The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked excitement, curiosity, and even fear. Will it replace jobs? Or is it simply the ultimate tool to enhance human capabilities? As the technology matures, one thing is clear: AI is a powerful resource to help you earn money, save time, and focus on what matters most. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or looking for a side hustle, knowing how to use AI to make money is your ticket to staying ahead of the curve.
Businesses across industries are adopting AI to streamline processes, analyze data, and create personalized experiences. For individuals, this means endless opportunities to leverage AI for income. From creative pursuits like generating artwork to technical ventures like app development, AI has something to offer for every skill level.
Keep reading to discover practical ways on how to make money with AI.
“Can I use AI to make money?”
For those wondering, “Is it illegal to earn money using AI?”—the short answer is no. Using AI to make money isn't illegal, but transparency is crucial. If you’re using AI to produce work for clients or customers, be upfront about its involvement.
Keep in mind that depending on the type of AI work you're doing, you should also consider ethical implications and comply with intellectual property laws, especially regarding ownership and attribution. For example, if you're using AI to generate content (like articles, blog posts, or music), it's important to ensure proper attribution and avoid plagiarism.
Looking to increase your income? While you’re here: Check out 400,000+ open jobs on The Muse and get closer to your financial goals »
How to make money with AI: 15 proven ways
Here are some of the best ways to make money with AI, covering various skill levels and investment options.
1. Create and sell AI-generated artwork
AI art tools like DALL·E and MidJourney make it easy to create stunning visuals in minutes. Use these tools to generate unique designs for posters, merchandise, or digital art prints. You can also explore the growing market for AI-generated NFTs.
Pro tips:
2. Create AI content
AI-powered tools like Jasper AI and ChatGPT can help you produce blog posts, product descriptions, or marketing copy. You can either use these tools to start a freelancing business or create content for your website to generate ad revenue.
Pro tips:
- Focus on niches with high demand, like e-commerce or tech.
- Use tools to assist rather than fully automate your writing.
3. Affiliate with AI products
Earn commissions by promoting AI tools like Grammarly, Jasper AI, or Canva Pro through affiliate marketing programs. Create reviews, tutorials, or case studies showcasing their benefits.
Pro tips:
- Build a blog or YouTube channel dedicated to tech tools.
- Use SEO strategies to attract organic traffic.
4. Create your own AI products
If you have coding experience, building simple AI-powered apps can be incredibly lucrative. Think chatbots, image generators, or productivity tools. Even a basic app solving a niche problem can generate steady income.
Tools to try:
5. AI consulting
Businesses are eager to adopt AI but often lack the expertise to do so. As an AI consultant, you can help organizations identify opportunities, integrate tools, and train employees.
Pro tips:
- Specialize in a specific industry to stand out.
- Offer workshops or online courses to supplement your consulting income.
6. Create online courses using AI
Use AI tools like ChatGPT to script lessons or tools like Synthesia to create video content for online courses. Platforms like Udemy or Teachable allow you to sell your courses to a global audience.
Topics to consider:
- AI basics, productivity hacks, or industry-specific skills. These topics are in high demand and cater to broad audiences. For instance, AI basics and productivity hacks are topics that appeal to beginners from different areas who are eager to learn, whereas industry-specific skills attract niche learners looking to enhance their expertise.
7. Manage social media brands
AI tools like Hootsuite’s AI features or Buffer can help automate content creation, scheduling, and analytics for social media. Offer your services to small businesses looking to grow their online presence.
Pro tips:
- Combine AI automation with personalized engagement for better results.
- Stay updated on trends to keep your strategies relevant.
8. Offer AI translation services
Globalization has increased the demand for professional translations. DeepL is an AI tool that can speed up the process while maintaining accuracy.
Pro tips:
- Combine AI with human editing for high-quality results.
- Focus on industries that are in high demand for AI services, like legal, medical, or e-commerce translations.
9. Freelance with AI
AI tools can make your freelancing services more efficient and competitive. For example, designers can use Canva AI, while video editors can leverage Descript for quick edits.
Pro tips:
- Use AI to handle repetitive tasks, freeing up time for creative work.
- Look for freelance jobs here on The Muse.
10. Build websites
No coding skills? No problem. AI website builders like Wix ADI make it easy to create professional websites. Offer this as a service to businesses or individuals looking to establish their online presence.
Pro tips:
- Upsell additional services like SEO optimization.
