20 Business Ideas For Cosplayers [2024]
Have you ever wondered how to turn your cosplay passion into a profitable venture? As a cosplayer, there are several business opportunities you could explore, making money while immersing yourself in the world you love. With 2024 around the corner, now is a great time to consider these possibilities.
From crafting costumes to offering tutorial sessions, your skills and creativity could open new doors for income. You might find success in designing custom props or providing professional photoshoots for fellow cosplayers. These ideas not only allow you to stay connected with the community but also help you monetize your talents.
In the following article, we'll delve into various business ideas specifically for cosplayers. Each idea is tailored to help you leverage your unique abilities and passion. Discover how you could transform your hobby into a thriving business.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other cosplayer businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
As a cosplayer, starting a YouTube channel offers a unique platform to showcase your creativity, share your costume crafting process, and connect with a global audience. You could earn extra income through ads, sponsorships, and selling merchandise, turning your passion into a profitable venture. From how-to guides on makeup and costume creation to vlogs of convention experiences, the possibilities are vast and engaging.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- It allows you to monetize your passion by earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
- You get to share your cosplay journey and expertise with a global audience, building a community of like-minded fans.
- Consistently creating content positions you as an expert, potentially opening doors to brand collaborations and other opportunities.
For more on starting a YouTube channel, check out Starter Story's success stories.
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 subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business could be an exciting and profitable venture for a cosplayer. By curating boxes filled with themed merchandise, exclusive cosplay accessories, and other niche items, you could tap into the high demand for unique and valuable monthly subscriptions. This business model aligns well with the creativity and specialized knowledge you already possess as a cosplayer, allowing you to turn your passion into a consistent revenue stream.
Why start a subscription box business?
- Subscription boxes are in high demand, offering a steady source of recurring income.
- You could utilize your specialized cosplay knowledge to curate unique and exciting items that cater to a dedicated fan base.
- This business model allows for creative freedom in box design and product selection, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
For more ideas and success stories, visit how much do subscription box businesses make?.
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.
3. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business makes perfect sense for a cosplayer due to its flexibility and low upfront costs. Given that dropshipping eliminates the need to hold inventory, you can focus on creating and marketing unique cosplay-themed products, such as custom accessories, apparel, or even cosplay props. By leveraging platforms like Shopify and AliExpress, you could seamlessly integrate your creative passion with entrepreneurial efforts, turning your cosplay hobby into a lucrative side business or even a full-time endeavor. For more insights, you can check out the profitability of dropshipping businesses.
Why starting a dropshipping business?
- Minimize financial risk by avoiding the costs associated with inventory management and storage.
- Flexibility to work on your cosplay projects while running your online store from anywhere.
- Opportunity to tap into niche markets with cosplay-specific products that cater to fellow enthusiasts.
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.
4. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business as a cosplayer is an exciting way to combine your passion for the craft with a profitable venture. By sourcing and reselling cosplay materials, accessories, and costumes, you could cater to a niche market while generating a consistent income stream. The lower production costs and flexibility of operating primarily through social media platforms make it an ideal side business that can expand into a full-time endeavor.
Why start an ecommerce reselling business?
- You could tap into a market that already shares your passion, making it easier to connect with customers.
- You do not need immediate investments in a website, allowing for a low-cost entry into the business.
- You could quickly scale your business by leveraging your existing social media presence to promote and sell products.
For more insights on this business idea, check out some success stories of ecommerce reselling businesses.
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.
5. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
As a cosplayer, starting a stock photography business could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even create a full-fledged business. With your unique costumes and creative setups, you could capture high-quality, themed photos that appeal to niche markets. Uploading these photos to stock photography websites allows you to build an impressive portfolio and earn passive income, making use of your existing talents and investments.
Why start a stock photography business?
- Monetize your existing talent and creativity by taking high-quality, unique photos.
- Tap into niches with specific demand, such as fantasy, sci-fi, and anime themes.
