If you're looking for print on demand niches to jump into this year, here are some of the best ideas!
We've compiled a list of 27 niche markets that we think will be popular in 2024. From dogs to all kinds of pizza, there's something on our list for everyone!
Ready to find your niche? Let's begin!
What is a print on demand niche?
Before we get into the power of print on demand niches, let's clarify what a print on demand store is:
Print on Demand (POD) is the fulfillment model that allows suppliers to places designs on products. These items are regularly clothing like shirts and hoodies and can go from mugs, towels, art prints, phone cases, and that's just the beginning.
For more info on that, check out our complete guide on how to get started with print on demand (POD).
Now that you know the basics, let's review precisely what a print on demand niche is!
A niche is a specific subject of a market to appeal to and supply a product or service to a person.
Examples of niches are pet designs on apparel and other products to appeal to people who want to show their love of pets.
When you think of pets, though, it's a lot of animals, from dogs, cats, mice, birds, insects, fishes, etc., to appeal to everyone who likes pets - that's a lot! This is why niches can be further focused on the part of the market.
Instead of all pets, you can focus on dogs only. Or you can even focus on a type of dog, like a pug.
A helpful tip is that you can always niche down and continually expand later.
Which print on demand niche should I pick?
The big question immediately pops up once you know what niches are and see so many other stores having theirs.
An excellent way to see the demand for a specific niche is using Google Trends!
Let's say your chosen niche is animals. Since animals are a big niche, you probably include animals like cats and dogs. With Google Trends, you can see which animal is more popular.
As we can see, dogs are noticeably more searched than cats. This means spending more effort on dog designs than cat designs might be wise.
Niches on trends like the face mask can be super popular due to relevant situations like the pandemic.
However, the problem with trends is they're short-lived, as shown in the Google Trends graph.
What may be very popular now may not be in the next year. This means you'll always search for the latest trends for your POD store to be relevant.
Want to learn more about niches for your POD dropshipping store? Well, we have some articles for you! Check these two out:
- Here's a guide on how to find out if a dropshipping niche could be profitable.
- And here's another guide on finding the best dropshipping niche.
Why niches matter to your success
Now that we know what a POD niche is, it matters for your store! You can also check out our infographic below:
Let's go over these points more in-depth now:
Setting apart the competition
As you look through all the store's chosen niches, you're bound to see some have similar or the same niche. But how are they all competitive if they're doing the same niche? The answer is that their niches are presented differently to attract other people.
For example, a shirt with cats is for women with colors and playful art, while appealing to men can be more intensive with lions.
Remember, the easiest way to separate from the competition is to niche further or combine existing niches, i.e., airplanes and helicopters.
Able to justify the price
A problem every dropshipper has is that the sourced products are generally about quality. It can be hard to justify a higher price over another store.
While the designs of POD can help justify more cost, your chosen niche to specific people who can afford the higher price is more effective.
It's a strategy similar to that of high-end car manufacturers. They don't sell to the average person through TV commercials because they know their customer who can afford their luxurious cars aren't sitting on the couch watching TV.
Find your ideal customer for your niche and be there for them!
More focused connection to the audience
When trying to appeal to a particular group, the chosen niche will make that connection much easier because you don't have to do anything other than exist for them to know who you are.
This focused connection is less work on your end, and being more cohesive with your products and branding makes it super powerful for people to know your store is for them.
With your chosen niche, you can appeal to them more quickly than an unfocused POD store with random designs that only look cool.
The list of the 27 best print on demand niche ideas
If you struggle to pick a niche for your store, feel free to use this list to get some ideas. It will contain this year's 27 best print on demand niche ideas.
Let's not wait any longer and get your brainstorming skills going!
Be aware that this list is random; I didn't rank it from the best or worst. So, if you pick any niche that interests you, you've made a great choice.
1. Mental health
The mental health niche has been getting more popular over the years, and it makes sense, considering it's such an essential part of our lives we need to care for!
This means tons of advocates will proudly support those who are supporting the mental health of others. You can also help in this niche by considering ways to keep the research and nonprofits that help.
2. Dogs
Who doesn't love a man's best friend? The dog niche is one of the most popular niches, and for a good reason - dogs are lovely on every level.
Seeing many dog POD-inspired designs can be daunting, but you can always niche further.
Remember how to find a niche article previously mentioned? You can add a similar niche to it to help your audience see you differently from the rest of the dog niches. You can also be particular dog breeds, colors, sizes, etc. The sky's limit!
Tip: Looking for clothing suppliers? Check out our complete list here with the best options!
3. Nurses
The nurse niche is a strong choice because nurses have a variety of directions you can go. Attractive? Crazy? Nerdy?
The nurse niche doesn't even have to be literal nurses too! The tools like stethoscopes or band-aids can work for the niche as well.
Feel free to get creative with anything that nurses would love to wear. Are they working with children? Older people?
