13 Profitable Side Hustles You Can Start in 2025

If you’ve ever wondered whether now is the right time to start one or two side hustles, the answer is simple: yes.

This is the continuation of the previous post When is the Best Time to Start a Side Hustle? where I talked about the benefits of starting now and what you should consider before launching your new venture.

That post covered the benefits of starting a side hustle in the current climate and outlined key considerations before getting started.

Today, I’m diving into 13 of the most profitable side hustles you can start right now, even if you don’t have much time, money, or fancy tech skills.

These aren’t tiny side hustles that make a few dollars a month. These are genuine income opportunities that you can scale up without requiring a substantial upfront investment.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you purchase through those links. Read full disclosure HERE.

Why Start a Side Hustle in 2025?

• Uncertainty is the new normal. Relying on one paycheck isn’t enough anymore. You may not even have a paycheck anymore.
• You already have marketable skills. You just need to package them differently.
• Starting small now can lead to big freedom later. The future you will thank you.

13 Most Profitable Side Hustles You Can Get Started on Today

1. Start a Faceless YouTube Channel

You don’t have to become a YouTube star to start earning money on YouTube. Faceless YouTube channels are one of the smartest, most scalable side hustles for 2025.

You can create video content around:- 

• Tutorials and how-to guides
• Top 10 compilations
• Motivation or study playlists
• Animated explainers
• AI-generated storytelling
• Relaxing background music and visuals

You don’t need to appear on camera, use your real voice, or invest in expensive equipment. 

• Script your videos with AI tools like ChatGPT. 
• Record voiceovers using Syllabi.io
• Create visuals using Canva or Pictory.ai
• Edit simple videos with free apps like CapCut or VN Editor

Once you reach YouTube’s Partner Program requirements (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours), you can start earning ad revenue, and that’s just the beginning. 

You can also promote affiliate products, your own digital products, or sponsor deals. 

Tip: Start by choosing a niche you enjoy learning about or sharing with others. Consistency matters more than perfection.

An upcoming article will provide more detailed information on how to launch a faceless YouTube channel.

2. Start an Online Business

Sell services, digital products, or physical goods. You can start small, then grow with your skills and audience. Multiple income streams = peace of mind.

Get inspired: Brainstorm three skills you have that could become an online offer.

3. Open an Etsy Store 

Sell handmade, vintage, or creative products. One of my friends started sewing coin purses during quarantine and now runs a whole Etsy shop!

If you can create it, you can probably sell it. Get started with some research and putting together ideas for a platform like Etsy HERE. 

4. Become a Proofreader

If you naturally spot typos and grammar mistakes, this is your zone. Start by offering services on Fiverr or Upwork.

Potential to branch into book editing, legal proofreading, and more once you’ve established yourself.

General Proofreading: Theory and Practice is a highly recommended resource for learning how to start a proofreading career as a side hustle from anywhere. Check it out HERE. 

5. Set Up Shop on Fiverr

• Sell any skill: writing, graphic design, video editing, marketing support, you name it.
• Fiverr gigs can expand into serious part-time (or full-time) income.
• Start simple, then build your reputation.

Fiverr Secrets: Become a Fiverr Top-Rated Seller Today might be a good resource to get you started with Fiverr.

6. Get Paid to Answer Questions Online

• If you’re a certified expert (finance, law, tech, health), you can get paid for answering real questions.
• Platforms like JustAnswer verify your credentials.

Become an expert on JustAnswer.

7. Create on 99Designs

• Perfect for graphic designers and artists.
• Compete in design contests or secure private projects.
• Showcase your portfolio while making money.

Learn more about 99Designs here.

8. Start a Virtual Assistant Business

• Help busy entrepreneurs and businesses manage tasks such as email, social media, scheduling, and research.
• Set your own rates and work from anywhere.

Start your Virtual Assistant journey here.

9. Deliver Food or Groceries

• Apps like UberEats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Instacart are booming.
• Work when you want, earn quick cash, and even make great tips.

Bonus: Some apps, like Shipt, also pay you to shop for groceries before delivery.

10. Teach or Instruct Online

• Share your skills on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare.
• Record simple video lessons on anything from yoga to marketing.
• Earn passive income as your courses sell.

Start creating your first Udemy course here.

11. Teach English Online

• Demand for native English speakers to tutor online is stronger than ever.
• Companies like Cambly, Qkids, and PalFish offer flexible schedules.
• Average earnings: $20–$25/hour.

12. Drive for Uber or Lyft

• If you have a reliable car and free time, driving can be an easy way to earn fast money.
• Essential workers still rely heavily on ride-share services in 2025.

You can manage your availability and turn it off if you don’t feel like driving.

13. Offer Specialized Microservices

• Microservices (tiny tasks like voiceovers, transcription, Canva designs) are exploding.
• Sites like Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and Freelancer make it easy to offer small tasks that add up.

Quick Recap: Side Hustles You Can Start This Week

You don’t have to wait for “the perfect time” to start your side hustle. The perfect time was yesterday. The second-best time is today.

Small steps now lead to big freedom later. Pick one idea, take one action and watch what happens.

Anna gave up her 9 – 5 to implement her life plan after paying off over $40,000 in debt. She started The Writer Entrepreneur to share her journey and encourage other people to pay off debt and pursue their life plans. She has been featured on HuffPost, YouQueen & Fitnancials among others. Learn more about Anna HERE.