Creator
Toolkit
A curated list of the software and gear we recommend to our creators. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling to millions of subscribers, having the right tools makes all the difference.
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Video Editing & Recording
Adobe Premiere Pro
The industry-standard video editor used by professional YouTubers and filmmakers worldwide. Powerful timeline editing, seamless integration with Photoshop and After Effects, and AI-powered tools that speed up your workflow. This is what we edit in every day.
Capcut
The go-to video editor for creators who move fast. Built for mobile and desktop, with viral-ready templates, auto-captions, background removal, and AI tools that make polished edits feel effortless. Perfect for Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts, straight out of the box.
Veed
The no-fuss online video editor that handles the basics beautifully. Auto-subtitles, progress bars, intro/outro templates, and easy resizing for every platform — all in the browser, no download needed. Great for quick edits and repurposing content without overcomplicating things.
Riverside
Studio-quality recording, straight from your browser. Records each guest locally so your audio and video stay crisp no matter how bad anyone’s internet is. Built for podcasts and interviews — just share a link, hit record, and walk away with broadcast-ready files.
SEO & Growth
TubeBuddy
A must-have browser extension that integrates directly into YouTube to help you run channel audits, optimize tags, and A/B test thumbnails.
VidIQ
AI-driven insights to boost your YouTube views. Offers keyword research, competitor tracking, and daily video ideas tailored to your niche.
Thumbnails & Graphics
Adobe Photoshop
The go-to tool for creating thumbnails that actually get clicked. Background removal, text effects, color grading, and compositing — Photoshop gives you full creative control over how your videos are presented to the world. A must-have for serious creators.
Canva
The drag-and-drop design tool that makes thumbnails, channel art, and social graphics stupidly easy. Thousands of templates, a massive asset library, and just enough flexibility to make things look custom without needing to know design. Great for anyone who needs to move fast and still look good.
AI Tools
Google Gemini
Our preferred AI tool for content research, scripting ideas, and title brainstorming. Gemini integrates with Google’s ecosystem and is genuinely useful for creators who want to move faster and think bigger without burning hours on research.
Descript
The all-in-one editor that lets you cut video by editing a transcript — delete a word on the page, it disappears from the timeline. Record, transcribe, remove filler words, clone your voice, and publish, all without touching a traditional timeline. Built for podcasters and talking-head creators who want to spend less time in the weeds.
opusclip
Paste in a long video and let AI find the best moments, clip them automatically, and reformat them for vertical — captions, hooks, and all. No editing required. The fastest way to turn a single stream or interview into a week’s worth of short-form content.
Cameras
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Pro Creator Combo
Our top camera pick for YouTube creators. The 1-inch sensor delivers stunning 4K/120fps footage with buttery-smooth 3-axis stabilization. The Creator Combo includes a DJI Mic 2 transmitter, battery handle, and mini tripod — everything you need to start shooting professional content right out of the box.
xtra muse (DJI osmo pocket 3 u.s. version)
The U.S.-market version of the Osmo Pocket 3 with the same 1-inch sensor and 4K performance. If DJI’s site doesn’t ship to your region, this is the version to grab on Amazon with the same specs and Prime shipping.
sony zv-1
A purpose-built vlog camera with a 1-inch sensor and a bright 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 ZEISS lens. Shoots 4K video, has a fully articulating touchscreen for selfie-mode recording, and includes a directional 3-capsule microphone. A reliable, proven workhorse for everyday content creation.
sony Zv-1f (fixed wide angle)
The more affordable sibling to the ZV-1, built around a fixed ultra-wide 20mm f/2 lens that gets everything in frame — perfect for solo vlogging at arm’s length or group shots. Great for creators who want a dedicated camera without a steep learning curve.
Microphones
dji wireless mics (dji mic 2)
The mic system we use and recommend. Clip-on transmitters with 32-bit float internal recording, intelligent noise cancellation, and up to 820ft wireless range. Works seamlessly with the Osmo Pocket 3 and most cameras. A huge upgrade over built-in camera audio.
Lighting
Torjim Softbox Lighting Kit
Good lighting is the fastest way to make your videos look more professional. This is the setup we recommend for creators shooting indoors or in mixed light. Even a basic light can dramatically improve your on-camera presence and production quality.
Tripods
Neewer basics travel tripod
A solid, adjustable tripod that works whether you’re filming a talking-head video at your desk or shooting in the field. Stable footage makes a real difference — this is one of the most underrated pieces of gear for newer creators.
