Are you ready to start your content creation journey but your funds are limited? Free content creation tools have expanded how we share our knowledge and stories online. As a beginner content creator, this guide will walk you through the most effective free content creation tools available on the market. These tools can elevate your content game and give you a great base as a beginner.
What Tools Do You Already Have?
When you are first starting, you don’t have all the right tools to start content creation. Plus, acquiring the top-of-the-line tools can get quite expensive. The best thing to do is to start with tools you already have.
1. Smartphone
Your smartphone is a powerful, yet versatile content-creating tool that you already have in your arsenal. It offers professional-grade features like portrait photography, video stabilization, and built-in editing tools. Your smartphone is a one-stop content creation studio.
Tip: Explore apps like Snapseed (photo editing) and Capcut (video editing)
2. Computer
Your existing computer holds untapped potential as a free content-creation tool. Many computers come with pre-installed editing tools (e.g., iMovie or Microsoft Photos). Plus, you can pair them with downloads like GIMP (image editing) or Audacity (audio editing) for pro-looking results without the additional investment.
Want to learn more about staying motivated as a content creator. Start here.
Free Content Creation Tools For Every Content Type
Visual Content Creation Tool
When you are a rookie content creator, graphic design capabilities can set you apart from others in your niche. While many creators struggle with design, there’s one tool that consistently helps beginners create beautiful visuals.
Canva
Canva simplifies professional design for beginners. Its extensive template library and easy-to-use interface make it valuable for rookie content creators. For instance, you can create an engaging FaceBook post, an eye-catching infographic, or a professional presentation with ease using Canva’s ready-made templates.
Highlights of Canva:
- An extensive library of templates
- Drag-and-drop functionality
- Free and Pro versions tailored for different needs
Video Editing Tool
Editing videos can be overwhelming when you first start making content. Every video doesn’t come out right because you are comparing your content to seasoned content creators. So to set you up on the right path, a beginner-friendly editing tool can help you look more professional.
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve has a free photo editing plan that balances professional capabilities with user-friendliness. The free version is great for beginners. It allows you to grow your skills before upgrading to a plan that offers additional features.
Features of DaVinci Resolve Free:
- High-quality editing tools
- Color grading features
- Audio production mixing console
Audio Editing Tool
Audio is a vital component of content creation. If the sound isn’t right on your videos, viewers will swipe up and ignore your content. As a novice content creator, it may be difficult to find the right audio setup. There is free open-source software that can help with that.
Audacity
Audacity is a free editing tool that offers a wide range of features for beginners and professionals. It allows creators to record, edit, and tinker with audio tracks. This software is great for podcasting, music production, and other audio projects.
Functions of Audacity
- Free and open-source software
- Powerful and intuitive editing tools
- Available on platforms (e.g. Windows, macOS, and Linux)
Pair With Audacity:
The Blue Yeti USB microphone works well with the free Audacity software. Its plug-and-play simplicity produces studio-quality output, and its clear sound is great for recording podcasts, voiceovers, and more.
Writing Assistant Tool
When blogging, your content needs to be readable. Clear, error-free writing is important in establishing credibility and authority with your audience. While spell-check may catch obvious spelling errors, professional content needs a more sophisticated tool that will help with the tone and structure of an article.
Grammarly
Grammarly offers contextual suggestions that not only improve grammar but also help with the clarity and engagement of your writing. This writing tool even has AI and plagiarism detection. Plus, it helps enhance your vocabulary for a better-written article.
Key Benefits of Grammarly:
- Check your writing tone
- Fix your mistakes
- Generate text with AI prompts
Professional Stock Photos
When you are first starting, it may not be in the budget to buy professional photos. Sometimes, all you can get are free stock photos for your basic needs. These photos are great to give your content a professional look and appeal.
Places to Get free stock photos:
- Unsplash
- Pexel
- Pixabay
- FreePik
- Shutterstock (free to a certain point)
If you want more variety outside of basic stock images, try Shutterstock’s premium services. You can sign up with a free account. If you want more premium stock services, you can upgrade to the cost version.
With the premium plans from Shutterstock, you have access to:
- Extensive library of unique, high-quality images
- Regular content updates
- Flexible licensing options
- Competitive pricing for content creators
Wrapping Things Up
The landscape of free content creation tools is ever-evolving. Indeed, the tools discussed in this guide can start your beginner content creation path. By using these free tools, you will develop the skills that you need to look professional in your content. Mastering these content creation tools can help you when you are ready to invest in available premium options.
Need more tool ideas for content creation? Check out 14 Must-Have Content Creation Tools for New Influencers.
Full Disclosure
Each tool presented today does have premium options. As you become more seasoned at content creation, invest in the premium (cost) version of these free tools.
- Canva Pro
- DaVinci Resolve Studio
- Blue Yeti Premium USB Microphone
- Grammarly Pro
- Adobe Express
Want to learn more about the best content type for you? Read Finding Your Type of Content.
