19 Surprising Hobbies That Make Money Fast in 2023

We all enjoy doing different things. From photography and blogging to cooking and baking – there are a plethora of hobbies that can help you channel your creativity. However, in the rut of clearing bills and paying off debts, you often end up ignoring what you are passionate about. What if there was a way to turn your favorite hobby into a profitable side hustle?

Fortunately, the digital age has made it possible for you to make money by doing anything. Whether you enjoy crocheting or love the company of pets – there are various hobbies that make money. Chances are you have already been doing something with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm. It is time you figure out a way to monetize your favorite hobby.

Think of all the new possibilities that can open up because of an additional income stream. Be it a trip around the world or the car you have always wanted – hobbies that make money can be a way to make that possible. The best part is that you can even turn your hobby into a long-term business. If you don’t have a hobby already, find a few skills to learn to make money.

Here is a list of hobbies that help you make money:

1. Blogging

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Have you ever wondered how some people manage to make a living just by running their blog? As it turns out, you can do it too. You can start a blog about almost anything – from digital marketing hacks to travel diaries. The key is to find a topic or niche that you are passionate about. However, try to find niches that can give you considerable revenue from advertising. Typically, real estate, law, and product-focused blogs can get better revenues by displaying ads.

Additionally, you should have proficiency in writing. This doesn’t mean that you need a proper degree or qualification. What you need is a natural flair for words that will help you create and publish high-quality content. Once you build a significantly broad audience, you can start monetizing your blog.

The key is to write clearly in an engaging tone that can convey the message clearly to your audience. To tailor content to your audience, you must find your target audience. This can be defined based on your audiences’ demographics, interests, and location.

You must also put effort into gaining a basic understanding of keywords and SEO. Both of these factors are essential for growing your blog traffic. You can use tools such as KWFinder and Google Keyword Planner to look for relevant keywords for your blog. The key is to find high volume, low competition keywords for which you can rank quickly.

Try incorporating your target keywords in every blog that you write so that you can start ranking on Google for the same. However, ensure that you don’t overstuff the blog with keywords as it can lead to penalties.

Writing well isn’t the only factor that affects your rankings on Google’s search results.

You need to ensure that you maintain SEO best practices for your blog. For that, you need to make your website user-friendly by speeding up its page loading speed, making it mobile-friendly, etc.

You also must put effort into reaching out to other popular websites in your niche and asking for links back to your site. Each link counts as a vote to your website’s authenticity and can help in improving your rankings.

Once your website starts raking in decent amounts of traffic, you can monetize it. The simplest way is to create a Google AdSense account and link it with your blog. Google will place relevant ads in your blog posts, and you will make money every time someone clicks on an ad. Another way is to collaborate with brands and place their banner ads on your blog. It is crucial to ensure that you only approach brands that are relevant in your niche.

You can even partner with brands for sponsored posts and product placement. The best part about blogging is that as your audience grows, brands will start approaching you. You can generate additional income by hosting webinars and podcasts for your readers. You can also publish an ebook and put it up for sale on your blog.

Once your blog garners significant traction, there are endless ways to monetize. However, you should work hard to ensure that your content is fresh, insightful, and unparalleled in quality. It is also essential to promote your content through various channels, including social media, Q & A sites, etc.

2. Freelance Writing

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If you enjoy writing but don’t feel confident enough to try your hands on blogging, you can always write for others. Various brands and websites are constantly on the lookout for proficient writers. Apart from blog posts, you can write the copy for mailers, social media posts, brochures, and other marketing collaterals.

Moreover, you can work with clients located in any part of the world as long as you have a computer and a stable internet connection.

While it may take some time to get clients, it can be a convenient source of income if you can build up a good rapport with them. Some clients may end up working with you for the long-term if they like your work.

The key is to provide quality work to them and deliver your content on time. As your portfolio starts building up, you can start demanding better rates for your writing. This is perhaps the reason why many people switch to freelance writing after gaining experience.

There are several easy ways to find writing-related work online. The best way is to sign-up on websites such as Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, etc. and bid for relevant projects. Another easy way it to join writing-related groups on Facebook. This eliminates the need for you to bid and compete with other contenders; you just have to connect with clients who post their requirements. This makes the entire process of finding writing work very easy. 

Image via Upwork

3. Proofreading

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Writing is one of the most lucrative skills to learn to make money. However, it doesn’t have to be restricted to publishing blog posts and writing for other clients. You can also put your writing skills to use by correcting other people’s work. If you enjoy fixing grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, proofreading can help you earn some extra money.

