Since my mid 20’s earning money while I sleep has been my obsession. I’ve obsessively watched people grow and make income online. In today’s day and age, earning while you sleep isn’t just a dream—it’s a real possibility.
Passive income can give you financial breathing room, flexibility, and even the potential to quit your 9-to-5 if done right. But let’s get one thing straight: passive income isn’t 100% “set it and forget it.” like I had set out to believe. Most income streams take time or upfront effort to build. The good news? Once they’re up and running, they can continue generating money with little day-to-day work.
Whether you’re looking to supplement your current income (let’s face it, we could all use some extra income these days to keep up with inflation) or start building long-term wealth, these 25 passive income ideas for 2025 are a great place to start.
1. Start a Niche Blog
Oh hey it’s me! If you have expertise or passion in a topic—travel, parenting, fitness, tech—you can build a blog, drive traffic through SEO, and monetize with affiliate links, ads, and sponsored content.
Here’s one of the best sayings I like to remember when trying to start something online “you don’t always need to re-invent the wheel, just be a part of it”.
Are there a ton of blogs out in the word about side hustles, making money and saving money? You bet! Like they saying though, I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel, just be along for the ride!
2. Sell a Digital Product or Online Course
I know I know, digital products can be great….or they can feel somewhat scammy? Like, here is my digital product on how to create and sell a digital product. I swear it seems like everyone became an expert overnight (I’m looking at you Master Resell Courses). Here’s the thing, digital products are great and can be a great source of income if done correctly!
Create a product once and sell it repeatedly. Think: templates, ebooks, workshops, or full-blown courses. Use platforms like Gumroad, Podia, Teachable, or Stan Store.
3. Publish an E-Book on Amazon
Writing a Kindle book is easier than ever. Once published, it can generate royalty income for years, especially if it solves a problem or entertains a niche audience. Be warned though, these markets can be incredibly tricky and oversaturated, you really need to be aware of your market and potential.
4. License Your Photography or Art
Photographers and designers can upload their work to stock sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Redbubble for recurring income.
Bonus: Recently I have saw UGC creators contribute content (and get paid) to content subscription sites like Content cove, social stocks, my vanilla gallery.
5. Build an App or SaaS Tool
If you can solve a problem with software, build a tool or hire a developer. Charge monthly or annual subscription fees and scale over time.
6. Invest in Dividend-Paying Stocks
The number one way to build true wealth and passive income. Build a portfolio of dividend-yielding stocks or ETFs. You’ll earn regular payouts, even as your investments potentially grow in value.
7. Try Real Estate Crowdfunding
Don’t want to buy a house? Use platforms like Fundrise or RealtyMogul to invest in real estate projects passively, with as little as $10.
8. Open a High-Yield Savings Account
It’s not flashy, but it’s guaranteed. Move your emergency fund into a high-yield account to earn interest with zero effort. This is a great place for your emergency fund to be making some cash, but also to have quick access when you need it.
9. Buy Bonds or REITs
REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) allow you to invest in property without owning physical real estate. Bonds offer predictable income and stability.
10. Peer-to-Peer Lending
Platforms like LendingClub let you loan money to individuals or small businesses and earn interest over time. Diversify to reduce risk.
11. Rent Out a Spare Room
Have unused space? List it on Airbnb or furnish it for a long-term tenant. Great for city dwellers or those with second homes.
12. Rent Out a Parking Spot
Got a driveway in a busy area or near an event venue? Rent it out on apps like Spacer or JustPark.
13. Buy a Rental Property
With the right location and property management, rental income can become one of the most profitable passive income streams. Make sure to run your numbers, plenty of people bite off more than they can chew when it comes to real estate.
14. Offer Storage Space
Ahh the never ending battle of having enough space to store all of your stuff. If you happened to have some extra room in your garage or basement list it on Neighbor.com and earn monthly rent from people storing furniture, bikes, or seasonal gear.
15. House Hack Your Own Home
Live in one unit, rent the other. Duplexes, basement apartments, or ADUs can generate rent while you still live onsite.
16. Use Cashback and Reward Apps
Earn passive savings on everyday purchases with apps like Rakuten, Honey, or Fetch Rewards.
17. Rent Out Your Car
Platforms like Turo or Getaround let you loan out your car when it’s sitting idle. Extra points if it’s a hybrid or EV.
18. Wrap Your Car in Ads
Let companies pay you to turn your car into a rolling billboard. Check out Wrapify or Carvertise.
19. Sell Your Data Ethically
People are mining your data, may as well take in some extra cash for it. Some companies (like Nielsen or MobileXpression) pay for anonymous data about your web usage or shopping habits.
20. Use Robo-Advisors for Investing
Don’t want to manage a portfolio? Apps like Betterment or Wealthfront invest your money in a diversified portfolio for long-term passive growth.
21. Start a YouTube Channel
Yes, it’s competitive—but consistent, helpful content can bring in ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate sales.
22. Launch a Podcast
Podcasts can earn via sponsors, memberships, and ad networks. Focus on a specific niche to grow faster.
23. Create a Paid Newsletter
Use Substack or Beehiiv to build a newsletter audience. Offer free content plus a premium tier for exclusive insights or tools.
24. Try Affiliate Marketing
Promote products you love and earn a commission for each sale made through your link. Ideal for bloggers, influencers, and YouTubers. This is a great way to build on top of your blog to drive sales and extra income.
25. Build a Membership Site
Create a private community or content hub that users pay to access monthly. Think online clubs, coaching groups, or tutorials.
The secret to passive income success? Start with just one idea. Master it, automate it, then layer on the next. Whether you’re tech-savvy or not, there’s an option on this list that matches your skills and lifestyle.
Ready to build wealth while you sleep?
Pick one of these passive income ideas and take the first step today. Your future self will thank you.
