20 Hobby Ideas That Make Money in 2024
If you’re someone with a hobby or passion, you might be sat on a pile of cash without realizing it! There are plenty of hobbies that can bring in extra income in 2024, with some people managing to quite their 9-5 and work on their hobbies full time!
But, what hobbies can be used to make money? In this guide, I will share 20 hobby ideas that make money in 2024.
Gone are the days when hobbies were just a way to kill time. In today’s digital age, your favorite pastimes can be transformed into side hustles or even full-fledged businesses.
With platforms like Etsy, Fiverr, and Instagram, it’s easier than ever to showcase your skills, reach an audience, and earn money doing what you love.
Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or want to turn your hobby into a new career, this guide will show you 20 hobbies that can help you make money in 2024.
These ideas range from creative endeavors to fitness activities, so there’s something for everyone. And the best part? You can start most of them with little to no investment. Let’s get started!
1. Making TikTok Videos
Making money on TikTok isn’t just for influencers—there’s a whole world of opportunities for creators to make money. If you have a knack for creating engaging content, TikTok could be your new side hustle.
Make Money as a UGC Creator
UGC, or User-Generated Content, is all the rage right now. Brands are paying creators to produce content that feels authentic and relatable.
If you love making videos, why not get paid for it? Reach out to brands you love and offer to create content for them.
Read my helpful guide on how to become a UGC creator to get started!
Make Money as a Video Editor
If you’re more comfortable behind the scenes, consider offering your skills as a video editor. With the rise of short-form content, there’s a growing demand for editors who can turn raw footage into polished TikTok clips.
Sites like Fiverr and Upwork are great places to start offering your services.
2. Digital Art
If you have a talent for drawing or graphic design, digital art is a fantastic way to turn your creativity into cash.
Plus, it’s super flexible—you can work from anywhere with just your tablet or computer.
Sell Digital Art Prints on Etsy
Etsy is the go-to marketplace for all things handmade and unique, and digital art is no exception.
Create beautiful digital prints and sell them as instant downloads. From minimalist designs to intricate illustrations, there’s a market for every style.
Plus, once your designs are up, they can generate passive income with little ongoing effort.
Read: 30 digital products to sell on Etsy
3. Creative Writing
Do you have a way with words? Creative writing isn’t just for novelists—there are plenty of ways to monetize your storytelling skills.
Upload Your Work on Medium and Get Paid Per View
Medium is a popular platform where writers can publish their work and get paid based on reader engagement. If you enjoy writing essays, stories, or articles, this could be a great way to earn some extra cash.
The more readers you attract, the more you earn!
4. Shopping
Yes, you read that right—shopping can be a moneymaker! If you’ve got a keen eye for trends and bargains, this hobby could turn into a profitable side hustle.
Become a Reseller
Thrifting and reselling have become increasingly popular. You can scout for unique or high-demand items at thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces and then resell them at a profit.
Platforms like Poshmark, eBay, and Depop are great for selling everything from vintage clothing to rare collectables.
5. Writing
If writing is your passion, there are several ways to turn it into a profitable venture.
Start a Blog
Blogging isn’t dead—in fact, it’s thriving! If you’re knowledgeable about a particular subject, consider starting a blog.
You can monetize it through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing. It takes time to build an audience, but with consistency, it can become a steady income stream.
Become a Freelance Writer
Freelance writing offers flexibility and variety. Whether you write articles, web content, or marketing copy, there’s always a demand for good writers.
Start by building a portfolio and pitching your services on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or directly to businesses.
6. Reading
If you love to read, why not get paid for it? Yes, you can make money simply by indulging in your favourite books!
Read: 10 websites that will pay you to read
Get Paid to Review Books
Many websites and publishers pay for honest book reviews. Sites like Reedsy or Online Book Club offer opportunities to read and review new books in exchange for payment.
It’s a great way to stay ahead of the latest releases while earning some extra cash.
7. Running
If you’re already hitting the pavement regularly, why not make your steps count? There are apps and programs that pay you for your daily run.
Earn Money for Your Steps with Step Apps
Apps like Sweatcoin and Achievement reward you for the steps you take each day.
While the payouts aren’t huge, it’s a nice bonus for something you’re already doing. Plus, it’s a great motivator to keep up with your fitness goals!
8. Travel
If you have a passion for travel, you can turn your adventures into an income stream. Whether it’s sharing tips or recommending destinations, your travel experiences can pay off.
Travel affiliate programs
Many hotels offer affiliate programs where you can earn a commission for every booking made through your referral link.
If you have a travel blog or a social media following, this can be an easy way to monetize your travel recommendations.
9. Drawing
If you love to draw, you can turn that hobby into a side hustle!
Get Paid to Do Illustrations
Many businesses and individuals are willing to pay for custom illustrations. Whether it’s for websites, books, or personal projects, there’s a demand for talented illustrators.