As with most money-making hobbies, you don’t need any special qualifications to become a professional online proofreader.

At the very least, you have to know the difference between “there,” “their,” and “they’re.” Impeccable command over the English language and excellent observation skills will also come in handy. If you are looking to brush up your skills, you can even register for a free online course on Proofreading Academy.

Image via Proofread Anywhere

You will find various websites on the internet offering proofreading work for beginners and experts. It is recommended that you take up projects from reputed websites only. Platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr have a variety of projects related to proofreading. These are trusted platforms that will secure your payments as well.

4. Graphic Design and Illustration

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While writing is one of the best hobbies that make money, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But that shouldn’t stop you from finding an additional income stream.

If you have a more visual bend of mind, and enjoy drawing and illustration, make money by becoming a freelance graphic designer. It’s possible to find projects for graphic designing that pay well.

There is a huge demand for efficient and creative graphic designers in the market. Be it a logo for a new startup or a print ad for an established brand – every business needs a graphic designer. Apart from Upwork and Fiverr, you can also register on DesignCrowd and get access to a plethora of design-related projects.

Every website needs banners and infographics, and if you’ve got the skills, there’ll always be plenty of takers. This way, you’ll be able to make a decent side income from designing as well.

Image via DesignCrowd

If you want to excel in this field, you should think out-of-the-box and have an eye for detail. Additionally, you must know software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrators, CorelDRAW like the back of your hand. The best way to master your graphic design skills is to keep practicing and exploring new ideas.

Another effective way to make money as a graphic designer is to sell T-shirts online. You can design the T-shirts and upload them on websites such as Teespring, Spreadshirt, etc. You earn a commission every time someone purchases one of your designs. Apart from apparel, you can also upload designs for bags, towels, posters, phone cases, coffee mugs, etc.

Image via TeeSpring

5. Web Development

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A website is one of the most important marketing assets for any business, irrespective of its size and niche. As the world moves towards digital marketing, all companies require online visibility. This makes web designing a skill that’s high in demand.

Additionally, many companies need specific landing pages for PPC campaigns, Facebook ads, etc. That is why web designers and developers are in high demand. You can bid for various projects on DesignCrowd, Upwork, etc. or approach clients on Facebook groups.

Even if businesses already have websites, they may routinely need some tweaks and upgrades. This ensures that there’s a steady stream of work always available for website developers.

You need not be well-versed with web programming and coding to be able to create stunning websites. Platforms such as WordPress let you build fully-functional websites from pre-designed templates. However, if you want to survive in the long run, it is recommended that you nurture your coding skills as well.

Learning specific skills such as WordPress or Squarespace website development pays as well. These are content management systems that are used by many businesses out there. Even if you’re planning to start your blog, these platforms are the ones you’ll need to use, so it’s always handy to learn website development for these platforms.

6. App Development

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Businesses slowly realize the importance of apps. From grocery shopping to hotel booking – there is an app to make your life easier. Therefore, companies are always looking for app developers to create remarkable apps for their businesses. If you don’t find the right clients, you can also build an ingenious app and launch it in the market.

However, if you want to make money by developing apps, you must have a natural affinity towards programming. It requires hard work, dedication, and patience. You should also have a penchant for the latest technology and trends in app development. If you don’t have the right skill set, join a course to learn the basics.

To find projects for app development, you can use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, etc. It’s helpful if you already have some projects up your sleeve to show your potential clients. This can significantly improve your chances of getting hired.

When it comes to app development, there are two major operating systems for which you’ll need to design apps – Android and iOS. So, ensure that you’re adept at app designing for both the operating systems to improve your chances of getting hired.

7. Photography

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Do you often roam around with your camera, capturing every detail that comes in your way? Do you enjoy experimenting with different camera angles and light conditions?

It turns out photography is one of the hobbies that make money. You will be surprised to know how this hobby can open a plethora of new avenues.

The first step is to identify a niche or genre of photography that you are good at. Do you enjoy clicking candid pictures or staging your shots? Or maybe you want to learn professional jewelry photography? Do you enjoy the spontaneity of outdoor locations or the controlled environment inside a studio? It is crucial to find out which genre of photography appeals the most to you.

This is essential as it can help you establish yourself as a professional in that particular niche. By showcasing photos from a variety of niches and genres, you’ll not be able to showcase your expertise in a specific field of photography. Specialization rewards you better than being a jack of all trades.

