A virtual character making more than most people?
Have you ever heard of Bloo‘s story? Bloo is a Dutch gamer created a cartoon character named Bloo. Today, Bloo has millions of followers, and generates over a million dollars in revenue per year.
Image Credits: https://futurism.com/bloo-gaming-youtuber-ai
Sounds unbelievable? But it’s true.
Jordi van den Bussche is the mind behind Bloo. And Bloo isn’t alone. A new wave of AI-powered vtubers (virtual idols/characters that appear in YouTube and other platforms) and digital influencers is quietly creating a new class of wealthy individuals.
As someone obsessed with AI tools, I started experimenting with this too. So far, my own digital clone has earned over $1,000 as a side hustle—and I truly believe you can do even better.
Here are the methods I strongly recommend：
How Regular People Are Earning Real Income with Virtual Characters and AI Tools
1.Ad Revenue from YouTube and Shorts — The Bloo Model
Bloo’s videos earn millions of views, bringing in steady income through YouTube ads. The contents on Bloo’s channel are handled by AI technology from ElevenLabs, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude.
This means faster content creation, lower production costs, and more frequent uploads, all of which add up to more revenue.
You can do the same: start by creating short, engaging videos, and post them on platforms like YouTube Shorts or TikTok.
2.Live Streaming Gifts on Twitch, YouTube Live, or Bilibili
Vtubers earn income through real-time digital gifts sent by fans, like Super Chats on YouTube, and Bits on Twitch. These tips can be converted into real money.
You don’t need millions of followers to start, many vtubers build loyal fanbases just by streaming once or twice a week.
Your content can be simple: playing games, chatting in character, or even hosting “just talking” sessions. With consistent streaming and fan engagement, it’s possible to earn a few hundred dollars per month from gifts alone.
You can also repurpose your livestream clips into short videos for TikTok or YouTube Shorts to grow faster.
3.Sell Digital Art & Game Assets
If you’re artistic or know how to use basic design tools, you can sell digital products like wallpapers, stickers, emoji packs, or 3D avatars.
Platforms like Gumroad, Ko-fi, and Etsy make it easy to set up a digital storefront.
Many vtubers and creators also design outfits or accessories for games like VRChat , Roblox, or The Sims. You create the asset once and sell it repeatedly, making this a great source of passive income. Even without a big audience, niche styles items can bring steady sales.
4. Sell Unused Photos or Clips to AI Companies
Your everyday photos and videos like messy desks, cloudy skies, or room corners can be valuable to AI companies training visual models.
Platforms like TroveoAI pay contributors for original, real-world imagery. As long as the content is yours and respects privacy rules, you can upload and start earning. It’s an easy way to monetize content you already have on your phone.
Free Tools to Launch Your AI Side Hustle Today
No budget? No problem. You don’t need a studio, a team, or even startup capital. Here’s some free tools:
Livestream with a virtual face
Try apps like IRIAM or Animaze. Your webcam becomes your vtuber face.
Create AI-powered storytelling videos
Use ChatGPT for the script, ElevenLabs for narration, Pika or Runway for visuals, and post to YouTube Shorts or TikTok.
Sell digital goods
Use Canva to design wallpapers, emojis, or virtual outfits. List them on Ko-fi or Etsy for passive income.
All of this can be done without perfect English, without showing your face, and without spending a dime. What you do need is creativity, consistency, and maybe a bit of meme sense.
What to Watch Out for When Making Money with AI Avatars
This is a real opportunity. But there are a few important traps to avoid:
⚠️ Flood of Low-Quality “AI Trash” Content
AI has made it easy to flood the internet with meaningless, low-effort videos.
If you want to stand out, focus on content that’s creative,personal,entertaining or emotionally engaging. So use AI as a tool, not a shortcut.
⚠️ The 1% Rule: Most Revenue Goes to a Few Top Creators
Top vtubers and influencers earn the majority of the money.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t succeed.
Start small. Build a niche. Serve a tight, loyal community. Even a few hundred followers can bring in stable monthly income.
⚠️ Legal & Ethical Pitfalls: Don’t Use Other People’s Faces
Avoid cloning real voices or appearances without permission. You risk legal trouble and platform bans.
Instead, create your own virtual identity using tools like:
Ready Player Me: Create a personal avatar.
Reallusion: 3D Character Production & 2D Cartoon Animation
Voice AI:Free Real Time Voice Changer
These tools are not just safer—they’re more original, too.
The Next Millionaire Vtuber Could Be You
In this new AI-driven creator economy, creativity is your biggest asset.
You don’t need to be beautiful or even speak on camera.
You just need to explore one tool today.
Make something small—a voice test, a short clip, a meme.
And post it. That small experiment could turn into your next job, your new side income, or your ticket out of a job you hate.
One last question: If an AI twin could make money for you—what would you want it to do?
