Some links may be affiliate links. They help keep WebTools.directory running at no extra cost to you.
A good channel starts with good episodes, not expensive kit or software. You need tools to edit and package what you record, a way to share each new episode, and a single page that links to everything.
Start with the three essentials below, then add the rest once you're publishing regularly. Each step links to listings picked for WebTools.directory, where you'll find current plan and deal details.
Start with these
1. Creation and editing
Why: Turn raw recordings into something people want to watch or listen to, and make thumbnails and artwork that get clicked.
- Descript: edit video and podcasts as easily as editing a doc. There's a free plan to start.
- Figma: design thumbnails, channel art and cover images. The free Starter plan includes unlimited drafts, UI kits and templates.
- ElevenLabs: AI text-to-speech, sound effects and music. Note that the free plan isn't licensed for commercial use, so check the plans before using it in monetised content.
2. Social scheduling
Why: Share each new episode and clips across your social accounts without logging in to each one.
- AdaptlyPost: schedule posts across many social accounts with AI captions, as a one-payment deal.
- SocialBu: schedule and automate posts with an AI writer, also a one-payment deal.
3. Link page or site
Why: One page that links to your channel, episodes, socials and sign-up form, so every bio link points somewhere useful.
- Carrd: quick one-page sites, free to start. A good fit for a link page, with custom domains on its Pro plan.
- Framer: a no-code website builder if you want a fuller site with episode pages. The free plan publishes on a Framer domain.
Add these later
4. Email capture
Why: Platforms change their algorithms, but an email list is yours. It lets you tell fans about new episodes directly.
- Kit: a newsletter platform for creators with landing pages and forms. Its free plan covers a large list.
- Tally: unlimited forms and submissions on the free plan, for sign-ups, listener questions or guest applications.
5. Analytics
Why: See what's working on your channel and episodes, and find ideas for what to make next.
- vidIQ: YouTube research and analytics with a free plan: video ideas, niche trends, keyword research and AI coaching tips, with a monthly allowance of AI credits. Its browser extension shows stats on YouTube itself.
- TubeBuddy: a paid YouTube toolkit for improving titles, tags and thumbnails, with tools to update many videos at once. There's no free plan, so start with vidIQ unless you have a back catalogue worth optimising.
- OP3: free, open-source podcast download analytics. Add one prefix to your feed and get a stats page, with no signup. The stats page is public, so anyone can see your listener numbers.
YouTube has its own built-in channel stats, and your podcast host will have its own audience stats too.
Browse the categories
Compare more options in each category:
- Create Content, for editing and design
- AI Tools, for AI voice and writing tools
- Run Marketing, for social scheduling
- Build a Website
- Generate Leads
- Analyse Performance
