I’m going to keep this intro short and sweet. Here’s a list of apps that have made my life easier and content cooler as I try to navigate this world of blogging:
Unum
Initially when I started #EniGivenSunday just as a weekly style post, I posted about 10 pictures at once using the Instagram sideshow feature. Once I actually transitioned into blogger, I started to care more about my feed’s aesthetics. This meant that I had to plan out my posts and think critically about the order of the pictures I’d post. Unum is perfect for planning out your feed. Once you connect your instagram account, you’ll be able to see images that you’ve already uploaded. That way you can keep those pictures in mind when you sort out your potential posts. The free version of unum comes with 18 free blocks for you to post drafts of content in. If you upgrade to the premium version you’ll be able to have more but I rarely have enough content lined up to need that much space anyways. On top of that, unum allows you to set reminders for when it’s time to post! There are similar apps out there so you can always find what works for you but I’d say it’s definitely important to have an app that plans out your feed.
Canva
I first got acquainted with this app during college because it was perfect for making flyers and event publicity. Lo and behold Canva is perfect for much more than that. Anything you can think of as a blogger or content creator, (logos, email headers, media kits, promotional content, etc), Canva can help you create it! There are tons of templates already on the site for you to work from, but if you don’t need the extra help, you can always start from scratch. I use this app primarily create the featured images at the top of each of my blog posts and thumbnails of my youtube videos, but as mentioned you can always use it for so much more.
Over
This is another app similar to Canva that creates cool graphics. There are tons of amazing templates and some even better ones if you buy the pro version.
Inshot
This app comes in clutch for video creating, especially short videos I post on Instagram. Essentially the app is a video editor. You can add a number of effects to your videos, alter the speed, add text and so much more all from the comfort of your phone. Think iMovie but so much more flexible when it comes to the effects. I recently started using this app to adjust the warmth of my Instagram videos so that they match the other pictures on my feed and to add the small watermark of my Instagram handle.
Unfold
This app is definitely one of my favorites for all things related to my Instagram story. This app provides a number of templates to combine pictures, text, or both in unique, clean, and minimalistic way. For my weekly beauty favorites post on my Instagram story, this is the only app I need. You already get a number of layouts for free when you download the app. If you want the additional ones you’ll have to pay around $3 for a pack. Like most apps of this kind, you should be fine with the free templates.
Hype Type
I may not get as many uses out of this app but its definitely unique and a number of people ask about it when I use it. Hype type is an app that spruces up text but adding moving features. Essentially the words may flash or slide in like a slide show animation. It’s hard to explain fully with words so go ahead and check it out for yourself. I use this when I want to share an inspirational quote or a bible verse on to my Instagram story. It’s hard to fully explain through words so I’d suggest downloading the app to see for yourself!
Mojo
This app is almost like unfold and hype type combined, specifically formatted for your Instagram stories. The templates have a minimalist vibe. There is a free version and a pro version that may be worth it if you feel some of the outlines are necessary.
Adobe Lightroom
Unlike all of the other apps on this list, this one comes with a price — but it’s totally worth it! I used to use VSCO to edit my pictures with the same filter to give my feed a cohesive look. Once I got a new camera I decided it was time to level up my editing game. I turned to Adobe Lightroom CC which allows me to apply the same preset to all of my pictures with sacrificing quality. Keep in mind that Lightroom doesn’t come with its own presets so you’ll have to buy that separately (or make one on your own if you’re particularly talented in that area.) I decided to support black business and bought the Brown Sugar preset from Marrica Evans, an amazing lifestyle photographer from Dallas. I can edit my pictures on my computer or right from my phone through the mobile app.
Final Thoughts
I’m always on the lookout for apps and other ways to make my life as a blogger much easier. Hopefully some of these can be helpful to you and if you have any apps that you swear by, send them my way! Thanks for reading!
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
