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Which Make Money and Which Are a Waste of Time
- Ryan tests side hustles and shares his findings with 100,000 TikTok followers.
- He recommends user-generated content as a potential side hustle since it can be a low lift.
- He doesn’t recommend trying to start a YouTube channel or voice work if you’re looking to make money quickly.
If you’re looking for a side hustle, but overwhelmed by the options, Ryan can help you sort through the noise.
Ryan, a millennial with a full-time job and two kids, spends a few nights a week, weekends, and some lunch breaks trying out side hustles. Under his handle @sidehustlereview, he tells 100,000 TikTok followers what he learns, including what makes money, and the time involved.
“I’m in this side hustle wormhole. My For You page is just side hustle after side hustle,” Ryan told Insider. He asked that his last name and full-time employment be withheld for privacy, but they’ve been verified with Insider.
“In this wormhole, there are legit side hustles there, but they kind of leave out the hard work it takes to actually make it,” he said. “I just focus on what’s cycling through social media or on TikTok and just tackle them one by one.”
He became interested in side hustles because his new home needed some repairs and he could use the extra income. He was seeing ideas online, but said it was unclear “how much you’re going to make or how long it will take for you to get to the numbers that they said.”
Because of this, he decided to document his experience and become a resource for others.
“I just figured there’s probably a lot of people like me just looking at these, but really lost on what ones are practical or ones that’ll turn some money faster,” he said.
Ryan, who has made a lot of content around side hustles over the last few months on his TikTok, defines a side hustle as “something that you can do outside of working hours with flexibility.”
He added that he thinks the goal is spending minimal effort and a few hours while earning high revenue.
User-generated content made Ryan hundreds of dollars with minimal time investment
User-generated content, or UGC, is when “brands are looking for you to make content for them,” per Ryan. This can include simply taking photos or videos of a product that will most often appear on the brand’s page or as an advertisement.
Ryan’s first user-generated content was of a photo and video of a Christmas tree stand.
“Really, all I had to do was give them a photo of my foot on the ratchet and they paid me 15 bucks,” he said, adding he got the roughly $60 product for free, too.
“UGC was the easiest to get started with little time spent and a good amount of return,” Ryan said, adding that it’s the side hustle “with the most payoff right now” for him.
He has made over $400 from user-generated content gigs he found through JoinBrands, a UGC platform. He also made money from the referral program on the platform. Another UGC job he did was a video about a bike lock, from which he made $60.
Others have similarly shared their success with creating user-generated content with Insider. Content creator Giselle González averages about $5,000 a month, and Kelly Rocklein made over $100,000 in 2022. Rocklein says she specializes in what is known as paid media.
“There are two types of UGC: organic, which is posted to a brand’s feed to grow its following; and paid media, which is a concept that’s launched as an ad to create sales,” Rocklein said in as-told-to essay at Insider.
Others may be interested in UGC if they like taking photos.
“If they’re okay with taking photos, somewhat decent with taking photos and can speak on camera, like they’re not completely shy in that way, UGC seems to be pretty low lift and it doesn’t take a lot of operating capital,” Ryan said.
Affiliate marketing, hauling junk, and being a virtual assistant also have good potential
While Ryan has been able to make some money with UGC, it’s not the only side hustle he is interested in.
“I am really interested in affiliate marketing as it seems to have big potential to be more passive, but from my research it certainly takes much more upfront work in terms of effort and community building,” Ryan told Insider.
In fact, it may take more effort than what he’s seen about it online.
“On social media it’s often pitched as an easy way to make money,” he said. “That may be, but it seems only after you put in a lot of work upfront and a very good strategy to build an audience.”
For those interested in affiliate marketing, Ryan advises focusing your content on a niche that you are passionate about.
In addition to UGC, the other top side hustles Ryan recommends are hauling junk and being a virtual assistant. He said he knows people who have found success doing the latter, but he hasn’t pursued it as an ongoing gig.
“If you’re a super organized person or something like that, then a virtual assistant is certainly something you could be good at and that could be a good side hustle as well,” Ryan said.
Voice work, creating a YouTube channel, and uploading photos are a skip for most people
There are some side hustles Ryan recommends skipping, such as sharing photos on ClickaSnap, per one of his videos.
