The creator stack, in the order you'll need it.

Skip the 40-tab research spiral. These are the tools working creators use to make content, build an audience they own and get paid for it.

We may earn a commission from tool links on this page.

1

Record

Good audio and video is the one thing you can't fix later. Start here.

Riverside

Records podcasts and video interviews in high quality, even when your guest is on a different continent.

  • Records each person locally, so a shaky connection doesn't ruin the take
  • Separate audio and video tracks for every guest
Try Riverside

Epidemic Sound

A licensed music and sound effects library, so your videos don't get muted or claimed on YouTube, TikTok or Instagram.

  • One subscription covers music across your channels
  • Sound effects for transitions and intros
Browse Epidemic Sound
2

Edit

Editing is where most creators burn out. AI editing tools cut the hours.

Descript

Edit video and audio by editing the transcript. Delete a sentence in the text and it's gone from the video.

  • Removes filler words like "um" and "uh" in one click
  • Turns long recordings into short clips for social
Try Descript
3

Grow

Followers belong to the platform. An email list belongs to you. Every serious creator builds one.

beehiiv

A newsletter platform built for growth, with a built-in referral program and an ad network that pays you.

  • Website and newsletter in one place
  • Monetize with ads and paid subscriptions
Start on beehiiv

Kit

Email marketing made for creators (formerly ConvertKit), with landing pages, signup forms and automated email sequences.

  • Automations that welcome and nurture new subscribers
  • Sell digital products and subscriptions
Start on Kit
4

Earn

Brand deals come and go. Your own products keep paying.

Teachable

Turn what you know into an online course or coaching program, with payments and student management handled for you.

  • Courses, coaching and digital downloads
  • Handles checkout and sales tax
Build a course on Teachable

Shopify

Launch a store for merch or your own product line, and sell on your site, Instagram and TikTok from one place.

  • Print-on-demand apps for merch with no inventory
  • Connects to social shopping
Open a Shopify store

Starting from zero?

Don't buy everything at once. Use your phone to record, pick one editing tool, and start an email list on day one. Add the rest when you need it.

Creator Playbook

All creator playbook