You can find gigs on freelance platforms or market your services on social media.
Sell Drawings on Etsy
Etsy is also a fantastic platform for selling original artwork. You can offer your drawings as digital downloads or physical prints.
Either way, you get to share your art with the world while making money from it.
10. Crocheting
Crocheting isn’t just a relaxing hobby—it’s also a way to make some serious cash. Handmade items are highly valued in today’s market.
Sell Your Handmade Items on Etsy
From cozy blankets to cute amigurumi, there’s a market for all kinds of crocheted goods on Etsy.
Since each piece is handmade, you can charge a premium for your time and effort. Plus, the more unique your designs, the more you can stand out in a crowded market.
Start your Etsy journey today!
Get your Etsy for Beginner’s guide and start making money with your own Etsy shop.
11. Fitness
If fitness is your passion, you can turn it into a profitable venture by sharing your journey and expertise with others.
Post Your Content on Subscription Sites
Platforms like Patreon or OnlyFans allow you to offer exclusive content to subscribers.
Whether you’re sharing workout routines, fitness tips, or personal progress updates, you can build a community of followers who support your fitness journey and are willing to pay for your content.
12. Photography
If you have an eye for capturing beautiful moments, photography can be a lucrative hobby.
Sell Your Photos on Stock Image Websites
Stock photography websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock allow you to upload your photos and earn money each time someone downloads them.
The best part? Once your photos are uploaded, they can generate passive income for years to come.
Read: How to make money selling photos online
13. Baking
If you’re always whipping up delicious treats in the kitchen, why not turn your passion for baking into a business?
Start an At-Home Baking Business
You don’t need a storefront to sell your baked goods. Start small by taking orders from friends, family, and neighbors. Y
ou can expand by promoting your business on social media and taking custom orders for events like birthdays, weddings, and holidays.
14. Music
If you’re musically inclined, there are several ways to monetize your talent beyond just playing for fun.
Offer Wedding Packages or Play at Local Events
Weddings, parties, and corporate events are always in need of live music. Whether you’re a solo musician or part of a band, offering packages for events can be a great way to earn money while doing what you love.
You could also team up with other musicians to create a band and play gigs together.
15. Gardening
If you have a green thumb, there are plenty of ways to turn your gardening hobby into a profitable business.
Get Paid to Refresh People’s Gardens
Many people love the idea of a beautiful garden but don’t have the time or know-how to make it happen.
Offer your services as a garden consultant or gardener to help refresh and maintain other people’s outdoor spaces. You can start by offering your services to neighbors and expand through word-of-mouth or local advertising.
16. Fashion
If you’re a fashionista with an eye for style, there are several ways to turn your passion into profit.
Become a Personal Stylist or Shopper
Many people struggle with finding their personal style or need help shopping for special occasions. Offer your services as a personal stylist or shopper to help them find the perfect outfits.
You can charge by the hour or offer package deals.
17. Web Design
If you have a knack for web design, you can turn this skill into a lucrative side hustle.
Sell Your Services as a Web Designer
Every business needs a website, and not everyone knows how to build one.
Offer your web design services to small businesses, freelancers, or even individuals looking to create personal blogs or portfolios. You can find clients through freelance platforms or by networking with local businesses.
18. Graphic Design
Graphic design is a versatile skill that can be applied in countless ways. If you’re talented with design software, you can turn your creativity into cash.
Sell Logos on Fiverr
Logos are in constant demand, especially with the rise of new businesses and brands. Create a portfolio of logo designs and sell them on Fiverr.
You can offer packages for custom logos, branding materials, and more.
Offer Your Services as a Graphic Designer
From social media graphics to marketing materials, businesses need graphic design services for a variety of projects. Offer your services on freelance platforms or reach out to businesses directly to see if they need any design work.
19. Antique Collecting
If you love hunting for vintage treasures, antique collecting can be both a rewarding and profitable hobby.
Flip or Resell Cheap Finds on Second-Hand Marketplaces
Thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets are full of hidden gems.
With a bit of research and a keen eye, you can find valuable antiques and resell them for a profit on platforms like eBay or Etsy.
The key is knowing what to look for and understanding the market value of different items.
20. Embroidery
Embroidery is a timeless craft that’s making a big comeback. If you’re skilled with a needle and thread, there’s a market for your creations.
Sell Hand-Embroidered Items on Etsy
Handmade, embroidered items are highly sought after, especially unique or custom pieces.
From embroidered clothing to home decor, there are endless possibilities for what you can create and sell on Etsy. This hobby requires patience, but the results can be beautiful and profitable.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to turn your hobby into a money-maker, the next step is to learn how to start a side hustle that actually makes money!
Luckily, I have a great eBook which you can download below.
Remember, side hustles can take a while to become profitable. They key is to stay consistent and aim for small improvements every day. With the right patience, you could soon be making extra cash by doing something that you love!
