Side Hustle Ideas to Earn Money in 2024

side hustles to make money

Are you trying to find the top side hustles to make money? There are several of options to consider if your goals are to pay off debt, save for a major purchase, or just make extra money. Possibilities range from creative endeavours to online activities. We’ll go over the best ways to make money on the side that can help you attain your financial objectives and still give you flexibility and time management in this article.

21 Best Side Hustles to Make Money

Side Hustles to Make MoneySkills Required
Win Money Through Online GamingGaming Skills, Strategy, Focus
BloggingWriting, SEO, Content Marketing
FreelancingVaries (e.g., Writing, Design, Coding)
Refer and Earn ProgramNetworking, Communication
Online TutorSubject Expertise, Patience
YouTube ChannelVideo Creation, Editing, Consistency
Digital Product SalesCreativity, Product Development, Marketing
Online SurveysAttention to Detail, Patience
Virtual AssistantOrganization, Communication, Tech Savvy
Become an Affiliate MarketerMarketing, Networking, Persuasion
BabysittingChildcare Skills, Patience, Responsibility
Mobile Car WashingCar Detailing, Attention to Detail
Become an InfluencerSocial Media Skills, Engagement
Dropshipping BusinessBusiness Acumen, Marketing, Logistics
Write an eBookWriting, Creativity, Research
Sell Your PhotographyPhotography, Editing, Marketing
Deliver PackagesTime Management, Organization
Rent Out Your HomeHospitality, Organization, Marketing
E-Commerce ResellerProduct Sourcing, Marketing, Customer Service
Fitness Classes OnlineFitness Expertise, Teaching Skills, Motivation
Social Media MarketingMarketing, Social Media Savvy, Analytics

1. Win Money Through Online Gaming

If you’re someone who loves gaming, why not turn that passion into profit? These days, there are plenty of apps that actually pay you to play. You could be testing out new games or taking part in exciting challenges, all while earning rewards like gift cards, in-game currency, or even real cash. It’s a fun way to make some extra money on the side while doing something you enjoy.

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹5,000 – ₹50,000 per month

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2. Blogging

Another great and quite versatile way of making money on the side is through blogging because you can blog about what you know or what you love. There are almost no limitations to what you can blog about; you can blog about travel, finance, fashion, health, and almost anything in between and make money through advertising, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and selling digital products. It is not easy to build up a good blog but once the traffic is built up, the income can be quite impressive. The most important rule is to deliver value to the target audience and turn the blog into a profitable side business. 

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹15,000 – ₹1,00,000+

3. Freelancing

Freelancing is a good opportunity to make money through your skills, whether writing, designing, programming, or marketing. Being one of the best extra income ideas, freelancing lets you work on projects that are convenient and interesting for you and can bring a lot of money if done right. There are money earning apps such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer that provide you with the clients who need certain services. The more specialized the skills, the better the rates that one can charge.

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹20,000 – ₹1,50,000+

4. Refer and Earn Program

Many refer and earn apps provide users with rewards for introducing new customers. Typically, these programs involve sharing referral codes or links with your friends, family, or even a broader audience through social media. For example, Zupee’s refer and earn program allows you to earn rewards for every successful referral. It’s a low-effort side hustle, perfect for those with a strong network or social media influence. 

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹5,000 – ₹50,000+

ways to make money on the side through refer and earn program

5. Online Tutor

Becoming an online tutor is one of the best side hustle ideas from home, allowing you to share your knowledge and help students excel in subjects you’re proficient in. You can tutor students in academic subjects, test prep, or even specialized skills like music or coding. Platforms like Chegg, Vedantu, and Byju’s connect tutors with students looking for extra help. This side hustle is a great example of how to make money using laptop, offering flexibility to set your own hours and work from the comfort of your home, with significant earning potential, especially for in-demand subjects.

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹10,000 – ₹75,000+

6. Youtube Channel

Starting a YouTube channel is one of the best side income ideas if you’re passionate about content creation. Whether you focus on vlogging, tutorials, reviews, or entertainment, YouTube offers various ways to monetize, such as ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. If you’re wondering how to earn money from YouTube, consistency and dedication are key. Although growing a channel takes time, it can develop into a significant income stream. 

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹10,000 – ₹2,00,000+

7. Digital Product Sales

Selling digital products is actually one of the best side hustles to make money while generating passive income. The cool part? You create something once and can keep selling it over and over. Digital products can be anything from e-books and templates to online courses or photography. With platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, and Teachable, it’s super easy to sell your stuff online. And since there’s no physical inventory, the profit margins are solid. 

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹20,000 – ₹1,00,000+

8. Online Surveys

Online surveys are one of the simplest side hustles to make extra money by sharing your opinions. Survey sites like Swagbucks, Toluna, and Survey Junkie pay users for completing surveys, watching videos, or trying new products. While the income from online surveys isn’t substantial, it can add up over time and is a low-effort way to make money in your spare time. For those looking for creative ways to earn money with minimal commitment, this side hustle is a perfect option.

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹2,000 – ₹15,000+

9. Virtual Assistant

As a virtual assistant, you help businesses or entrepreneurs with administrative tasks, such as email management, scheduling, social media management, and more. This is one of the most flexible side hustles to make extra money and can be done remotely, making it perfect for those looking to earn money online without investment. Virtual assistants are in high demand, especially as more businesses move online. The role requires good organization, communication, and time management skills, and it can even evolve into a full-time career if desired.

