What are the best online side hustles to try in 2023?

📖 3 min read • Knowledge Base Answer
Last answered: June 24, 2026

Freelancing in fields like web development or graphic design can earn you up to $100 per hour, with the top 10% of freelancers making over $200 per hour.

Selling handmade or vintage items on Etsy has become a billion-dollar industry, with over 5 million active sellers as of 2023.

Online surveys and market research studies can pay between $5-$50 per hour, with the potential to earn $500-$3,000 per month for those who participate consistently.

Real estate crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise have seen a 20% annual return on investment over the past 5 years, making it an attractive passive income stream.

Affiliate marketing can generate over $1,000 per month in revenue for micro-influencers with as little as 10,000 engaged social media followers.

Launching a profitable podcast requires an average investment of only $200 for basic equipment, yet the top 1% of podcasters earn over $500,000 annually.

Virtual assistant work pays an average of $18-$25 per hour, with the potential to earn a full-time income by working with multiple clients remotely.

Selling digital products like ebooks, courses, or graphics can provide residual income, with top sellers earning over $10,000 per month with little ongoing effort.

Online tutoring and teaching English to international students has become a $5 billion industry, with hourly rates ranging from $15 to $50.

Investing in real estate through crowdfunding platforms requires a minimum investment as low as $500, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Micro-influencers with as few as 10,000 followers can earn $500-$5,000 per sponsored post on Instagram, depending on their engagement rates.

Transcription work for audio/video content can pay $10-$25 per hour, with the potential to scale by working with multiple clients simultaneously.

Flipping products on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace can yield 100-300% profit margins for savvy resellers.

Participating in user testing for websites and apps can earn $10-$60 per hour, with testing sessions typically lasting 15-45 minutes.

Starting a YouTube channel monetized with AdSense can generate $3-$5 per 1,000 video views, with the top 3% of YouTubers earning over $100,000 annually.

Renting out a spare room or apartment on Airbnb can generate $500-$5,000 per month, depending on the location and property size.

Becoming a virtual bookkeeper or accountant can earn $20-$50 per hour, with the potential to scale by working with multiple clients remotely.

Selling stock photos and videos on platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock can provide passive income, with top contributors earning over $50,000 per year.

Online writing and content creation for blogs, websites, or social media can pay $0.05-$0.50 per word, with experienced freelancers earning $1,000-$5,000 per month.

Participating in focus groups or user research studies can earn $50-$200 per session, providing a flexible way to earn extra income.

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