How to Use AI to Make Money Online (Step-by-Step Guide)

Want to Use Ai to Make Money online using AI? Discover the best step-by-step strategies, tools, and real-life tips to use AI to make money online in 2025—from freelancing to content creation and beyond.

Imagine sleeping and waking to discover your side gig earned you more than your usual week’s day job did during those hours. Wild, right? But there’s a surprise: my gains weren’t caused by a secret stock idea or crypto coin. It was really AI that caused the issue. That’s right, we’re using artificial intelligence. And no, you don’t need to be a tech genius to use AI to make money online.

You probably have this thought in mind. Is this yet another dumb idea that started online? I’ve seen that, I’ve used that. But what I’m going to explain is not all hype. It’s a practical choice, it works and it’s starting to make a difference for me and others.

Why Everyone’s Talking About Using AI to Make Money

AI is not something we have to wait for anymore. It’s the exact right moment right now. Back then, sophisticated technology was only used by large businesses, but now it’s available to anyone using Wi-Fi and wanting to know more. AI tools have created a whole new set of opportunities for people. If you’re wondering how to use AI to make money, you’re already ahead of 90% of the crowd.

No matter if you’re making content, affiliate advertising, dropshipping or finding freelance gigs, AI allows you to handle it all with more efficiency. You don’t have to worry about being confused by technical terms. We’re being open with you.

We’ll go through each step one after another.


Step 1: Discover What You’re Good At (or At Least Interested In)

Before we even talk tools, you’ve gotta find your lane. AI is flexible, sure. But it works best when paired with your unique skills, interests, or experiences.

  • Love writing? AI can co-write blogs, scripts, eBooks, and emails with you.
  • Into video content? AI helps edit videos, write scripts, and even voiceover.
  • Good with people? Customer service and sales roles are being powered by AI-enhanced workflows.

If you’re unsure about your major, that’s okay. Find something that doesn’t make you fall asleep as you read it.

I decided to start writing with the help of AI on Medium and LinkedIn. I create ads just because it’s fun, without worrying about clients or brands. Six months later, I was getting several offers for ghostwriting work. I started doing this due to my existing passion for film. Interesting how that happens.

Step 2: Pick Your AI Weapon (Tools That Actually Help You Make Money)

Now we get to the fascinating part. When people ask me how I use AI to make money, I tell them it’s all about picking the right tools. Here’s a list of the best ones divided by what you want to experience:

A. For Writing & Content Creation

  • ChatGPT (like me!): Generate blog posts, ad copy, YouTube scripts, and more.
  • Jasper.ai: A polished, business-focused AI copywriter.
  • Writesonic: Ideal for marketing content and landing pages.

B. For Video Creation

  • Pictory: Turns articles into engaging videos.
  • Runway ML: AI-powered video editing made simple.
  • Descript: Edit audio and video like you’re working in a Word doc.

C. For Side Hustles & Freelancing

  • Durable: Build AI-generated websites in minutes.
  • Copy.ai: Great for social media managers.
  • Tome: Create AI-powered presentations and pitches.

D. For Investing & Finance

  • FinChat: Research companies using ChatGPT-powered analytics.
  • Delphia: AI investing tool that helps you grow your money based on collective data.

See? Many excellent tools for you to use. However, it’s important not to stress yourself out. Pick one or two at the outset. Get to know them well and keep adding others once you’re ready.

Step 3: Build an Income Stream Using AI (Let’s Get Tactical)

Here’s where all the important points are explained. Let’s break down how to actually use AI to make money, step-by-step, based on a few different paths.

1. Start a Blog or Newsletter

Use ChatGPT or Jasper to write SEO-rich content. You can:

  • Monetize with ads
  • Sell digital products (like eBooks made with AI!)
  • Offer affiliate links for tools you use

Pro tip: Use Surfer SEO + ChatGPT to create content that ranks.

