Top 10 Tools for Creators Who are Just Starting Out
The saying goes that if you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life. This mentality of turning a hobby or special interest into a career is likely one of the reasons why becoming an influencer has become a top career interest for many young people. On the surface, it appears to be a lucrative path that avoids the corporate world. It can be done outside of a set schedule and does not require a specific location. Digging deeper, however, may lead many to recognize the amount of work and commitment that goes into content creation. We aren’t going to lie and say this is the worst job ever. Being a creator might even be more challenging than a traditional nine-to-five. However, we have the solution. Interested in starting in this field? Here are 10 tools for creators that will be helpful on your new journey.
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The Basics
No matter what field of content creation you are entering, there are some tools for creators that you will need. When you are first starting, we recommend finding affordable options for all your necessities. This lowers the financial barrier to entry for anyone who wants to try it out. Give yourself the option to try something new without setting the stakes too high on your first attempt. Find out how to adapt a business strategy within the quick pace of the social media world.
Camera
This might be the most obvious tool for creators to invest in, but it is worth mentioning nonetheless! To post on any visual media platform, you will require a device capable of capturing high-quality images. If/when your career takes off, you can buy yourself the crazy cool camera you have your eye on. For now, a smartphone camera will do! Many creators use their phones because the quality is just as good, or even better, than high-end cameras.
Microphone
@battny Looking to elevate your context without paying thousands of dollars? I got you! The viral mics are on sale today! Let’s do a test! #mics #pinkmicrophone #microphonechallenge #microphones #microphone #wirelessmicrophone #wirelessmicrophone ♬ original sound - Battny
People who aren’t interested in sharing content that requires voiceovers or speaking elements don’t have to worry about audio quality. However, we are definitely seeing a shift toward video content over static pictures. So, having a microphone will likely be an essential tool for creators. While smartphone microphones will suffice, many creators tend to invest in a secondary form of audio recording. Some influencers have even shared that having a microphone on camera suits their aesthetic well. Whether this is simply a nice pair of earbuds or something specifically designed for content creation, numerous affordable microphone options can get you started.
Lighting
@runrazylvm NOT SPONSORED I did not notice it while filming but the light does have adjustable brightness so you’re not stuck with it. #target #targetfinds #creatorhacks #tripodreview #cameralight #heyday ♬ original sound - harksquinzel
With there being so many options for entertainment, you want your content to be visually appealing so viewers don’t scroll away before they’ve given you a chance. Anyone who has experienced a crash course on Zoom protocol or has attended a virtual meeting knows the importance of lighting. The subject of your video, whether that’s you or something else, needs to be appropriately visible on screen so that audiences can identify your channel and content. Sometimes, this is as simple as finding a location and time of day with great natural lighting. At other times, choosing the best lighting means investing in a ring light or other methods to illuminate the space.
Space and Setting
Having an identifiable setting or backdrop can help audiences quickly recognize your channel and stay engaged with your content. This may not be possible for every content creator (we’re looking at you, travel influencers!), but for those who have the option to set up a familiar setting, it's worth considering. This does not have to be elaborate or expensive. Most people film from their bedroom or a quiet area in their house, but they tend to do so in the exact location for many videos. It can also be helpful for this setting to include markers of the content you are interested in discussing. For example, booktokers often film in front of their bookcases. Discover more AAPI content creators here!
Online Tools
It’s not just about turning on the camera and going. To keep eyes on your page, it is essential to invest some post-production work into your posts. Numerous online tools can help elevate your content to the next level.
Video Editing
It’s okay not to get every shot right on the first try, and it is an impossible standard to ask any creator to make video content without editing tools. There are numerous options to consider when it comes to video editing software, but let’s focus on budget-friendly resources for those just starting. For short-form content, one of the most popular options is CapCut. Many people use it without a problem. If you’re looking for an option without watermarks at the end or need something for longer form content, take a minute to shop around and find out which program will work best for you. Find out more about why your brand shouldn’t go all in on AI.
Sound Editing
While audio editing is included in most, if not all, video editing programs, certain categories of content may work best with a specific audio editing setup. For example, voiceover content and podcasts. Specific sound editing software might provide more tools, or it could be beneficial to have a dedicated platform specifically for sound editing. Again, there are a few options available that are free and easy to use; you have to decide what works best for your needs.
Picture Editing
We’ve been focusing a lot on the video editing needs of new creators. Still, picture editing software is also a helpful tool for creators interested in starting accounts on platforms like Instagram or Lemon8, which highlight photography in their posting algorithms. That being said, platforms that initially focused on video, such as YouTube and TikTok, have begun incorporating more still picture posting into their feeds. Many different creators set up bundles of photo presets that add the perfect filters and lighting to raw images. We have already compiled a list of individuals who have developed some outstanding packages.
Research Tools
@mister.tomfoolery Spending my evenings researching hyper niche topics just for funsies 👨🔬❇️ #internet #research #art ♬ make it simple - MrE4zyChill
Okay, we’ll admit. This category may be a bit of a stretch when it comes to tools for creators, but we believe this information is so important that we have decided to include it anyway. Conducting thorough research for any project is crucial, especially when considering a significant investment of time, effort, and resources. If you’re here, you are already doing the work of researching to find out what you need to do to prepare for this next step. We’re just here to give you some tips on what it looks like to do research in the social media creator space.
Learn About the Subject
If you are interested in becoming a creator in a specific niche of the internet, you probably know a decent amount about it. You may know more about health and fitness or the best movies coming out right now than all your friends. But on the internet, you are going to run into people who are very like-minded and may know just as much as you. To stand out in your field, it is essential to be well-versed in the field you are planning to enter. Identify the items that often get overlooked and bring them to the surface. This may involve exploring academic studies related to health and wellness or discovering obscure movie streaming services that feature some great films that are not widely known. Whatever your interest, find a way to become an expert in the subject. Learn about NeoReach’s commitment to higher education.
Learn About Other Creators
We cannot emphasize enough the importance of being aware of the other creators in your community and their specialties within the field. We also want to remind you that these creators are NOT competition. Content creation is one space where there isn’t really a limited resource. People who are interested in the community you intend to join are likely to follow multiple individuals within the space, and that can include you without excluding another account. Knowing who is already in the space is a helpful tool for creators because it can provide examples of what you like and what you would want to do differently. It can show you styles you hadn’t ever thought of before, discover what trends show up in most of the content, and even inspire you to do something new!
Learn About your Audience
Remember back in school when your English teacher said you had to know your audience for your paper, even though no one would ever read it? Now you’re entering a space where people will actually see what you create! To create content that engages people, it is helpful to know who you are targeting. Your style, vocabulary, and topics may vary depending on what you decide will attract the best audience. To find out what is missing from your niche or what people most enjoy, look at popular subreddits related to your subject and check out the comment section of creators already in the space. While we still encourage you to maintain your individuality in your content, the ultimate goal of becoming a content creator is to share it with others. Understanding your audience can be a great way to find your voice within the space. Find out more about how NeoReach collaborated with the Blue Apron brand.