Online creative business ideas you can start in the UK

43 ideas

These 43 ideas are for people who want to earn from creative skills without needing a shop, studio or commute. Some sell your time and expertise, such as online photography classes or a full-time freelance copywriter.

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Under 1k1k to 5k5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premises
Editors reviewing printed book pages around a publishing office table.

Online publisher for first-time authors

Help authors get polished books into print and ebook, sharing the work and the sales.

  • £1.5k-8k
  • Part-time
  • Online
11,341 UK companies in this field, 29% registered in the last 2 years
Dealer showing a painting to a collector in a gallery.

Online art dealer

Find and sell original artwork online, either on commission or by buying pieces to resell.

  • £300-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
2,686 UK companies in this field, 24% registered in the last 2 years
A production crew filming video content in a modern media studio.

Niche online publication or podcast

Build an audience around one topic or area and earn from sponsors, memberships and ads.

  • £100-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
15,512 UK companies in this field, 29% registered in the last 2 years
Reporter typing a news story at a desk in a busy newsroom.

Specialist online news service

Cover one niche, such as farming or local property, and supply stories to trade titles and websites.

  • £400-2k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
1,338 UK companies in this field, 34% registered in the last 2 years
Music producer working at a mixing desk in a recording studio.

Online music producer and mixer

Produce, mix and master tracks remotely for artists anywhere, sent as files.

  • £300-2.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
19,836 UK companies in this field, 26% registered in the last 2 years
Visitors viewing colourful Aboriginal dot paintings hanging on gallery walls.

Online Aboriginal art gallery with pop-ups

Sell ethically sourced Aboriginal art online and at pop-up shows to UK collectors and interior buyers.

  • £2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
2,686 UK companies in this field, 24% registered in the last 2 years
Rolls of newsprint running through a printing press producing daily newspapers.

Online local news site and newsletter

Run a local news website and email newsletter funded by adverts, sponsors and reader memberships.

  • £200-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
899 UK companies in this field, 21% registered in the last 2 years
Visitors viewing paintings on white walls in a gallery exhibition.

Online art gallery

Curate and sell original art from a website, earning commission without paying for a shop.

  • £300-2.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
2,686 UK companies in this field, 24% registered in the last 2 years
A designer sketching floor plans and drawings for a home extension.

Remote drawing service for builders and developers

Produce plans and building regulations drawings remotely for builders, developers and other designers.

  • £500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
20,452 UK companies in this field, 15% registered in the last 2 years
Artist painting on a canvas in a light, airy studio.

Online artist selling prints and digital art

Sell prints, cards and downloadable artwork to buyers across the UK through an online shop.

  • £100-800
  • Side hustle
  • Online
41,489 UK companies in this field, 27% registered in the last 2 years
Engineer mixing music on a console in a professional recording studio.

Online mixing and mastering service

Mix and master songs sent in by artists and producers from anywhere, all done remotely.

  • £800-3.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
19,836 UK companies in this field, 26% registered in the last 2 years
Sheet music scores and licensing paperwork spread across a desk.

Online music catalogue for film, TV and ads

Build a catalogue of tracks you control and license them to video makers, producers and advertisers.

  • £1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
19,836 UK companies in this field, 26% registered in the last 2 years
Editor working on video timeline across two monitors in an editing suite.

Online editor for YouTubers and creators

Edit regular videos for YouTubers, podcasters and coaches on a monthly retainer, working fully online.

  • £200-2k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
8,081 UK companies in this field, 25% registered in the last 2 years
Shelves of archived film reels and photograph boxes in an organised library.

Niche image and footage library

Run your own website licensing a focused collection, such as local history or UK food, directly to buyers.

  • £500-4k
  • Part-time
  • Online
1,604 UK companies in this field, 26% registered in the last 2 years
Person reading an ebook on a tablet with digital audio and video icons.

Multimedia and audiobook titles publisher

Turn books or learning content into audio and interactive titles, and sell them online to readers and learners.

  • £500-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
11,341 UK companies in this field, 29% registered in the last 2 years

Online photo restoration studio

Repair and colourise faded or damaged family photos digitally for customers who post or upload their originals.

  • £100-1.2k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
7,222 UK companies in this field, 25% registered in the last 2 years

Online music promotion for independent artists

Help independent musicians reach listeners with release campaigns, playlist pitching, press outreach and social media.

  • £50-800
  • Side hustle
  • Online
13,051 UK companies in this field, 32% registered in the last 2 years

Niche online photo library

Curate a specialist collection from contributing photographers and license images to publishers and brands for a commission.

  • £500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
13,051 UK companies in this field, 32% registered in the last 2 years

Book and document formatting service

Format manuscripts and reports for print and e-book, working online with authors and organisations.

  • £300-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
1,462 UK companies in this field, 24% registered in the last 2 years

Online custom t-shirt shop (print on demand)

Sell your own designs or personalised tees online, with a print partner making and posting each order.

  • £50-600
  • Side hustle
  • Online
8,677 UK companies in this field, 19% registered in the last 2 years

Niche online newsletter or magazine

Publish a regular digital newsletter or magazine for a specialist audience and earn from subscriptions or sponsors.

  • £100-800
  • Side hustle
  • Online
15,512 UK companies in this field, 29% registered in the last 2 years
Students learning to stitch fabric together in a sewing class.

Online stitching lessons

Teach stitching over video to students anywhere, live or with recorded lessons.

  • £100-800
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Students sketching still life subjects during an art lesson.

Online drawing lessons

Teach drawing over video call to students at home, one-to-one or in small groups.

  • £50-500
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Decorated wedding venue with flowers and table settings ready for guests.

Custom wedding stationery and signage

Design and print invitations, order of service cards and welcome signs for couples, ordered online.

  • £200-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

About these ideas

Others sell products or content, like an Online custom t-shirt shop (print on demand) or a niche image and footage library. Start by asking what you already do well and whether you want client work, product sales or a mix. Think about how you will find your first customers, since an online business still needs an audience. Also consider how much time you can give each week, what software or equipment you need, and whether you are comfortable showing your work publicly. A small first project is a sensible way to test demand.

More ideas

Questions

How do I choose an online creative business that suits me?

Start with the skill you can already show, such as writing, design or photography. Then check whether people pay for it, how you would reach them, and whether you prefer client projects, selling products or teaching. Testing one small offer first is a sensible step.

Do I need to register my online creative business in the UK?

It depends on how you trade. Check whether you need to register as self-employed with HMRC, especially if your income passes the trading allowance. Also check whether you need business insurance, a privacy policy, or any rules covering the products or services you sell.

What should I check about copyright and licensing before I start?

Check who owns the work you create, and whether any images, fonts, music, templates or print designs you use allow commercial use. If you work for clients, write down in a contract who holds the rights. For anything unclear, consider getting professional advice.