Next, you have to approach clients, both in the online and offline space. Some of the most profitable genres include wedding photography, product photography, and food photography. Start by partnering with a local business or a new restaurant. You can even bag some gigs at local events by asking your friends to spread the word.

However, do keep in mind that photography skills aren’t the only ones that matter. You need to know photo editing tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. These will help in improving the quality of your photos and open up more prospects.

Another way to monetize your photography skills is to publish your work on Instagram. If your pictures hit the right chord, you will be able to attract a large number of followers. This, in turn, will lure brands who may want to collaborate with you to promote their products. Lastly, you can sell your photographs on stock photography websites such as Getty Images, Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, etc.

8. Video Making

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Video making is one of the best skills to learn to make money. This is primarily due to the popularity of YouTube and video marketing.

Videos have become the prevalent mode of content marketing due to their high engagement rates. One approach is to work for clients who need corporate videos, brand films, etc. You can find such projects on Upwork, Freelancer, etc.

However, if you want to work on your own terms, you can always create your own YouTube channel. The key is to generate unique content that has the potential to become viral. If your video gets a large number of views, you will be paid ad revenue by YouTube. As your subscriber count increases, you can also make money through brand collaborations and cross-promotion.

It is not surprising that being a YouTuber is now considered as a “real” profession that can help you earn a living. The best part is that you don’t need high-end equipment or a large team to shoot compelling videos. You can even shoot and edit videos on your smartphone. You just have to ensure that your content is fresh and reflects your creative vision.

When it comes to creating content for YouTube, the possibilities are endless. From quirky unboxing videos to lengthy tutorials – there are various options. However, it is crucial to ensure that the format of your content is consistent throughout your channel.

For instance, lifestyle influencer Katie Stauffer uploads straightforward yet fun videos of her twins on her YouTube channel. It is important to note that she maintains the same style and tone in all her videos.

It’s common to see popular YouTubers make more than $100K per year with ease. They also become online celebrities, or better known as influencers, and that’s why brands reach out to them.

Image via YouTube

9. Working Out

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Are you a fitness freak who feels alive after a hectic workout session? Or maybe you are looking for some motivation to shed those extra pounds? What if someone told you that it is possible to make money just by going to the gym?

Apps such as Sweatcoin reward you with points in exchange for your physical activity data. You can redeem these points for gift cards or PayPal cash. Additionally, you can use HealthyWage to set a weight loss goal and place a bet.

It is amazing how modern technology has transformed working out into one of the hobbies that make money.

You can take your passion for fitness one step further by becoming an instructor. You can either approach a local gym or upload workout videos on your YouTube channel. Apart from making extra money, you get to inspire people and create a community of fitness enthusiasts.

It’s also possible to join Instagram and put up photos and videos of you working out. This can establish you as an authority in the fitness niche, and you can become a fitness or gym influencer on Instagram. Several fitness brands frequently lookout for such influencers to partner with.

Once you’ve gathered a loyal fan-following, you can also come up with your own fitness courses and diet plans. These can then be sold to your audience who’s looking to follow your footsteps. This way, you can monetize working out as well.

10. Comedy

If you have a natural flair for comedy, it is a no brainer as comedy is one of the best hobbies that make money. This doesn’t mean you have to perform on-stage and make your audience laugh. You can upload funny sketches on YouTube or publish original memes on Instagram and Facebook.

As your audience grows, you can make money through brand sponsorships and collaborations.

It is essential to understand that being funny is not a skill that can be taught; comedy should come to you naturally. It also helps if you stay up-to-date with pop culture and the latest social media trends. The key is to make the content relatable and relevant for your audience.

It is equally important to find your own voice/style and maintain a consistent tone.

You can also come up with your own website in this niche. You can share memes, funny videos, and other viral content through it. When people start noticing your website, you can monetize it through ads and sponsored posts.

For instance, an Instagram account by the name of “sarcasm_only” publishes memes targeted common problems faced by women. The popularity of the account is evident from its whopping 14 million followers.

Image via Instagram

11. Teaching

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Teaching may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of hobbies that make money. However, if you enjoy inspiring and educating others, you can turn this passion into one of your hobbies that make money. The most obvious route is to register on as an online tutor on websites such as Skooli, TutorMe, etc. These websites enable you to connect with students in any part of the world and teach a variety of subjects.

Image via TutorMe

However, in today’s day and age, teaching isn’t restricted to academics only. If you have in-depth knowledge about any topic, you can share it with others using your blog or YouTube channel. In fact, many people share such valuable information with others through these modes and become influencers.

