Side hustles are no longer just a passing fad—they’re a vital lifeline for many seeking extra income in 2025. With 71% of Americans exploring secondary income streams, according to recent statistics, the gig economy is booming. A new study from SideHustles.com, analyzing Google search trends from January 2022 to January 2025, has pinpointed the top 10 fastest-growing side hustles across the U.S. and Canada. By tracking 170 side hustle-related keywords across all 50 U.S. states and the 25 most populous cities, researchers identified consistent upward trends, revealing where the real demand lies.
The data shows a 28% spike in interest for AI-driven side hustles over the past year, while YouTube monetization emerged as the top-growing hustle in six U.S. states, including New York, Illinois, and Michigan. “Side hustles are now a cornerstone of financial independence,” says Mark Slack, a career expert at SideHustles.com. “This isn’t just about extra cash—it’s about seizing control of your finances. Take mobile car washes: the surge isn’t about the service itself, but the convenience, low startup costs, and freedom it offers.”
In urban hubs, digital income reigns supreme. “You don’t need a viral hit to profit from YouTube or sell digital products like photos or courses,” Slack explains. “These can start as hobbies and grow into reliable earners.” Meanwhile, a separate survey by Academized.com of 2,500 millennials (ages 26-41) highlights the rise of “polyworking”—juggling multiple gigs for stability and passion. Key findings? 52% of millennials have side hustles, 33% manage four or more jobs, and top earners rake in up to $45,000 annually, though 42% report burnout. Notably, 58% see polyworking as a long-term career path, not a quick fix.
Here’s the rundown of 2025’s fastest-growing side hustles:
- YouTube Monetization - Creating and monetizing video content tops the list, fueled by ad revenue and sponsorships.
- Mobile Car Wash - On-the-go cleaning services are booming, blending convenience with low overhead.
- AI Content Creation - Using AI tools to craft blogs, scripts, or marketing copy is gaining traction.
- E-commerce Reselling - Flipping thrift finds or dropshipping products online continues to soar.
- Online Course Creation - Sharing expertise through digital courses is a scalable, high-demand gig.
- Pet Sitting/Dog Walking - Pet care remains a steady earner as pet ownership rises.
- Freelance Graphic Design - Creative skills are in hot demand for branding and digital projects.
- Virtual Assistance - Remote admin support for businesses is a flexible, growing niche.
- Stock Photography - Selling photos online offers passive income for shutterbugs.
- Podcast Hosting - Audio content creation is carving out a lucrative space with sponsorships and ads.
Slack’s advice for newcomers? “Pick something you’re good at or curious about, carve out a few hours weekly, and dive in. Whether it’s dog walking or video editing, start with what’s already rolling—you don’t need to reinvent it.” Experts predict a 441% surge in side hustle searches over the next five years, many of which can be launched from home. As polyworking and gig culture evolve, 2025 promises a wealth of opportunities for those ready to hustle smarter.