Think of ways that connect with them that look appealing while connecting to the core values of their job.
4. Fishing
The fishing niche is a classic that many fathers and outdoor fish enthusiasts love. It is a great niche choice and shows a lot of there!
No worries, though! Some options range from super masculine designs for fishing oldie styles and more focused on boats or fishing poles that can work.
Also, just because many men enjoy it doesn't mean there aren't women's demands. Look into the possibilities! You may find the path less taken to be more profitable.
5. Astrology
Astrology, much like the constellations, is a timeless fascination that aligns perfectly with the personalization at the heart of print on demand services.
It’s a universe of symbols where each zodiac sign speaks its visual language.
Astrology-themed products cater to a community that looks to the sky for insights, embracing both the mystical and the everyday.
Also, one in four Americans say they believe in astrology!
Offer them the stars with items like constellation-emblazoned lamps or simple yet artistic zodiac tees. It's a niche that promises to keep your designs aligned with your customers' stars.
6. Patriotic
Many people love their country - it's a good reason they live there! When you choose a patriotic niche, you probably love the location you've based it on.
It uses symbols known for the country, such as the beautiful beaches of Brazil or the majestic mountains of Switzerland. There's a location for everyone, and it's an excellent choice to do where you live.
Remember, if your country is big and has a lot of competition, you can always scale down to a significant city or maybe a town if it's large enough. It's way easier to expand more significantly than smaller.
7. Reading and books
Reading is special—it's good for thinking, feeling, and learning. It can take you to new places or different worlds!
A lot of people like to read books on their phones or computers. Soon, more than 1.1 billion people will read eBooks, which is good news if you're making things for readers.
For those who love paper books, you could make pretty bookmarks. And for those with eBooks, why not make fun stickers to make their devices look nice?
Books are copyrighted, so using characters, specific locations, and verbatim text can be illegal without consent!
Related article: Is Dropshipping Legal in 2024? (Take a Look Here First)
8. Truck drivers
Truck drivers are a pretty lonely profession, so this chosen niche for POD designs can make their job a little easier to know others like them.
From humor to trucks themselves, truck drivers are generally laid-back people because the job enhances that behavior.
You can ensure they feel right at home with your products they would love to have and proudly show off.
9. Sisters
We learn to love and appreciate family members through the growing pains of sharing with someone. What better way to celebrate it than through a niche of sisterhood?
While family members like dads, cousins, aunts, sons, etc., can work, let's look into sisters.
Designs can be feminine with light colors like yellow or pink. They can feature graphics of sisters appreciating each other - or the exact opposite in an 'it's so accurate it's a fun way.
10. Pizza
Pizza is one of the most universally loved foods in the world! It's why so many communities are devoted to it, from young children to old adults.
There's a pizza topping. Forever have fun! Have fun! Our. That said, there's a lot of creative ideas you can go with this food choice:
- Hamburger-style pizza toppings
- Hot wings
- Maybe even vegetables like broccoli and artichokes?
11. Memes
Is this the most significant niche of all POD dropshipping? Quite possibly, but don't let the sheer size of the competition scare you off. There's plenty of memes to go around.
As you may know, some memes are better than others. Some are only good, depending on the timely fashion of pop culture. Many memes can also die out as fast as they've appeared.
Why it's a call: engine niche, there's a lot of fun reward to know you've made people smile and laugh. For a lot of people, it's worth the effort.
12. Vegan
The power of not having animal products in their diet is the phenomenon of animal care and health buffs trying to reclaim a natural lifestyle.
Vegans love being part of a big community, and POD designs can help. They take great pride in their diet and impact on animal consumption, so think of strategies that help support this mission!
13. Video games
Statista says the video game world will grow greatly by 2025—it might be worth $268.8 billion!
Games are very popular, and so are special things for gamers, like colorful mouse pads, big desk mats, and cool tech things.
If you want to sell things gamers like, choose designs they love. Maybe old-style 8-bit, small team games, or games you play in arcades. These can make your products look very special and fun.
You can also work with people who play online games and show others. If they like your products, more gamers will trust and want to buy them.
14. Dinosaurs
Designing dinosaurs on your POD product sounds like a dream come true for many people who choose this niche.
It's like monsters that existed; now you can bring them back to life!
Who says you should only do real-life dinosaurs? Get creative and design some that are indeed out of this world.
It'll be awesome to see a flying stegadon on, for starters. The creativity is endless.
15. Outer space
That's one small step for man, one giant leap for a niche choice! Outer space is vast, just like the number of different types of niches there are for it!
Satellites, planets, galaxies, black holes, and astronauts are various. Give your customers an out-of-this-world experience when they look at your designs.
16. Travel and outdoors
The call of the wild and new horizons is more than just a desire—it's a hot market. Statista projects the outdoor apparel sector to soar beyond $45 billion by 2027, creating a lucrative niche for print on demand owners.
