18 Business Ideas For Night Owls [2024]
Are you a night owl with an entrepreneurial spirit? If your energy peaks when the sun goes down, there are plenty of business opportunities tailored for you. Nighttime ventures can be both lucrative and flexible, allowing you to align work with your natural rhythms.
In this article, you'll explore a range of business ideas perfect for the nocturnal lifestyle. From online services to late-night delivery, you could find a venture that fits your interests and schedule. These ideas not only cater to your night owl tendencies but also tap into unique market needs.
Whether you're looking to start a side hustle or a full-scale business, the night offers a plethora of possibilities. Embrace your peak productivity hours, and dive into these 2024 business ideas crafted for those who thrive after dark.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other night owl businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
If you have a knack for creating compelling video content, starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move. As a night owl, you could capitalize on your late-night energy to produce, edit, and upload videos at a time that suits you best. YouTube offers the opportunity to share your expertise, passions, or hobbies while potentially earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
Building a successful YouTube channel requires consistency and quality, and understanding SEO and social media marketing could drive traction to your channel. Despite the hard work involved, the payoff can be significant with the flexibility to share your unique voice and the potential for financial reward. Check out some success stories to see how others have turned their YouTube passion into a profitable venture here.
Why start a YouTube channel as a night owl?
- You could utilize your peak creativity hours to produce high-quality content without daytime distractions.
- The platform allows for flexible scheduling, letting you engage with your audience anytime.
- Nighttime quiet can provide the perfect setting for uninterrupted video editing and brainstorming sessions.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
2. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast is an ideal venture for night owls because it allows you to record and produce content at unconventional hours. You could focus on creating captivating audio content that shares your unique insights, stories, or expertise, drawing listeners from all around the world. With minimal equipment needed and a potential massive reach, podcasting offers a flexible and creative outlet that aligns perfectly with a late-night schedule.
Why launch a podcast?
- The flexible schedule means you could record and produce episodes late at night.
- With a growing interest in podcasts, you could quickly build a loyal audience.
- Low startup costs make it an accessible entry point for aspiring entrepreneurs.
To learn more about the profitability and startup costs of starting a podcast, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
3. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
Venturing into the development of an AI writing tool is a perfect entrepreneurial move for night owls. The nature of this business allows you to work during the quieter, undisturbed hours of the night, leveraging your natural productivity peak. Creating a cutting-edge digital tool powered by Artificial Intelligence offers numerous benefits, such as aiding businesses, bloggers, and students in generating accurate, engaging content efficiently.
Given the increasing demand for high-quality content and the advancements in AI, now is the time to capitalize on this need. By developing an AI writing tool, you could revolutionize the way content is created, making it automated, error-free, and time-efficient. It's a great opportunity to leave a mark on the digital landscape while working within your preferred schedule.
Why start an AI writing tool business?
- Reduced competition and distractions at night, allowing for focused and efficient development.
- Significant demand for AI-driven content creation tools amidst increasing content needs.
- Opportunity to harness AI technology to revolutionize the writing process, providing value to a wide range of users.
For more insights and success stories, check out AI Writing Tool Business Ideas and Profitability.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
4. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business is a perfect fit for night owls, as it allows you to manage multiple accounts without being restricted to traditional business hours. You could schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data during the night, catering to your nocturnal lifestyle and giving your clients round-the-clock social media presence.
With the burgeoning need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there’s a significant demand for automation services. For those with a knack for technology and marketing, this business can be both lucrative and fulfilling.
Why starting a social media automation business?
- You could work during your optimal hours. As a night owl, you can harness your peak productivity time to deliver exceptional results for your clients.
- Automating tasks saves your clients time, making your service indispensable. Businesses and influencers will rely on you to maintain their online presence seamlessly.
- Rapid advancements in social media trends and technology provide ongoing opportunities. Staying updated keeps your business relevant and competitive.
For more insights and success stories, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
5. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Starting a niche website makes perfect sense for night owls looking to supplement income or kickstart a side business. With a niche website, you could delve into a specialized topic that fascinates you, allowing for both creative freedom and focused content creation during your most productive late-night hours. Additionally, this venture can be monetized in various ways, such as through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products, providing a lucrative stream of passive income.
To begin, you could select a niche you are passionate about, create engaging and targeted content, and leverage SEO strategies to attract a dedicated audience. Once established, a niche website could become a reliable and scalable source of income, turning your late-night creativity into a rewarding project. Check out some niche website success stories for inspiration and tangible results.
Why start a niche website?
- Your late-night productivity will shine. The quiet hours provide perfect conditions for in-depth research and content creation.
- Passive income opportunity. Once your site gains traction, monetization can continue to generate revenue with minimal ongoing effort.
- You control the pace. Flexibility in scheduling allows you to manage your business whenever inspiration strikes, even if it's at 2 AM.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
6. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog can be an excellent way for night owls to create a side income or even establish a full-time business by engaging with a passionate online community. By focusing on an underserved niche—such as fashion, video games, or cooking—you could create unique and informative content during your peak productivity hours, even if that means late at night. Once your blog gains visibility, monetizing it through affiliate links, YouTube growth, and brand collaborations becomes feasible.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could maximize your late-night productivity by drafting posts when you're most creative.