Additionally, you can design and upload your courses on online learning websites such as Skillshare and Udemy. These portals require users to register and pay for the classes that they take so you can make a decent side income through them. The key is to identify your area of expertise; it could be traditional (like English grammar) or unconventional (like portrait photography) where you can even be a personal trainer.

12. Social Media

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It won’t be wrong to say that using social media has become an extremely popular hobby/pastime for internet users. If you are a millennial, you probably already spend part of your day browsing through different social networking sites. How about putting this activity to good use and making some extra money?

Digital marketers and brands often struggle to maintain their reputation and presence on social media. Even a single negative Facebook review from a dissatisfied client can put their credibility to question. That is why they are always looking for virtual assistants who can monitor their social media profiles and manage audience interactions.

You can get paid to check their profiles multiple times a day, reply to messages and comments, and escalate any issues to the concerned departments. Additionally, you may have to upload social media posts with appropriate captions. It is one of the simplest ways of utilizing all that time you spend on social media and making some money in the process.

It can be helpful if you have knowledge of carrying out social media promotions. Many brands lookout for people who are experts at advertising on social media and reach out to them.

13. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

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If you like staying in the company of pets, you can sign-up on websites such as WagWalking and Rover. Fill out a brief application and get connected with pet owners in your area. You get paid to take other people’s pets out for a walk and look after them. It is unarguably one of the most rewarding money-making hobbies.

The only constraint in this particular side hustle is that you need to be physically near the customers. On the other hand, a host of other gigs that are based in the digital space don’t require you to do so.

Nonetheless, the benefits of being around a pooch for a few hours is nothing short of fun.

14. Arts and Crafts

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Are you more of a hands-on person who loves making things? Maybe you even enjoy gifting your creations to your loved ones. Why not earn money by putting your products up for sale? From handmade soaps and scented candles to upcycled jewelry and home decor items – there are various ways to showcase your craftsmanship. 

You can partner with a local store or business and ask your friends to recommend your products to others. Additionally, you can create a Facebook page and Instagram profile to reach a wider audience. Provide your existing customers with free samples and discounts in exchange for referrals.

You can expand your reach further by creating your own store on eCommerce websites such as Etsy and ArtFire.

If you’ve got a decent grasp on video making, you can combine both the skills and come up with how-to videos. Through these videos, you can teach your audience how to draw, paint, sketch, etc. This can land you sponsored contracts with many famous brands as well, just like influencers. 

15. Driving

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You can make money by registering as a driver for ride-sharing services such as Lyft or Uber. These apps will match you with people in your vicinity who are looking for a ride. It is a great way to turn your love for driving into a money-making hobby. For this, you only need a car along with a smartphone that has a data package activated in it.

The best part about driving with these companies is that the timings are entirely flexible. You can drive for a few hours a day or even one or two trips, as per your convenience.

Driving for a ride-sharing service can be rewarding in more than one way. Apart from getting paid for your rides, you can meet people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. You can also earn bonuses for taking a certain number of hours. However, it is a physically taxing and time-consuming job making it difficult for you to juggle multiple responsibilities.

16. Surfing and Surveying

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Do you often spend hours surfing the internet and then feel guilty about wasting time and not being productive? What if there was a way to put this hobby to use and make money with it? You don’t even have to possess any special skills. Additionally, you can do it any time during the day, like when waiting for your lunch to arrive.

While these jobs may not pay as much as others, they are straightforward to do and require minimum effort. This makes them very doable as side-hustles.

Websites such as Inbox Dollars and Swagbucks pay you to surf the internet, watch videos, and perform other simple tasks. They even offer a bonus just for signing up. You can also take this up a notch by taking online surveys on Survey Junkie.

17. Baking

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The internet and social media platforms have made it possible to turn an activity such as baking into an excellent money-making hobby. If whipping up a batter and decorating cupcakes gives you an adrenaline rush, you can start a home bakery.

Spread the word to your friends and ask them for referrals. Advertise on social media as well as local stores.

Another approach is to upload dazzling pictures of your creations on Instagram. You can boost engagement further by posting recipes, baking tips, etc. Once you have a good number of followers, you can partner with other brands and influencers.

You could also create websites where you can share your baking recipes, how-to articles, tips, etc. And you don’t need to limit yourself to baking. You can even put up content related to cooking and share great recipes with your audience.

You should also consider setting up a YouTube channel where you can put up short videos of these recipes. While these videos will generate engagement on YouTube, they’ll even help in improving your website’s engagement rates.

