The “Great Automation” of 2026 has arrived. While some fear that AI will replace jobs, the smartest entrepreneurs at ProfitPulse AI know the truth: AI is the most powerful employee you will ever “hire” for $20 a month.
Whether you are looking to supplement your income or build a digital empire, these 5 side hustles are trending right now because they leverage AI to do the “heavy lifting” while you keep the profit.
1. The “Faceless” AI Video Agency
In 2026, video content is king, but you don’t need a camera or a studio. Using tools like Veo or Runway, you can create high-quality social media videos for small businesses.
- The Hustle: Offer “Video Content Packages” to local businesses (doctors, realtors, or cafes) who need a TikTok or Instagram presence but don’t have time to film.
- Profit Tip: Use AI to generate the script, the voiceover, and the visuals. You can charge $500–$1,000 per month as a retainer.
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2. AI-Powered Digital Products (Gumroad & Etsy)
Digital products are the ultimate passive income. In 2026, the best-sellers aren’t just e-books; they are AI Prompt Libraries and Specialized Templates.
- The Hustle: Create a “Denim Zipper Pouch” sewing pattern (like our recent project!) or a “30-Day AI Budgeting Guide” and sell it on Gumroad.
- Why it works: You create the digital file once, and it sells forever while you sleep.
3. “AI Agent” Consulting for Small Businesses
Small businesses in Sri Lanka and abroad are desperate to use AI but don’t know how.
- The Hustle: Act as an “AI Architect.” Help a business set up an AI chatbot (like a custom GPT) to handle their customer service or appointment scheduling.
- Profit Tip: You don’t need to code. Use “No-Code” builders to create these agents in a single afternoon.
4. AI SEO & Content Repurposing
Every brand has old blog posts or long YouTube videos. They need someone to turn that “old” content into “new” AI-friendly snippets.
- The Hustle: Take a company’s 20-minute webinar and use AI to turn it into 5 blog posts, 10 LinkedIn updates, and an email newsletter.
- SEO Secret: Use the “Answer-First” framework we discussed in Article 2 to ensure their new content ranks in Google’s AI Mode.
5. Prompt Engineering for Professionals
Believe it or not, most people still use AI poorly. High-level professionals (Lawyers, Accountants, Engineers) will pay for Custom Prompt Suites that save them 10 hours a week.
- The Hustle: Sell a “Legal Research Prompt Pack” or an “Accounting Automation Suite.”
- Profit Tip: Market these on LinkedIn, where the “big spenders” look for productivity hacks.
The gap between those who “use” AI and those who “profit” from AI is closing. Which side will you be on?