5 Wild Side Hustles Taking Over the U.S.
In an era of economic anxiety and rising living costs, Americans are doing whatever it takes to bring in extra cash. 46% say they’d even join a real-life Squid Game (yes, the one with a 99.8% death rate) for a shot at millions. While that’s, thankfully, still fiction, the side hustle scene is very real — and getting weirder. With 27% of U.S. adults juggling side gigs, Google search data was analyzed to explore bizarre-but-lucrative gig trends from the past quarter.
1. Pet influencer
+1553% in search growth
Pet monetization is exploding. Searches like “make money on a pet” are up 131% in just the last month. People are looking for ways to turn pet expenses into something closer to an investment, and viral pet accounts can pull in anywhere from $250 to $2,000 per sponsored post.
It seems fun, and yes, sometimes profitable. However, turning your funny pup into an influencer isn’t any simpler than building any other kind of content brand. You’ll need a clear niche, a plan, and at least some baseline marketing know-how if you want to stand out. So maybe don’t aim for Jiffpom-level fame. A smaller, well-positioned audience can still lead to commercial gigs, photoshoots, or local sponsorship.
2. Become a mystery shopper
+631% in search growth
One of the oldest side hustles on the list is seeing new life, thanks to TikTok testimonials and Reddit threads about “getting paid to shop.” Brands hire independent contractors paid to evaluate businesses’ customer service, cleanliness, and other aspects of their operations. Typically, they earn $10–$25 per task, with freebies (meals, products). Higher-end gigs, like hotel stays, can pay more.
It’s a good fit for detail-oriented people. But the space has scams. Stick with MSPA-certified companies. Before signing up, search the company name plus “review” or “scam” to see what others say. Never agree to deposit a check to buy gift cards and send the numbers back.
To make a gig more profitable, combine it with cashback apps or receipt scanning for layered passive income.
3. Sell feet pics online
+338% in search growth
What used to be a TikTok punchline is now a serious income stream for some. Platforms make it easy to start, and anonymity lowers the barrier. Some report $100–$500/month.
Is it legit? Yes, but a lot of people don’t realize this kind of income is taxable. If you’re getting paid through platforms or direct transfers, you’re basically running a small business, and the IRS expects you to report it. There’s also the risk of scams, chargebacks, or not getting paid at all. And if you’re under 18 or using someone else’s identity, you could run into legal trouble. So if you go this route, treat it like a real business: protect yourself, know the tax rules, and think long-term, not just quick cash.
4. Date for hire
+53% in search growth (+583% in the past month)
Post-pandemic, there’s growing demand for paid companionship through services like RentAFriend or local apps where people book plus-ones for events, social outings, even just conversation. Rates range from $30 to $100 per hour, depending on the request.
If you’re naturally social, good at conversation, and firm about boundaries, it can be a worthwhile gig. Just treat it like any freelance job: screen your clients, clarify expectations early, and don’t be afraid to say no. To make it safe, stick with the platforms that screen users and offer clear terms, start with public meetups, and trust your gut. If anything feels off, it probably is.
5. Sell Instagram account
+383% in search growth
If you’re already skilled at growing an audience, you can build a niche page (travel, memes, fitness) and sell it once it hits a solid follower count. Some creators flip accounts for anywhere from $100 to over $10,000. However, these transactions sit in a grey area of Instagram’s Terms of Service, which technically prohibit buying and selling accounts. Scams are also common: fake buyers, chargebacks, payments that vanish.
Here’s a better path: offer account-building as a service. Use those same skills to grow pages for small businesses, influencers, nonprofits. If your page format is distinct (curated memes, a signature carousel style, a specific tone), you can also license that structure and sell templates, posting schedule, and strategy. It’s lower risk. And potentially more scalable.
Written by Jamie Wall, personal finance strategist at Gamblizard