The Economy of Imagination: How Users Are Monetizing in Somnium Space

Written by Marc Demar

As the metaverse continues to take shape, one question often echoes through discussions, panels, and forums: “Can I actually make money in VR?”

In Somnium Space, the answer is not only yes – it’s a resounding yes with a roadmap that’s already unfolding in real time. From digital artisans crafting and selling wearables and avatars, creators winning prizes with their creations, to performers earning tips on the fly, the platform is steadily proving itself as fertile ground for a new kind of economy – one built on creativity, presence, and decentralized ownership.

Welcome to the Creator Economy of the Metaverse

At the heart of Somnium’s monetization model is user empowerment. Here, you don’t just inhabit the world – you can build it, design for it, host within it, and profit from it.

Whether you’re a 3D designer, a live performer, a game creator, or simply someone with a flair for social gatherings, Somnium offers multiple tools to monetize directly inside the platform:

Create and Sell Digital Assets

From fashion-forward wearables to fully rigged custom avatars, creators can design unique items and list them for sale on the integrated marketplace. These aren’t just cosmetic. In VR, your avatar is your identity – and users are willing to pay for looks that express who they are.

Users are already creating wearables, and even building items, and list them on Somnium Space’s integrated marketplace. Somnium’s SDK makes it very easy for creators to bring in their own assets, test them in-world, and sell them for Somnium Cubes (CUBEs) – the platform’s native currency.

Purchasing is equally seamless. You can do that in-world in VR or via your desktop. Once purchased, you can use your new acquisition immediately.

Scanning the Market for a cool wearable

Purchased a helmet and instantly spawned it next to the VR1

How to Get Somnium Cubes

Tip Jar: Monetize in Real-Time

Launched in V3.0.2, the new Tip Jar application is a game-changer for creators and performers. Whether you’re a stand-up comedian, jazz singer, or simply hosting an engaging social event, spawning a Tip Jar allows people to tip you Cubes instantly in-world.

No forms. No web redirects. Just you, your audience, and real-time appreciation in digital currency.

As user Wilson put it after a recent event:

Yesterday’s giggles were more than just fun—they were a reminder of what this platform is really capable of. The Tip Jar is the star of the show.

Join Creator Competitions and Win $$

Recognizing the importance of community engagement, Somnium Space launched a Monthly World-Building Competition. This initiative not only incentivizes creativity with cash prizes but also highlights the best creations across the platform’s social channels. This competition serves as both an inspiration and a proving ground for aspiring creators, showcasing the limitless potential of the platform. Those who excel in world-building will not only gain recognition but will also find themselves at the forefront of a rapidly growing digital economy. Follow Somnium Space’s X account for updates, entry form, winner announcements and more!

See below for some amazing winners of the competition!

Somnium Space Announces Final World Building Winners – And a Major Pivot to Ambassador-Led Creation

Somnium Space Launches Winter World Competition: Unleash Your Frosty Creativity!

October/November World Competition Winners Announced!

Build a Business from the Ground Up

The real power of monetization in Somnium Space lies in its flexibility. You can:

Launch a fashion brand selling exclusive virtual wearables

Create, host and monetize games inside Worlds

Run a music venue featuring weekly shows with live tipping

Perform and/or offer services in Somnium Space with live tipping

Launch a virtual building company, offering 3D building assets and scripting services for parcels and Worlds

Launch and run a shop that specializes in avatar design and creation

Run a virtual real estate company and rent out parcels

This is just a small sample of what you can do to monetize. The key is that in this decentralized world, you are the platform. Somnium provides the canvas – and the currency – to support whatever vision you bring.

Why This Matters

What makes this different from traditional online platforms is the sense of ownership and presence. When you earn in Somnium, you’re not just another content creator in a walled garden. You’re a landowner, architect, host, and brand – operating in a persistent, blockchain-powered space where your creations have value far beyond vanity metrics.

More importantly, Somnium’s economy doesn’t rely on third-party ad revenue or algorithmic favoritism. It runs on community interaction and direct exchange – human to human, avatar to avatar.

Looking Ahead

There’s a lot more in store so expect a whole range of other monetization options to be added to what is already available. Somnium Space understands that the platform is made by its users and that creators need flexibility and tools to unleash their full potential and creativity.

As more tools are introduced, the path forward is clear: Somnium Space is becoming not just a platform for social interaction, but a fully functioning economy where imagination, art, and innovation pay dividends.

For those who’ve asked, “Can I build a business in the metaverse?” — the answer is not only yes. In Somnium, people already are.

About Somnium Space

Somnium Space, the company behind the VR1, also runs a blockchain-based virtual reality platform that allows users to create, experience, and monetize content and applications. The platform is committed to building a decentralized and immersive VR world that offers users a unique and engaging experience.

Web: https://somniumspace.com

Discord: https://discord.gg/somniumspace

Authencity: https://authencity.io/user/somniumspace

X: https://x.com/SomniumSpace

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Marc Demar
A @somniumspace native, editor of the @somniumtimes, and believer in the future of decentralized, persistent, immersive VR. He’s also an avid traveler, trader and writer. His personal X account is @marcdemar1