As we commemorate the second anniversary of ChatGPT’s launch, discussions on the advent of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) seem to have dwindled, overshadowed by a growing interest in the practical applications of AI among ordinary peopleSocial media platforms buzz with inquiries such as “Has anyone successfully monetized AI?” and “Are there any insights on side hustles using AI?”

This shift indicates a broader desire among individuals to seize the technological zeitgeist and become empowered individuals, wielding AI as a tool to enhance their productivity and financial viability.

Current investigations reveal that the most fruitful realms for ordinary users diving into the AI landscape encompass areas like AI-generated content (AIGC), digital marketing, software development, new media, and knowledge monetization strategiesAmong these fields, self-media influencers emerge as the most accessible, possessing a significant presence in the burgeoning ecosystem of “AI super-individuals.” However, this phenomenon also reflects the limitations that still exist in AI technology when applied to various real-world tasks.

Notably, professionals from backgrounds such as film production, like Chen Kun, have articulated that, while AI tools can offer substantial assistance in scriptwriting and music composition, the intricate nuances of character development and post-production editing continue to necessitate human judgment and insight.

Despite such limitations, the trend is clear: in 2024, the number of ordinary individuals engaging with AI for income is on the rise, leading to an increasing proliferation of “one-person AI companies.” Many of these individuals are determined to capitalize on the current benefits of the era, subscribing to the adage: “The AI era is here; in the future, there will be two types of people: those who can utilize AI as super-individuals, and everyone else.”

Within this AI wave, some individuals find themselves anxious and vulnerable, being “harvested” by AI mentors, only to pivot and become sellers of courses and knowledge themselves

Some have successfully transformed their careers by adopting AI as a side hustle, while others have made a bold leap to shift their professional identity, seizing the opportunities presented by technological advancements.

This raises an important query: apart from becoming AI mentors like Li Yizhou, what traits do individuals who successfully monetize AI possess?

They Proactively Embrace AI

For instance, Lin Chen, an AI creator known as “Potato Man,” found himself facing a legal case late last year regarding the copyright of his AI-generated worksFortunately for him, he won the case, allowing him to position himself as a “digital artist.” Renowned luxury brands and high-end automotive firms have sought him out for collaborationsHe often marks his digital works on new media with his name and the prefix “AIGC Artist.”

However, reflecting on the prior year, Lin undeniably caught many off guard when he decided to leave a comfortable position as the creative director of an advertising company after seven years of service to embark on an independent journey within the AI wave

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The impetus for this drastic move was his realization of the seismic shifts AI was creating in the industry.

Lin vividly recalls his first encounter with AI image generation tools like Midjourney“The shock was overwhelmingMany principles I once held in high regard were completely overturned by AI,” he reflectsIn a matter of seconds, tasks that previously took designers and advertisers weeks to complete could now be executed by AI in mere momentsSuch realizations spurred him toward embracing the AIGC field, a space rife with potential due to the rapid advancements in AI’s abilities.

Meanwhile, Chen Kun, a variety show director who pivoted to AI last year, also found himself inspired by his wife’s experience in an internet corporationWith over two decades in the industry, he, too, recognized the productivity and cost-effectiveness AI brought, especially compared to traditional film production processes

He recalls participating in the premiere of the movie "The Great Wall" with director Zhang Yimou, who emphasized the high costs associated with CGI and special effects—feedback that further fueled Chen’s determination to transition to AI-generated film production.

Emerging AI platforms like Midjourney and Pika excited ChenHe noted that AI-generated CG effects represented an opportunity to drastically cut costs for filmmaking; he estimated that traditional production costs could be reduced to a tenth of their original valueThis realization led him to commit fully to becoming an AI film creator.

Lin’s and Chen’s decisions to leap into the AI landscape were also influenced by broader trends within the industryMajor internet companies have expressed a keen interest in fostering innovation within their domainsEarlier this year, Douyin announced a partnership with Bona Film Group to establish an AIGC studio dedicated to producing AI-generated short dramas.

In September, Kuaishou, another giant in the short video realm, initiated the “Keling AI” collaborative film project, working alongside notable directors like Li Shaohong and Jia Zhangke to release a series of AI-generated films—an ambitious initiative to incorporate AI technologies into cinematic storytelling.

The need for creativity in short video production is immense; Kuaishou’s entertainment head, Chen Yiyi, explained that while the platform boasts 400 million daily active users, the number of short dramas garnering over 100 million views is disappointingly low

In light of this disparity, the strategic implementation of AI to boost production efficiency has taken center stage.

Ordinary individuals, such as Lin, who left the advertising industry and began to explore AI tools, have reported significant navigation into AIGC as they create and publish their works across social platformsThe former employee has successfully transitioned from a traditional office setting to operating independently, now relying on a fleet of five computers equipped with powerful Nvidia 4090 GPUs to fulfill his artistic vision.

