In this blog, I will discuss the best content creation tools for creating content for blogs, social media, Youtube, etc.
I have created technical and non-technical content online for over a decade.
It includes blogs, images, videos, presentations, etc.
There is a plethora of tools available for content creation. However, this blog will list tools I have used for some time.
The tools are listed in no particular order, and each tool comes under any of the following categories
- Image Creation
- Writing
- Video Editing
- Technical Diagrams
Now let’s get started with the list.
1. Grammarly
Grammarly is the first tool you should use if you are a content creator.
Grammarly is an excellent tool for grammar and spell check. It is available for free. You can use the SaaS version for editing documents or the browser plugins to integrate with other writing tools you use.
I use Grammarly Premium as it has advanced features like sentence rewrites, Word choices, tone suggestions, citation style formatting, etc. You can use Grammarly suggestions to improve your writing style.
Also, I use the plagiarism detection feature to check for plagiarism in the content submitted to my blog by users.
License: Free/Premium
Website: grammarly.com
2. Canva
No one needs an introduction to Canva. It is an online graphic design tool. You can design images for Blogs, Social media, Youtube, etc.
Canva is the best tool for creating images and presentations. You can get design quality as you would get from a professional graphic designer using prebuilt templates.
You can even create docs, infographics, Graphs, and whatnot. 99% of the content creators use Canva. It is available for free with limitations to premium features.
I use Canva Pro with all the premium features. I primarily use it for creating blog banners, animated presentations, social media images, logos, and promotional materials.
License: Free/Premium
Homepage: canva.com
3. Camtasia
Camtasia is a video editing tool. I have been using it for a few years now.
You can do the following with Camtasia
- Screen Recording (Audio/Video)
- Professional Level Video Editing
- Audio enhancements
- Video animations/transitions
I primarily use it for creating Youtube tutorial videos.
License: Premium
Homepage: techsmith.com
4. Descript
Descript is a video and podcast editor.
This is an excellent tool for removing filler words for freestyle video recording. It converts your audio into text, and with one click, you can remove all the filler words like “Uh”, “Umm,” etc.
Other features include podcast recording, Screen recording, captioning, etc.
Another interesting feature of Descript is overdub. You can train the tool to produce your sound. This way, you can convert text to your voice.
I am currently playing around with the tool and planning to use it for all video recording and editing.
License: Free/Premium
Website: descript.com
5. Self-Hosted WordPress (Blog)
I publish most of my content in this blog, and I use a self-hosted WordPress blog.
I use AWS for hosting (ec2+RDS). It’s expensive.
If you are getting started, consider using Bluehost Shared Hosting. With a one-time payment, you can have a hosting validity of up to 3 years.
The good thing about a self-hosted blog is you own your content 100%. If you want to take advantage of users in medium, you can repurpose your blog content on medium, dev.to, etc.
Recommended Hosting: bluehost.com
6. draw.io
draw.io is a free tool for creating technical diagrams (flowcharts, process diagrams, org charts, architecture diagrams, etc.)
It has so many features, including line animation. When I post content on Linkedin, many people ask me how I create the animated diagram. Draw.io is one way to create animated flow diagrams.
One downside is that you need to use a screengrab utility to create gif formats as there is no default gif export option.
License: Free
Website: draw.io
7. Excalidraw
If you are someone who likes to create a diagram that looks like a freehand diagram, you will love Excalidraw.
I use excalidraw extensively. I use it to create diagrams and explain concepts during meetings, as drawing is effortless.
If you want animated lines with excalidraw, use the final image on draw.io canvas, and you can add animated sequences.
Excalidraw also offers a plus version where you can categorize and save your drawings online. In the free version, you must keep the diagram source file locally.
License: Free/Plus
Website: excalidraw.com
8. Sketchwow
Sketchwow is a creative image tool that supports freehand drawing, animations, etc.
It comes with a collection of templates to create engaging visuals.
It is paid tool, and I bought it for the line animation before realizing that draw.io offers that feature for free 😀
I wouldn’t suggest spending on Sketchwow if you need only animated lines.
License: Free/Plus
Website: sketchwow.com
Conclusion
When it comes to content creation, a tool is meant to enhance or present your content in a good way; however, the primary focus should be on creating high-quality content that adds value to end users.
Also, if you create diagrams for project work, focus on the technical details. Fancy animations add very little value. Animations are good for creators to explain a concept and keep the user interested in the image/video.
