15 The Best Apps and Tools for Content Creators
Ah, the life of a content creator: a whirlwind of ideas, blog posts, and social media platforms, the process of creating never ends.
But it's not just about generating high-quality content anymore; it's about optimizing for search engines, scaling for different platforms, and keeping up with your online presence. So, how can you stay ahead in the content creation process?
It's all about having the right tools and apps, ready to help you with your creation process. That's why I've compiled this list of the Best apps for content creators.
Let's dive and take a look at 15 of the best Apps for Content Creation you can use to up your game. Trust me, as someone who lives and breathes content creation, I use these tools every day. Let's get into it!
1. Canva - Your Design Playground
As a Canva Verified Expert, Canva had to be on the list, but I use Canva every day. It's my go-to app for any new content. Be that to edit a quick image, make a social media post, or design the next cover for my email newsletter. (by the way, if you haven't already joined, you can get the inside scoop here). Canva really is the best content creation app for any creator.
You can use the Canva app for everything from social media posts to YouTube channel art. With the Canva mobile app, you can even craft Instagram Stories on the go.
The free version of canva is great, but Canva Pro comes loaded with a ton of impressive features that can take your content to the next level. Features like background remover on both images and video, access to more templates, stock images, and more useful export options.
Try Canva Pro Free for 45 Days
Also, check out my post on using the Canva Content Planner and how you can share your designs to your social media networks.
2. Motion - The AI-Powered Calendar
Next, let's look at getting your day-to-day tasks sorted. If you're like me, you have endless to-do lists everywhere. I used to write notes down on a Post-it note, notepad, or journal, and I've even found notes and ideas on the back of an envelope.
Even when you find your list of ideas, you're not sure which piece of content you are supposed to be working on next. If this sounds like you, you will love Motion. I was initially skeptical, but I've found that using Motion is like hiring a virtual assistant but at a fraction of the cost.
Motion has both a desktop app and mobile app and connects to your Google Calendar and/or Outlook Calendar and keeps you on task.
Using the latest AI coding, Motion helps you prioritize tasks according to the time taken and the date the task is due. You can add in blockers so it understands which tasks need to be done and in what order. So, it won't suggest publishing content before you have written it or outlined your idea.
If you have an idea on the go, just open the mobile version, add in the task, and include a deadline, and AI will schedule your task so you get it done on time.
If you are part of a team, you can add team members to organize your day and find gaps for meetings easily. You can even send out a link to clients for them to book time slots that are convenient for both you and them. This can be via a one-time link, or you can set up regular slots where clients can book meetings with you. This feature alone is worth the subscription cost.
So if you are a creator who is editing blog posts, creating video content, or getting ready to launch your latest marketing campaign, Motion is not just a useful tool; it's a game-changer.
3. The Cloud Storage - Access Files on the Go
Being able to switch between your laptop, tablet or phone as a content creator is key and that's why online or cloud storage is next on the list. Also, there is nothing worse than having a hard drive fail or having a file on one device and not being able to access that device for some reason.
Using a services like iCloud, Dropbox or Google Drive for storing digital content across different devices is crucial. It's also one of the best ways to access that image for your Instagram stories or to be able to update blog posts with new images you have taken.
The best thing is using a popular app for online storage means team members can share video clips, audio files, and even entire YouTube videos. Google Drive offers a free version, but for advanced tools and space, the paid plan is worth it. For a few dollars a month, Google offers you up to 2TB of online storage plus other benefits like VPNs and Monitoring of your details on the Dark Web. Google Drive Plans
If you need more than 2TB of storage, you can get unlimited online storage from Box
4. Google Docs - Writing and Keeping Notes
Sometimes being able to share access to a document is vital and that's where Google Docs comes in. This is a tool and app that every content creator should have on their phone and web browser. Whether you're working on your latest blog posts or social media content, Google Docs allows for real-time collaboration. Its integration with Google Drive makes storing and sharing documents a breeze.
If you are working on a document with a client or VA? You can see updates in real-time. This means you can have a conversation, edit the same document, and see the changes as each user updates them. You don't need to use the premium version, but it's one you will find super useful.
