Best Online Side Hustles for Beginners: Start Earning Today (2025)

Are you ready to start earning money online but don’t know where to begin? The good news is, there are plenty of beginner-friendly side hustles that require little to no experience—and with the help of AI tools, you can work smarter, not harder. In this guide, we’ll explore the best online side hustles for beginners in 2025, along with the tools and platforms you need to get started.

1. Online Surveys and Microtasks

Platforms like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Amazon Mechanical Turk pay you for completing simple tasks like surveys, data entry, or watching videos.

• Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: No skills required—just a computer or smartphone.

• AI Tools to Use: Use Grammarly to quickly proofread survey responses or Notion AI to organize your tasks.

• How to Start: Sign up for Swagbucks or InboxDollars and start earning.

2. Sell Unused Items Online

Turn clutter into cash by selling items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark.

• Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: You’re selling items you already own—no upfront costs.

• AI Tools to Use: Use Canva to create eye-catching listings or ChatGPT to write compelling product descriptions.

• How to Start: List your items on eBay or Poshmark.

3. Freelance Writing

Websites like ProBlogger and Contena connect writers with clients looking for blog posts, articles, and more.

• Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: You can start with no experience and build a portfolio over time.

• AI Tools to Use: Use Jasper AI or Writesonic to generate content ideas and draft articles faster.

• How to Start: Create a portfolio and pitch to clients on ProBlogger.

4. Virtual Assistant

Provide administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs through platforms like Belay or Time Etc.

• Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: Many tasks require basic computer skills and organization.

• AI Tools to Use: Use Trello or Asana to manage tasks and Otter.ai to transcribe meetings.

• How to Start: Apply on Belay or Time Etc.

5. Online Tutoring

Teach subjects you’re knowledgeable in through platforms like VIPKid or Chegg Tutors.

• Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: You can start with just a few hours a week.

• AI Tools to Use: Use Quizlet to create study materials or Preply to manage your tutoring schedule.

• How to Start: Sign up on VIPKid or Chegg Tutors.

6. Affiliate Marketing

Promote products and earn commissions through programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale.

• Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: You don’t need to create your own product.

• AI Tools to Use: Use Surfer SEO to optimize your content or ClickBank to find high-paying affiliate offers.

• How to Start: Sign up for Amazon Associates or ShareASale.

7. Sell Handmade Crafts on Etsy

If you’re crafty, sell handmade items like jewelry, candles, or art on Etsy.

• Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: You can start small and scale as you grow.

• AI Tools to Use: Use Canva to design your shop banner or Printful for print-on-demand products.

• How to Start: Set up your shop on Etsy.

8. Social Media Management

Help businesses manage their social media accounts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.

• Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: Many businesses are willing to hire beginners with a knack for social media.

• AI Tools to Use: Use Hootsuite or Buffer to schedule posts and Canva to create graphics.

• How to Start: Offer your services on Upwork or Fiverr.

9. Online Coaching or Consulting

If you have expertise in a specific area, offer coaching or consulting services.

• Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: You can start with just a few clients and grow over time.

• AI Tools to Use: Use Calendly to schedule sessions and Zoom for virtual meetings.

• How to Start: Promote your services on LinkedIn or Coach.me.

10. Sell Stock Photos and Videos

If you’re a photographer or videographer, sell your work on platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.

• Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: You can upload existing photos and videos.

• AI Tools to Use: Use Adobe Lightroom to edit photos or Descript to edit videos.

• How to Start: Upload your work to Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.

11. Podcasting

Start a podcast and monetize it through sponsorships, ads, and listener donations.

• Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: You can start with minimal equipment and grow your audience over time.

• AI Tools to Use: Use Descript for editing or Anchor for hosting and distribution.

• How to Start: Record your first episode on Anchor.

12. App Development

If you have coding skills, create and sell mobile apps.

• Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: You can start with simple apps and scale as you gain experience.

• AI Tools to Use: Use ChatGPT to generate code snippets or Appy Pie for no-code app development.

• How to Start: Publish your app on Google Play or Apple App Store.

13. Selling Domain Names

Buy and sell domain names for a profit using platforms like GoDaddy Auctions or Flippa.

• Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: You can start with minimal investment.

• AI Tools to Use: Use Namecheap to find trending domain names.

• How to Start: List your domains on GoDaddy Auctions.

14. Beta Testing for Pay

Test apps, websites, or software for companies and get paid through platforms like UserTesting or BetaFamily.

• Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: No skills required—just your feedback.

• AI Tools to Use: Use Loom to record your screen and share feedback.

• How to Start: Sign up on UserTesting.

15. Print-on-Demand Business

Design products like T-shirts, mugs, and phone cases, and let companies handle production and shipping.

• Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: No inventory or upfront costs.

• AI Tools to Use: Use Printful or Printify to create and sell products.

• How to Start: Set up your store on Printful.

Conclusion

Starting an online side hustle has never been easier, especially with the help of AI tools that streamline tasks and boost productivity. Whether you’re selling items, freelancing, or creating content, there’s a beginner-friendly option for everyone.

For more advanced strategies, check out our guide: 17 Legit Online Businesses That Pay Fast (2025).

If you’re worried about scams, don’t miss our article: How to Make Quick Money Online Without Scams: 10 Proven Methods.

Take the first step today and start building your online income stream!