Top 10 hobbies that make money

Hobbies that make money include everything from creative pursuits like crafting and photography to service-based skills like fitness coaching and graphic design. 

To make money from your hobby, you can sell physical or digital products, offer your skills as a paid service, or build and monetize an online audience.

Here are 10 of the top hobbies that make money:

• Gaming: Build a following and earn money through streaming on platforms like Twitch, entering professional competitions, or creating popular video content.
• Crafts: Sell handmade goods like jewelry, pottery, candles, or custom decor on online marketplaces such as Etsy or at local fairs.
• Sports and fitness: Offer your expertise as a personal trainer, a local sports coach for kids, or by creating and selling online fitness programs.
• Photography: Sell prints, do freelance photoshoots for events and portraits, or license your images as stock photos.
• Writing: Work as a freelance content writer for businesses, self-publish an ebook, or offer copywriting services to clients.
• Blogging: Monetize a blog about a topic you enjoy through display advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or selling your own digital products.
• Graphic design: Create and sell logos, social media graphics, website templates, and marketing materials as a freelancer.
• Arts: Sell original paintings, drawings, sculptures, or digital art directly to customers online, through galleries, or by taking commissions.
• Baking and cooking: Start a home-based business selling custom cakes and baked goods, offering small-scale catering, or teaching cooking classes.
• Reading: Offer professional proofreading and editing services, or create a paid book review blog or newsletter.

1. Gaming

If you’re a speedrunning champion, a master strategist, or simply someone who loves gaming, there’s a huge opportunity for you to earn money.

The key is to understand that gaming isn’t just about playing anymore. It’s about creating experiences, building communities, and sharing knowledge.

Here’s how you can monetize your gaming skills:

• Live streaming. Build an audience on platforms like Twitch or YouTube, earning money through subscriptions, donations, and ad revenue.
• Review channel. Start a YouTube channel reviewing new games, gaming gear, and accessories, potentially receiving affiliate commissions and sponsorship deals.
• Gaming blog. Use our blog maker and write about the gaming industry, latest trends, and game analysis. Earn through affiliate marketing and ad placements.

• Personal gaming coach. Offer one-on-one coaching sessions on platforms like Coachify to help players improve their skills in specific games.
• Compete in tournaments. Join esports competitions where prize pools range from hundreds to millions of dollars. Participate in both online and offline events in games like Dota 2, Fortnite, and CS:GO.
• Team sponsorships. Get sponsored by gaming organizations that pay monthly salaries and provide equipment in exchange for representing their brand in competitions.
• Gaming community manager. Build gaming communities on Discord for brands or game developers.
• Asset creation. Design in-game items, skins, custom maps, or other digital assets and sell them on marketplaces like Unity Asset Store.

Think about what you do best in gaming. Maybe you excel at figuring out competitor strategies, or you’re known for solving tricky puzzles.

These are more than just gaming techniques now – they’re potential income-earning skills.

2. Crafts

The handmade market is gaining popularity – making it the perfect time to turn your crafting passion into profit.

Whether you make crocheted products, design personalized jewelry, or craft unique candles, your creative skills could be the core of an exciting business.

Here are proven ways to use your crafting skills to make money:

• Ecommerce seller. Create an online store to sell your handmade products and attract customers through organic traffic or paid advertising.
• Custom orders. Create personalized items for special occasions, weddings, or corporate events.
• Craft kits. Design and sell DIY craft kits with materials and instructions for others to make your projects.
• Workshop instructor. Host in-person or virtual crafting classes and teach your specialized techniques.
• Online course creator. Develop comprehensive crafting courses teaching specific skills and sell them online.
• Pattern designer. Create and sell digital patterns for sewing, knitting, or other crafts. Sell patterns on your site like Lizzie Patterns does with Hostinger Website Builder, or use platforms like Craftsy.

• Craft blogger. Create a blog and share tutorials, tips, and inspiration while earning through ads, sponsorships, or your own products.
• Local market vendor. Sell your creations at local markets and craft shows.
• YouTube creator. Produce craft tutorials and project videos for your channel.
• Crafting community leader. Build and manage an online crafting community, potentially earning through membership fees.

Start by figuring out what makes your crafts unique, and focus on a strategy that complements your strengths.

3. Sports and fitness

The fitness world is full of ways to earn money from what you know and love.

Start by identifying what you’re good at and what you enjoy. Maybe you’re great at showing others how to exercise safely or passionate about motivating others. Whatever it is, you can start an online fitness business around what sets you apart.

Here are several ways to make money with your passion for sports and fitness.

• Fitness influencer. Provide workout videos, sports tutorials, and fitness advice to followers on Instagram and TikTok.
• Equipment reviewer. Start a fitness blog to test and review sports equipment, earning through sponsorships and affiliate commissions.
• Online training programs. Design and sell comprehensive training programs for specific goals or sports.
• Online coaching. Create a fitness website to offer personal training sessions to individuals and groups. Draw inspiration from Joey Ferraro, who created his website using Hostinger Website Builder and uses TrainHeroic to create personalized plans and connect with clients.

