The best apps for creators, according to 12 creators

What’s the one app no creator should live without? At the 2025 Webby Awards, Mashable posed that deceptively simple question to a dozen digital trailblazers walking the red carpet, and while the answers varied, a few clear themes emerged.

First and foremost: If you’re not editing on the go, are you even creating? From CapCut and Snapseed to Lightroom and Canva, creators are in agreement that your content is only as good as your edits. Raw footage? That’s cute. But polished, scroll-stopping posts? That’s the standard.

Creators also emphasized the need to stay inspired and organized. Pinterest was a go-to for visual brainstorming, while Notes — yes, that simple little default app on your iPhone — got a shoutout for being the unsung hero of idea dumps and to-do lists. “You need to write your thoughts down and make sure you have your to-do list,” said Caleb Simpson, known for asking New Yorkers what they pay in rent.

Then, there’s the matter of mental space. Whether it’s zoning out with Block Puzzle or centering yourself with Calm, even the busiest creators need a digital breather.

But let’s be real: this wouldn’t be a conversation about creators without at least a few of them saying TikTok is the one app you absolutely need. Three out of the 12, in fact. Because where else are you going to watch, trend, and go viral all in a day’s work?

Here’s what each creator said they can’t live without:

Whatever your creative process looks like, there’s an app for that. And odds are, it’s already in your favorite creator’s pocket.