ClickaSnap’s site notes that “payment rates are currently 0.4 cents per view ” and “once your payment reaches $15, you can request to get paid.” There are both pro and seller accounts that cost money.
“It doesn’t seem to be worth your time unless you’re like a really good photographer or artist maybe,” Ryan said.
Voice over work is a similar case. Ryan said, “just for your average person that’s not trained or taking classes and stuff or is not going to, doesn’t want to do that, I would skip that one as well.”
It may also be expensive if the platform charges a membership fee, and you might need a portfolio of work to land jobs.
YouTube may also be a good side hustle for some, but Ryan tried it out and didn’t find much luck. He started a music channel that used AI to create the music and art for the videos. However, he hasn’t made money from this channel. He noted in one video this isn’t a side hustle that allows you to quickly make money as you need 1,000 subscribers and also 4,000 hours watched in the last year or 10 million views in the last 90 days from public YouTube Shorts first, as explained in his TikTok video.
“I think a YouTube page has great potential with the right idea, content or strategy,” Ryan said. “However I would not recommend it to anyone who has gotten guidance to open one and rely on pure AI content to populate the page and strategize.”
“The AI approach is being pitched as an ‘easy way to make money’ however it does not seem to be a viable option without a really good strategy developed by a human,” he added.
Side hustles might not be for everyone
Ryan has amassed over 100,000 followers sharing his experience on things like selling a digital product on Etsy or starting a YouTube channel.
“I get so many personal messages saying they are so thankful that I’m trying these things and letting them know the truth and that really makes me feel good,” Ryan said. “I am also told I’m helping many people save time and continue to do the things they want to with their family which is very awesome and a motivating factor for me.”
According to Ryan, a “side hustle might not always be right for everyone,” but there are other ways to boost the money you make outside of side hustles.
“A side hustle is great if you’re looking for some type of project to get you out of the mundane, but you could also get more focused on your personal budget management and see if you can cut some expenses to free up income,” Ryan said. “You can also ask for a raise or find a job that pays more. This is what I convey to my fans right now.”
Have you made money from side hustles? Reach out to this reporter at [email protected].
AFFILIATE MARKETING
Cut Costs, Not Features with This Microsoft Bundle Deal
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
Software subscription fees can quickly add up, and for small-business owners, entrepreneurs, or freelancers, these costs can eat into profits. Businesses spend approximately 29% of their IT budgets on software, according to a 2023 survey by Gartner.
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While it’s not the newest version of Microsoft’s software, it can deliver tremendous value for anyone seeking tools to manage their business, boost productivity, and work efficiently. The bundle offers a lifetime license, meaning you’ll get all the functionality you need without the recurring costs associated with subscription services like Microsoft 365.
However, it does come with Windows 11 Pro, which includes the recent AI updates. Windows 11 Pro delivers a modern, intuitive interface with enhanced security features such as biometric login and Smart App Control, making it ideal for professionals who prioritize privacy and usability. It’s also equipped with tools that support multitasking, such as Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops.
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If you need a productivity boost without eating into savings, take a closer look at this bundle.
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StackSocial prices subject to change.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
3 Trends That Will Change the Future of Entrepreneurship
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
The most recent data from the new Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report reveals a powerful trend for the future of entrepreneurship.
Young adults, aged 18-24, had both the highest entrepreneurial activity and entrepreneurial intentions in the United States, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2023-2024 United States Report. With similar results in 2022, this is not just a minor shift — it’s a fundamental change that could have lasting impacts on the economy and society.
I serve as the chair of the board for the Global Entrepreneurship Research Association, the entity that oversees GEM, which was founded in 1999 as a joint venture of Babson College and the London Business School. As the GEM U.S. team co-leader and a professor of entrepreneurship at Babson, I see firsthand the impact of the research created by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.
Here are three entrepreneurship trends from the new GEM report that are changing the landscape for the future.
Related: 21 Success Tips for Young and Aspiring Entrepreneurs
1. Young entrepreneurs on the rise
For years, entrepreneurship has been dominated by older, more experienced individuals, but this year’s report shows that the youngest adults are now at the forefront. According to GEM, 24% of 18- to 24-year-olds are engaged in some form of entrepreneurial activity, a higher rate than any other age group. What’s driving these young entrepreneurs is equally remarkable: They aren’t just starting businesses to make money; many are deeply committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment.