- Niche blogging allows you to share your passion and connect with like-minded individuals worldwide.
- Monetizing your blog can lead to passive income over time, allowing you greater financial flexibility.
To see how profitable niche blogs can be, visit our resource on niche blog profitability.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
7. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
If you're a night owl looking to supplement your income, affiliate marketing could be an ideal fit. As an affiliate marketer, you promote other companies' products and services online and earn commissions for each sale. This business model allows you to work flexible hours, making it perfect for those late-night productivity bursts.
Why start an affiliate marketing business?
- You could earn passive income over the long term.
- It allows you to work at any time, making it ideal for night owls.
- You have the flexibility to promote products that align with your interests and expertise.
For more insights on starting an affiliate marketing business, check out some success stories here.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
8. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Dropshipping is a fantastic business idea for night owls who thrive during late hours. Since you don't have to manage physical inventory, you could run your dropshipping business entirely online, making it perfect if you prefer to work at night. You could set up your store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce and partner with reliable suppliers from AliExpress, focusing on marketing and customer service at your most productive hours.
To get started, choose a niche or category of products to sell, list them on your online store, and carefully monitor your expenses to ensure profitability. If you're interested in learning more about how to succeed in this business, check out these marketing ideas for dropshipping businesses.
Why choose a dropshipping business?
- Low startup costs and no need for inventory management make it a budget-friendly option.
- Flexible working hours allow you to focus on your business during your most productive nighttime hours.
- The e-commerce nature of dropshipping means you could reach a global customer base 24/7, capitalizing on your night owl tendencies.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
9. Start a garage organizer business
Starting a garage organizer business could be an ideal venture for night owls who thrive in non-traditional hours and enjoy creating organized spaces. By working late hours, you could serve clients who prefer off-peak times, offering flexibility that sets your service apart. This business could provide a blend of hands-on creativity and problem-solving, making it both fulfilling and profitable. For more inspiration, check out some success stories on Starter Story.
Why start a garage organizer business?
- High demand for organization solutions: Many homeowners and businesses struggle with clutter and inadequate storage, making your service valuable.
- Flexible working hours: Evening and night-time appointments could attract clients who are unavailable during the day.
- Opportunities for growth: High satisfaction and word-of-mouth recommendations could quickly grow your client base.
How much you can make: $10,500/month
Curate Labs is a creative practice focused around ethical and sustainable design, with an annual publication that champions good business and a travel platform that advocates conscious travel, founded in 2016 by co-founders Abb-d Choudhury and Sara, bootstrapped, now turning into one business with 3 departments and aiming for 50-100% increase in revenue.
10. Start a drain repair service
Starting a drain repair service could be a fantastic business opportunity for a night owl. Residential and commercial property owners often require swift and dependable services to address clogged drain pipes, regardless of the time of day. As a night owl, you could capitalize on this by providing essential services during off-peak hours when many traditional plumbing services might not be available. For a deeper dive into the logistics, check out these drain repair service success stories.
Why consider starting a drain repair service?
- Less competition during nighttime hours, giving you a niche market advantage.
- Increased demand for emergency plumbing services, which often occur during late hours.
- The ability to set premium rates for off-hour services, boosting your income potential.
Starting a drain repair service offers night owls a unique way to leverage their unconventional schedule for entrepreneurial success.
How much you can make: $40,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
A second-generation family-owned plumbing and leak detection business shares their success in obtaining repeat business through word of mouth referrals, staying true to their core principles, and using cutting-edge technology to provide top-notch service to clients.
11. Start a liquor delivery business
Starting a liquor delivery business as a night owl makes perfect sense given the high demand for late-night orders. Most liquor consumers prefer ordering online, especially when it comes to last-minute gatherings or late-night cravings. By partnering with liquor suppliers and focusing on online advertising, you could tap into this lucrative market and make extra money or even build a full-fledged business. For more details on the startup costs, check out this guide.
Why consider a liquor delivery business?
- You're catering to the night-time market, ideal for a night owl.
- Increased demand for home delivery services means a steady stream of customers.
- Easy partnership opportunities with local liquor suppliers to streamline operations.
12. Become a stamp maker
Starting a stamp maker business is an excellent side or full-time venture for night owls looking to supplement their income. Creating custom stamps can be a relaxing and creative activity that you can easily manage during late hours, giving you the flexibility to work without the distractions of a bustling daytime environment. This business allows you to cater to various clients, from individuals seeking unique custom designs to businesses needing branded stamps, offering a steady stream of opportunities to generate income.
Investing in essential equipment such as a stamp carving tool, ink pads, and graphic design software is relatively low-cost, making it easy to start on a budget. Marketing and networking through social media and local events can help you reach a broader audience, and a website to showcase your products can drive additional business. For more information on starting a stamp maker business, check out this comprehensive guide on startup costs for stamp makers.
