You know what's wild? These days, some people make more in a week from selling digital products online than others do in a year slogging through a regular 9-to-5. One TikTok creator, Karlyn Percil, claims she hit $10,000 in passive income in a month—all from a $17 digital workbook. Sounds wild, but it's not just hype. There are actual people stacking serious cash with nothing more than a laptop, decent Wi-Fi, and the right digital product. But which digital products really work best for selling online right now—and which ones are just internet pipe dreams?
The Digital Product Landscape in 2025
Digital products are basically anything you can deliver online—PDFs, music, software, downloadable courses, stock photos, design templates, and more. They're crazy attractive to sellers because you only create them once, then sell as many as you want with no shipping or inventory headaches. But, let's be real: not all digital products are created equal and the market’s getting crowded. The real trick is picking something people are actually buying right now, and that delivers enough value they can’t just find it with a quick Google search.
What’s booming in 2025? Online courses and coaching bundles are still king—according to Statista, the global e-learning market topped $430 billion last year, with projections to hit $541 billion by 2027. Skill-based learning, like language apps, coding bootcamps, or fitness programs, keep breaking records too. Digital planners and productivity tools continue to fly off the digital shelves, especially since so many people now freelance or run side hustles. Everyone wants to save time and stay organized. Then there’s the rise of AI tools—ChatGPT and Midjourney cracked open new cash streams for those who can package prompts, automation guides, or pre-built templates.
Think it’s just “gurus” cashing in? Not even close. There’s a guy named Mike Winter who made six figures selling Notion templates, just by solving small workflow problems for students. Etsy’s own data shows their top-selling categories in 2025 are digital invitations, business branding kits, and hobby-themed printables (think wedding planning PDFs, fitness trackers, crochet patterns). E-books still make up nearly a third of all Amazon’s digital sales. Stock photo sites keep growing, but AI-generated content means sellers have to get more creative—offering bundles, exclusive rights, or micro-niche collections (like retro gaming icons or vegan recipe graphics).
Table: Fastest-Growing Digital Product Categories (2024-2025)
| Category | Growth Rate (%) | Hot Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Online Courses | 13.2 | Teachable, Udemy, Kajabi |
| AI Prompt Bundles | 21.0 | Gumroad, Etsy |
| Design Templates | 17.5 | Creative Market, Canva |
| Digital Planners | 15.8 | Etsy, Notion, Shopify |
| Stock Media Bundles | 12.9 | Envato, Shutterstock |
Notice how these aren’t just niche or techie items? Everyday folks are buying them. And with platforms like Gumroad, Etsy, and Shopify, it’s easier than ever for beginners to break in. You don’t have to build a huge website or know how to code. The right product and angle are what matter.
Best Digital Products to Sell Right Now—and Why They Work
Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re fired up to launch something digital, you want results, not busywork. Here’s what’s working in 2025—and how sellers are making these products irresistible.
Online Courses are still the number one performer. Why? They meet people’s need for quick, actionable learning. Micro-courses (30-60 minute lessons) are a hit, especially for time-pressed learners. Think TikTok video editing basics, beginner Spanish for travelers, or side hustle launchpads. Sellers can pre-record content and use platforms like Teachable or Thinkific for easy delivery.
E-books are a classic and still holding strong, but the ones that win are usually hyper-focused. Instead of “how to get healthy,” think “plant-based recipes for college night owls” or “pitch templates for freelance copywriters.” Self-publish through Amazon KDP or direct on Gumroad, and remember: killer titles sell books. Use Canva for eye-catching covers even if you don’t have design chops.
Design Templates are blowing up thanks to the anti-design trend. Busy entrepreneurs, teachers, or coaches don’t want to build slides, planners, or newsletters from scratch. Templates for Canva, Notion, or Google Docs solve their headache. Top sellers include branded social media kits, wedding planners, and even resume templates for specific industries. The best part—you can scale fast. Once a set is built, it could sell thousands of copies, often at $10 to $30 a pop.
AI Prompt Bundles are unique to 2025. Think cheat sheets for Midjourney art or proven ChatGPT prompts for bloggers. As the AI boom grows, so does demand for plug-and-play solutions. Sellers are creating curated files and uploading them to Etsy, Gumroad, or even launching their own newsletter SaaS.
Stock Photos, Video Loops, and Audio Clips still rake in cash—if you can produce high-quality, specific stuff. General sunset photos? Too crowded. But textured backgrounds for Etsy sellers or themed music intros for YouTube creators? That’s gold. This works especially well if you already have gear or a passion for photography, music, or video.
