Freelance platforms see even more of an increase in supply and demand for AI skills

On freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, there is a growing demand for AI-related skills. Companies are seeking freelancers for tasks such as AI modeling, AI-generated content, and developing new AI chatbots. Searches for specific services like 'AI reels', 'AI influencer', 'AI content editing', 'AI chatbot', and 'AI consultant' have seen significant increases, indicating a surge in demand for these AI-related capabilities.

Freelance platforms are integrating AI-assisted tools to enhance their services and meet the growing demand for AI skills. For instance, Fiverr has added AI service categories to its homepage and introduced new AI features for matching freelancers with clients. They also offer a feature to generate AI-assisted briefs to help clients articulate their project requirements. Similarly, Wripple has developed a matching tool using OpenAI's API and a tool for generating AI cover letters, among other AI tools.

Several trends are emerging in the use of AI by freelancers. According to Fiverr CMO Matti Yahav, AI is not displacing humans but rather increasing the need for human expertise to deploy AI effectively. Freelancers are using AI to turn concepts or drafts into viable products. In addition, platforms like Wripple have observed freelancers using AI to enhance ad copy, augment designs, and experiment with special projects and prototypes. A survey by Wripple found that 80% of full-time freelancers are fully committed to using AI in their work, while part-time freelancers are less committed, with 40% planning to use AI occasionally.

AI adoption is prompting agencies and freelancers to reconsider their pricing models due to the new efficiencies AI introduces. Some agencies are exploring whether they need to change how they charge clients for projects, as AI can significantly speed up the completion of tasks. This is challenging for agencies that want to maximize their earnings. As a result, many are shifting towards selling complete solutions or projects, allowing them to benefit from the efficiencies of AI tools. Additionally, research by Originality.AI has shown a correlation between freelancers' use of AI and their charges, with higher AI usage detected among those charging lower rates.

Research from London's Imperial College Business School, which analyzed 1.73 million job postings on an undisclosed freelance platform, has shown quantitative shifts in the freelance market due to AI. The study found that graphic design jobs declined by 13%, writing jobs by 30%, and coding jobs by 20%. This suggests that AI is having a significant impact on the availability of certain types of freelance work. However, as Xinrong Zhu, assistant marketing professor at Imperial College, points out, technological advancements also create new opportunities and can propel industries into unknown futures.