3 Ways to Make Money Online Using ChatGPT Search in 2025

ChatGPT Search, also called SearchGPT, officially launched on November 1, 2024. According to OpenAI, this feature lets you get “fast, timely answers with links to relevant web sources,” saving you the time you would have spent on a search engine.

Initially, only a small group of users tested ChatGPT Search in July, but now, anyone with a ChatGPT Plus or Team account can access it via a globe icon in the chat. You simply enter your question, and ChatGPT provides information from various sources directly in the chat.

With AI becoming part of daily work for around 75% of knowledge workers, according to Microsoft and LinkedIn’s Work Trend Index 2024, it’s no surprise that features like ChatGPT Search are a big deal. Frequent users, often called AI “power users,” already rely on tools like ChatGPT for tasks like SEO content creation and market research, so this new feature is a welcome addition.

But beyond regular work, ChatGPT Search opens doors for freelancers and anyone running a side hustle. Here are three ways you can use it to boost your income online in 2025.

1. Freelance Writing and Content Creation

ChatGPT’s real-time search feature is especially handy for freelance writers. If you’re already using ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas or draft outlines, the new web search feature takes it further by bringing in fresh research from the web in real time.

However, while ChatGPT Search is helpful, don’t rely on it alone. Some users have reported inaccuracies and overly general answers, so it’s wise to double-check information from other sources. Still, the feature can save a lot of time and keep you up-to-date.

2. Affiliate Marketing

ChatGPT Search can also help you spot trending products for affiliate marketing. Before this feature, ChatGPT was limited to knowledge from its last update, but now you can use it to track trends, discover new products, or find affiliate programs you might have missed.

Affiliate marketing can be a source of passive income. With ChatGPT Search, you’re not only identifying income opportunities but also saving time on research.

3. Social Media Content Creation

Social media is all about trends, and with ChatGPT’s new search abilities, you can keep up with the latest ones. Whether you’re on TikTok, Instagram, or any other platform, ChatGPT Search helps you plan and schedule content around what’s popular.

For example, you could prompt ChatGPT: “What are the current TikTok trends, and can you give me some post ideas based on them?” ChatGPT could then provide suggestions like:

“As of November 2024, TikTok is buzzing with several popular trends. Here’s one of them:
Underconsumption Core Trend: Users are embracing minimalism, focusing on using only what they need and promoting sustainable living.
Post Ideas:
Show a ‘day in the life’ video highlighting eco-friendly choices.
Make a tutorial on repurposing items instead of buying new ones.
Share your journey to minimalism and the benefits you’ve noticed.”

As this example shows, you can ask ChatGPT for specific insights, making your content creation and market research simpler.

AI tools continue to unlock new possibilities, and it’s up to you to make the most of them. So, how will you use ChatGPT Search to earn more in 2025, whether it’s through freelancing or a side hustle? 😊