I found the best ways to make money with AI (that actually work)

There’s a lot of talk about making money with AI. Too much, actually.

Everywhere you look, someone’s either promising passive income or selling the next surefire hustle. But once you start digging, it’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s just hype.

So, I decided to cut through all that. I spent time researching the most talked-about AI money-making methods, comparing tools, reading real experiences, watching case studies, and separating the flashy from the doable.

What I found are some genuinely solid ways to earn, whether you’re creative, strategic, or just good at connecting dots. No coding needed. No “tech genius” required. Just smart use of the right tools.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the best ways to make money with AI today. The kind that are actually working now.

Let’s get straight to it!

Selling AI-Generated Art and Designs

Creating and selling AI-generated art is one of the most accessible ways to earn with AI, especially if you’re not a traditional designer. Tools like Midjourney, DALL·E, and Canva AI allow you to turn text prompts into stunning visuals in just seconds. The key, though, isn’t just making cool images. It’s knowing how and where to sell them.

You can list your AI art on print-on-demand platforms like:

• Redbubble
• TeePublic
• Zazzle
• Society6

These sites let you upload your designs and apply them to products like T-shirts, mugs, stickers, and posters. When someone places an order, the platform handles printing, shipping, and customer service. You earn a commission on every sale.

Another option is selling digital downloads on Etsy. AI-generated wall art, logo templates, planner pages, or journal covers all do well, especially when tailored to a specific niche. Think “boho nursery prints,” “affirmation cards,” or “cyberpunk wallpapers.”

 To get started

1. Learn to prompt effectively: Tools like Midjourney respond to detailed prompts. Instead of typing “cat,” try “a watercolor painting of a black cat sitting on a windowsill during sunset.”
2. Create and upscale your art: Midjourney and DALL·E allow you to upscale images for better quality. Use tools like Upscayl or Let’s Enhance for extra clarity.
3. Choose your platform: If you want passive income, try Redbubble. If you’d rather handle your own branding and pricing, go for Etsy.
4. Bundle your work: Collections sell better than single items, try sets of 3 or 5.
5. Design mockups: Use Canva or Placeit to create mockups of your art on real products. This helps listings stand out.

AI makes the creation part easy, but it still takes research, niche targeting, and consistency to make real money. Successful sellers treat this like a digital business, not a one-off experiment.

Offering AI writing services

If you can write, or even just organize thoughts clearly, you can make money using AI writing tools. Platforms like ChatGPT, Jasper, Writesonic, and Copy.ai can help you produce blog posts, emails, product descriptions, captions, ad copy, and more.

The real opportunity here isn’t in letting the AI write everything for you. It’s knowing how to use it to speed up the process without sacrificing quality. AI gives you a solid draft. Your job is to shape it, edit it, and make sure it sounds human.

Here’s how to start offering AI-assisted writing services:

1. Pick a niche: Businesses are always looking for writers in health, tech, finance, parenting, productivity, and marketing. A niche helps you stand out and charge more.
2. Get comfortable with the tools: Learn how to prompt AI to generate useful outlines, reword clunky sections, or create keyword-rich content. For example:
   • “Write a blog outline on eco-friendly laundry tips for busy moms.”
   • “Rewrite this paragraph in a more conversational tone.”
   • “Give me 5 catchy YouTube titles for a video on budgeting in college.”
3. Set up your presence: You can offer your services on:
   • Fiverr or Upwork (freelance platforms)
   • Contra or Toptal (if you want to aim for premium gigs)
   • Your own LinkedIn or personal website
4. Position yourself as the human editor, not just the AI operator: Clients don’t want “AI-written fluff.” They want content that’s readable, relevant, and polished. Make it clear you use AI to deliver faster, without compromising quality.
5. Offer fast turnarounds: One of your biggest selling points is speed. AI cuts drafting time, and if you’re a decent editor, you can complete projects quickly (and take on more).

Writers who know how to use AI without relying on it completely are in demand. Businesses want content that’s clean, SEO-optimized, and human, but they love the lower cost and quicker delivery AI makes possible. That’s where you come in.

Building AI-powered tools and chatbots

You don’t have to be a developer to build something useful with AI. Thanks to no-code and low-code platforms, you can create AI-powered tools, like chatbots, virtual assistants, or automation workflows and offer them to small businesses, creators, or even sell them as digital products.

Tools like:

• Zapier (for automation with AI triggers)
• Manychat and Chatfuel (for building chatbots on Messenger or websites)
• Botpress and Tidio (for more advanced, customizable bots)
• Glide, Bubble, or Softr (to build full AI-powered apps without writing code)

These platforms let you plug in GPT-powered responses, connect APIs, and even train chatbots to handle customer service, onboarding, or lead generation.

