Weirdest Ways Americans Are Making Money Online in 2025
The digital landscape continues to evolve, bringing new and unexpected ways for people to earn a living online. While traditional freelancing, e-commerce, and content creation remain popular, some Americans are tapping into truly bizarre yet profitable online gigs. From AI-generated art reselling to niche OnlyFans alternatives, these unconventional methods prove that creativity and adaptability can turn the internet into a goldmine. In this article, we will explore some of the weirdest, yet surprisingly lucrative, ways Americans are making money online in 2025.
1. AI-Generated Art Reselling
The rise of artificial intelligence has opened up new revenue streams, and one of the most unusual is AI-generated art reselling. With tools like MidJourney, DALL·E, and Stable Diffusion, people are creating unique digital artworks and selling them online.
How It Works:
- Users generate AI art based on prompts.
- They sell these images as stock photos, NFTs, or custom artwork.
- Some creators offer AI art customization services for businesses and influencers.
Earnings Potential:
- $5 to $500 per artwork, depending on uniqueness and demand.
- Some AI artists make $10,000+ monthly selling prints and licensing images.
2. Renting Out Your Digital Identity
With deepfake technology advancing, companies now pay for digital clones of real people for marketing and AI training purposes.
How It Works:
- Individuals license their likeness to companies developing AI avatars.
- Deepfake-based commercials, virtual influencers, and digital customer service reps use these identities.
Earnings Potential:
- $50 to $1,000 per contract, depending on exclusivity and usage.
3. Selling Voice Clones for AI Assistants
Just as people rent their faces, many are selling their voices to be used in AI-powered assistants, audiobooks, and automated customer support.
How It Works:
- Users record samples of their voice.
- AI companies use these samples to create synthetic voices.
- Royalties are paid every time the AI voice is used.
Earnings Potential:
- $500 to $10,000 per licensing deal.
- Passive income through ongoing royalties.
4. Selling “Cursed” or “Haunted” Items Online
The paranormal market is thriving, and some Americans make money selling supposedly haunted or “cursed” objects on platforms like eBay and Etsy.
How It Works:
- Sellers create backstories for antique dolls, jewelry, or furniture.
- Items are marketed as haunted or containing paranormal energy.
- Some customers buy these for novelty or spiritual reasons.
Earnings Potential:
- $50 to $5,000 per item.
- Popular haunted items can sell for thousands to collectors.
5. Niche OnlyFans Alternatives
While OnlyFans remains a dominant force, new niche platforms cater to specific interests beyond adult content, such as ASMR whispering, foot photography, or cosplay roleplay.
How It Works:
- Creators find a niche audience willing to pay for specialized content.
- Subscription models and direct tips allow for monetization.
Earnings Potential:
- $500 to $20,000 per month, depending on audience size.
6. Digital Grave Cleaning & Online Memorial Services
With more people managing loved ones' digital legacies, online grave-cleaning services have emerged.
How It Works:
- People hire virtual assistants to maintain social media memorial pages.
- Some offer digital gravestone designs for metaverse cemeteries.
Earnings Potential:
- $100 to $500 per service, depending on complexity.
7. Streaming Sleep for Money
Yes, people are making money by literally sleeping on livestream platforms like Twitch and TikTok.
How It Works:
- Streamers set up cameras and go to sleep while viewers donate or interact.
- Some add “wake-up challenges” where donations trigger alarms or funny noises.
Earnings Potential:
- $500 to $7,000 per month in tips and ad revenue.
Conclusion
The online world is full of weird and wonderful ways to make money. Whether it’s leveraging AI, selling haunted objects, or streaming your sleep, these unconventional gigs show that creativity and adaptability can turn even the strangest ideas into profitable ventures.