Why start a stamp maker business?
- Late-night creativity: Night owls can utilize their creative energy efficiently during late hours without daytime interruptions.
- Low startup costs: Basic equipment and supplies are relatively inexpensive, making it accessible to bootstrap the business.
- Diverse clientele: You can target a wide range of customers, from small businesses to individuals, ensuring a consistent demand for custom stamps.
13. Create a social media scheduling tool ($119K/month)
If you’re a night owl looking to supplement your income or start a side business, developing a social media scheduling tool is a great option. Since virtually all businesses use social media, there's a vast market for such a service, and your tool could help them streamline their posting schedules. Working during nighttime hours can give you an edge, allowing you to focus on development during quiet, uninterrupted periods.
Why develop a social media scheduling tool?
- Nighttime is perfect for coding and refining your app without daytime distractions.
- Businesses need efficient ways to manage their social media, creating a consistent demand for your service.
- As a night owl, you could quickly respond to late-night customer support queries, setting your tool apart in terms of customer service.
For a deeper dive into starting a social media scheduling tool, check out this page on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 20 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
14. Become a diesel supplier
Starting a diesel supplier business makes perfect sense for night owls, given the high demand for diesel fuel around the clock. Global oil consumption is staggering at approximately 100 million barrels per day, and diesel commands the highest value in volume among consumed fuels. As a night owl, you could leverage off-peak hours to manage logistics, handle refueling operations, and develop client relationships while most of the competition is inactive. To get started, you'll need to secure the necessary licenses and permits, along with a strong capital foundation to maintain stock reserves. Learn more about diesel supplier startup costs
Why becoming a diesel supplier?
- You could tap into a lucrative market with high consumption rates and significant profit margins.
- Working during off-peak hours allows you to streamline your operations and reduce competition.
- The initial efforts in securing capital and permits will result in a steady and scalable income stream over time.
15. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Creating a mobile app can be a fantastic venture for night owls looking to supplement their income or start a side business. The app development process—planning, designing, coding, and testing—requires concentrated, uninterrupted time, which aligns perfectly with the quiet, distraction-free nighttime hours. Additionally, marketing and updates can often be done at any time, allowing for flexible scheduling to fit around your lifestyle.
If you have a clear vision and either basic coding skills or the ability to hire a developer, the world of mobile apps could offer a lucrative and rewarding opportunity. With the right strategy, your app could solve everyday problems or entertain users worldwide, opening doors for significant revenue potential.
Why start a mobile app business?
- App development fits well with a flexible nighttime schedule, minimizing daytime distractions.
- Mobile apps are a booming industry with diverse opportunities for innovative solutions.
- With dedication, your app could potentially reach millions of users and generate substantial income even as a side business.
For more insights, check out our success stories about mobile app businesses.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
16. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
If you're a night owl, why not capitalize on the growing demand for AI by starting an AI-based business solution? You could streamline various business operations for clients, such as customer service automation, inventory management, data analysis, and personalized marketing. With many platforms offering user-friendly interfaces, you don't need a tech background to get started.
Why consider starting an AI-based business solution?
- Increased Efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks and focus on high-value activities.
- Market Demand: Businesses are actively seeking AI solutions to gain a competitive edge.
- Flexible Schedule: You can work on developing and implementing AI solutions at night, aligning with your natural productivity peak.
For more insights into starting an AI-based business solution, check out some success stories here.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
17. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Running a subscription box business is a fantastic opportunity for night owls to channel their creativity and entrepreneurial energy into a profitable venture. By curating and delivering a unique set of products to customers on a monthly basis, you could tap into a high-demand market that craves exclusive deals and tailored experiences. The flexibility of working on product selection, box design, and marketing strategies during late hours suits the night owl lifestyle perfectly.
Why consider a subscription box business? - You could capitalize on high market demand for curated and exclusive products. - Working late allows you to engage with international suppliers and fulfillment partners in different time zones. - Nighttime hours provide uninterrupted focus to creatively design and market your subscription boxes.
Discover more about starting a subscription box business: /ideas/subscription-box-business/success-stories
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
18. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business could be the perfect venture for a night owl looking to supplement their income or launch a side business. As an ecommerce reseller, you could purchase products or services for resale instead of consumption, allowing you to focus on marketing and customer service without the hassle of production costs. The flexible nature of ecommerce means you could manage and grow your business during the late hours, leveraging the power of social media to reach potential customers without an upfront investment in a dedicated website.
One of the significant advantages is that you could start immediately by using existing platforms, scaling up to a full-fledged website as your business grows. This approach allows you to harness your peak productivity hours for research and engagement strategies that are essential for building a successful online presence. For more detailed insights, you can explore success stories from other ecommerce resellers.
Why consider an ecommerce reselling business?
- You can start without a website, using social media to build your initial customer base.
- Nighttime hours are ideal for performing market research and managing your store.
- Avoid hefty production costs by reselling existing products, focusing instead on adding value through excellent service and marketing.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
