Flying a drone is an exciting hobby, but did you know you can also make money with it? Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or hoping to turn drone flying into a full-time business, there are multiple ways to monetize your skills. However, before you begin, you may need certification or a basic license depending on where you live. In the U.S, an FAA Part 107 license is required for commercial drone operations. In the EU, at least an A1/A3 license is needed, while the UK requires CAA basic registration. Even if your country doesn’t mandate licensing, following regulations makes you look professional and helps you stand out.
Table of Contents
1. Selling Stock Footage
This is one of the easiest ways to make money with your drone. All you need to do is capture high-quality photos and videos while exploring different locations. You can then upload them to stock photo and video websites such as Wirestock, Shutterstock, or Adobe Stock. Wirestock, in particular, simplifies the process by handling metadata and tags for you, saving time and effort.
Tips for Success:
- Shoot in 4K for better earnings.
- Focus on popular locations like New York or London.
- Consider seasonal content (e.g., summer or Christmas themes).
- Use unique features like time lapses and hyperlapses.
Ratings:
- Ease of Entry: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Super easy, just requires good footage)
- Earning Potential: ⭐⭐ (Inconsistent income, small payouts per sale)
- Scalability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (The more you upload, the more you earn over time)
2. Real Estate Photography & Videography
Listings with drone shots sell faster, making this a lucrative opportunity. Many real estate agents do not have in-house drone pilots, giving you an advantage. By offering aerial shots of properties, neighborhoods, and even FPV fly-throughs, you can significantly increase the appeal of listings. Rates typically range from $200 to $500 per listing.
How to Get Started:
- Research local real estate listings and identify those lacking drone shots.
- Reach out to agents or private sellers and offer your services.
- Build a portfolio by shooting homes for free initially.
- Offer interior and exterior photography for additional income.
Ratings:
- Ease of Entry: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Requires outreach but is not highly technical)
- Earning Potential: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Can be very profitable but may be competitive)
- Scalability: ⭐⭐⭐ (More agents = more income, but workload balance is key)
3. Hotels, Resorts & Airbnbs
Hospitality businesses constantly need fresh aerial content to attract guests. Many lack drone footage on their websites and social media, providing you with an opportunity.
Strategy:
- Check hotel and resort websites for outdated or missing drone footage.
- Offer to shoot aerial views of properties during your vacations.
- Pitch your services in exchange for free stays.
- Build a portfolio and reach out to tourism brands.
Ratings:
- Ease of Entry: ⭐⭐⭐ (Requires pitching and marketing skills)
- Earning Potential: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very lucrative with global opportunities)
- Scalability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Once established, leads become easier)
4. Weddings & Events
Drone footage adds cinematic value to weddings and events. Many wedding photographers and videographers don’t own drones or have the necessary licenses, making this a great niche.
Steps to Get Started:
- Partner with wedding photographers and offer your drone services.
- Capture scenic venue shots and group moments from unique angles.
- Invest in insurance as some venues require coverage.
- Offer packages including highlight reels and edited videos.
Ratings:
- Ease of Entry: ⭐⭐⭐ (Requires networking and referrals)
- Earning Potential: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ($500-$2,000 per event)
- Scalability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Higher demand during peak seasons)
5. Drone Inspections
Drones are increasingly used for infrastructure inspections, including roofs, power lines, wind turbines, and cell towers. This work is highly specialized but well-compensated.
Getting Started:
- Obtain industry certifications if required.
- Network with construction firms, insurance companies, and utilities.
- Use thermal imaging for additional service offerings.
- Invest in high-quality drones with zoom capabilities.
Ratings:
- Ease of Entry: ⭐⭐ (Requires training and specialized drones)
- Earning Potential: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ($100-$300 per hour)
- Scalability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Potential for long-term contracts)
6. Social Media & Content Creation
Local businesses, restaurants, and gyms need engaging drone content, making this a great opportunity for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube ads. You can offer cinematic drone footage for storefronts, outdoor dining areas, and landscapes, selling these clips as branded content or charging per video. Additionally, offering monthly packages provides a more stable income compared to one-off projects.
This is one of my favorite approaches because securing long-term deals with brands or businesses for weekly or monthly content creation ensures a consistent income stream rather than constantly searching for the next paycheck.
To attract clients, you could offer the first few videos for free by tagging businesses on social media or inviting them as collaborators. This strategy can serve as a way to get your foot in the door for future work.
Ratings:
- Scalability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Businesses always need fresh content, especially for seasonal promotions like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- Ease of Entry: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) – Requires some video editing skills and creativity.
- Earning Potential: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Great for securing monthly retainers.
7. YouTube
The last method on this list is YouTube and content monetization, something I’ve been doing for a few years now. If you’re subscribed to this channel, you know that you can share drone tutorials, cinematic travel films, short films, or even vlogs to build an audience. You can monetize your channel in multiple ways, including:
- YouTube Ad Revenue
- Sponsorships
- Affiliate Links
Additionally, you can repurpose your drone footage for Instagram and TikTok to grow your audience faster. There are various ways to earn with YouTube by creating a dedicated drone channel, which is one of the reasons I started mine not just to make money but also to provide value and help others.
Ratings:
- Scalability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Unlimited long-term potential.
- Ease of Entry: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) – It takes time to grow a channel and get noticed, but the startup cost is low—all you need is your drone.
- Earning Potential: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Multiple income streams, including AdSense, affiliate marketing, and brand sponsorships.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for beginner-friendly ways to make money with your drone, consider starting with stock footage or real estate photography. For those with advanced skills, drone mapping, inspections, and weddings offer higher payouts. The key is to build a strong portfolio, network with clients, and continue improving your skills.
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