In today’s world of hustle and bustle, side hustles are more than ways to make extra cash, they're strategic ways to develop financial freedom. With TikTok, everyday people are able to find fun, creative and lucrative ways to earn additional income. Here are five trending side hustles with viral appeal for all the right reasons, and yes, they do pay off.
1. Event Videography – Capture Moments, Make Big Money
If you enjoy telling stories through video, this side hustle could be a gold mine.
Why it works:
- Thanks to social media, everyone wants professionally edited video clips of their special days.
- There is an increasing demand for videos of weddings, birthdays, and parties in a short-form format.
What you need:
- A decent camera or smartphone with decent video quality.
- Some editing know-how either through CapCut, Adobe Premiere Rush, or similar editing software.
Income Potentials:
Freelance videographers charge between $500 and $4,000 for every job depending on the location, and the way they edit their work.
> Pro Tip: Initially, you may want to start by doing a few free shoots for friends and local events to build up your portfolio.
2. Junk Removal Service – Cash In On Trash
While it may sound dirty, this side hustle is a viable source of great cash.
Why It's So Hot:
Households and offices are constantly decluttering:
People always want junk removed quickly.
What You Need:
You need to have a truck or large van.
You need gloves, straps, and some lifting power.
Earning Potentials:
You can make anywhere from $100-$500 per job, based on how much junk you remove, and the kind of junk.
> Bonus: Resell any discarded items you want furniture, electronics, or tools.
3. Vending Machine Company – Make Money While You Sleep
TikTok has made this passive-income hustle into a trend.
Why it works:
Once you're stocked, vending machines can run 24-hours a day, 7 days a week with zero supervision.
Perfect for locations like gyms, offices, or schools.
What You Need:
To invest in one or more vending machines (starting at about $1,000)
To refill and maintain them regularly
Earnings Estimate:
A vending machine could earn $200 to $1,000+ per month depending on the location.
>Success Tip: The best locations have a lot of foot traffic and to offer trendy snacks or drinks.
4. Mobile Car Detailing – Clean Cars, Clean Profits
Busy people love convenient services. This hustle fits perfectly.
Why It’s Hot:
You bring the service to the customer at home or at work.
Low overhead and quick to start.
Tools You Will Need:
Car-safe cleaning products, vacuum, microfiber cloths, water tank
Potential Earnings:
Charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per car based on services and location.
> Growth Hack: Consider offering packages or monthly maintenance plans for loyalty clients.
5. Pressure Washing – Supercharge Your Earnings
This stand-alone service has made a name for itself for its gratifying and often viral before-and-after videos, but also it has rich financial potential.
Why It is Unique:
Homes, driveways, patios, sidewalks all need to be regularly cleaned.
Satisfaction in the results makes it easy to share and market on social media.
What is Needed:
A pressure washer (as low as $250)
Safety gear and cleaner
What You Can Earn:
Typical jobs pay $100-$400 and clients usually re-book.
> Marketing Tip: Post your before-and-after transformations using TikTok or Instagram Reels so customers can clearly see your work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the best TikTok-viral ways to make money, according to Codie Sanchez?
A1: According to Codie Sanchez, the best side hustles are:
- Event videography
- Junk removal
- Vending machine businesses
- Mobile car detailing
- Pressure washing
Q2: Are these TikTok side hustles viable in 2025?
A2: Yes, these side hustles have been proven to work because they are easy and cheap to start and will likely to see demand from local markets, especially if marketed on TikTok.
Q3: Will I be required to have professional skills to start these side hustles?
A3: Most of these side hustles do not require professional credentials, just equipment, elbow grease, and some marketing.
Q4: How can TikTok help grow these small businesses?
A4: TikTok is a viral medium, and these small businesses can leverage their services and results in front of a huge audience, all on easily sharable short-form video, for free.
Q5: How much will I need to invest upfront into these side hustles?
A5: One-time startup costs will vary:
- Event Videography: ~$500 - $2000
- Junk Removal: ~$1000 +
- Vending machines: ~$1500 - $3000 per machine
- Mobile car detailing: ~$250 - $750
- Pressure washing: ~$300 - $1000
Q6: Can I scale these side hustles to make a full-time income?
A6: Yes. Based on the credentials of their videos, many TikTok creators and entrepreneurs have taken these gigs to six-figure businesses through consistency and branding.
Conclusion: Small Beginnings, Big Ideas
These side hustles aren’t just fads; they’re real opportunities. If you are looking for a way to supplement your income or side hustle while keeping your full-time job, then these trending TikTok ideas are worth a consideration!
Key Takeaways:
These hustles generally have low barriers to entry.
You can start part-time and grow.
There is no one formula for success; it relies on consistency, marketing, and good service.
> Remember - Start where you are, use what you have, take it one step at a time. Your side hustle could become you full-time income before you know it!