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹15,000 – ₹75,000+

10. Become an Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketing is one of the easy side hustles to make money online since you get paid for promoting other people’s products or services. Since you get a distinct affiliate link that belongs to you, you will earn a commission every time someone buys a product through your link. This is an excellent side hustle since the more traffic that is generated to the affiliate links, the more the potential earnings. It is useful for those who have a big audience on the Internet or targeted audience.

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹10,000 – ₹2,00,000+

11. Babysitting

Child care is one of the most reliable and traditional methods of side income ideas that is suitable for those who like kids. Most parents are in search of caregivers to babysit their children for a few hours in the evenings or during the weekends. You can go door to door selling your services or get registered in Babysits or Prenu to get clients. This side hustle is flexible and can be done based on your spare time hence can be used to earn some extra cash.

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹5,000 – ₹40,000+

12. Mobile Car Washing

Starting a mobile car washing business is a hands-on side hustle that can be quite profitable and is one of the top side income ideas. If you’re looking for how to earn ₹2,000 per day without investment, this can be a great option since it requires minimal startup costs for basic supplies and transportation. You can offer your services directly to clients at their homes or workplaces, making it a convenient choice for busy individuals who don’t have time to visit a car wash. 

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹10,000 – ₹50,000+

13. Become an Influencer

If you’re exploring extra income ideas and have a strong social media presence, becoming an influencer can be a highly profitable side hustle. Learning how to earn money from Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube is crucial, as influencers frequently partner with brands to promote products or services to their followers. Whether your niche is fashion, beauty, fitness, or lifestyle, you can monetize your influence through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and brand collaborations. 

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹20,000 – ₹3,00,000+

14. Dropshipping Business

Dropshipping allows you to run an online store without handling inventory. You set up an e-commerce store, and when a customer places an order, the supplier ships the product directly to them. This side hustle requires little upfront investment, and you can sell a wide range of products. Success in dropshipping depends on effective marketing, product selection, and customer service. 

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹15,000 – ₹2,00,000+

15. Write an ebook

Writing and self-publishing an eBook is one of the best side hustle ideas from home, especially if you love sharing your knowledge, skills, or stories. You can write about anything that excites you—whether it’s fiction, self-help, or something super niche. Plus, it’s a great option if you’re looking for ways how to earn money online as a student

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹5,000 – ₹50,000+

16. Sell your photography

If you love photography, why not turn it into one of the best side income ideas? You can easily sell your photos online through sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or even Foap. Plus, if you prefer a more direct approach, you can sell to clients or on platforms like Etsy or Picxy. It’s a flexible way to make money, and the best part is your photos can keep earning for you as different clients purchase them.

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹5,000 – ₹40,000+

17. Deliver packages

Package delivery as a side hustle has grown in popularity, with companies like Amazon Flex and Dunzo offering flexible opportunities to earn money. You can deliver packages in your local area at your own pace, making it a great option for those who prefer on-the-go work. It’s straightforward and doesn’t require specialized skills, making it accessible to almost anyone looking to supplement their income with a side gig that fits around their schedule.

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹10,000 – ₹30,000+

18. Rent out your home

Renting out your home or a portion of it through platforms like Airbnb or Oyo is one of the most lucrative side income ideas. Whether you have a vacation property or an extra room in your house, short-term rentals can generate significant earnings, especially in tourist-friendly or high-demand areas. 

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹15,000 – ₹1,00,000+

19. E-Commerce Reseller

If you’re wondering how to make money with mobile phone, e-commerce reselling is a great option. You can buy products at a lower price and sell them at a profit through apps like Amazon, Flipkart, or Meesho—right from your phone. Whether it’s clothing, electronics, or home goods, the possibilities are endless. While it does require a bit of initial investment, with the right products and target market, it can turn into a profitable side hustle. The trick is understanding what people want and finding good deals.

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹10,000 – ₹80,000+

20. Fitness Classes Online

Online fitness classes have become one of the best side hustles to make money, allowing fitness enthusiasts and trainers to share their expertise from the comfort of their homes. Platforms like Fittr, and HealthifyMe let you offer personalized training sessions or group classes in yoga, strength training, or other fitness disciplines. It’s a perfect option for those wondering how to make money in one hour.

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹15,000 – ₹75,000+

21. Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing is a growing field where individuals with strong digital marketing skills can help businesses improve their online presence. You can offer services such as content creation, ad management, and influencer marketing to help businesses reach their target audiences. 

Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹20,000 – ₹1,50,000+

FAQs about Side Hustles to Make Money

What are some good side hustles for college students?

Freelancing, tutoring, blogging, content creation, and participating in refer-and-earn programs are excellent side hustles for college students.

What is the best way to earn some extra money for students?

Freelancing, affiliate marketing, and content creation are some of the best ways for students to earn extra money with flexibility.

Are online surveys a good option for earning money as a student?

Yes, online surveys can be a convenient way for students to earn money during their free time.

What skills do students need to develop to increase their online earning potential?

Students can benefit from developing skills like writing, graphic design, coding, social media management, and digital marketing to enhance their earning potential.

Are there any age restrictions or legal considerations for students engaging in online work?

Yes, many platforms require users to be at least 18 years old, and students should be aware of local labor laws before engaging in online work.

Disclaimer: The methods mentioned in this article are not guaranteed to generate the specified amount, and results may vary. Your earnings will depend on various factors, including your effort, skill, and other circumstances.