3 Free Programs Worth Having For Beginning Content Creators

       In todays world wide web, many people who use the internet can be divided into two groups. A, those that create content and B, those that consume content. Now, obviously, many people do both. Like you are right now. Likely, if you are reading this, you may be considering becoming a content creator or influencer. While your phone may work well to get you started, you may move over to a computer as a means of editing your content as you progress. Likely, you will need a photo editor, a video editor and a sound editor if you are thinking of creating videos or podcasts. Here I have listed one of each that you can download for free and begin using today. Let's get started!

1. Photo Editing 
​When it comes to editing photos, there are several alternatives to Photoshop that I have found out there. The one I am suggesting in this blog however, is an open source program available online with no download needed. That's right, no download needed! It's called Photopea. It functions much like Photoshop does including many of the same shortcuts with the ability to read and edit your existing PSD files, if you once paid for Photoshop. Again, the great thing I have found with Photopea is that there is no download involved. Just simply go to www.photopea.com and begin editing. ​

2. Audio Editing
​Whether you are making video or recording a podcast, you are likely at some point going to want to edit your audio. Now, Adobe also makes audio editing software that is available for purchase or part of a subscription called Adobe Audition. I have used the program, however I wanted to save money and stop paying for what I could find for free. I use a program called Audacity. Audacity is a free open source program that allows you to cut, edit, stack audio tracks, add effects and more. You can export your project as an mp3 which makes it super convenient. You can find Audacity here, https://www.audacityteam.org/

3. Video Editing  
​Last but certainly not least, you are going to want an easy to use video editor that functions much like Adobe Premier without the cost. After testing several free video editing programs and apps I began to use Shotcut. Shotcut is a free open source program that you can download and begin using today. It's ease of use and short render time is what made me a fan. I have also found many useful tutorials for Shotcut on YouTube which have made learning it super easy. You  can download Shotcut yourself here. https://shotcut.org

There are also several alternatives to the programs I've listed here. This list is made of the three I actually use regularly. I hope that you consider trying one or all of these programs to assist you and sincerely wish you the best in all of your creative endeavors!