Direct functionalization of readily available hydrocarbons under mild conditions fulfills the requirements of green and sustainable chemistry. In this work, a mild and green catalytic oxidative Csp³–H activation of methyl aromatics using O₂via photocatalysis has been achieved. A lot of methyl aromatics can be tolerated, providing a green route for aromatic methyl carboxylates. In addition, this protocol can be performed on a gram scale.