5. CapCut and DaVinci Resolve - Video Editing on the Go
Video is key for content creators, and being able to edit a quick Instagram Reel, TikTok, or YouTube short video on the go is just part of being a content creator. When it comes to the video creation process and editing video on mobile devices, there's no better app right now than CapCut. It's a free app that's perfect for quick edits and creating content for Instagram Reels.
If you didn't know, CapCut is also owned by ByteDance, which happens to be the same people that own TikTok, so you'll see many of the same features as in the native TikTok app for your video editing process.
The best part of CapCut is that it's free, and who doesn't love free content creation tools?
If you want a more professional video editing process, DaVinci Resolve has an iPad and desktop version that offers advanced editing tools and special effects. Both have free trial and paid options, so test them out and find what suits you best.
It's also worth noting that if you have an Apple device, you will have iMovie, which is a free video editing app on all Apple devices. You will just need to download it from the ap store.
6. Adobe Creative Cloud - AI-Powered Tools
Adobe is full of AI-Powered Image and Video Editing Tools. If you are serious about content creation, then Adobe has you covered. Whether you're a graphic designer or just diving into visual content, Adobe has a wide range of tools, including Adobe Spark (now rebranded as Adobe Creative Cloud Express), Adobe Photoshop, and for video editing Premier Pro.
Adobe has new AI features, such as Generative Fill in Photoshop or text-based video editing in Premier Pro. No matter the type of content you create, there are so many advanced features in Adobe that make it a great option for professional creators.
7. SkillShare - Learn on the Go
Keep up to date with what is new in content creation and learn from the best. Skillshare is one of the best apps if you want to learn more about creating social media videos or social media graphics.
Maybe you want to learn how to adjust the shutter speed of your camera to take and edit photos better, or just be more creative and learn how to draw in ProCreate. Whatever it is you want to learn, Skillshare is one of the best ways to keep learning and develop as a content creator.
I use the app a lot when I'm traveling or if I have a few moments on a coffee break. Instead of spending time on social media, I like to open up the Skillshare app and learn something new.
One of my favorite sayings or quotes is, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
8. Epidemic Sound - Finding the Perfect Music
As social media content creators, it is important to have good music in our videos. If you are posting across multiple social media accounts, it can be hard to keep track of the music you can use on one platform but not on another. That's why I always use Epidemic Sound for my music. If I'm creating Instagram posts, YouTube videos, or TikTok, I know that I'll not get a copyright issue using Epidemic Sound.
One of the best features is that Epidemic Sound also has an app, so I can pull my phone out and listen to music in the environment I'm in and find music that matches the feeling I am having right there and then.
Just heart a song, add it to a playlist or download it and import it to your chosen video editor. On top of the thousands of music tracks you can find on Epidemic Sound, there are also plenty of Sound Effects to add to the perfect ambiance of your video.
Try Epidemic Sound today, Free for 30 days, and you’ll never have to worry about sharing content across your different channels.
9. Headspace - Find a Moment to Meditate
Now let's take a look at apps that help you unwind, relax and feel a little less stressed.
First of these apps is Headspace. Headspace is a meditation app that is always developing. It's my number one recommendation if you need help to relax a little more.
I've been a member of Headspace since 2014 and is probably my most used app on my phone outside of any social media platform.
It can be so easy to get caught up in the busy and frantic pace of life, but taking a few moments each day to meditate can be super rewarding. Using the Headspace App is a great way to relax and unwind. Be that ten minutes as part of your daily journey, or help to drop off to sleep at night.
10. Betterhelp - Therapist in Your Pocket
Being a content creator can be a lonely space at times, and even when things are going well we can have doubts in our minds with things like imposter syndrome or even if it's just something more personal you are struggling with, like family. But that's where therapy can help you.
When it comes to getting therapy I was so skeptical at first, but now I speak to my therapist every week and found them using the Betterhelp app.
What I like about better help is that I can journal my thoughts on the go, and I can then share that journal with my therapist. How I use this is that as I go about my week, I jot down my daily thoughts about what is on my mind or making me feel anxious. But it's not just about journaling the frustrations and annoyances; BetterHelp also helps me capture good things that happen.
Capturing my thoughts on the go then allows my therapist to see these snippets of my week that we can then talk about in my next session, or they can reply and offer help during the week if it's something that can't wait.