• Fitness challenge host. Create and run online fitness challenges, earning money with entry fees and sponsorships.
• Fitness certification prep. Help others prepare for personal training or sports coaching certifications.
• Sports nutrition coach. Create meal plans and offer nutritional guidance for athletes.
• Training plans. Sell customizable workout plans and training schedules.

The fitness and sports industry can be a highly profitable niche. It values authenticity and results, so focus on delivering real results to your audience.

4. Photography

If you have a good eye for photos and regularly get complimented on your shots, your skill can start making you money.

The best part is that you don’t need expensive gear to start. Many successful photographers began with basic cameras and just a few good lenses.

Here are creative ways to earn extra money with your photography passion:

• Stock photos. Submit your images to platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock for passive income.
• Photography blog. Share tips and write photography equipment reviews to earn affiliate commissions.
• Event photography. Capture special moments at weddings, corporate events, or local festivals. Take inspiration from Evelyn Photography, who specializes in wedding photography.
• Portrait photography. Find a niche, such as family, corporate, and ​​personal branding photoshoots or​​ pet portraits.

• Photography workshops. Create online courses or run online workshops teaching specific photography techniques.
• Real estate photographer. Help real estate agents showcase properties with professional imagery.
• Product photographer. Work with small businesses to create compelling product photos.
• Photo tour guide. Lead photography walks in scenic locations or urban settings.
• Photography printables. Start a print-on-demand business with services like Printify or Printful to sell wall art, calendars, or greeting cards featuring your work.

A good first step to making this a profitable hobby is to start building your portfolio. Our photography website builder can get you up and running in just a few minutes.

Then, continue to improve your skills and develop your own signature style.

5. Writing

Writing can be a money-making creative outlet when you match your strengths to where the demand is.

Start by building a strong portfolio that showcases your work, and consider specializing in a niche to set yourself apart.

Here are various ways to transform your writing skills into income:

• Content writing. Sign up to freelance websites like Upwork or Fiverr to create blog posts, articles, and website content for businesses and individuals.
• Technical writing. Develop user manuals, documentation, and instructional guides for products and services.
• Copywriting. Create compelling marketing copy, advertisements, and sales materials for businesses.
• Grant writing. Help nonprofits and organizations secure funding through well-crafted proposals.
• Email newsletters. Use platforms like Hostinger Reach to create engaging email newsletters and monetize with ads, sponsorships, or your own digital products.

6. Blogging

Blogging is another excellent way to transform your writing skills into an income stream.

You can reach a global audience around your passion and make money through affiliate marketing, ad revenue, sponsorships, and your own products.

Here are several profitable niches to blog about:

• Travel. Share hidden gems and travel tips on your travel blog while earning commissions from hotel partnerships and tour recommendations.
• Investing. Transform complex money matters into simple strategies that help readers build wealth. Earn money by recommending courses and services.
• Health and wellness. Help readers with practical fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness advice.
• Food. Share mouth-watering recipes and kitchen tips that turn cooking newbies into confident home chefs, just like Cabbages.world does on their blog.

• Parenting. Offer real solutions for busy parents, from newborn care to teen challenges.
• Technology. Help everyday people make smart tech choices through honest reviews and simple tutorials, earning commission through product recommendations.
• Home DIY. Create easy-to-follow project guides that save homeowners money and boost their confidence.
• Pet care. Guide pet parents to raise happier, healthier animals through proven training and care tips.
• Green living. Show readers how small changes can create a more sustainable lifestyle and save money.

Each niche blends passion with earning potential, perfect for turning your writing hobby into income. Learn how to start a blog and consistently post valuable content your audience loves.

7. Graphic design

Graphic design is a fun hobby that can easily translate into a consistent income stream.

The key is to identify your unique design strengths, which will help you stand out and attract the right clients.

Let’s explore smart ways to make money with your design skills:

• Social media design. Develop eye-catching posts and graphics for various social platforms.
• Print design services. Design business cards, brochures, packaging, and other physical materials for various businesses.
• Brand identity. Create logos, color schemes, and complete branding packages for businesses.
• Web design. Use our business website builder to create stunning websites for local small businesses without needing any coding knowledge. Take inspiration from the founders of Brandemic, who started offering branding and web design services while they were in college.

• Book cover design. Help authors stand out with compelling cover designs for print and digital books.
• Print-on-demand products. Design merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, and hoodies, and let platforms like Printful or Redbubble handle production and shipping for you.
• Design templates. Create customizable templates for social media, presentations, and marketing materials, and sell them on platforms like Creative Market.
• Stock design elements. Create and sell vectors, icons, and design resources on stock platforms like Shutterstock.

A good first step is building a strong graphic design portfolio that showcases your best work and reflects your brand. That way, you will have more credibility when you want to sell your services or products.

8. Arts

Whether you’re a painter, a sculptor, or enjoy sketching, your creative skills have incredible potential to generate income.

Having your art featured in prestigious galleries might be incredible, but there are many ways to sell your work online and build a creative business from home.