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Pick a simple, useful idea: Start with something people actually need, like a chatbot for salon bookings, a bot that answers FAQs for an online store, or a lead-qualifying assistant for real estate agents.
2. Use templates: Most platforms have pre-built flows you can customize. This saves you time and helps you understand how the logic works.
3. Test with friends or small business owners: Offer to build a free version in exchange for feedback and testimonials. Real-world use gives you the credibility to pitch paid versions.
4. Create a productized service: Instead of freelancing randomly, create fixed packages. Example: “I’ll build a custom website chatbot with 20 responses and full automation—for $199.”
5. Host and sell it: Offer your tool via your own site, or even sell chatbot templates on platforms like Gumroad or Ko-fi.

There’s a growing market for done-for-you tools, especially among small business owners who don’t want to deal with tech themselves. If you can give them something that works out of the box, you’ve got a valuable skill to monetize.

Creating and selling prompt packs

AI prompts have become a product of their own. With tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Claude, people are making real money selling pre-written prompts that help others get better results, whether they’re writing blog posts, designing logos, building apps, or generating business ideas.

Why? Most people don’t know how to talk to AI clearly. A well-crafted prompt saves them time, effort, and frustration.

Here’s what prompt packs look like in action:

• Midjourney Prompt Packs (e.g., “30 Prompts for Printable Wall Art”)
• ChatGPT for Freelancers (e.g., “50 Prompts to Land Higher-Paying Clients”)
• Prompt packs for small business owners, marketers, authors, or creators
• Packs focused on specific outcomes: cold emails, YouTube scripts, SEO content, branding ideas, etc.

Where to sell them:

• PromptBase (dedicated marketplace for prompt creators)
• Gumroad or Payhip (digital product platforms with direct selling)
• Your own site, newsletter, or even TikTok/Instagram bio link

To get started

1. Choose a target audience: Prompt packs sell best when tailored. For example, “AI Prompts for Coaches” will do better than “100 General Prompts.”
2. Organize your prompts clearly: Group them by task or goal, making it easy for buyers to scan and use.
3. Add usage tips: Brief guidance like “Try this in ChatGPT using the Custom Instructions feature” adds value and builds trust.
4. Price smart: Most prompt packs sell for $5–$25, depending on the niche and volume. Add bonuses (like a tutorial or mini-guide) to justify a higher price.
5. Promote creatively: Share sneak peeks of your prompts as content, think carousels, tweets, or videos that show how well they work.

If you understand how to communicate with AI clearly and creatively, people will pay to skip the learning curve.

Monetizing AI video content

Short-form video is everywhere, and AI makes it faster than ever to create. You don’t need to film yourself, hire a voice actor, or even edit manually. With the right tools, you can produce TikToks, Reels, YouTube Shorts, and even full-length explainer videos in a fraction of the usual time.

Here’s how people are using AI to build entire video brands from scratch (or anonymously):

• AI scriptwriting: Use ChatGPT to write engaging video scripts.
• AI voiceovers: Tools like ElevenLabs, Murf.ai, or Lovo generate natural-sounding voiceovers in different accents, tones, and styles.
• AI video generation: Platforms like Pika, Runway, and Pictory can turn scripts into animated or stock footage-style videos automatically.
• AI avatars: Tools like Synthesia or D-ID let you create videos with AI presenters (great for faceless content or product explainers).

Now, where’s the money in all this?

• YouTube Shorts monetization (via ad revenue, especially if you hit 1,000 subs and 10M views in 90 days)
• Affiliate marketing: Add product links to video descriptions and earn commission per sale or click
• Digital product promotion: Use the videos to sell courses, templates, or services
• Brand deals and UGC gigs: As your page grows, brands may pay for content creation or licensing

How to get started

1. Pick a niche with visual potential: Think “tech breakdowns,” “book summaries,” “AI tutorials,” or even “motivational quotes + visuals.”
2. Write tight, punchy scripts: Keep Shorts under 60 seconds, and frontload value in the first 3 seconds.
3. Batch your workflow: Use ChatGPT for 10 scripts, Murf for voiceovers, and Pictory for visuals. In 2–3 hours, you can create a week’s worth of content.
4. Post consistently. One short a day can build traction quickly, especially on newer platforms like Instagram Reels or TikTok.
5. Track what works. Use analytics to double down on topics, formats, or hooks that get high retention or shares.

This method takes effort, but it scales. Once your process is tight, you can produce and repurpose across platforms, all while staying behind the scenes if you want.

Teaching others how to use AI

As more people become curious about AI, the demand for simple, helpful tutorials is growing fast. If you know how to use tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, or Canva’s AI features and can explain things clearly, you can turn that into income by teaching others.

