Make Money While You Sleep: 12 Passive Income Ideas

After a long day at your full-time job, the last thing you want to do is clock into another one. If you’re looking to earn extra income, you might seek a side hustle that’s a bit more low-key—even one that allows you to make money in your sleep. Passive income sources can make this a reality. Although it may take energy and time upfront to establish these income streams, once set up, they can sustain themselves with little to no effort from you.

12 Ways to Make Money in Your Sleep

Here are a dozen ideas for earning passive income and making money while you sleep:

Rent Out Unused Space
Create Online Courses
Begin a Dropshipping Business
Launch a YouTube Channel
License Stock Photos
Start a Blog
Monetize Your Crafting Hobby
Try Affiliate Marketing
Sell Print-on-Demand Products
Open a High-Yield Savings Account
Write an eBook
Share Your Internet Connection

1. Rent Out Unused Space

If you have an unused spare room, garage, or backhouse, you can earn rental income. Advertise your space on platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, or SpareRoom. You can also promote your rental on social media or through local flyers.

Once you find a tenant, ensure you have a solid rental agreement that outlines rent, security deposits, and lease terms. If you have a parking space, consider renting it out through services like Spacer or SpotHero, especially in busy urban areas.

2. Create Online Courses

If you’re knowledgeable in a specific subject, consider creating an online course to sell on platforms like Thinkific, Udemy, or Skillshare. Choose a topic that remains relevant over time to maximize your course’s longevity.

3. Begin a Dropshipping Business

Dropshipping allows you to sell products without handling inventory. You partner with suppliers who ship products directly to customers. Platforms like Shopify make it easy to set up your dropshipping store, allowing you to focus on marketing and customer service.

4. Launch a YouTube Channel

With nearly 2.5 billion monthly active users on YouTube, starting a channel can be a lucrative venture. Choose topics that require minimal maintenance, such as gaming or ambient music. Once you meet the requirements for the YouTube Partner Program, you can start monetizing your content.

5. License Stock Photos

If you have a talent for photography, consider uploading your images to stock photo websites like iStock, Shutterstock, or Alamy. You can earn money each time someone licenses your photos for use in various projects.

6. Start a Blog

Blogging can be a fulfilling way to share your passions while generating income. Choose a niche and a blogging platform, like Shopify, to get started. You can monetize your blog through ads, affiliate links, or selling digital products.

7. Monetize Your Crafting Hobby

If you enjoy crafting, consider selling your handmade items online. Platforms like Etsy or Amazon Handmade allow you to reach a broader audience without the need for a physical storefront.

8. Try Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for each sale made through your unique link. If you have an online following, this can be a lucrative way to generate passive income. Research various affiliate programs to find the best fit for your audience.

9. Sell Print-on-Demand Products

The print-on-demand model allows you to sell custom-designed products without holding inventory. Partner with companies like Printful or Printify to create and sell items like t-shirts and mugs, earning a profit without the hassle of manufacturing.

10. Open a High-Yield Savings Account

Consider putting your leftover money into a high-yield savings account, which offers better interest rates than traditional accounts. This way, your savings can grow passively over time. Always opt for FDIC-insured banks to protect your funds.

11. Write an eBook

If you have expertise in a specific area or a knack for storytelling, writing an eBook can be a great way to earn passive income. Publish your work on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Apple Books.

12. Share Your Internet Connection

You can earn money by sharing your internet connection with services like Honeygain. These apps utilize your unused bandwidth for data intelligence tasks, allowing you to earn credits that can be redeemed for cash.

How to Make Money in Your Sleep FAQ

What is it called when you make money in your sleep?

The official term for making money in your sleep is passive income—a source of income that, once established, requires little to no effort to maintain.

Is it difficult to earn passive income?

Setting up passive income sources can be challenging initially. For example, renting out space requires marketing, tenant screening, and property management. However, with time and effort, these sources can become reliable income streams.

Is passive income a reliable way to make money?

While establishing passive income can be unpredictable at first, with patience and persistence, you can turn various ventures into sustainable income sources that generate revenue for years to come.

By exploring these passive income ideas, you can create a financial cushion that allows you to earn money while you sleep. Whether you choose to rent out space, create online courses, or start a blog, the possibilities are endless. Start today and watch your efforts pay off!