Here are proven ways your artistic skills can earn you money:

• Sell art online. Sell paintings, sculptures, or prints through Etsy and your own website.
• Commission work. Create custom pieces for clients, from portraits to murals and anything else in demand. Look to Laurel Donkervoet from Lolo and Co Art for inspiration with her incredible acrylic paintings.

• Children’s book illustration. Collaborate with authors or publishers to bring stories to life.
• Workshop teaching. Host in-person or online art classes, sharing your tips and techniques.
• Art subscription boxes. Curate monthly boxes with original artwork, prints, or art supplies.

Collectors and clients often connect with the story behind the art as much as the piece itself. Share your inspiration, your process, and the meaning behind your work to create deeper connections with your audience.

9. Baking and cooking

There are many ways to make money from a hobby like baking and cooking.

Whether you’re known for delicious baked goods, creative fusion dishes, or amazing pastries, this can be a highly profitable hobby.

Let’s take a look at how you can use your kitchen skills to earn an income:

• Sell cookies online. Create unique cookies from your home and sell them to individuals and groups for events or celebrations.
• Cooking classes. Host in-person or virtual cooking workshops teaching specific cuisines or techniques.
• Start a food blog. Share recipes, cooking tips, and kitchen hacks while earning through affiliate marketing, ads, and sponsorships. Focus on a specific niche to stand out, just like Vegan Vitality Foods does.

• Kitchen equipment reviewer. Create a YouTube channel where you test and review cooking equipment, earning through affiliate marketing.
• Sell food online. Create unique sauces, spice blends, or baked goods, and sell them from your website. Banana Bread in Birmingham is a fantastic example of this.
• Catering business. Provide food for events, parties, and corporate functions, similar to what Mass Foods does in Brazil.

Remember, some of today’s most successful food businesses started in home kitchens like yours. With passion, persistence, and a pinch of creativity, your culinary skills could be the secret ingredient to a successful business.

10. Reading

It’s hard to believe you can monetize a hobby like reading, but book lovers are always looking for recommendations and reviews, and that’s where you come in.

Perhaps you have a knack for discovering future best-sellers, or you’re great at leading book discussions. Your passion for reading could be the foundation of your future business.

Here are some ideas to make money from your love for reading:

• Write a book blog. Use our blog creator to start writing book reviews and book summaries, then earn money through affiliate marketing and ads.
• Book influencer. Share book reviews on Instagram and TikTok to build a following and earn through affiliate marketing and sponsorships.
• Sell books online. Source and sell rare or collectible books through online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon.

• Audiobook narrator. Record audiobooks for independent authors or publishing companies.
• Literary podcast host. Create a podcast discussing books, interviewing authors, and analyzing literary trends.
• Book subscription boxes. Design themed monthly subscription boxes with books, bookmarks, and other related items, and sell them on Cratejoy.

Start by sharing your insights, whether it’s thoughtful book reviews, engaging social media posts, or helpful summaries. Focus on creating a unique voice that stands out in the book community.

How do hobbies generate income?

Hobbies generate income by turning your skills, knowledge, or creations into a product or service that people will pay for. The method you choose depends entirely on the nature of your hobby and what you’re willing to offer. 

You can start by creating and selling physical or digital products. Crafters and artists sell their handmade goods on sites like Etsy. Bakers can sell custom cakes locally, photographers can sell prints or digital downloads, and graphic designers can create and sell template packs. 

You can also sell your expertise as a service. This strategy is built on your knowledge rather than a product. For example, fitness enthusiasts can become personal trainers, avid readers can offer proofreading services, and experienced gamers can coach other players to help them improve. 

This can also expand into creating and monetizing digital content, such as a writer starting a paid newsletter or a cook creating a blog with their best recipes, earning from ads and affiliate links.

Which hobbies are the most profitable? 

While profitability varies based on skill and effort, hobbies involving specialized skills like graphic design, writing, and blogging are often the most profitable. 

According to data on freelance hourly rates from Upwork, top freelancers can earn an average of $41 per hour, depending on their experience and the project’s complexity. 

This high-earning potential is because every company, from small startups to large corporations, needs a steady stream of content and digital assets for their websites, social media campaigns, and marketing materials.

How can I monetize my hobby?

You can monetize your hobby by defining a specific product or service you want to sell, choosing a straightforward way to sell it, and then focusing on providing value to your customers.

First, define exactly what you’re selling. Is it a physical product like a custom-painted mug, a service like a 60-minute fitness coaching call, or a digital product like an ebook of your best recipes? 

Be specific. This clarity prevents you from trying to do everything at once and helps you communicate your value clearly.

Second, don’t overcomplicate the business side at the beginning. You don’t need a massive social media following to start. You can use a simple marketplace like Etsy, a freelance platform like Fiverr, or your own online store built with our ecommerce website maker.

Finally, focus on solving a problem or providing joy for your customers. The most successful hobby-based businesses thrive because they genuinely help or delight their customers. 

Don’t get lost in complex business plans. Ask for feedback, make improvements based on what you hear, and build from there. 

Your passion is your biggest asset – start there and create something that others will be excited to discover.

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