If you’re looking to add new content creation tools to your toolkit, we've got you covered.
The right tools can make all the difference in streamlining your ability to create scroll-stopping, consistent content.
Ready to level-up your social media presence? Your ultimate guide to the best tools for creators and influencers in 2024 awaits.
Table of Contents
What Are Content Creation Tools?
Content creation tools are the little gadgets and apps that make a creator's job easier.
From ring lights to photo editing apps, they help keep you creative, productive, and organized.
Without them, it’s easy to get caught up in the little nuances of creating — risking precious time that could be better spent engaging with your community.
FYI: With Later's social media management platform (and Canva integration!), you can plan, manage, and schedule your content — all in one place. Create a free account now.
3 Must-have Content Creator Tools
Like the Animal Crossing tool ring, the following equipment and gear are essential for content creators of all kinds:
Ring Light
Computer
Portable Charger
#1: Ring Light
When you need help controlling the lighting at home, a ring light tripod combo can do the trick.
Not only does it help you create a bright aesthetic — it allows you to be hands-free to create more engaging Instagram Stories (or your next tutorial).
Many ring light tripods even have options for dimming the light to control the warmth or coolness of your shot, as well as a remote clicker for seamless content control.
Later's Pick: Kaiess 10.2" Selfie Ring Light
There are tons of options out there but our pick is the Kaiess 10.2" Selfie Ring Light — it's a great choice without the hefty price tag.
#2: Computer
As a content creator, a good quality laptop or desktop to edit, plan, and schedule your posts is essential.
While there are tons of options to choose from, our advice is to pick one that fits your specific needs.
Whether it’s designing graphics or outlining a storyboard and script for your upcoming YouTube video, the right computer will empower your creativity without slowing you down.
TIP: You can use a desktop app like Later to help with planning your content.
#3: Portable Charger
Not to be dramatic, but your electronics are your lifeline in the content world.
And there’s nothing more heartbreaking than a phone dying in the middle of a shoot.
Later's Pick: mophie Powerstation XXL Power Bank
A portable charger, like the morphie Powerstation XXL Power Bank, is an easy fix to make sure your content creation doesn’t get cut short when you’re away from home.
The Best Camera for Content Creators and YouTubers
If video is your thing, a high quality camera is just what you need to amplify your output.
And while not essential, many vloggers and creators alike swear by a good vlogging camera, especially when it comes to long-form content.
Later's Pick: Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera
Our consensus? For the average creator, the Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera is a well-known favorite.
The Most Useful Video Content Creation Tools for TikTok, YouTube & Reels
If you’re shooting footage specifically for TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram Reels, a few simple tools can produce some pretty impressive results.
Plus, by improving the production value and audio of your content, you might start to see a boost in your view and engagement rates too.
Here’s six of our favorite content creation tools for video:
#1: Flexible Tripod
You’re probably already quite familiar with the handiness of tripods when photographing.
But, if you’re regularly shooting flatlays and product photography — finding a flexible tripod can take your styled shots to the next level.
Later's Pick: K&F Concept 67 inch Camera Tripod
By easily converting to different angles, this MACC (Multi-Angle Center Column) tripod from K&F will give you a wider range of motion while stabilizing your camera.
#2: Microphone
A microphone isn’t just a sound investment for podcasters — there are plenty of reasons content creators should add one to their collection.
Whether it's recording tutorials or narrating video content, having a good quality mic on hand can often save the day — especially in environments where the audio is challenging.
Later's Pick: Snowball iCE USB Microphone
The Snowball iCE USB Microphone is just one of many that is perfect if you’re balling on a budget.
#3: Smartphone Camera Lenses
While smartphone cameras have come a long way, there’s still some limitations to what you can capture with your phone.
That’s where a smartphone camera lens kit comes in.
Later's Pick: Godefa Phone Camera Lens Kit
With everything from fisheye perspective to macro views, the Godefa Phone Camera Lens Kit lets you transform your phone camera with a simple lens clip.
#4: Backdrops
Wish you had marble countertops or colorful wall tiles in your home? Don’t worry — you can easily fake it.