I think more people should have a therapist, and it's something I'm totally open and honest about. If you are struggling with anything, then I highly recommend giving better help a try.
If you can't afford a therapist, you can also speak to a friend or try https://www.samaritans.org/
11. Sparespace - Website Editing and Creation
I've used a lot of options for creating websites over the years, but Squarespace is now my number-one go-to and recommendation for anyone that wants to start a blog or have a website. It's easy to use and integrates seamlessly with Google GA4, so you can easily access all the stats and information you might need from an SEO point of view.
Create a Course or Membership on Squarespace
If you want to create a membership or course on your website, you no longer need to send that traffic to another website. You can do it all on your Squarespace website using pre-made templates. There is also no need to worry about coding or updating of plugins, as all of that is taken care of.
Using Squarespace App
On the Squarespace app, you can create a blog post and use it as a to-do list, saving it as a draft for editing online later. But also, on the app, you can check stats and monthly search volumes of your keyword search terms, which is a great way to know what blog posts and web pages to create next.
Start your Squarespace website today
12. Jitter.video for Animation
Jitter.video is a great option for editable lower-third animations for your video content. The free plan allows you to export with a small watermark, but you can easily crop this out. When it comes to exporting your jitter video, you can export up to 720p on the free version, but for a higher resolution, you will need to upgrade to Jitter Pro. Once you are on the pro version, you will be able to export up to 4k video files.
One feature I'm really enjoying is exporting the files as Lottie files and then importing the Lottie files into my Canva designs.
13. Chat GPT - AI-powered writing Assistant For Ideas
When you're seeking inspiration for your content creation, ChatGPT, the AI-powered writing assistant, stands out as the go-to solution. If you find yourself stuck on content ideas, ChatGPT is your ally.
Simply share your topic or area of interest; this AI assistant will provide you with many ideas. However, it's worth noting that while ChatGPT offers suggestions, not every idea may be a perfect fit. It often requires a touch of editing and personalization to truly reflect your unique style and voice, ensuring the content doesn't feel purely generated by AI.
It's crucial to recognize that the data available here spans until January 2022. Therefore, for the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's recommended to verify and supplement with current data.
14. Grammarly - AI-powered Writing Assistant
I use both the web app and the mobile app for Grammarly. It is like having a personal writing assistant at your fingertips. This user-friendly tool enhances your writing by checking for grammatical errors, punctuation issues, spelling mistakes, and even style inconsistencies.
The best thing about this app is that it will help you write better over time. At least, this is what I have found. The software operates in real-time and integrates seamlessly into various platforms like web browsers and word processors, and can even be used on mobile devices.
Grammarly not only highlights errors but also provides suggestions to improve sentence structure, word choice, and overall clarity for your target audience.
With its user-friendly interface and customizable settings, Grammarly is an excellent app for anyone who writes. Whether for professional documents, creative pieces, academic papers, or casual social media posts. Its goal is to refine your writing, making it more polished and effective while offering insights into your writing patterns and helping you become a better writer over time.
15. Social Media Management Tools
Planning and batch-creating content is important if you are to keep on top of being present online. But it's also helpful to schedule that content. Be that to your chosen social media platform, YouTube or Pinterest. If you want to learn more about Pinterest, check out my post on using Canva for Pinterest, but also check out my post on using Canva to schedule to Instagram.
Other tools for scheduling content include Hootsuite and Buffer. If you are looking for a more Pinterest-based option, then check out Tailwind.
Bonus app. Pexels and Unspalsh
These are both places where you can grab images for free for your social media. The quality is not the same as a paid service, but it's handy to know about these for when you need an image in a hurry.
Round up of the Best Free Apps for Content Creators
There are plenty of free apps for content creators, and I will be regularly updating or adding to this post as I find more apps and use more apps myself. But this list is the top free apps that I'm using right now for content creation and client work. These apps all have free options.
Canva - Overall content creation app
Adobe Express - Free mobile app and Web app
Adobe Photoshop - Free mobile app
Capcut - Video editing on the go
Jitter.video - Animated lower thirds
iMovie - Free video editing app for Apple users
Grammarly - Advanced spell checker app on mobile and desktop
Unsplash & Pexels - Free images