5 Best Side Hustles to Start This Year (And 2 to Avoid!)

Introduction

Hey everyone. It’s Tom here with ThisOnlineWorld.com. I hope you’re all having a fantastic day today.

The start of a new year is always an exciting time to make some resolutions and develop a game plan. Since we’re in a new year, I thought it was a great time to make a video on some of the best side hustle ideas.

So if you’re looking to increase or diversify your monthly income, this is the video for you. Some of the ideas can be done completely from home, and one of them is even completely passive!

At the end of this video, I’m also sharing two common side hustles I think people should avoid. So make sure to watch until the end.

Now, without further ado, let’s get into the video.

1. Crypto & Metaverse Gigs

Why Crypto and the Metaverse Are Lucrative

Crypto, NFTs, and the metaverse were huge trends last year, and the momentum hasn’t slowed down. Like any emerging industry, there’s a ton of money in crypto, which means plenty of opportunities to make money.

Freelancing in the Crypto Space

You don’t have to buy crypto or NFTs to profit from this space. Instead, you can offer your services as a freelancer in industries like:

• Web development
• Graphic design
• Product management
• Social media marketing
• Content writing

Where to Find Crypto Jobs

Websites like TheMetaverseJobs.com list opportunities for crypto and metaverse-related jobs.

For example, I’m a personal finance writer, but I branched into crypto writing and landed a gig at CultOfMoney.com, an awesome site covering crypto and NFTs.

So if you’re a freelancer, consider adding crypto and the metaverse to your portfolio. There’s a ton of money in this space right now!

2. Rent Things for Passive Income

How to Make Money by Renting Your Assets

One of the easiest passive income ideas is renting out things you already own. And it’s not just about Airbnb or renting your car—there are plenty of creative ways to rent your assets.

Platforms That Let You Rent Your Space

• Neighbor.com – Think of it as “Airbnb for storage space.” You can rent out your garage, spare room, shed, or even a parking space and earn between $50 to $300 per month in passive income.
• SpotHero – If you have an unused parking spot in a busy area, you can rent it out to commuters and make extra cash.

Other Items You Can Rent Out

• Drones
• Photography equipment
• Power tools
• Event supplies

Websites like Fat Llama let you rent out these items, and you can get paid daily, weekly, or monthly.

3. Video-Related Gigs

Why Video Content is in High Demand

A survey from HubSpot found that over 50% of consumers prefer video content over blogs or social media posts. This means businesses are investing more in video, creating huge opportunities for freelancers.

Ways to Make Money With Video Content

• Become a video editor – Offer your editing services to YouTubers or brands. You can find gigs on Fiverr, Upwork, or by reaching out to YouTubers directly.
• YouTube consulting – Help businesses and influencers grow their channels and optimize their videos for more views.
• Create TikTok content for brands – Many companies want a TikTok presence but don’t know how to start. You can pitch your services as a TikTok content creator.
• Design YouTube thumbnails – YouTube creators need eye-catching thumbnails to stand out. If you’re good at graphic design, this can be a great side hustle.

4. Start an E-Commerce Business

Why E-Commerce is Still Profitable

People say e-commerce is too saturated, but every year, new businesses emerge and make money. It’s like the old proverb: The best time to start was years ago. The second best time is now.

E-Commerce Side Hustle Ideas

• Print-on-Demand – Use platforms like Redbubble or Printify + Etsy to sell custom T-shirts, mugs, and more without holding inventory.
• Sell Digital Products – Create and sell ebooks, templates, or online courses.
• Traditional Shopify Store – Start your own store and sell physical or digital products.
• Niche Subscription Services – Offer a unique monthly subscription box for a niche audience.

If you’ve been thinking about starting an e-commerce business, this year is the time to do it!

5. Food Delivery Gigs

Why Food Delivery is Still a Great Side Hustle

It may not be the most exciting hustle, but food delivery remains one of the easiest ways to earn money. Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart are always looking for drivers.

How Much Can You Earn?

• $15 to $25 per hour on average
• Experienced drivers can earn $30+ per hour by learning the best routes and times to work

Bonus: Deliver by Bike!

If you don’t own a car, some cities allow you to deliver by bike, helping you earn money while staying active!

Side Hustles to Avoid

Now, as promised, here are two common side hustles I would be cautious about.

1. Amazon FBA

Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) requires upfront investment in inventory, and if your products don’t sell, you lose money. It can be profitable, but it’s risky for beginners.

2. Shopify Drop Shipping

Drop shipping sounds great because you don’t hold inventory, but you’ll likely need to spend a lot on Facebook or Google ads to make sales. If you’re not prepared for this, it can be tough to make a profit.

Conclusion

That wraps up my 5 favorite side hustle ideas for this year!

I love New Year’s resolutions and setting financial goals, so I hope one of these side hustles helps you make more money this year.

• Are you planning to start a side hustle?
• Do you have a favorite that I didn’t mention?

Let me know in the comments so others can check them out too!

Thanks so much for watching. I appreciate all the support—every comment, like, and share means a lot.

For more unique ways to make and save money, check out ThisOnlineWorld.com.