Digital Art Prints and Printables are crushing it on Etsy and niche platforms. Shoppers want unique wall art, calendars, affirmation cards, and even coloring sheets. The key is targeting micro-niches: astrology prints for Gen Z, vintage car posters for gearheads, or affirmations for working moms. Pinterest is your best friend here—see what’s trending and fill the gaps.
Mobile Apps and Tools: a bit trickier, but the reward is huge if you know how to code—or can hire a developer. Productivity apps, budget trackers, and wellness reminders are in demand, especially if you niche down. Indie developers often launch on ProductHunt, or go direct to Apple and Google Play stores. Your secret weapon? Solve a super-specific problem people talk about on Reddit or X (Twitter).
Digital Subscriptions (like news digests, exclusive content feeds, or membership sites) appeal to buyers who want ongoing value. It could be a $5/month book review club or a $25/month marketing tips community. Creators use platforms like Substack or Patreon to run these with little tech hassle.
Wondering what separates the digital sellers making bank from those just spinning their wheels? Three things: targeting smaller, hungry audiences, solving a real pain point, and leveling up the value with bonuses (like checklists, video walkthroughs, or exclusive communities). Copying what’s already on page three of Etsy won’t cut it—add your own twist.
Table: Key Factors for Best-Selling Digital Products
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Clear Target Audience | People buy what feels custom-made for them, not generic. |
| Unique Spin | Standing out is easier if you add your story or missing feature. |
| Easy Access/Delivery | No one wants to jump through hoops for a download. |
| Actionable Value | Buyers want results fast—show them exactly how they’ll benefit. |
| Social Proof | Reviews and testimonials cut through buyer anxiety. |
Want a pro tip? Most sellers skip the research phase. If you spend just an hour in online forums or Facebook groups asking people about their headaches, you’ll spot gaps that automated SEO tools miss. That one insight could get you your first hundred sales.
How to Pick—and Launch—the Right Digital Product for You
The best digital product to sell online isn’t some mythical unicorn. It’s usually the one that fits your skills, solves a real pain for others, and lets you stand out—even just a bit—in a crowded market. Don’t just default to what’s trending; go with what you can deliver well and what your buyers truly want. Let’s walk through some quick steps and hacks for getting your digital product idea from your brain to the buyer’s screen:
- Spot Your Sweet Spot: Grab a notepad. List your skills, things you enjoy, and what people often ask for your help with. If you were a high school teacher, maybe student study packs or digital planner templates are your thing. If you love nutrition and fitness, consider recipe e-books or workout program printables.
- Research Buyer Pain Points: Don’t guess. Hang out where your target buyers already are: Reddit, TikTok comments, or Facebook groups. Notice what frustrates them or what solutions they’re looking for. This can spark specific product ideas, like “Wedding budgeting spreadsheets for couples who hate math.”
- Check the Competition—But Don’t Get Paralyzed: Look on Etsy, Gumroad, and Amazon for your idea. Check bestsellers and reviews, but don’t get discouraged if the space looks busy. Instead, ask yourself: what’s missing? Can you offer extra value, a step-by-step guide, or bundle related items?
- Test with a Minimal Viable Product (MVP): Make a rough draft, not a masterpiece. Use free tools—Canva for planners, Google Docs for e-books, or Loom for video courses. Get feedback from real people before going big. You’ll save time and learn fast.
- Launch on the Right Platform: Newbie? Etsy and Gumroad are easiest for most digital products. Experienced? Try Shopify or Clarity.fm. For courses, go with Teachable or Kajabi. Link your shop to social media for more eyeballs.
- Market with a Simple Funnel: Set up a page, hook visitors with a free sample (sample chapter, template, or checklist), and nurture buyers with honest stories and results. Let reviews and testimonials do some of the selling for you.
- Iterate and Add Value: Your first version will not be perfect—and that’s fine. Listen to feedback, watch what buyers really use, and don’t be afraid to tweak your offer, bundle related products, or try a new angle.
One underrated move in 2025? Position your digital product as the solution to a common, nagging problem. Instead of just saying “productivity planner,” offer “digital planner for freelancers juggling multiple gigs.” That little shift means you’re speaking directly to someone’s struggle—and people pay more for that.
Last thing: Don’t just chase profits. If you hate updating spreadsheets, don’t promise buyers monthly budget tracker updates! The best digital product is something you can feel good about creating, improving, and supporting. When you actually care, buyers notice—and they tell their friends. That’s how online selling snowballs from a trickle of downloads to real, recurring income.