It comes as no surprise we are living in a social media age. Content creation is key for posting eye catching graphics on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and so many more. And it is not just for businesses: unique, creative content can also increase networking and connection amongst individuals and personal users as well. As users sit and scroll through news feeds, what does it take to grab their attention? For content creators, both novice and professional alike, it takes just a few milliseconds to grab your audience’s attention when scrolling. It may seem daunting but there are simple ways to create professional looking content totally free, and nearly everything can be done from your cell phone! What’s more, content creation can be a fun and easy opportunity to show your creative side. Here are several apps and a quick reference guide to create bold, eye catching content for your next post:

Canva

Canva operates as both an app and website, though admittedly their web platform wins for ease of use and features. Nearly all features are totally free with no cost to use, download, or share. Canva offers templates for creation depending on what content you are looking to create. You can upload your own photos or pull from their extensive gallery of free offerings. With built in filters, background remover tools, fonts, and more, the options are limitless in this one stop shop. Even without subscribing, you can purchase components you fall in love with for only $1 and can always test out the image before committing, free.

Picsart

Picsart is a program which offers the ability to edit photos without the overwhelming aspect of learning Photoshop. Users can remove backgrounds, add artistic touches, or even retouch facial features for headshots, selfies, and more. Picsart also offers work in “layers” which allows the use of stickers, effects, and more complex editing. User friendly tools include brushes to easily add seasonal overlap splashes with the touch of a finger, call out bubbles, and artistic touches. Some features require a paid upgrade but the included features are extensive.

Giphy

Jif? Gif? Tomato, tomahto. You’ve seen those little moving pictures sent in chats and as comments to posts. Perhaps you’ve even received them in your SMS messages. With Giphy, you can create custom GIFs featuring your own photos, videos, or add custom text to tailor your content to the message you are trying to create. What’s new: in today’s ZOOM meeting age, you can also use Giphy to create custom backdrops for your next video meeting! Also GIFs and animated graphics are shown to have a much more emotional impact on viewers. Just think of Michael Jackson eating popcorn or Leonadro Dicaprio raising his glass in cheers!

Prequel

This little app creates creative content off portrait or selfie style photos in one click. Although these features take center stage, there are also text features for overlays to use on more artistic style photos, background shots, and more. The app is extremely intuitive, placing flowers, wings, falling snowflakes, and many more options in just the right places with just one tap. The developers frequently add new filters, perfect for seasonal changes and other relevant trends. The resulting content looks like you have far more skills than the ability to click a button and can stand alone or be used to create GIFs, static images, and more using the other apps.

Unsplash

Looking to create content but don’t have the best eye for photography? This free stock photography site offers content for nearly every need imaginable. You don’t need to pay for photos and can search by theme, idea, or color to find options for your content background, additions, or layers for the more advanced user. Save and upload into any of the apps to then overlay text, add animation, affects, and more.

Have other favorites in your wheelhouse? Feel free to share! In the meantime, here is your permission to get creative and have some fun. We can't wait to see what you create.