- Target small businesses or freelancers. They often lack the resources or technical expertise to build their own websites, making them ideal clients for affordable and user-friendly solutions. They value quick setups and the ability to maintain the site themselves, which AI tools can provide.
11. Provide AI chatbots for businesses
Chatbots are a cost-effective way for businesses to improve customer service. Use platforms like ChatGPT or Tars to create and sell chatbot solutions tailored to specific industries.
Pro tips:
- Offer industry-specific templates to attract niche markets.
- Include features like multilingual support to broaden appeal.
12. Manage paid advertising with AI
Traditional digital platforms like Google Ads now offer AI-driven tools to optimize ad campaigns. Learn how to use these tools effectively and offer your expertise to businesses looking to improve Return on Investment (ROI).
Pro tips:
- Focus on industries with high ad budgets, such as e-commerce or tech.
13. Consult as a data scientist
If you have a background in data analysis, offer consulting services to companies looking to implement AI-driven insights.
Pro tips:
- Provide tiered pricing to attract a range of customers.
14. Create a subscription-based AI tool
Develop a tool that solves a common problem and charge a monthly fee for users. Examples include AI-driven analytics dashboards or automation tools for small businesses.
Pro tips:
- Offer free trials to convert potential users into subscribers.
Bonus tip: How to use AI to make money in the stock market
AI tools also allow you to optimize your finances, ensuring your money works harder for you. Robo-advisors like Betterment, Wealthfront, and Schwab Intelligent Portfolios use AI algorithms—complex mathematical models that analyze vast amounts of financial data, market trends, and your personal preferences in real time—to manage your investment portfolio. They analyze your goals, risk tolerance, and market trends to allocate assets efficiently, helping you minimize risk while maximizing potential returns.
Read this next: What Is a Robo-Advisor and Is It the Right Choice For You?
Bottom line: Use AI to make money
AI is a powerful tool to unlock new opportunities. Whether you’re a creator, developer, or consultant, leveraging AI can help you work smarter and earn more. Start with small steps, stay ethical, and keep learning to maximize your potential.
FAQs
Can AI bots make you money?
Yes, AI bots like trading bots or chatbots can generate income if used effectively. Trading bots are software programs that use AI algorithms to analyze market data, identify patterns, and execute trades automatically based on pre-set criteria, and chatbots are AI-powered conversational tools designed to handle customer inquiries and automate business communications. To use either, make sure the bots are set up with clear objectives and fine-tuned parameters to align with your goals, whether that’s trading profitably or delivering excellent customer service.
Regular monitoring and updates are essential to adapt to changing market conditions or customer needs. Ineffective usage often results from over-reliance on bots without human oversight, poor parameter configurations, or ignoring the need for ongoing adjustments based on performance feedback.
How do you generate passive income with AI?
Focus on scalable solutions like digital products, affiliate marketing, or subscription-based tools.
Can you make money with Open AI?
Yes. OpenAI’s technology, like ChatGPT, provides several ways to make money, such as:
- Freelancing: Use ChatGPT to write blogs, create scripts, or edit content for clients.
- Business automation: Small businesses can streamline customer service with OpenAI’s API.
- Prompt engineering: If you’re skilled at crafting effective prompts, you can sell them or offer consulting services to businesses.
Is AI trading profitable?
AI trading can be profitable, but it comes with risks. Tools like Trade Ideas or Alpaca help analyze data and automate trades, offering an edge in fast-moving markets.
However, market volatility can lead to losses, so it’s vital to use these tools cautiously and stay informed about financial markets. Many successful traders combine AI tools with personal insights for better decision-making.
Can AI artists make money?
Absolutely. AI artists can make money by:
- Selling AI-generated artwork on platforms like Artbreeder or Etsy
- Offering personalized commissions using AI art generators
- Licensing their creations for use in marketing, branding, or entertainment
Keep in mind that while AI art is gaining traction, success often involves adding a human touch, like unique concepts or hybrid designs.
Can I use ChatGPT to make money?
Yes. ChatGPT is a versatile tool for generating income through:
- Content creation: Use ChatGPT to write blog posts, ebooks, or social media captions for clients.
- Tutoring or online courses: Create course materials or explanations using ChatGPT.
- Customer service: Deploy ChatGPT as a chatbot to handle customer inquiries.
- Writing assistance: Offer editing or resume-writing services with ChatGPT’s help.
The key is to use ChatGPT as a productivity booster while adding your own expertise and creativity.