The Side Hustle Secrets

How I Make $1k a Month by Creating AI Videos

Stack of dollar bills arranged on a white background

Introduction

For three years, I’ve made over $1,000 each month. I do this by making videos with AI. This is not just an idea. It is my real system. I built it by trying things. I also learned from mistakes. I got steady results. I am not a tech genius or a pro filmmaker. I learned simple methods. Anyone can copy them. You only need easy to use tools.

I started with basic gear. Just a laptop and internet. My first cost was small. Under $100 for key AI tools. Free platforms like Canva and CapCut did the rest. What mattered most was trying new things. I also wanted to fix real problems for real people.

This guide shares my exact seven ways to earn money each month. Each one can grow. Each is real. They are made for beginners. You will learn how to find chances. Choose the right tools. Give value people will pay for. No unclear plans here. Just clear steps you can use. These steps will help you earn your first $1,000.

1. Creating Specialized Courses for Udemy

Creating Specialized Courses for Udemy

I find small specific topics people want to learn. But they cannot find good courses on them. Examples are “Using AI to Make Real Estate Listing Videos” or “Quick Social Media Ads for Hair Salons with Pictory.” I use ChatGPT to help write the course outline and scripts. Then, I turn those scripts into videos. 

I use AI tools like Synthesia or HeyGen. These tools make videos with virtual presenters. I add simple worksheets made in Canva. Selling a $30-$50 course to just 20-30 people each month earns most of my $1,000 goal. The key is choosing a very specific audience.

2. Making Social Media Videos for Local Businesses

Making Social Media Videos for Local Businesses

Small businesses nearby, like cafes, repair shops, or dentists, need regular Facebook and Instagram content. I offer them a package. They get 8-10 short videos each month for $300-$500. I use HeyGen to make videos. An AI avatar speaks their message. This could be about a daily special or a new service. 

I add background shots from free or cheap stock video sites. I also add popular music. Then I schedule the posts for them. Just two or three of these clients gets me close to $1,000. They love it because it saves them many hours of work.

Check Out: How I Created a $3,750/Month Income Using ChatGPT

3. Running a “Faceless” YouTube Channel

Running a "Faceless" YouTube Channel

I have a YouTube channel. I do not show my face there. I make videos like “3-Minute Book Summaries” or “Simple Explainer Videos on Trending News.” I use AI, like Claude or ChatGPT, to write the script. This script is based on the book or topic. 

Then, I use AI video tools like Pika Labs or Runway ML to create the visuals. I edit everything fast using Veed.io. This tool adds automatic captions. Once my channel gets approved for ads, ads pay me money. This takes some time and regular posting. One video with 50,000 views can earn $100-$200. Posting 2-3 videos every week builds this income over time.

4. Selling Ready-Made AI Video Templates

Selling Ready-Made AI Video Templates

People want easy shortcuts. I make pre-designed video templates. I use tools like Descript or Canva. Examples are “Product Demo Videos,” “YouTube Intro/Outro,” or “Birthday Greetings.” 

I sell these for $10-$40 each. I use marketplaces like Etsy, Creative Market, or MotionElements. Once I had about 20 good templates uploaded, I started making sales almost every day. This adds up to $300-$500 monthly. It needs very little extra work after I make them. It is mostly passive income.

5. Offering AI Video Editing on Fiverr

Offering AI Video Editing on Fiverr

Many people make rough videos with AI tools. But they need someone to make them look good. On Fiverr Pro, I offer services. For example, “Edit Your Raw AI Video for Social Media – $120.” Or “Turn Your Podcast into 5 Short Viral Clips – $250.” 

I use CapCut, which is free, or Veed.io. I clean up the sound. I add smooth changes. I fix the video’s speed. I make sure captions are perfect. Finishing just 4-8 of these jobs each month easily adds $500-$800 to my earnings. It is a great way to use basic editing skills.

6. Creating and Selling AI Stock Footage

Creating and Selling AI Stock Footage

Websites like Shutterstock, Pond5, and Adobe Stock always need new video clips. I use AI image generators like Midjourney or Leonardo AI to make pictures. Then, I use AI video tools like Runway ML or Pika Labs to make those pictures move. 

I focus on filling missing spots. For example, “AI generated drone shots of mountains,” “abstract tech backgrounds,” or “animated graphs.” I upload 10-20 new clips every week. Each clip might sell for only $5-$20. But having hundreds available means regular sales. This adds $200-$400 to my income each month. It grows over time.

7. Getting Paid to Promote New AI Tools

New AI video tool companies need people to show how their tools work. When I find a good new tool, I contact them. I offer to make a real review video or tutorial. I show its features on my YouTube channel or blog. 

I usually charge $200-$500 for this sponsored post. Sometimes I also earn money if people sign up using my link. Doing just one or two of these each month adds a good amount. This helps me reach my $1,000 goal.

FAQs About Making Money with AI Videos

How much money do I need to start?

You can start very cheaply. I spent less than $60 in my first month: $25 for a basic HeyGen plan, $20 for Canva Pro, and $10 for one premium AI voice. Many powerful tools (CapCut, Pika Labs, Claude AI) have free versions good enough to begin.

What are the best AI video tools for beginners?

  • HeyGen
  • Pictory
  • CapCut
  • Pika Labs / Runway ML
  • Canva

Is it legal? What about copyright?

  • Use AI tools that clearly state you own the output (check their Terms).
  • For voices, use tools with licensed voices (like ElevenLabs) or get permission if cloning.
  • For stock footage, use sites that accept AI content (Shutterstock, Adobe Stock do).
  • Always tell clients if you used AI. Honesty builds trust.

Do I need video editing experience?

Not really! Many AI tools do the heavy lifting. Start with simple projects like turning a blog post into a video with Pictory, or making basic avatar videos for a small business. You’ll learn editing basics as you go using user-friendly tools like CapCut.

How long does it take to make $1,000?

  • Month 1 – Focus on 1-2 streams. Maybe sell a template pack ($150), get one editing gig ($120), and make your first Udemy course (hopefully $200+). Aim for $500.
  • Month 2 – Add a second income stream. Land one local business client ($400). Keep selling templates/edits. You’re likely hitting $700-$900.
  • Month 3 – Optimize. Improve your Udemy course ads. Maybe get a second client or a sponsored post. This is when $1k+ becomes consistent for most people using my system.

What are the easiest ways to find clients?

  • Fiverr/Upwork
  • Local Businesses
  • Udemy

Can I do this part-time?

Absolutely! That’s how I started. I spend about 10-15 focused hours per week now. Most of that time is spent on client work (editing, making their videos) and creating new templates or stock footage. Course creation takes more time upfront but then sells passively.

Final Thoughts

Making $1,000 a month with AI videos is not magic. It is not luck. It is about finding simple needs in the market. Then you use AI tools to meet those needs. Do it faster and cheaper than old ways. People want a lot of video content. AI makes creating it easy for anyone.

Do not try all seven methods at once. Pick one that seems most interesting. Or pick one that matches skills you already have. This could be writing, basic design, or talking to people. Get good at that first method. Work on it until it brings in $200-$300 each month. Then, add a second one. Do this again and again.

Track your time and what you earn. See what gives you the most money for your effort. Focus more on that. Be patient in the first month or two. This is while you learn the tools. It is also while you find clients. Being consistent is key. Keep creating. Keep putting yourself out there.

The tools keep getting better and cheaper. This chance is real right now. Start small. Be persistent. Use this simple plan. You can absolutely build this income for yourself.

Don’t Miss: 10-Minute Daily Tasks That Generate $50+ in Passive Income

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