When most people think of artificial intelligence (AI), they envision high-tech labs and complex code. That’s not far from reality, but today’s AI tools are easily accessible to everyone. In fact, you may be already using AI at work, school, or in your personal life.
Why not go one step further and use AI to make extra money while in school? With the right tools, you can start and run an online business from your dorm room. The best part is, you don’t need technical know-how or coding skills.
For example, you could use a free AI image generator to launch a print-on-demand (POD) business. All you need to do is describe the image you have in mind and let the AI do its magic. After that, join Redbubble, Printful, Gelato, or other POD platforms to sell your designs.
From photo and video editing to content creation, there are lots of ways to make money with AI. You still have to put in the work, but this technology makes things much easier. Here’s how to get started.
7 AI Side Hustle Ideas for Students
Finding work in Switzerland as an English speaker is anything but easy, especially for students. The alternative is to take the entrepreneurial path and start an online business or side hustle. Better yet, use AI to streamline or automate time-consuming tasks like content creation, email marketing, and customer service.
For example, Joe Popelas, a computer science student, built a business worth over $1 million by leveraging AI. In 2022, he decided to venture out on his own, using ChatGPT to create eBooks. Despite having no prior knowledge of eBook publishing, the 20-year-old achieved a level of success most can only dream of.
You, too, can tap into the power of AI to boost your income as a student. Below are some ideas worth exploring.
Create Digital Art
Use AI-powered tools to create logos, NFTs, custom product designs, or social media posts.
One option is to venture into graphic design and leverage AI to craft illustrations, flyers, posters, and other visuals. Share your portfolio with potential clients or promote it on freelance websites like Upwork, Behance, Working Not Working, or Dribbble.
Get into Photo Editing
Who says you need to be a professional photographer to retouch and edit images? With an eye for detail, a touch of creative flair, and the right tools, anyone can do it.
For example, Wixel’s AI photo editor makes it easy to crop, resize, and fine-tune your pictures. You can add filters and special effects, adjust the contrast, remove the background, or even replace objects in a photo.
If you go this route, build a portfolio website and then promote your services on social media, freelancing platforms, or online marketplaces. Connect with influencers, travel bloggers, and other content creators who may be looking for what you offer.
Launch an Online Course
Do you have experience in a particular area like digital marketing, fitness, or photography? Perhaps you know a lot about pets, meditation, or other topics? If so, leverage AI to monetize your skills.
ChatGPT, CourseAI, Synthesia, and other AI tools make it easy to create online courses. Use these apps to:
- Brainstorm topic ideas
- Create the course outline
- Build structured modules
- Generate training videos, images, quizzes, and written content
- Turn text into video
- Summarize key points
- Translate e-learning content
- Generate certificates
And much more.
Some apps can also help you publish and promote your course, track student enrollment, and monitor sales performance. While you still need to conduct research, engage with learners, and refine your content based on feedback, AI can significantly cut the time it takes to launch and scale.
Create and Sell eBooks
This technology also enables entrepreneurs to write and sell eBooks, automating much of the content creation process. Depending on your needs, you can leverage AI to create eBook covers, craft outlines, generate visuals, spell-check your content, and adjust the layout.
While AI can streamline content creation, relying solely on it might result in a lack of depth or originality. To ensure your eBooks stand out, write the content yourself and then use technology to refine it for clarity, flow, or conciseness.
Readers value your unique insights and experiences, which AI can’t replicate. They’re looking for that personal touch only you can provide, not generic information.
Start a Faceless YouTube Channel
According to Influencer Marketing Hub, YouTube content creators with around 100,000 subscribers make $5,000 to $10,000 per month. They also earn revenue from brand sponsorships and product sales.
However, not everyone feels comfortable in front of the camera. Even those who do may still prefer not to appear in videos.
The solution? Start a faceless YouTube channel. With this approach, you’ll use a talking avatar, animations, or fictional characters in your videos.
Look into online tools like Synthesia and Invideo AI to generate faceless videos. If, say, you want to create a series of clips about relocating to Switzerland, you can use these apps to generate avatars, add voiceovers, craft scripts, and turn text into engaging videos.
Next, publish your work on YouTube to gain exposure and build up your following. As your audience grows, turn your videos into revenue streams through sponsored content, affiliate links, ads, or by directing viewers to your paid course or newsletter.
Become a Social Media Manager
Students with strong social media and marketing skills can help businesses manage their online presence. One way to do that is by creating content for social platforms to drive engagement. Think captions, reels, carousels, and eye-catching images.
Not only does AI streamline content creation, but it can also help with the technical side of things, like analytics and reporting. For instance, you can use ChatGPT to brainstorm topics and craft captions, Wixel to generate and edit social media images, and Metricool to analyze performance.
Begin by offering a low-cost package for startups or small businesses. Join Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and online forums to introduce yourself to potential clients. As you learn the ropes, take on larger projects and gradually raise your rates.
Offer SEO Services
If you’re familiar with search engine optimization, leverage AI for keyword research, competitor analysis, site auditing, and related tasks. Set up a website to promote your services, then reach out to solopreneurs or enterprises.
First, decide whether you want to start a full-service SEO agency or focus on specific areas, such as content optimization, link building, or local SEO for small businesses. Next, research and compare SEO tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, Surfer SEO, and Moz Pro.
For example, Semrush is an all-in-one SEO solution, offering dozens of tools under one roof. Neuron Writer, on the other hand, focuses on content optimization, while Respona streamlines the outreach process.
Any of these tools can be a great option, depending on the services you plan to offer. Choose one or two, then start with a few small projects to gain experience and grow your portfolio.
Meanwhile, contact creative agencies and SEO firms to discuss a potential collaboration. The goal is to develop your skills, gain insight into how agencies operate, and build connections. Plus, it’s an opportunity to make a side income before launching your own business.
