Filmmakers, SEO specialists and graphic designers are among the most sought-after freelance roles globally, according to new research.
A Global Freelancer Report from UK business management platform Tide examined more than six million Google searches across 40 countries to uncover which professions are most in demand and where opportunities are growing fastest.
Video specialists top the global list, with freelance filmmakers attracting more than 280,000 searches a year. Despite the rise of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, graphic designers and copywriters continue to feature prominently, ranking third and fourth respectively. The report also found strong interest in data-related skills, with freelance data analysts and programmers rounding out the global top ten.
In the UK, search engine optimisation (SEO) specialists are the most sought-after freelancers overall, reflecting growing demand for digital visibility. Graphic designers are particularly popular in England and Northern Ireland, while freelance photographers lead searches in Wales and copywriters dominate searches in Scotland. Outside the UK, programmers are the top freelance profession in the United States, tax consultants in Germany and bookkeepers in several European countries including Denmark and Croatia.
Growing demand for digital and creative expertise
The study also tracked which freelance roles are growing fastest year on year. Web analytics specialists saw the sharpest increase, up 88 percent, followed by content marketers and photo retouchers. Niche digital roles are also on the rise, including thumbnail designers for platforms such as YouTube, which have grown by 35 percent, and branding specialists, up 25 percent.
The findings suggest that even as AI transforms many creative and technical professions, demand for human-led creativity and strategy remains strong. Businesses continue to seek freelancers who can combine digital skills with insight, originality and flexibility.
Freelance filmmaker and director Oreoluwa Peter Famosa, who has produced work for artists such as Rizzle Kicks, Rema and Ayra Starr, said his journey began by helping his father at weddings and evolved into a full-time creative career.
He described freelancing as “a wholesome journey I’d encourage everyone to take at some point” and offered three key principles for success: structure, punctuality and discipline. “Discipline is the most unstoppable force known to the human mind,” he said.
Businesses turn to freelancers for flexibility and expertise
George Schmidt, UK and Europe CEO of Tide, said freelancing could be both “an exciting and natural next step” for those with industry experience and a cost-effective solution for businesses.
“From a business perspective, freelancers can be a cost-effective solution for one-off or short-term projects, offering the agility and expertise companies need without the overheads of a permanent hire or larger agency,” he said.
The freelance segment in the UK remains a major part of the workforce. According to the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE), there are over 2 million freelancers in the UK, representing almost half of all solo self-employed workers. Broader self-employment, including freelancers, covers around 4.4 million people and contributes more than £270 billion to the economy.
Freelancer income varies widely across sectors. A UK Freelancer Rates Report 2025 found average day rates had increased by around 3 percent to £390, with hourly rates averaging about £49. Yet challenges remain: a survey of creative freelancers found that 44 percent earned less than the UK national living wage, while nearly half had no pension provision.
What rising freelance demand means for employers
Freelancers bring flexibility, specialist skills and speed, often filling gaps in creative or technical expertise. But observers warn that companies must ensure fair terms, clear onboarding and integration into team culture if they wish to maintain engagement and quality.
Employers, they say, should note that the most sought-after freelance skills centre on digital visibility, content creation and data analysis. These insights can help guide future workforce planning and outsourcing strategies. At the same time, reliance on freelancers requires careful management to avoid compliance risks, pay inequities or blurred employment boundaries.
Freelancing is no longer a peripheral part of the economy but a growing feature of how work is structured and delivered. As demand for agile, project-based talent continues to rise, employers that embrace flexible models while safeguarding standards and inclusion will be best placed to thrive in the changing world of work.
