How can I start making money online as a student?

Focus on providing value through services or content, as recommended by the speaker. Begin by building an audience on platforms like Substack for writing or mastering a skill like graphic design for thumbnails.

What is a J-curve business and how does it relate to side hustles?

A J-curve business involves an initial period of investment and negative returns before eventually becoming profitable. Content creation businesses like YouTube channels or newsletters are often J-curve businesses.

What's the difference between a content creator and a content curator?

A content creator produces original content, while a content curator gathers, organizes, and shares existing content created by others, adding value through selection and presentation.

How much can a thumbnail designer earn?

Thumbnail designers can earn significantly, with examples ranging from $15 per thumbnail initially to over $250 per thumbnail for experienced designers working with large YouTubers. One individual made over $10,000 on Fiverr.

What skills are needed to be a web designer?

To be a successful web designer, you need to learn coding and website building skills. Dedicated practice, like Henry's six months learning Webflow, can lead to high-paying opportunities.

Why are service-based side hustles often not J-curve businesses?

Service-based businesses typically have higher sales friction, requiring direct client interaction. This means you can start earning money more immediately upon delivering the service, rather than waiting for an audience to build.

Key Moments

6 Side Hustles Students Can Start in 2026

Ali Abdaal

Education3 min read26 min video

Sep 15, 2023|3,237,820 views|111,537|3,861

Ali Abdaal Ali abdal side hustle making money online side hustle online how to make money online how to make 1000 dollars per month side hustle ideas side hustles for 2023 how to make more money online in 2023 side hustle ideas for 2023 make money online

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Six student side hustles: Writing, content curation, thumbnail design, research, sales, web design.

Key Insights

Making money requires providing value to people willing to pay for it; it's a skill, not magic.

Side hustles offer freedom and financial flexibility, reducing reliance on a single income source.

There are three main vehicles for providing value: services, products, and content.

Service-based side hustles are generally non-J-curve businesses, allowing for quicker income generation.

Content-based side hustles (writing, curation) are J-curve businesses requiring patience for audience growth and monetization.

Success in any side hustle relies on learning a skill, providing value, and dedicating effort over time.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF SIDE HUSTLES

Making money is fundamentally about providing value to people who are willing to pay for it. There's no magic bullet, but rather a skill to be learned and applied. Understanding the principles of value exchange allows individuals to leverage their unique skills and contexts to generate income. Side hustles are highlighted not just for the money itself, but for the freedom and flexibility they offer, acting as a crucial buffer against sole reliance on a primary job.

THREE VEHICLES FOR PROVIDING VALUE

Income generation can be achieved through three primary business models: services, products, and content. Service businesses involve directly offering skills or labor to clients. Product businesses focus on creating and selling tangible or digital items. Content businesses, often monetized through platforms, involve creating free content to attract an audience, which then generates revenue through advertising or sponsorships.

CONTENT SIDE HUSTLES: WRITING AND CURATION

Writing as a side hustle, exemplified by newsletter creators like Jack Reigns, involves building an audience by consistently producing valuable written content. Monetization can come from sponsorships, consulting, or selling related services. Content curation, on the other hand, involves gathering and organizing existing content, as demonstrated by Instagram accounts like Pinlord, which build an audience by showcasing curated items and can then be monetized. These content-focused ventures are often J-curve businesses, requiring significant upfront investment of time and effort before generating returns.

SERVICE-BASED HUSTLES: DESIGN AND RESEARCH

Service-based side hustles, which are typically non-J-curve businesses, allow for more immediate income generation. Thumbnail design for YouTubers is a prime example, where designers can charge significant fees for creating engaging visuals. Similarly, becoming a research assistant for content creators or authors offers high value, leveraging skills in reading, analysis, and information synthesis. These roles provide direct income by fulfilling a specific need for paying clients who value specialized skills.

OTHER PROMISING SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Further service-based opportunities include becoming a remote sales representative and a web designer. Remote sales reps earn commissions by selling products or services over the phone or via video calls, requiring strong communication and persuasion skills. Web design, an evergreen skill, remains in high demand, with startups and businesses willing to pay premium rates for skilled designers who can create effective online presences. These roles offer flexibility and financial rewards for those who can master the necessary skills.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ACTION AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT

The core message emphasizes that regardless of the chosen side hustle, success hinges on providing tangible value and developing necessary skills. Whether it's writing, designing, researching, or selling, consistent effort and a willingness to learn are paramount. The video encourages viewers to identify an actionable step from the presented ideas, recognizing that sustained effort, even in the face of initial slow returns (J-curve businesses), is key to long-term financial freedom and personal growth.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Software & Apps

●Companies

●Organizations

●Books

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Student Side Hustle Quick Tips

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Provide value to people who are delighted to pay for it.

Leverage the internet for flexibility, fun, and finance.

Treat side hustles as a way to build freedom and alternative income streams.

Learn skills and put in consistent effort over time.

Apply learned principles to your own skills and context.

Start by creating an account on platforms like Substack or Beehive for writing.

Focus on providing high-quality service or content.

Build a portfolio and network to find clients.

Be persistent, as many successful side hustles are J-curve businesses that take time.

Avoid This

Expect magical or instant ways to make money.

Rely on a single source of income, especially if it's tied to employment benefits.

Think of work as solely about immediate financial gain; find enjoyment.

Underestimate the time and effort required for successful side hustles.

Neglect learning and skill development.

Limit your reach by focusing only on local opportunities if using online platforms.

Be discouraged by the initial 'negative' phase of J-curve businesses.

Common Questions

Top side hustles for students include writing, content curation, thumbnail design, research assistance, remote sales, and web design. These leverage online platforms for flexibility and reach.

Topics

Student Side Hustles Online Income Thumbnail Design Research Assistant Remote Sales J-curve Business

Mentioned in this video

personBilly Oppenheimer

Ryan Holiday's research assistant who secured the position through a cold email.

personChris Mrreck

Taught himself to code and learned web design, earning over $3,000 a month after finding clients on Upwork.

organizationColumbia Business School

The educational institution where Jack Reigns is reportedly a student.

personEduardo Morales

Creator of the Instagram account 'pinlord', who curates and sells enamel pins, growing his account to over 100,000 followers and earning $3,500/month.

softwarepinlord

An Instagram account focused on curating and selling enamel pins, used as an example of content curation as a side hustle.

personDill Tomah

A 19-year-old who turned designing thumbnails for YouTubers into a full-time job, increasing his price from $15 to over $250 per thumbnail.

personMatt Brighton

An alumnus of the Part-Time YouTuber Academy who made over $10,000 designing thumbnails on Fiverr.

personDrew Bernie

A PhD student who became Mark Manson's research assistant by responding to a hiring post.

mediaMilk Road Daily

A newsletter for which Wuter Tui Toy Nissan sells ads.

softwareCodecademy

A platform providing free tutorials for learning to code and build websites.