18. Shopping

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The advent of eCommerce businesses has made shopping one of the most popular hobbies. You often spend your hard-earned money to buy fancy dresses, accessories, or other products. Don’t you wish there was a way you could get some of that money back? Start using apps such as Rakuten Rewards, Checkout51, and Ibotta to earn cash back on your online purchases.

If you prefer the physical act of shopping, try visiting local thrift stores — scout for branded clothing, accessories, and other items that are in excellent condition. Once you purchase them, you can sell them on websites such as eBay, ThredUp, or Poshmark after adding your profit margin.

Image via Poshmark

You could also join affiliate programs of brands and advertise their products through your websites. Whenever anyone uses your affiliate links to purchase a product, you’ll get a commission. This way, you can leverage shopping to your advantage as well.

One of the best affiliate programs out there is the Amazon Affiliate program. Amazon rewards affiliates very well, and there are a host of products that you can add to your website to generate sales.

If you’re slightly more adventurous, you could set up your dropshipping store on Shopify. Get in touch with a few dealers and list products on your store. You’ll get a commission for every order that’s fulfilled.

19. Gaming

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The last activity on our profitable hobbies list is also one of the most disruptive ones. The thing about gaming is it consumes a lot of your time and energy – and most people would never think it could turn into a side hustle that could make you money. However, with the recent popularity in video games thanks to the pandemic, your could be getting paid to play video games. There are many different ways that you are able to make extra cash with this hobby, even while doing it part time.

So, you might as well monetize your it by live-streaming on platforms such as Twitch. Apart from ad revenue, you can also make money through donations and subscriptions. The great thing about subscriptions is that they are entirely optional, and things like badges and emotes are a great way for viewers to get recognition for their patronage while making you money on the side. 

The best part about platforms such as Twitch is that brands are slowly moving towards it for running influencer marketing campaigns. You can easily make money by partnering with brands while playing games. On top of that, you may be able to get free access to certain features of upcoming releases, which most people are willing to pay for. Wouldn’t you like to get free access to an upcoming game that you’re excited for?

Alternatively, you can build an active audience base on your YouTube channel by putting up gameplay videos. It’s also helpful if you create game walkthroughs as people are always looking up for them whenever they get stuck in their games. These videos can garner thousands of views, and you may soon get ad revenue from your videos. With a decent following, not only are you getting to make some extra money, but you can get started to become a full time influencer with your YouTube channel.

Once you start to make money with this hobby, it will be a breeze to go full time – as this is by far the most fun hobbies that make money. While you might start this as a side hustle, the many different ways you can make good money from video games have made it viable to go full time for a lot of people.

A following in the gaming community can open up many doors; you can offer products and services, help others improve their gameplay, or even start making and online course – all while making money online.

With that said, there is still work to be done to secure deals from advertisers that are willing to pay you, but sites like Twitch and YouTube have been a great way to showcase your audience to potential clients. It’s also never been easier to get started making money with these platforms, as their interfaces are very easy to navigate.

For instance, KFC teamed up with DrLupo to give out free chicken dinners to his followers on Twitch. They pushed his followers to type “dinner dinner” in the chatbox whenever DrLupo won a chicken dinner in the game. All the followers stood a chance to win a gift card from KFC when they typed the phrase in the chatbox. 

Image via Twitch

Streaming is not your thing? If you have mad gaming skills, consider going into tournaments as eSports prize pools are growing larger and larger every year. Either way, if you love gaming, this is one of the most profitable hobbies that could turn into a full time business easily without feeling like work. Once you start making money with this hobby, you won’t think about making money the same way again.

Conclusion

Rapid advancement in technology and the rise of the internet have made it possible to make hobbies profitable. If you are tired of slogging at a dead-end job, it is time to pick one of the money-making hobbies and channel your creativity. 

While some of these hobbies offer quick-fix money, others can be profitable in the long run, given some time to grow. You just have to be very sure of what you are passionate about and improve your skills to make more money.

The digital world has opened up a host of opportunities for side-hustles, and you can make a living from many of them as well. From content writing to video making, and gaming; there’s so much you can do in your part-time. There are even opportunities to walk dogs and drive cars to earn a side income.

So, if you’ve got spare time, you should consider making those extra bucks by pursuing your hobbies.

This list is by no means exhaustive. In fact, we’ve got a complete side hustle checklist that can help you find the perfect side-hustle. Check it out and begin your journey of making money through side-hustles too!