- Earn passive income by uploading photos once and selling them multiple times.
For more insights on building a successful stock photography business, consider checking out Starter Story's guide on profitability.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
6. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business could be an ideal way for cosplayers to supplement their income. As a cosplayer, you have the unique opportunity to leverage your social media presence and engage with a dedicated audience by promoting products and services related to the cosplay community. By promoting items like costumes, makeup, and accessories from eCommerce stores or specific manufacturers, you can earn commissions on sales and generate passive income over time. For more information, check out this link on profitability of affiliate marketing businesses.
Why consider affiliate marketing as a cosplayer? - Effortlessly integrate your passions. Promote products you already use and trust within the cosplay community. - Generate passive income. After your initial setup, you could keep earning money long-term without continuous effort. - Leverage your existing audience. Use your social media platforms and followers to boost your sales and increase your reach.
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.
7. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast as a cosplayer is a compelling way to supplement your income while engaging with a dedicated audience. By sharing your experiences, tips, and behind-the-scenes insights, you could build a loyal listener base who are passionate about cosplay and geek culture. Given the relatively low startup costs, getting a podcast off the ground doesn't require a significant initial investment.
Why start a podcast?
- You could monetize through sponsorships and advertisements once your podcast gains traction.
- Sharing your unique insights and stories can build a strong community around your personal brand.
- It's a flexible venture that allows you to blend seamlessly with other aspects of your cosplay business.
For more details on the podcast business, you can explore successful stories and profitability metrics here.
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.
8. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog can be a rewarding way to share your passion and expertise as a cosplayer while connecting with a dedicated community. By focusing on specific topics, such as cosplay tutorials, costume reviews, or convention tips, you could create engaging content that resonates with an audience interested in the world of cosplay. This endeavor allows you to showcase your skills, build a loyal following, and monetize through affiliate links, brand collaborations, and even speaking engagements.
Why launch a niche blog?
- You could tap into a dedicated community eager for content on cosplay tips, tutorials, and reviews.
- Monetize your passion through affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and collaborations with brands.
- Establish yourself as a thought leader in the cosplay industry, opening doors for additional opportunities like speaking engagements or workshops.
Explore more about the profitability of niche blogs and how you could turn your passion for cosplay into a thriving side business here.
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.
9. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
If you're looking to supplement your income and leverage your cosplay passion, starting a niche website could be an excellent venture. A niche website allows you to focus on a specialized topic, such as cosplay tutorials, event coverage, or product reviews, and serves a dedicated audience with targeted content. By creating compelling content and effectively driving traffic, you could monetize your site through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or even selling your own digital products. For more success stories and ideas, you can check this Starter Story link.
Why consider a niche website?
- You could turn your cosplay expertise into valuable content that attracts a loyal audience.
- With targeted niche content, you could open up multiple revenue streams from ads to affiliate marketing.
- A niche website offers creative freedom, letting you explore and share your passions while generating passive income.
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.
10. Start a social media automation business ($148K/month)
Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth. That’s the essence of a social media automation business. As a cosplayer, you could leverage your understanding of engaging content and niche markets to help others schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms. This tech-savvy side hustle can cater to clients like small businesses and influencers, paying you to save them time and enhance their social media presence. For those with a knack for technology and marketing, starting a social media automation business could be both a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor. Learn more about starting a social media automation business.
Why start a social media automation business?
- It builds on your existing cosplay skills. Your expertise in creating engaging posts and managing multiple social media accounts is an excellent foundation.
- High demand. Many businesses and influencers seek efficient ways to maintain a strong social media presence.
- Flexible income. This venture allows you to work on your own terms, fitting in perfectly with your cosplay schedule.
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.
11. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
As a cosplayer, starting a health and wellness app could complement your lifestyle, and turn your passion for fitness and well-being into a profitable side venture or full-time business. Imagine an app that not only aids users in achieving their fitness goals but also seamlessly integrates healthy living tips that can help with everything from convention preparation to managing the physical demands of crafting detailed costumes.
