Think side hustles are still a trend? Think again.
Once upon a time, digital side hustles were seen as a fad, but those days are long gone. Forget flash-in-the-pan extra income strategies that appealed to a select few, thanks to the rise of remote tools, platforms, and digital marketplaces.
Whether you're running an e-commerce store or want to build a personal brand, there's no time like the present to leverage technology and launch income streams. Some of today's youngest generations, including Gen Z, recognize the value of side hustles as they seek alternatives to traditional jobs in search of something more creative and flexible.
If you're unsure of which digital side hustles you should embark upon first, consider which ones are the most popular and decide which piques your interest.
E-Commerce and Reselling
Digital side hustles are more than just a trend. They're regarded as the vehicle for a new economic era, especially for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Utilizing various online platforms, more than half of Gen A are earning money online while pursuing their hobbies. E-commerce sites are ideal for selling physical or digital products. This is especially popular with Gen Z entrepreneurs. They can resell:
- Sneakers
- Vintage clothing
- Handmade items
They can also sell digital downloads, especially tutorials or courses.
You'll need some tools to power the best gig economy jobs, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the following:
- Shopify: A popular way to launch online stores with integrated payment methods
- Print-on-demand services: Dropshipping services for various items without inventory
- Canva and Photoshop: These programs are ideal for designing logos and other items
- Organization tools: Excellent for organizing inventory and tracking orders
You have a low upfront investment, especially if your goods are print-on-demand or digital.
Content Creation and Influencer Marketing
Anyone seeking to monetize their content through advertising revenue will appreciate this. You can create videos and posts, sell merchandise, or build premium communities around your brand. Popular platforms include TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Gen Z and Gen Alpha are drawn to content creation and influencer marketing as a source of supplemental income.
Gen Z and Gen Alpha are drawn to content creation and influencer marketing as a source of supplemental income.
Some of the best tools include:
- Video editing software like Capcut or Premiere Rush: Perfect for splicing together videos with free or affordable editing plans
- Canva: Great for thumbnails, AI art, YouTube banner design, and social media graphics
- YouTube optimization tools: Creators rely on views, and these tools offer engagement opportunities
- Community platforms like Whop: If you have a loyal audience, consider building a dedicated space where followers can access exclusive content, courses, or direct interaction through subscriptions.
Content creation is scalable, has low startup costs, and lets creators exercise control while embracing their inner passion. They can employ monetization strategies with the potential to earn a decent income.
Freelancing and Digital Services
Freelance work opportunities aren't a one-size-fits-all. There are plenty of skills available, including:
- Freelance writing
- Content editing
- Graphic design
- Video editing
- Social media management
Freelance marketplaces make it easier than ever to offer these digital services. Platforms connecting clients with freelancers, including:
- Upwork and Fiverr: These are arguably the largest platforms for freelancers looking to land remote side jobs
- Trello, Asana, and ClickUp: These project management tools help to keep everyone abreast of deadlines and project deliverables
- Slack or Discord: Client communication is paramount, and these apps keep everyone in the know
- Grammarly and Hemingway Editor: Freelancers rely on this writing tool to keep their work seamless and error-free
- Loom: If you need to present work or create a tutorial, Loom is an ideal tool for this.
Freelancers can monetize their talents the same way they would in a traditional 9-to-5, but they can do so while setting their own rates and hours. This makes freelance work flexible and scalable with relatively low overhead. Many freelancers set out to make some extra cash as hobbyists, but wind up professionalizing their unique skills.
Digital Products and Course Creation
Digital products consist of online resources that you can monetize. Some examples of these online earning ideas include:
- Templates for sale
- Guides
- Available courses
- Downloadable resources
- Lesson plans
This could be fitness plans, budgeting spreadsheets, and more. Since Gen Z and Gen Alpha artists are known for their interest in creating game mods, they're perfect for digital product creation. They can also sell art packs and study guides, depending on their specific skill set.
Other people use Google Docs and Slides for items such as lesson plans, daily planners, and eBooks.
The great thing about digital products is that you can scale them as needed. There is no shipping or tracking inventory. This means that young creators looking for passive income tend to gravitate toward streams with high-profit margins and minimal overhead.
Gaming and Virtual Worlds
If there's one thing Gen Z and Gen Alpha love, it's monetizing time spent gaming. This is especially true for Gen Alpha, as games like Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite are more popular than ever.
Some powerful tools include:
- Twitch and YouTube Gaming: These are ideal for audience growth, livestreaming to engage followers, and side income streams
- OBS Studio: This open-source streaming software is free
- Discord: If you're looking to build gaming communities and offer perks and memberships, start here
- Roblox Studio and Minecraft Mods: Essential if you're creating and selling custom in-game items
- Streamlabs: This is for donations, overlays, and monetization enhancements.
Many kids view games as a marketable skill, earning money through viewership, private memberships on servers, and in-game sales.
Digital Side Hustles Built For Success
Digital side hustles aren't just for dessert. In many instances, they're the main course, with a combination of creativity, platforms, and tools working to drive a growing digital economy.
Gen Z and Gen Alpha aren't toiling away fruitlessly online. They're curating and monetizing their futures, powered by software and fueled by creativity, and you can, too.