In navigating terrain, focus on the essentials that adventurers always pack. Comfortable t-shirts, cozy hoodies, protective hats, and drinkware for vital hydration are great for your designs.
17. Working out
One of the biggest inspirations for POD apparel is muscle tank tops! Everyone wants to be in the best shape of their life, and anything that drives them to do that will be welcomed.
You may need to niche down on this one because it is one of the most popular and competitive options.
Think of the ones that aren't more prolific but need to be like Pilates or vegan-themed art.
18. Music
Music makes cultures and communities thrive. It's the songs of the people and what they're passionate about.
Music is also one of the most remarkable ways to share emotions and ideas. This also can be used for POD designs. Visual art is similar to music in its expression of emotions.
Due note, lyrics, artists, and bands can be trademarked, so please avoid logos, faces, and iconic visuals that strongly represent the trademark owner.
Examples of art directions you can use are instruments like guitars, pianos, cellos, music notes, and culture surrounding the music, like reggae or country-themed people and locations.
Imagine someone choosing a T-shirt for its message. This is the power of activism and social causes niche in print on demand.
It's about creating apparel that lets people showcase their support for the causes close to their hearts.
Take Gary Stokes from OceansAsia as an example. He's tapping into this trend by selling items that help fund marine conservation efforts.
The potential here is vast, stretching from human rights to animal welfare. Whether advocating for education or awareness, these themes resonate deeply with many.
To truly stand out, hone in on a specific area—like combating ocean pollution or aiding at-risk species. Your designs could be more than just fashion; they could be a call to action.
20. True crime
Teepublic
True crime stories are all the rage on YouTube and podcasts. There's just something fascinating about learning about how people can commit these horrific crimes, you know?
POD designs have been murder weapons, scene crimes, prison, or court-based. Mixed with some humorous flair, people will be interested in sharing it.
21. Skateboarding
Skateboarding culture loves art. Whether it's off-the-wall outrageous designs or abstract imagery that bends what we consider normal.
Your POD designs do not have to reflect that to appeal to skateboarders directly, but it helps to know the streetwear-like designs their culture typically enjoys.
22. Beauty and makeup
Do you know how much makeup and other beauty products the average woman spends in their lifetime? Upwards of $300,000.
That's a lot, which means there's a lot of resonance in beauty and make-up-inspired POD products. Many makeup users love showing off their art skills, and that art can reflect your designs for them.
23. Movies
Who doesn't like a good movie to pass the time with?
We are naturally drawn to good stories. That success is why movies come from the love of heroes overcoming their problems to save the world. It's a recurring classic because it works.
Your POD products can be their hero inspired by films your audience will love. It's essential to be mindful of copyright infringement regarding stories and quotes.
Yes, that's right, quotes can be copyrighted because they're published from a script that holds the rights to the movie's production company.
24. Beards
A niche stylish men hold is caring for facial hair, particularly the beard. Men who love their beards love them.
Beards make an excellent niche choice because they are passionate about them and want to show it off.
That means they'll be more willing to show off your beard-designed POD products!
25. Synthwave
Synthwave is famous for the music in science-fiction films of the 1980s, such as Blade Runner.
It's evolved a lot since then and is now a recognizable art aesthetic in modern homes.
With different shades of purple, pink, and orange, synth wave is super creative and loves to break the rules of what you would see in everyday life. It can be abstract with shapes and literal with highways, cityscapes, and palm trees.
26. Computer programming
Computer programming, also known as 'coding,' is steadily rising as computer software improves yearly. It's a culture with even its coding language!
Computers, gadgets, and technology are excellent niches for POD designs. You can celebrate, have fun, and be educational since it's a lifelong practice with never-ending bugs to fix.
27. Summer
Although you can pick any season and could even be more successful, we're looking at the summer season for the amount of variety and room for summer fun niche opportunities.
People generally love summer the most because the weather is easy to romanticize. Not only that but there are many other great things about summer, too!
Like summer blockbuster films, giant pools, ice cream, and many outdoor activities, have fun and be creative; people love festive and bright designs.
Conclusion
As you learn more about what other POD stores are doing with their chosen niche, the more you can apply to your store. The possibilities can be overwhelming because there's no clear way to succeed.
It's a journey, and your customers will be on a wild ride with you. Once you find your niche, it's about living it through as much as possible through your designs.
If you're ready for that journey, you should check out this article here with the best print on demand companies for your business!
Or, if you're looking for a POD supplier in the US, check out this article here.
Enjoy the process and best of luck!
Want to learn more about POD?
Ready to move your print on demand store to the next level? Check out the articles below:
- How Do You Handle Print on Demand Returns in 2024?
- Is Print on Demand Still Profitable Today in 2024? Or Not?
- Dropshipping vs. Print On Demand: What Is the Difference?
- 15 Most Successful Print on Demand Store Examples in 2024
Plus, don’t forget to check out our in-depth how to start a print on demand business guide here!
