-themed newsletter, or offer custom itinerary planning. Many creators also sell digital products or travel-themed merch.

15. Interior design

If you have an eye for styling, interior design can be a creative side hustle. Use free tools like SketchUp, Roomstyler, or Home Planner to create virtual designs from home, then offer consultations or sell ready-made design kits.

Monetize by selling digital products like mood boards, shopping lists, or editable templates through Etsy or your own website. Some designers also sell curated decor bundles on Facebook Marketplace or offer affiliate recommendations through programs like Wayfair and West Elm.

16. Jewelry making

Jewelry making is a creative side hustle that can grow into a profitable business with low startup costs. Start by designing a small collection – clay earrings, resin pendants, or wire-wrapped crystals – using basic tools and materials from local craft stores or suppliers like Fire Mountain Gems or Rio Grande.

Sell your pieces at craft fairs, flea markets, or pop-up events. For online sales, open a shop on Etsy or launch your own website using Shopify. Promote your work on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok, using behind-the-scenes videos and product drops to build an audience.

17. Pet sitting and dog walking

If you enjoy spending time with animals, try pet sitting and dog walking. Start small by offering services to friends or neighbors, then expand through referrals, reviews, and local outreach.

List your services on platforms like Rover to reach nearby pet owners, or use Facebook Marketplace and neighborhood groups to find local clients. Since you set your own schedule, it’s an ideal side hustle for people working from home or looking to earn extra cash in their free time.

Focus on reliability, good communication, and safety to build trust – and don’t forget to ask happy clients for testimonials to help grow your reach.

18. Gardening and selling plants

If you have a green thumb, gardening can be a rewarding side hustle with real income potential. Start by growing low-maintenance plants like succulents, cuttings, or herbs. Sell them locally at farmers’ markets, through Facebook Marketplace, or via your own website.

Beginners can use resources like Epic Gardening for plant care tips, or The Sill for inspiration on packaging and presentation.

Once you’ve gained experience, expand into seedlings, propagation kits, or themed bundles. You can also create digital products like plant care guides, printable garden planners, or seasonal planting calendars. For long-term income, consider building an online course focused on urban gardening or houseplant care.

To grow your customer base, focus on presentation, labeling, and building trust. Reinvest early profits into better tools or rare plant varieties.

19. Baking and selling baked goods

Love to bake? Turn that passion into a profitable business by selling at farmers’ markets, local cafés, or on Facebook Marketplace. Start with a focused niche like gluten-free desserts, custom cakes, or seasonal pastries – something that stands out and satisfies a specific craving.

Use high-quality ingredients and appealing packaging to build trust and encourage repeat customers. Resources like King Arthur Baking and Bake from Scratch offer great recipes and inspiration. 

As you grow, accept custom orders for events or holidays, and promote your goods through a blog or YouTube channel with behind-the-scenes prep, tutorials, or product showcases.

Be sure to check your local food laws before selling, and use customer reviews to refine recipes and build your reputation.

20. Flipping thrift store finds

Flipping thrift store finds means buying underpriced items from thrift shops, flea markets, or garage sales and reselling them for a profit. Start with categories you know – like vintage clothing, collectible books, or home decor – and use eBay’s free Product Research tool (formerly Terapeak) via Seller Hub or the eBay app to see what’s selling and at what price.

Clean and photograph your finds well, then list them on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace. Choose clear titles and include detailed descriptions and measurements. To maximize margins, watch for quality materials, designer brands, or rare editions.

Search for the best thrifting tips – like how to check fabric quality or spot valuable labels – on sites like The Budget Mom to find better items and reinvest profits into higher-value inventory. Use specific search terms and hashtags when listing to reach more buyers.

Sign up

Create a free Printify account and access over 1,300 customizable products. No experience required, no setup fees, and no minimum order quantity.

Choose and design your products

Pick products that align with your favorite hobby, like t-shirts, mugs, posters, or tote bags. Use Printify’s free Product Creator to add artwork, photos, or text. If you’ve already created digital products, turning them into physical goods is just a few clicks away. 

Decide where to sell

Sell online through Etsy, Shopify, TikTok Shop, or your own website. Consider ordering samples or bulk orders to sell locally at flea and farmer’s markets while keeping things close to home.

Let Printify do the work for you

Once a customer orders, Printify handles everything – from printing and packing to shipping. You get more time to grow your brand, build your audience, and explore easy hobbies to make money while doing what you love.