This isn’t just about launching a big course (though you can). You can start small, build credibility, and grow into multiple income streams like:

• Mini video tutorials on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram
• One-on-one coaching or group workshops via Zoom
• Paid guides and digital downloads on Gumroad or Ko-fi
• Full courses on platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or Teachable

Examples of what people are already teaching:

• “How to write better ChatGPT prompts for small business”
• “Create a logo with AI in 10 minutes”
• “Midjourney 101: From zero to print-ready designs”
• “Using AI for solopreneurs: Automate your content in half the time”

Here’s how to get started:

1. Pick a clear, beginner-friendly angle: Think of your audience. Are they coaches, business owners, students, or creatives? Tailor your teaching to their needs.
2. Break it into bite-sized pieces: Start with a simple guide: “5 prompts every freelancer should know” or “3 Midjourney tricks to level up your designs.”
3. Use free tools to share: Loom or OBS Studio lets you record screen tutorials. Canva can help you design attractive workbooks or slides.
4. Give real examples: Don’t just explain how AI works, show how to use it in practical, money-saving or time-saving ways.
5. Promote smart: Share useful snippets on social media. Offer a freebie in exchange for email signups. Build trust before you pitch anything paid.

You don’t need a massive following to earn. If you solve a real problem, like helping creators brainstorm faster, helping coaches write better content, or helping designers improve their prompts, people will pay for that shortcut.

Using AI for stock trading or investing

AI won’t turn you into Warren Buffett overnight. But it can help you make smarter investment decisions, if you know how to use it right.

From analyzing market trends to generating stock ideas, AI tools are being used by both casual investors and professionals. The trick is understanding what these tools can (and can’t) do.

Popular AI tools in the trading space include:

• ChatGPT: For breaking down earnings reports, explaining financial jargon, or generating research summaries
• FinChat.io: A ChatGPT alternative trained specifically on financial data
• TrendSpider and Trade Ideas: Charting tools with AI features to help spot trade setups
• Kavout and Numerai: Platforms that use machine learning to generate investment signals and scoring systems
• StockGPT: An experimental tool that lets you search and analyze past earnings calls using GPT tech

How to use AI safely and effectively in trading or investing

1. Start with research, not trades: Use ChatGPT to simplify complex topics like dividends, options, or ETFs. Ask it to explain investment strategies in plain language.
2. Test ideas, don’t follow blindly: Some tools offer backtesting, meaning you can simulate how a strategy would have worked in the past.
3. Use it to stay informed: Ask ChatGPT to summarize market news or compare two stocks. It’s great for speed-reading large volumes of info.
4. Avoid emotional trading: AI doesn’t get greedy. Humans do. Let the AI handle analysis, but always make the final call yourself.
5. Stay aware of limitations: AI can’t predict the market. It has no insider info. It can help you organize, analyze, and plan.

Also worth noting that trading carries real financial risk. AI tools are just tools. They work best when combined with your own judgment, education, and a clear risk strategy.

If you’re someone who already dabbles in stocks or crypto, using AI might help you cut through the noise. Just don’t expect it to do the hard thinking for you.

Final verdict: Which AI money-making methods are actually worth it?

After all the research, comparisons, and real-world results, here’s the bottom line: AI isn’t a magic button, but it’s a serious shortcut if you use it wisely. That said, not every method is equally rewarding, and what works best depends on your skills, goals, and how much time you’re willing to put in.

Here’s how I’d break it down:

Best for beginners

Selling AI-Generated Art and Prompt Packs are great entry points. Why? They require minimal setup, no coding, and don’t rely on building a brand right away. If you can learn how to prompt well and package things smartly, you’re good to go.

Best for freelancers

AI Writing Services win here. Freelance clients want fast, affordable, high-quality content and AI helps you deliver exactly that. If you’re already a decent writer or editor, using tools like ChatGPT can cut your time in half (or more), making you more profitable with each gig.

Best for long-term scalability

Teaching AI and Creating Video Content offer the most growth potential. Whether you’re selling courses, growing a faceless YouTube channel, or building a niche audience around AI tutorials, these paths allow you to create once and earn repeatedly, especially if you combine them with affiliate links or digital product sales.

Best for tech-savvy creators

Building AI Tools or Chatbots is ideal if you enjoy solving problems and tinkering with software. You don’t need to code, but the more you understand how tools integrate (Zapier, GPT APIs, chat flows), the more valuable your creations become.

Best for analytical thinkers

Using AI for Investing can work, but only if you pair it with your own research and discipline. It’s less about fast money and more about improving how you make decisions. If you love data and pattern-spotting, this path can sharpen your edge.

Just start with one method, test it, and stay curious. This space is moving fast, and those who stay flexible will win.

Ask me anything (really)

This space is evolving fast, and new AI money-making methods are popping up every other week. What works today might look totally different in six months, but that’s part of the fun.

If you’ve tried something that worked (or flopped), I want to hear about it. If you’re stuck deciding where to start, drop your questions. Got a tool you swear by? Let’s talk.

Use the comments or reach out, I’d love to know what you’re working on, what you’ve discovered, or what you’re curious about. There’s more than enough room for everyone to win with AI, and the best ideas often come from real conversations.

So…
Which method are you trying first?

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