You could leverage your unique perspective within the cosplay community to develop specialized content that caters to the needs of your fellow cosplayers, such as tips for maintaining energy levels during long events or recipes for nutritious snacks that are easy to carry. This app can become a digital coach, offering personalized fitness routines, mental well-being exercises, nutrition plans, and progress tracking, making it an indispensable tool for anyone passionate about health and cosplay.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- You'll tap into a growing market with a strong demand for personalized fitness and wellness solutions.
- You can create tailored content specifically for the cosplay community, making your app unique and valuable.
- A health and wellness app offers endless opportunities for expansion, from new features to partnerships with health experts.
For more detailed steps on starting a health and wellness app, check out Starter Story's success stories.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
12. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Turning that brilliant idea into a mobile app is more feasible than you might think, and it can be a great way to supplement your income as a cosplayer. Developing a mobile app involves creating software that runs on smartphones and tablets, catering to various user needs, from productivity tools to gaming. With your flair for creativity and a keen understanding of fan communities, you could design an app that enhances the cosplay experience, from costume tutorials to event networking.
Starting a mobile app business requires a clear vision, basic coding knowledge, or the ability to hire a skilled developer. Your primary tasks will include planning the user experience, designing engaging interfaces, and testing for functionality and bugs. For more inspiration, check out these successful mobile app stories on Starter Story: Mobile App Success Stories.
Why create a mobile app?
- There's a vast user base. Mobile apps have become an integral part of everyday life, offering immense opportunities for innovative solutions.
- Your creativity knows no bounds. As a cosplayer, your unique insights into the community can help create an app that stands out and serves specific needs.
- Potential for substantial revenue. With dedication and the right strategy, your app could gain significant traction and generate substantial income.
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.
13. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a cosplayer, starting an online course sales business can be a lucrative way to monetize your unique skills and knowledge. By creating courses on cosplay techniques, costume making, or character performance, you could attract a dedicated audience eager to learn from your experience. With the growth of the e-learning market, this venture could easily supplement your income or become a thriving side business.
Why consider launching an online course business?
- Tap into a booming market: The e-learning industry is projected to be worth over $645 billion, presenting a massive opportunity for revenue.
- Leverage your expertise: Use your existing skills and knowledge in cosplay to create high-demand courses with minimal extra effort.
- Passive income potential: Once your course is live, you could continuously profit from it with minimal ongoing work.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
14. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business could be a unique way for cosplayers to supplement their income while leveraging their expertise in digital spaces. As someone who likely navigates WordPress for blogging or maintaining a portfolio, creating plugins to solve common issues can be a lucrative venture. By selling these plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon or your blog, you could generate a steady income stream that complements your cosplay passion.
Why start a WordPress plugin business?
- You could make money by solving common issues that you and other users face, turning problems into profitable solutions.
- This type of business requires relatively low startup costs and can be managed alongside your primary work, perfect as a side hustle.
- The skills you develop can benefit your own technical projects and give you an edge in digital marketing and web development for your cosplay brand.
For more insights, check out how-to-start-wordpress-plugin-business.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
15. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business can be a great opportunity for cosplayers looking to supplement their income or transition into a new entrepreneurial venture. By leveraging your creativity and strategic thinking, you could help various businesses reach potential clients through compelling, targeted email campaigns. This business idea allows you to combine your passion for engagement with the technical know-how of email marketing, making it a rewarding challenge for those with a knack for captivating communication.
If you’ve got the skills to craft engaging messages and a good grasp of email marketing tools, this could be a lucrative path for you. Starting with small businesses in need of lead generation, you can build a portfolio of success stories and scale your service offerings.
Find out how successful cold email service businesses scaled their efforts.
Why start a cold email service business?
- It’s low-cost to start, requiring mainly your time and skills in writing and researching.