Later's Pick: Backdrops from Capture by Lucy
From vinyl photography backgrounds to a simple whiteboard, you can create clean and interesting displays for your flatlays or portraits with Capture by Lucy.
#5: Selfie Ring Light Clip
Another clip that’s popular among influencers and content creators is a selfie ring light clip.
Later's Pick: Kimwood Rechargeable 60 LED Selfie Ring Light
Simply clip the Kimwood Rechargeable 60 LED Selfie Ring Light, onto your phone and voilà — you’ve got perfect lighting! This is especially useful for on-the-go recording that will give you a nice glow, even on gloomy of days.
#6: Softbox Lighting Kit
A softbox lighting kit is a must-have purchase for video or product photography shots.
Most kits contain two softbox lights, which instantly transforms any room into a professional studio.
Later's Pick: HPUSN Softbox Lighting Kit
Get a soft, diffused light by placing a lightbox, like these from HPUSN, on each side of the object or person you’re photographing.
TIP: Choose a neutral daylight balanced bulb to avoid adding an unwanted tint to your photos or video.
ICYMI: You can plan, schedule, and analyze your social media content with Later's tools and features. Create an account — for free.
Content Creation Software for Creators in 2024
For quick-turn content, editing apps are a content creator’s best friend.
From creating animated Instagram Stories to meme-worthy TikToks, there’s usually an app to help you wow your audience without a ton of work.
Here’s a roundup of our favorites:
#1: For Video: Lumafusion, Mojo, and CapCut
With video content becoming more popular than ever, it’s important to have a few go-to video editing apps for content creation.
Here at Later, we often use: Lumafusion, Mojo, and CapCut.
Whether it's splicing clips, cleaning up audio, creating animated videos with dynamic text, or using trending templates — each app has features guaranteed to make users stop their scroll.
TIP: For CapCut tips and tricks, bookmark this: How To Find & Use CapCut Templates for TikTok in 2024
#2: For Photography: LightRoom, Tezza, A Color Story, and VSCO
Content creation often involves honing your photography skills and in turn, developing an editing process too.
The best part is that you don’t have to spend hours fussing over individual edits.
Here are a few to add to your arsenal:
LightRoom presets to batch edit multiple photos at once.
Tezza if you prefer mobile-only editing apps.
A Color Story if you lean towards bright and colorful content.
VSCO for a range of filters, presets, and editing options.
TIP: Once you find a filter or preset you love, stick to it! This will help you create a cohesive and consistent aesthetic.
#3: For Templates: Canva
Known for its easy drag-and-drop design style, Canva is a popular choice for all types of creatives.
You can use their pre-made templates for Instagram, or to jazz up your social media proposals.
TIP: Get over 30 free templates you can start using in Canva right now.
#4: For Social Media Management: Later
As a leading social media management platform, Later is great for creating, planning, scheduling, and auto-publishing your content with ease.
Designed to streamline your workflow and help you create a killer aesthetic with tools like the Instagram Visual Planner, Later is your one-stop content scheduling machine.
Plus, you can analyze all your hard work with Later’s built-in analytics to hone your content creation strategy month over month.
Essential Websites & Apps for Content Creators
The internet really is a magical place with tons of useful (and free) resources. Here are a handful of our favorites:
#1: Later’s Weekly Trends Blog
Later’s bi-weekly TikTok Trends and weekly Reels Trends blogs are a massive timesaver in helping you keep up with all things trending on social media.
Our team of social media experts update each blog with the top TikTok and Instagram trends, so you can focus on creating superstar content.
Work smarter, not harder.
#2: Creative Market
Content creators typically wear many hats, and graphic design is often one of the most worn.
Luckily, there are plenty of sites that make it easy to produce professional results that are extremely affordable.
With Creative Market, you can bring your creative concept to life with millions of different fonts, graphics, photos, and templates available.
#3: Later’s Social Media Newsletter
Platforms are constantly changing and new industry trends emerge everyday — making it tough to keep up.
To stay on top of the latest social media news and tips, sign up for Later’s free weekly newsletter.
Basically, stick to creating and check your inbox every once in a while.
And there you have it — your complete list of content creator tools, apps, and websites to help build your community and make your life easier.
Bob the Builder, who?