YouTube has become a powerful platform for creative entrepreneurs to turn their passions into profitable side hustles. With over 2 billion monthly logged-in users, the potential reach is massive. However, not everyone feels comfortable being on camera.
The good news is, you can still build a thriving YouTube business without showing your face. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore 25 YouTube side hustle ideas that keep you behind the scenes while generating income.
1. Selling Digital Products
One of the most lucrative YouTube side hustles is selling digital products like ebooks, online courses, graphics packs, or software tools. Simply create videos showcasing your products and direct viewers to your online store. Include links in descriptions and pinned comments.
To boost sales:
- Offer limited-time discounts or free bonuses
- Create tutorials demonstrating product value
- Share user testimonials and reviews
2. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate links allow you to earn commissions by promoting relevant products. Share your genuine recommendations through reviews and demos. Disclose affiliate relationships clearly.
Effective practices include:
- Comparing top products in a niche
- Showcasing user experiences
- Providing special discount codes
3. Sponsored Content
Brand sponsorships are a popular money-maker. Weave sponsored messaging into engaging, high-quality content aligned with your niche. Maintain authenticity by vetting brands thoroughly.
Best practices for sponsored videos:
- Seamlessly blend sponsor messaging
- Disclose paid promotions clearly
- Only align with relevant, reputable brands
4. Online Courses & Tutorials
Share your unique knowledge and skills throughpremium online courses. Drive enrollments by offering previews and discounts in your YouTube videos.
Tips for success:
- Structure content effectively
- Promote your expertise
- Foster community among students
5. Merchandise Shelf
YouTube‘s Merch Shelf allows you to sell branded gear like t-shirts, hoodies, and mugs. Partner with print-on-demand companies to handle fulfillment.
Merchandising strategies:
- Promote new merch drops in videos
- Offer limited editions and bundles
- Engage fans to co-create designs
6. Channel Memberships
Loyal fans pay monthly for exclusive access like custom badges, extra videos, and members-only live streams.
Reward paying members with:
- Behind-the-scenes footage
- Early previews
- Exclusive discounts
7. Super Chats & Super Stickers
Monetize live streams through Super Chats (highlighted chat comments) and Super Stickers. Fans purchase these to gain attention and support you.
Boost engagement and income with:
- Shout-outs for Super Chatters
- Fun stickers tied to your channel
- Contests for top supporters
8. Premium Ad Revenue
YouTube shares a portion of subscription revenue from Premium viewers watching your content. Produce binge-worthy videos to attract this valuable audience segment.
9. Physical Products & Merchandise
Feature your handmade products in videos to drive sales. Share your process and sources. Invite collaborations.
Promote products through:
- Hauls showcasing materials
- Product reviews
- Discounts for YouTube fans
10. Freelance Services
Show off your skills as a video editor, designer, writer, programmer, and more! Share portfolio samples and testimonials. Redirect viewers to your professional website.
Video ideas include:
- Software tutorials
- Client project walkthroughs
- Day-in-the-life footage
11. Stock Media Licensing
Photographers and videographers can sell stock footage and images through platforms like Shutterstock. Direct viewers to your portfolio.
Content ideas:
- Behind-the-scenes shooting
- Photo editing tutorials
- Camera and gear reviews
12. Gaming Live Streams
Share your gameplay and commentary through monetized live streams. Collaborate with other gamers. Offer channel memberships.
Increase viewership and revenue with:
- Consistent streaming schedule
- Commentary and camaraderie
- Contests and giveaways
13. ASMR Content
Tingles and relaxation await. The ASMR community craves gentle sounds like whispering, tapping, crinkling. Invest in ultra-sensitive mics for the full sensory experience.
Ideas include:
- Page turning and scratching
- Fabric brushing and folding
- Packaging peelings and unboxings
14. Kids Educational Content
Make learning fun! Produce engaging animated and live-action videos on numbers, science, reading, crafts and more. Collaborate with educators to align with curriculums.
Video ideas include:
- Counting songs
- DIY experiments
- Interactive stories
15. Travel Vlogs
Take viewers along on your journeys through exotic locales near and far. Share your experiences and recommendations.
Boost engagement with:
- Useful tips, packing lists and itineraries
- Captivating cinematic footage
- Immersive sights and sounds
16. Cooking & Recipes
Whip up delicious videos showcasing recipes, techniques, meal prep and more. Share your passion for food through cooking demos, brand collaborations and merchandise.
Video content can cover:
- Step-by-step recipe tutorials
- Kitchen organization hacks
- Taste test challenges
17. DIY & Crafts
Offer inspiration through detailed DIY tutorials spanning decor, gifts, papercraft, upcycling, jewelry-making and beyond. Share your creative process from start to finish.
Ideas include:
- Dollar store makeovers
- Customized tees
- Wall art from recycled materials
18. Fitness & Workouts
Motivate others through sharing your fitness journey. Post workout videos, healthy recipes, wellness tips and more. Collaborate with brands aligned with your niche.
Engaging video topics:
- At-home no-equipment routines
- Yoga flows
- Healthy meal prep
19. Beauty & Makeup
Glam it up with fierce makeup transformations, reviews, hauls and tutorials. Share the products and techniques you love. Collaborate with brands through affiliate links and sponsorships.
Video themes can cover:
- Drugstore dupes for high-end makeup
- Salon-quality blowouts
- Acne coverage and corrector hacks
20. Pets & Animals
Delight animal enthusiasts with cute critters and pet care tips. Feature adoptable rescues in your area to aid their search for forever homes.
Ideas include:
- Pet toy and product reviews
- DIY pet projects
- Training and behavior troubleshooting
21. Book Reviews & Discussions
Share your passion for reading through reviews, author spotlights, writing advice and more. Feature affiliate links allowing fans to purchase titles you recommend.
Content can explore:
- Discussing favorite fiction genres
- Independent author spotlights
- Getting through reading slumps
22. Art & Drawing
Let creativity flow sharing your artistic process through time-lapses, tutorials and productivity tips. Invite collaboration requests. Promote art commissions and merchandise.
Video themes include:
- Custom paint-by-number kit reviews
- Easy watercolor techniques
- Bullet journaling spreads
23. Language Learning & Teaching
Help others master new languages through lessons, vocabulary reviews, pronunciation guidance and cultural insights. Offer premium translation services.
Engaging topics include:
- Conversational dialogue examples
- Common idioms and their meanings
- Accent reduction tips
24. Parenting & Family
Journey through parenthood together creating a supportive community. Provide encouragement through the hurdles and laughs along the way. Share your experiences through vlogs.
Address topics like:
- Budget-friendly kids activities
- Picky eater meal ideas
- At-home sensory play
25. Comedy & Sketches
Leave ‘em laughing with amusing commentary, parodies, animations and comedic sketches. Collaborate with other creators. Consider paid channel memberships offering bonus content.
Ideas include:
- Workplace humor shorts
- Parody movie trailers
- Sarcastic product reviews
The possibilities are truly endless when leveraging the immense reach of YouTube without being on camera. Not only can a successful side hustle on the platform be highly lucrative, but it also allows you to build community around your passions while maintaining privacy.
Stay tuned for an upcoming guide on getting started on YouTube without showing your face!
