I use these Android apps for creating content instead of a laptop

Working at a desk all day gets tiring, so I take breaks to stretch or change my scenery. Sitting outside in the garden or patio gets my creative juices flowing, and I can use my phone to get work done while I’m lounging on a sofa or sipping a drink on the grass. I don’t need to worry about my laptop’s battery lasting longer because I can use my phone for tasks like typing articles, video editing, and other functions if I have the right media apps installed.

Many users are ditching bulky equipment and adopting a lighter, more streamlined approach because it offers more flexibility to move around and work from anywhere. Anything is possible with the help of some handy Android apps, and I’ve turned my phone into a media powerhouse with these content creation tools.

Notion

Where the plans come together

Creating great content takes a lot of work and behind-the-scenes effort. I need to create a release schedule, identify the relevant platforms, develop a script, and compile a list of all the necessary equipment to bring it to life. I use Notion as an all-in-one tool to stay organized and make my plans a reality with its features. There’s no need to start from scratch, as the app includes a variety of templates for work and life, ranging from simple to-do lists and habit trackers to more complex ones, such as product roadmaps and social media content planning systems. These templates are the perfect guide for beginners looking to get into content creation, as well as for experienced users who want to stay organized.

Notion handles most aspects of my projects, from budgeting and content release calendars to providing script ideas. If I’m ever stuck and don’t know what to do, I ask the built-in AI chatbot for ideas and solutions to my problems. It helps me to brainstorm ideas for upcoming projects or create practical action plans with step-by-step guides on how to achieve them. I have limited time in the day, and using Notion is like having a personal assistant that helps me work faster and more efficiently.

CapCut

Easy editing on the go

Credit: Pocket-lint / Capcut

CapCut is a user-friendly tool for editing videos and photos, as well as adding elements such as text and animations. The free version offers decent functionality, and anyone can get the hang of using it in no time thanks to its simplicity. I use the photo editor to adjust the aspect ratio and add shapes and text to my images, making them more visually appealing. I regularly use the product photo feature, because I can remove the current background and replace it with an all-white alternative or various indoor or outdoor scenes for lifestyle shots.

The video editor is easy to use with one hand and offers a mix of basic and advanced features to choose from. I usually start with the basics, like editing the video’s length and adjusting the resolution and framerate to my liking. I then add audio, text, and other effects, depending on where I’m posting the video. CapCut is the perfect tool for content creators, as it allows them to create TikTok videos or Instagram Reels quickly and efficiently, before posting them online.

Dolby On

Professional sound recording

Credit: Pocket-lint / Dolby On

Dolby On is a free audio recording app that upgrades my sound quality and makes me sound more professional. I don’t need a dedicated microphone when I’m on the go because I can record whatever I’m saying using the Dolby On app, and it automatically reduces background noise, maximizes volume, and applies other settings to improve the quality.

Once I’m done, I can refine the recording by adjusting its length and utilizing other tools to fine-tune the sound. I can choose between style presets, such as Natural, Lyric, or Amped, and manually adjust the amount of noise reduction, bass, treble, and mids using handy sliders.

Dolby On stores all my files in a lossy M4A format by default, but I can change it to lossless WAV if I want to improve the sound quality. The app is a free upgrade to my phone’s built-in microphone, and I can’t do without it for voice recording.

Snapspeed

Insta-ready pics

Credit: Pocket-lint / Snapspeed

Snapseed is great for touching up photos and images before posting them to Instagram. This free app has no ads and is packed with photo-editing tools that enhance my content. I can take new pictures or choose from my gallery, then start with the presets, like Push, Portrait, or Silhouette, to adjust the color and style. I then move on to the tools, which can improve the image quality and add more effects.

The Tools menu includes basic features, such as crop and rotate, which are grouped at the top of the page because they are used most frequently. Other tools, like Glamour Glow and Head Pose, are perfect for enhancing my selfies by adjusting the warmth and saturation, or adding skin-smoothing and eye clarity. These days, I don’t upload pictures to Instagram and other social media apps without running them through Snapseed first to refine imperfections before uploading.