ChatGPT Predicts the Top Side Hustles for Gen Z the Rest of the Year
For Gen Zers, coming of age into employment at a time when reliable long-term career options may feel more uncertain than ever, side hustles are increasingly part of how they build skills and test career paths outside of traditional employment. With costs rising and career paths feeling less linear, many Gen Z workers are looking for flexible ways to earn that can grow with them over time.
To help Gen Z pick the right side hustles this year, I asked ChatGPT to predict which side hustles are likely to be best for them the rest of 2026. Here's what it said.
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Why Side Hustles Matter More to Gen Z Than Previous Generations
ChatGPT pointed out that Gen Zers approach side hustles less as temporary gigs and more as extensions of their careers. It drew on Forbes data showing that as many as 57% of Gen Z prefer side gigs to in-office careers.
Many are entering the workforce during a period of economic uncertainty, student debt pressure and rapidly changing job requirements. As a result, side hustles often serve as both income support and resumé builders.
Unlike past generations who might have treated side work as short-term or seasonal, Gen Z is more likely to take on multiple side gigs as skills and interests evolve.
Content Creation and User-Generated Content for Brands
Anyone who has spent even a few minutes on TikTok or YouTube likely notices a prevalence of Gen Z content creators. One of the clearest predictions from ChatGPT was that content-related side hustles will continue to dominate. This includes creating short-form videos, photos or testimonials for brands as well as building large personal followings. Companies now see the value in authentic content that looks native to social platforms and Gen Z is already fluent in this style.
These roles appeal to the digital natives growing up in uncertain times because they combine creativity with flexibility.
Freelance Digital Services With a Clear Skill Focus
ChatGPT predicted that skill-based freelancing will remain one of the most reliable side hustles for Gen Z in 2026. In fact, it pointed to Forbes data showing that Gen Z is freelancing more than any other generation before it. Though artificial intelligence (AI) may be edging out some of these categories, there's still room for freelance writing, graphic design, video editing, virtual assistance and web-related services. The AI said that what stood out is a move toward specialization rather than general freelancing.
Gen Z freelancers are more likely to market niche expertise, such as editing short-form video for small businesses or managing specific software tools and to do it with their signature flair and fun.
AI-Adjacent and Tech-Supported Side Hustles
Gen Zers are among the earliest adopters of AI tools, helping them create new side hustle opportunities. The AI pointed to survey data from Deloitte that shows over 75% of Gen Z reported using AI tools in their daily lives. As AI has unrolled without strong road maps to guide people, many small businesses need help setting up AI workflows, automating routine tasks or choosing the right AI tools. Gen Zers' comfort with technology gives them an advantage in this space.
Even better, many of these hustles often do not require advanced coding skills.
Selling Digital Products and Scalable Assets
Given that Gen Zers are already more inclined toward freelance work, side gigs and digital lives, it makes sense that they are more likely to create digital products as a side hustle. Individuals and businesses seeking templates, guides, design assets and educational materials abound and for Gen Z this is a profitable market, as these assets can be created once and sold repeatedly.
While these hustles may take longer to generate consistent earnings, they align with Gen Z's interest in ownership and long-term payoff, the AI said. Many Gen Zers use social platforms to market these products directly to niche audiences, which often goes hand-in-hand with content creation.
Reselling, Thrift-Flipping and Live Commerce
Reselling is another strong prediction, especially when Gen Z pairs it with live selling tools and social platforms, ChatGPT noted. This is largely driven by Gen Z's interest in sustainability and vintage culture, which then supports growth in thrift-flipping and curated resale markets. It's common to see Gen Z content in which they're showing off vintage 'fits remade for modern looks and affordable budgets, per Trill Magazine.
Live shopping, social marketplaces and direct audience engagement have also made it easier to scale this kind of side gig.
What Still Depends on the Individual
ChatGPT acknowledged that not every side hustle works equally well for everyone. Success depends on time availability, skill level and willingness to market oneself. Some hustles scale quickly, while others provide small income supplements. The most successful side hustlers are adaptable and change or refine their gigs as their goals change.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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