The world of side hustles is a bustling one, with nearly a quarter of the population already involved, and 35% of those new to the game starting in the last six months. With so many options, from home-based businesses to those catering to introverts and night owls, it's no wonder that some side hustles are more popular than others, depending on your location. A recent study by CGTrader, an online marketplace, revealed that the most popular side hustles vary significantly by state, with podcasting and YouTube content creation leading the way in many regions. However, when considering the nation as a whole, the picture shifts slightly, with YouTube content creators taking the top spot in terms of nationwide search volume.
The State of Side Hustles
The study examined the monthly search volume for 23 common side hustles in 30 major cities across the United States, using 70 keywords related to these hustles. Interestingly, podcasting emerged as the most popular side hustle in 12 states, including Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This indicates a strong interest in audio content creation and distribution in these regions.
In contrast, YouTube content creation was the top choice in 10 states, including Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin. This suggests a preference for visual storytelling and content sharing in these areas. It's worth noting that these popular side hustles in specific states don't necessarily translate to the nation as a whole.
National Trends
When considering the entire country, the study revealed some interesting trends. YouTube content creators topped the charts with 30,740 searches per month, followed closely by rideshare drivers (29,560 searches per month) and podcasters (29,310 searches per month). This shift in popularity highlights the varying interests and needs of people across different states.
The Competition Factor
While knowing that a side hustle is popular in a particular state can imply potential profitability, it also means that competition in those fields might be more intense. For instance, podcasting and YouTube content creation, both of which topped the charts in multiple states, are highly competitive fields with a large number of participants. This could be a consideration for those looking to enter these industries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the popularity of side hustles varies significantly by state, with podcasting and YouTube content creation leading the way in many regions. However, when considering the nation as a whole, YouTube content creators take the top spot. This study highlights the importance of understanding local trends and preferences when choosing a side hustle, as well as the potential challenges and opportunities that come with entering a popular field.