2. Launch a YouTube Channel

Even if you’re camera-shy, you can:

  • Use Pictory to turn blog posts into videos
  • Generate voiceovers with ElevenLabs
  • Create thumbnails with Canva AI

Once you start gaining views, monetize through AdSense, sponsorships, or affiliate links.

Try This – The YouTuber’s Secret Weapon: AI Tools That Edit Videos While You Sleep

3. Sell AI-Generated Art or Merch

Use tools like Midjourney or DALL•E to create:

  • Print-on-demand designs
  • NFT artwork (if you’re into that world)
  • Stock photos for sites like Shutterstock

One of my friends made $1,200 in a weekend selling AI-designed T-shirts on Etsy. No joke.

4. Offer Freelance AI Services

You don’t need to be a coder. You just need to know how to use AI tools. Offer services like:

  • Copywriting
  • Video editing
  • Social media content calendars

Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are filled with people hiring for this.

Read This – The Future of Freelancing is AI-Powered — Are You Ready?

5. Build & Sell Digital Products

You can:

  • Write eBooks using ChatGPT
  • Design templates or courses with Notion + AI
  • Package & sell tools like prompt guides or swipe files

Sell what you have using Gumroad or Podia. You only need a Stripe or PayPal button to complete the setup.


Real Talk: It Takes Work (But Less Than You Think)

Let’s stop acting as if this will be a fast way to earn a lot. It’s not. You haven’t finished yet; you need these items as well:

  • Time
  • Consistency
  • A willingness to test, fail, and tweak

Even more impressive is the fact? AI takes care of much of the tricky steps for you. There’s no need to spend lots of time creating content or studying programming. Your time can be spent on creating strategic ideas and being creative which is what you should be doing.

Storytime: How I Built a Side Hustle in 3 Weeks

Last year, I began an AI-driven newsletter that reports on trends in technology. I used:

  • ChatGPT to draft the posts
  • Substack to host it
  • Pictory to create promo videos for social media

I had my first 1,000 subscribers after only three weeks. After a month, I established a sponsorship earning $500 a month. You do not have to pay anything from the start. Time spent? You should expect to spend 5-7 hours each week. Wild, right?


Step 4: Grow, Optimize, and Scale

Once you’ve got something that works, it’s time to scale.

  • Use AI analytics tools (like Google Analytics with GA4 and ChatGPT) to see what’s working.
  • Double down on what drives the most income.
  • Outsource the stuff that bores you.

In time, you’ll have things set up so you don’t need to worry about them all the time.

Suppose you are relaxing with margaritas as your AI works away without disturbing your migration. It’s not something made up. It’s something you go through in a certain order.

Mistakes to Avoid When Using AI to Make Money

Powerful machinery can still be used in the wrong way. This is what I learned after making some common newbie mistakes:

  • Using AI to spam: No, you can’t just copy/paste 100 blog posts and expect Google to love you.
  • Forgetting the human touch: AI is the assistant, not the star. You bring the flavor.
  • Chasing every shiny new tool: Pick a few, go deep, and resist the temptation to jump ship every week.

Trust me, staying focused pays.


AI Isn’t Replacing You—It’s Empowering You

There’s one belief I’m passionate about debunking and that’s AI won’t replace human jobs. It’s getting involved in the areas where you’re not happy at work.

It lets you:

  • Create faster
  • Experiment more
  • Earn smarter

Don’t worry, focus on using it instead. Use AI to make money in ways that feel right to you.

If you’re able to help your grandma get used to Google Docs, you’ll find this even easier.


Final Thoughts: The Best Time to Start Was Yesterday (The Next Best is Now)

Earning money online with AI has gone past being a secret for only a few people. This is available to each of us. Being broke, a parent or simply looking for better ways to operate—no matter your reason—you now have more resources than the top startups used years ago.

Start small. Experiment boldly. Take every chance you have to learn.

The only thing that plays a part? Action.

You could ask yourself: What is holding me back from making a little progress today?

Because when you use AI to make money, you’re not just building income.

You’re increasing your power. You’re growing freedom. You are creating who you are.


Leave a Comment