- You can work remotely, offering flexibility and the ability to balance it with your cosplaying activities.
- High potential for scalability as you build a portfolio and establish a reputation for delivering results.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
16. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As a cosplayer, leveraging your tech-savvy skills to develop a lead generation tool can be a lucrative side hustle or even a full-fledged business. Imagine creating a software application that automates the time-consuming task of finding potential customers for various businesses. By integrating with websites, social media channels, and other digital touchpoints, your tool can collect valuable data like email addresses, phone numbers, and interests, streamlining the marketing process for companies of all sizes.
Given the high demand for efficient lead generation, your tool could become an invaluable asset for businesses looking to grow their customer base. If you have an eye for marketing and a knack for tech, this venture could be your next profitable endeavor. For more insights, check out lead generation tool startup costs on Starter Story.
Why develop a lead generation tool?
- You could help businesses save countless hours by automating the client-finding process.
- Your tool could fulfill a high market demand, making it easier to find and retain clients.
- As a tech-savvy cosplayer, you have the unique blend of creativity and technical skills to build an effective solution.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
17. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Thinking of ways to supplement your income or even start a side business as a cosplayer? An AI-based business solution might be an exciting avenue to explore. With tools to streamline various business operations, from customer interactions to data analysis, AI can help you optimize your efforts, save time, and reduce costs. The growing demand for AI solutions makes this a golden opportunity to offer specialized services, even without a tech background.
Starting an AI-based business solution could be especially beneficial for cosplayers looking to integrate advanced technology into their entrepreneurial journey. For more information on the profitability and marketing ideas for AI-based businesses, check this page.
Why starting an AI-based business solution?
- You could automate repetitive tasks, freeing up more time for your creative projects.
- AI tools can provide valuable customer insights, helping you to better understand and engage with your audience.
- Leveraging AI solutions could give you a competitive edge by making data-driven decisions and predicting market trends.
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.
18. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
Creating an AI writing tool as a cosplayer could align perfectly with your creative side and technical curiosity. By leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence, you could develop a tool that automates content creation, offering immense value to writers, businesses, and bloggers. Not only would you be tapping into a growing market, but also provide a service that simplifies and enhances the writing process.
Why create an AI writing tool?
- You could capitalize on the high demand for efficient content creation.
- Your tool could reduce the workload and save time for writers, boosting their productivity.
- As a cosplayer, you could fuse creativity with technology, making your mark in an innovative field.
For more details about starting an AI writing tool business, check out the success stories on Starter Story.
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.
19. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business makes a lot of sense for cosplayers who are looking to supplement their income or even pivot into a full-time business. By leveraging your unique designs, photos, and creative ideas, you could sell custom products like apparel, home goods, and phone cases without the need for upfront inventory costs. With platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay, you can reach a global audience, giving fans and fellow cosplayers access to your exclusive merchandise. Plus, the flexibility to run everything from home makes it an ideal side hustle that can scale at your own pace.
If you're interested in exploring the details further, check out the Starter Story print-on-demand business section.
Why consider a print-on-demand business?
- Low startup costs make it accessible even for those on a budget.
- You could monetize your creativity and fan base by selling custom-designed products.
- The flexibility of working from home allows you to manage it alongside your primary cosplay activities.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
20. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Starting a stock investing business can be an intelligent move for cosplayers looking to supplement their income. Combining your creative skills with an analytical approach to the financial markets might just be the perfect blend of passion and profit. Navigating stocks requires keen strategy, continuous learning, and precision—traits that many dedicated cosplayers already possess.
Why starting a stock investing business?
- You could create a steady stream of income that supports your love for cosplay and reduces financial stress.
- With the right strategies and education, there's potential for high returns, making it a rewarding entrepreneurial path.
- You can manage it alongside your cosplay activities, providing a flexible means to grow your wealth.
Read more about success stories and tips for starting a stock investing business at Starter Story.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
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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.
