Artificial intelligence is no longer just for tech giants — if you’re creative, you can monetize it in weird, unexpected ways. Here are some offbeat ideas that pair AI tools with entrepreneurial creativity — and yes, they can make money.
1. Sell “faceless” content created by AI
One of the strangest yet effective methods: you don’t show your face, you don’t need to be on camera — you just leverage AI to do the heavy work. For example, creators are using AI tools to generate videos with ambient music, soothing visuals or other low-personal-branding content — upload to platforms like YouTube, monetise with ads. According to a case cited, a creator built a channel that gained massive views with minimal effort. The Sun
Why it works: low overhead, programmable via AI, scalable.
Tip: Pick a hook (e.g., “10 hours of relaxing café ambience”), feed AI the visuals/music, optimise for SEO titles and descriptions, publish regularly.
2. Offer micro-AI services nobody’s thought of
Most lists show obvious ideas (blog writing, courses) but you can niche down. For instance:
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Create AI-designed YouTube thumbnails for creators (using tools like Midjourney or Canva). Dan Martell+1
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Generate personalised chatbots for niche websites (e.g., small local business, hobby forum)
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Automate quirky workflows for micro-businesses (e.g., AI tracks Instagram comments & auto-replies)
Why it works: many small businesses or creators need assistance but can’t afford big agencies. You offer a weird niche service, use AI to scale, charge accordingly.
Tip: Build a portfolio of 3-5 weird but useful micro-services, pick one and market it via LinkedIn, cold email, etc.
3. Create mashups and AI-generated “weird content” that goes viral
The weirdest idea of all — and perhaps highest risk — is making strange, AI-generated content simply for the sake of going viral, then monetising the attention.
There’s a term for this: “AI slop” — low-effort, high-volume AI content that exploits algorithms for views. Wikipedia+1
Example: Someone created dozens of bizarre “street interview” style AI videos in quick succession, built tens of thousands of followers and earned a few thousand dollars a month. The Washington Post
Why it works: Platforms still reward engagement; weirdness gets clicks; AI lowers the production cost.
Tip: If you go this route, be sure you’re okay with ad-revenue or brand deals as your monetisation strategy; also be aware this is a crowded and sometimes ethically grey space.
4. Licence AI-generated assets or designs
Here’s a less flashy but solid idea: Use AI tools to generate images, music, logos, or other assets and licence them. Small businesses always need visuals or audio, and many don’t want to pay big designers.
Why it works: With generative-AI becoming mainstream, you can create fast and teach yourself how to polish it.
Tip: Pick a niche (e.g., “stock music for YouTube creators”, or “AI-generated logo bundles for dropshipping stores”), set up a small website or list on marketplaces, and let the volume roll in.
5. Exploit lesser-known platforms with AI assistance
Instead of competing on the biggest stages, find undervalued platforms or niche verticals and serve there with AI help. For example: automating podcast show notes, generating newsletters for micro-niches, creating niche educational content with AI voiceover.
Why it works: Less competition + AI gives you leverage. Most “make money with AI” lists stick to obvious things. Shopify+1
Tip: Research a niche where content demand is rising but supply is low (e.g., specific hobby, regional language, special interest). Use AI to create, promote via niche channels.
6. Weird “offline meets AI” gigs
Here’s a fun one: combine AI with real-world, offbeat gigs. Example: Use AI to generate artwork or posters for local events, automate personalised poetry with AI for weddings, make customised gift-videos using AI voice-cloning (with permission!). These are weird because they’re half digital/half physical.
Why it works: Online is saturated, but people still pay for quirky physical/digital hybrids.
Tip: Offer it locally (you’re in Albania — you could serve local businesses or expats), create a sample portfolio, and use Instagram/Facebook to promote.
⚠️ Important caveats & ethics
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AI isn’t magic: You still need to provide value, polish, and good customer experience. Many “make money with AI” pieces warn that it’s not purely passive. rightblogger.com
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Copyright & licensing: Be sure your AI-generated assets, voice-clones, or designs don’t infringe others’ rights.
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Platform rules: Monetising via YouTube, ad networks or marketplaces comes with rules; “weird content” may trigger demonetisation.
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Sustainability: Some of the weirdest gigs (e.g., AI-slop) may work short-term but aren’t guaranteed long-term.
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Quality matters: Even if you use AI, your marketing, brand & service need to feel trustworthy.
✅ How to get started this week
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Pick one weird idea above.
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Research your niche: run quick keyword research (“faceless YouTube channel ambient video”, “AI-thumbnail service for YouTubers”, etc.).
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Choose your AI tools: e.g., ChatGPT, Midjourney/Canva, Synthesia for voice/video.
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Build your minimum viable offer: e.g., one sample video, one AI-design portfolio, one small gig listing.
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Launch and iterate: pick a platform (Fiverr, Upwork, Instagram), test pricing, collect feedback, scale.
🔍 Final thoughts
Weirdness is actually your edge. Everyone’s chasing “make money with AI” in the usual ways — blog writing, online courses, templates. But you can stand out by combining AI + odd niche + bold execution. Whether it’s selling faceless videos, AI-designed thumbnails, or offline/digital hybrids in your region, the key is to move fast, pick a low-competition niche, and let AI shoulder the grunt work while you focus on novelty, value and marketing.
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