Before establishing his one-person company, Lin devised a commercialization strategy, realizing that the digital art space offered the potential for significant visibility due to its influence and prominence among creators“As long as I maintain my footing in the triangular relationship between digital art, commerce, and AI, the business model can thrive,” he shared.

His unique style synthesized contemporary aesthetics with traditional Chinese elements, manifesting in creations that blend utopian dreamscapes with modern interpretations of well-known brands

In early 2023, for instance, Lin crafted AI-generated works revolving around McDonald’s, which garnered widespread acclaim and positioned him as a figure to watch within the marketing community.

With his former advertising giant acknowledging his work and paving the way for collaboration, Lin views this partnership as a significant milestone“This not only marks the acceptance of AIGC content by brands in China but also broadens my horizon in marketing strategies,” he remarked.

Mirroring Lin's journey, ZayG, a third-year student with an established design background, capitalized on the influx of AI technology as wellEarly in 2023, he ventured into AI-generated art and music production, leading to engagement requests from major brands such as Coca-Cola and Lenovo.

Meanwhile, traditional advertiser Ami entered the landscape after learning about AI software, successfully launching an AIGC short film on social media that received the attention of brands seeking promotional content.

Successful monetization in the AIGC sector often relies on nuanced approaches, such as selling specialized AI models or offering consulting services

This pivoting reflects a broader understanding that personal branding can significantly affect income potential in creative fields.

Another common route observed amongst AI creators involves knowledge and course dissemination, capitalizing on the information gap surrounding AI technologiesCreators often find financial success while navigating the complex landscape by sharing insights and strategies, while simultaneously enhancing their own practical skillsAs Ami succinctly puts it, “Earning with AI is not a false narrative; it's about acquiring knowledge and executing it effectively.”

Becoming Increasingly Valuable Individuals

In 2024, the landscape characterized by AI appears filled with unprecedented prospects for those willing to dive into its depthsRecently, a remarkable story unfolded involving a young man named Chen Yunfei who, in response to his girlfriend’s desire for better photographs, created an app called “Cat Light,” which swiftly climbed the ranks in the Apple App Store, showcasing the immense potential of even simple concepts in the digital sphere.

As a digital nomad post-resignation, he independently developed four apps using AI-led programming, pushing his annual income towards the impressive $100,000 milestone—an initial pioneer among peers reaping the benefits of AI technology.

Amidst this environment, individuals within the AI wave are keenly aware of the undercurrents shaping the industry

Lin recounts the rapid fluctuations in enthusiasm experienced in the AIGC realm within a few short yearsPlatforms like Xiaohongshu saw an explosion of traffic driven by AI content but faced subsequent declines as business models lagged behind the pace of technological developments.

“By late last year, we noticed a clear decrease in traffic due to regulatory measures impacting the fieldHowever, 2023 saw a resurgence of interest with new applications emphasizing creativity, leading to renewed support for AI content creators from platforms,” he elaborated.

Looking ahead, Lin anticipates an increase in aspiring AI entrepreneurs rather than a declineEmerging stars, such as Chen, are also stepping onto the stage, recently announcing a new AI series based on Chinese mythology expected to attract significant viewershipEqually decisive in his decision-making has been the recognition that AI can bridge the gaps experienced in traditional film regarding special effects, emphasizing its advantage in genres like fantasy and science fiction.

With a small team, Chen prepared to initiate his project “The Mirror of Mountains and Seas,” a title chosen for its prominent thematic alignment and cultural significance

By employing an lean operational framework that eliminates traditional job roles while harnessing AI technologies, he greatly reduced his previous crew size and capitalized on the advantages of rapid development cycles.

As they navigate this fluid marketplace, it’s clear that while AIGC offers tremendous promise, its boundaries are set to be tested as more individuals strive to monetize their outputs, competing for market space amidst growing numbersYet within this chaos lies the potential for “super creators,” individuals equipped with a wealth of knowledge and interdisciplinary capabilities poised to excel.

“If ordinary individuals can tap into the potential of AI and earn, it suggests that there is a unique skill at playThe distinction begins to blur—those who possess specialized skills are not quite the ordinary individuals they once were,” summarized ZayG regarding the transformative qualities of AI creation

This evolving landscape urges creators to elevate their crafts further, as AI tools become akin to traditional creative software like Photoshop—essential components in streamlining artistic endeavors and amplifying their power.

Lin's experience reflects this evolving notion, where the integration of diverse AI tools enables artists to unlock unparalleled artistic expression“Sometimes I feel like a carrier, capable of exploring uncharted creative territories without being constrained by traditional methodologies,” he expressedThis shift has empowered creators in multiple ways, enabling even the formation of their studios, furthering collaborations, and utilizing AI to handle administrative tasks traditionally reserved for human operators.

All indicators suggest that in this age of AIGC, individual creators are repositioning their value within the marketplace, adapting to the changing dynamics while establishing their unique voices and artistic identities