Embracing the Lazy: 13 Effortless Ways to Make Money Online

Let’s be honest—some of us weren’t built for the hustle culture. The 5 a.m. club? Hard pass. But that doesn’t mean you can’t earn real money without burning yourself out. In fact, lazy people are quietly cashing in every month through low-effort passive income streams and digital side hustles. These are the kind of lazy ways to make money online that require more brains than grind.

Here are 13 ridiculously simple ways lazy people are stacking an extra $500 (or more) per month—with minimal effort.

1. Selling Digital Products on Etsy

Imagine a world where you create something once and earn money from it indefinitely. Selling digital products on Etsy allows you to do just that. From printables to resume templates, you can upload your creations and let Etsy handle the rest.

Lazy Level: 9/10
Pro Tip: Use free design tools like Canva to create products quickly and easily.

2. YouTube Faceless Channels

You don’t have to show your face or be on camera to make money on YouTube. Faceless channels featuring compilation videos, ambient music, or narrated listicles can attract views and generate ad revenue.

Lazy Level: 8/10
Pro Tip: Utilize AI tools to script and edit your videos automatically, saving you time and effort.

3. Renting Out Stuff You Don’t Use

Got a car, camera gear, or extra storage space? You can rent these items out on platforms like Turo or Neighbor. It’s a hassle-free way to earn money from things you already own.

Lazy Level: 10/10
Pro Tip: Set it and forget it—just ensure your insurance is solid.

4. Affiliate Marketing Through Pinterest

You don’t even need a blog to start earning through affiliate marketing. Create clickable pins that lead to affiliate links, and earn a commission whenever someone makes a purchase.

Lazy Level: 9/10
Pro Tip: Use Tailwind to automate pinning and track your clicks for maximum efficiency.

5. License Your Photos

If you have decent photos on your phone, consider uploading them to stock photography sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. You can earn money every time someone downloads one of your images.

Lazy Level: 7/10
Pro Tip: Focus on trending topics like remote work, diversity, or food to increase your chances of sales.

6. Get Paid to Answer Surveys (Yes, Really)

While it won’t make you rich, platforms like Swagbucks and InboxDollars offer cash for your opinions with minimal effort.

Lazy Level: 10/10
Pro Tip: Stack these with cashback apps for double rewards.

7. Start a Low-Effort Newsletter with Affiliate Links

Using platforms like Substack or Beehiiv, you can curate a simple weekly newsletter featuring trending products and affiliate links, earning money on autopilot.

Lazy Level: 8/10
Pro Tip: Leverage AI tools to help you write content faster and more efficiently.

8. Sell AI-Generated Art

With AI platforms like Midjourney or DALL·E, you can create unique art and sell it as prints or digital downloads.

Lazy Level: 9/10
Pro Tip: Use Etsy or Gumroad to monetize your creations easily.

9. Print-on-Demand Stores

Set up a free store on platforms like Redbubble or TeePublic. Upload a few catchy designs and earn royalties every time someone makes a purchase.

Lazy Level: 9/10
Pro Tip: Use trending memes or niche phrases that resonate with your audience.

10. Invest in High-Dividend ETFs

Open a brokerage account with firms like Fidelity or Charles Schwab, invest a few bucks, and earn dividends monthly or quarterly.

Lazy Level: 9/10
Pro Tip: Reinvest those dividends to build wealth passively over time.

11. Use Cash Back and Rewards Apps

Lazy folks love passive rewards. Download apps like Rakuten, Dosh, and Fetch to earn money just for shopping as you normally would.

Lazy Level: 10/10
Pro Tip: Stack apps together and pay with a rewards card for triple earnings.

12. Sell Ebooks You Didn’t Even Write

Hire a freelancer or use AI to create a short ebook on a niche topic. Sell it on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and let the royalties roll in.

Lazy Level: 8/10
Pro Tip: Choose evergreen topics like self-help, budgeting, or parenting tips to maximize sales.

13. Make Money from Your Opinions with User Testing

Companies will pay you $10–$50 to review websites or apps. All you need to do is record your screen and voice while providing feedback.

Lazy Level: 7/10
Pro Tip: Try UserTesting or TryMyUI for easy access to these opportunities.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to work 60 hours a week, become a crypto bro, or start the next unicorn startup to make decent money. These lazy-friendly income ideas are proof that you can earn $500/month or more without ever breaking a sweat. So scroll less. Start one of these lazy ways to make money online—and let your money make itself.