AI side hustle study
The Liquid Web AI side hustle boom study dives deep into the real-world impact of AI on entrepreneurs and side hustlers just like you.
We surveyed over 1,000 active entrepreneurs to uncover exactly how AI tools and others are transforming how fast businesses launch, and how quickly they start earning.
*See how AI helped others launch and earn faster
AI side hustle: 2 in 5 earned $200+ in just a week using AI
The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping entrepreneurship, giving individuals the tools to launch businesses faster than ever.
Liquid Web recently surveyed 1,000 active side hustlers and entrepreneurs to see how AI tools are helping them build websites, boost earnings, and tackle challenges.
The results highlight rapid launches, solid early profits—including $200+ in as little as one week—and smart investments in advanced AI tech.
Here's how AI can help entrepreneurs and side hustlers turn ideas into income faster than ever.
Key points
- Nearly 2 in 5 entrepreneurs launched their side hustle within a week using AI tools.
- 3 in 5 side hustlers used ChatGPT to enhance their online presence.
- 1 in 5 entrepreneurs began earning income within a week, averaging $200+.
- 2 in 5 side hustlers plan to reinvest their earnings into advanced AI tools to grow their business.
AI-powered speed : Launching side hustles faster than ever
AI tools are helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life faster than ever. Entrepreneurs are now launching and earning income at record speeds with the support of artificial intelligence.
Most side hustlers (3 in 5) have used ChatGPT to improve their websites, boost their social media presence, and increase overall digital visibility. Of them, 1 in 5 began earning money within just one week – an average of $200.
On average, it took just 17 days to fully launch their ventures using AI tools, but 1 in 10 launched in as little as two days.
Gen Z uses AI at work for all sorts of things these days, and we found that younger entrepreneurs have had good results using it for their side hustles as well. Nearly 2 in 5 entrepreneurs launched their businesses within a week using AI.
Gen Z, despite representing just over one-fifth of all respondents, accounted for 40% of those who launched quickly. Even more impressively, 1 in 5 Gen Z respondents started earning income during that same time frame.
"AI is reshaping not only how businesses start but also how quickly they achieve financial success. It's a remarkable evolution in entrepreneurship."
Ryan MacDonald
Chief Technology Officer at Liquid Web
How AI tools are driving satisfaction and future investment
This section explores how users rate their experiences with AI tools, the plans for reinvestment into these technologies, and the barriers entrepreneurs face as they scale their businesses.
Among these challenges, time and money consistently emerge as the top obstacles to growth.
AI tools have proven to be effective and widely appreciated by side hustlers, with high satisfaction rates across key areas.
The figures below highlight how users rated these tools:
- Cost-effectiveness: 80%
- Ease of learning: 80%
- Quality of the final product: 79%
- Time saved: 83%
Building on this positive experience, 2 in 5 side hustlers said they plan to reinvest their earnings into advanced AI tools, a number that increased to 45% among Gen Z respondents.
Despite the advantages of AI, side hustlers have faced several obstacles limiting their business expansion (as indicated by our respondents):
- Limited time: 37%
- Limited funds: 30%
- Not knowing how to market or sell: 16%
- Lack of technical knowledge: 11%
- Limited access to tools or resources: 5%
Looking ahead, side hustlers said they intend to use AI tools in various ways to shape the future of their businesses.
Key applications included:
- Creating content: 51%
- Enhancing design and branding: 43%
- Generating new business ideas: 37%
- Optimizing marketing efforts: 37%
- Improving operational efficiency: 31%
The promise of AI-driven growth
AI tools are revolutionizing the way entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses.
Our findings above highlight how these tools empower entrepreneurs of all generations to launch ventures quickly, achieve early financial success, and overcome common challenges.
Entrepreneurs who are ready to invest in advanced AI technologies can build businesses that grow and last.
"My advice to aspiring side hustlers is to experiment boldly and reinvest in advanced tools to scale your ventures. The potential for growth is immense when you combine creativity with the power of AI."
Ryan MacDonald
Chief Technology Officer at Liquid Web
Fair use statement
Feel free to use these findings in your noncommercial projects. Please cite our work with a hyperlink.
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