These young entrepreneurs make sustainability a key priority. They are more likely than entrepreneurs from older generations to build businesses with sustainability as a core focus — whether that means reducing their environmental footprint or focusing on social causes. This shift toward impact-driven entrepreneurship isn’t just anecdotal. GEM data shows a significant number of young entrepreneurs taking real, measurable steps to create businesses that align with their values. With sustainability as their north star, young entrepreneurs appear to be simultaneously pursuing societal impact as well as profits.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. While young people are leading the way in starting businesses, they are also discontinuing them at higher rates than their older counterparts. The discontinuation rate for 18- to 24-year-olds is 15%, the highest among all age groups. This is not surprising, given the challenges of inexperience and more limited access to capital. Starting a business is tough, and sustaining one is even more challenging. But despite these hurdles, the enthusiasm and energy that young people bring to entrepreneurship are undeniable, and with the right support, this generation has the potential to drive substantial change.
2. Tech gender gap narrows
One of the most promising findings in the GEM report is the narrowing gender gap in the technology sector. Historically, tech startups have been dominated by men, but 2023 saw a record-low difference in the number of men and women starting tech companies. The gap has narrowed to just 1%, with 8% of women compared with 9% of men launching businesses in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
This is a significant step forward and reflects broader efforts to support more women technology startups. Still, it’s important to recognize that while progress is being made, continued focus on providing equal opportunities is essential to ensuring this trend continues.
3. Optimistic outlook for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs
Another highlight from the report is the optimistic outlook among Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. These groups showed stronger confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities and lower fear of failure compared to their white counterparts. Black respondents, in particular, demonstrated high levels of resilience and self-assurance, which is vital in overcoming barriers faced in starting and sustaining businesses. This optimism is encouraging, but there’s still much work to be done in assuring ecosystems offer equal opportunities for all aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their background.
Related: I Wish I Received This Advice as a Young Entrepreneur
A promising future
Reflecting on the key findings of this year’s GEM report, it’s clear that the entrepreneurial landscape is changing in meaningful ways. The rise of young, sustainability-driven entrepreneurs signals a future where business is not only about profit but also about making a difference. These young entrepreneurs are launching businesses at a time when the world is looking for solutions to some of its most pressing challenges — climate change, poverty and economic recovery.
Yet, to fully realize the potential of this next generation, there must be more focus on addressing the challenges they encounter. Young entrepreneurs need access to the right resources — whether it’s funding, education or mentorship — to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. The narrowing gender gap in tech is encouraging, but we must continue to foster environments that support women and other underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.
The GEM report paints a picture of an entrepreneurial future driven by purpose, diversity and innovation. But it also reminds us of the work that lies ahead in making entrepreneurship more accessible and sustainable. If we can provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need, we will not only see more businesses being created — we’ll see businesses that are making a lasting, positive impact on the world.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
These Are the Top Side Hustles to Work Less, Make More Money
In the best-case scenario, a side hustle could turn into a multimillion-dollar business that generates a passive income stream — but at the very least, starting a side gig could help pay some bills.
A new survey from personal finance software company Quicken shows that almost half (43%) of Americans with a side hustle, or an extra source of income added to a primary income, make more money and clock in fewer hours overall than those without a side hustle.
The three most popular side hustles pursued by those who work less and make more money were personal assistance (20%), cooking and baking (16%), and caregiving (16%). One in five people with side hustles said they were business owners, too, selling products online or offering services like photography.
The majority of people with side hustles (82%) said starting a side gig helped them financially, and kept them from living paycheck to paycheck. Most with side hustles (57%) had savings equal to at least four months of living expenses.
The survey also found that, for younger side hustlers, a way to an extra income doubles as a path to becoming more employable. 44% of Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) choose to start a side hustle in order to obtain skills for long-term careers, much higher than the overall 18% of Americans who started a side hustle with the same motivation.
Quicken conducted the survey online, gathering responses from more than 1,000 Americans.
Additional research on side hustles, released in August by NEXT Insurance, showed that three out of five people bring in less than $1,000 monthly in side income, while 22% make $1,000 to $10,000 a month, and 15% make more than $10,000.
Related: Starting a Side Hustle Should Come With a Warning Label — Here’s What You Need to Know