Unusual Side Hustles to Try in 2026
Jan. 6 2026, Published 2:41 a.m. ET
Side hustles have shifted far beyond traditional freelancing and reselling. By 2026, advances in digital platforms, changing consumer behavior, and the creator economy are opening doors to income streams that would have seemed unconventional just a few years ago.
According to recent labor data, nearly 40% of working Americans already earn some form of supplemental income, and that figure is projected to keep rising as flexible work becomes more normalized. What is changing is the type of work people are choosing.
Many newer side hustles now blend entertainment, technology, and data-driven platforms. Online communities, automation tools, and micro-marketplaces allow individuals to monetize skills and interests that once had no clear commercial path.
Some trend forecasts suggest that entertainment-based micro-income models will continue to grow through 2026. These models range from interactive gaming content to virtual services and performance-based platforms.
Digital asset testing and quality assurance
One of the more unusual but fast-growing side hustles involves testing digital products before they reach the market, which includes testing mobile apps, video games, websites, and even virtual reality environments. Companies routinely pay testers to identify bugs, evaluate usability, and assess performance across different devices. Testers are paid per project or per hour, depending on complexity.
In certain cases, testers specializing in security vulnerabilities or complex game environments report the potential for higher monthly earnings, depending on experience and availability. This unusual side hustle suits people with attention to detail and basic technical literacy rather than advanced programming skills.
Playing at online casinos
One of the more unconventional side hustles that continues to attract attention is playing at online casinos. While not a guaranteed source of income, some individuals approach casino gaming with structured bankroll management and responsible gambling techniques, disciplined play strategies, and a focus on statistical advantage where possible.
From a broader industry perspective, the online casino market continues to expand in regulated states. In 2024 alone, US online casinos generated tens of billions of dollars in total wagering activity.
Casino.org, who focuses on reviewing online casino sites, also has lists categorized by sign-up bonuses, which enable users to play without committing their own funds (and winnings only withdrawn should certain requirements be met) and, therefore, scout out a game and tactics before committing to to their hustle.
For some participants, casino-based play becomes a performance-based income stream when combined with streaming, content creation, or competitive promotions. However, it remains a high-risk side hustle that requires strict financial boundaries, detailed tracking, and a clear understanding of loss probability.
Virtual property management
Virtual real estate has moved beyond basic gaming environments into fully monetized digital worlds. Platforms that host social metaverses, simulation environments, and online marketplaces now allow users to buy, rent, and manage digital spaces.
Virtual property managers handle tasks such as leasing digital land, hosting events, moderating social spaces, and optimizing layout design for engagement. Some earn income through commission structures, digital rent agreements, or revenue sharing with creators and brands.
This side hustle blends aspects of real estate management, event planning, and digital marketing without requiring physical assets.
AI prompt engineering and micro-model training
As artificial intelligence systems become more specialized, a new category of side hustles has formed around human-guided optimization, involving designing detailed inputs that shape how AI systems generate text, images, code, or analytical output. Prompts are frequently described as essential to effective AI use, and it can be difficult to get them right, adding market value.
Many companies pay independent workers to help train micro-models using labeled datasets, including image categorization, transcript verification, and answer review. Contributors with niche expertise may experience more consistent compensation over time.
Audio monetization and background voice work
Audio-based side hustles are expanding beyond podcasting, with growing demand for background voice work in meditation, sleep, language-learning, and ambient-sound platforms.
The global digital audio market is projected to grow in the coming years. Contributors can earn income through usage-based royalties, subscription splits, or per-project recording fees. Some creators build entire audio libraries that generate long-term passive income after the initial recording work is completed.
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Data collection for urban planning and mapping
Smart cities rely on real-world data, and individuals are increasingly paid to collect it, from photographing infrastructure to verifying business locations. Large mapping companies and urban analytics firms crowd-source these tasks through mobile applications. Participants receive micro-payments for verified data submissions.
Over time, consistent contributors may receive modest supplemental compensation for their contributions to public planning, logistics optimization, and navigation services.
Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
