> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.jeffsu.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Creator Essentials
- URL: https://www.jeffsu.org/creator-essentials/
- Published: 2026-04-14T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-04-14T13:59:11.000Z
- Author: Jeff
- Tags: My Gear, #hide-meta, #large-icon

On this page you'll find all the software I use as a content creator. Check out the [YouTube Gear](https://www.jeffsu.org/yt-gear/) page for hardware recommendations.

## Screen Recording

- [CleanShot X for Mac](https://geni.us/cleanshotx?ref=jeffsu.org) \- Paid the one-time fee then voluntarily upgraded to a subscription because I liked it so much. I can't do it justice here so check out [this video](https://youtu.be/-xXc7qeiC8I?t=390&ref=jeffsu.org) I made about it. Don't think I can live without this moving forward. (Also on my [Tech Stack](https://www.jeffsu.org/tech-stack/) page.)
- [Downie](https://geni.us/downie?ref=jeffsu.org) \- Lets me quickly download videos online (including YouTube videos obviously) and use them as B-roll in my own videos. (Also on my [Tech Stack](https://www.jeffsu.org/tech-stack/) page.)

## Video Editing

- [Final Cut Pro](https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/?ref=jeffsu.org) \- A no-brainer for Mac users. You can go with DaVinci Resolve but the amount of high quality free (and paid) Final Cut Pro plugins made the choice very easy for me.
- [MotionVFX](https://motionvfx.sjv.io/ORQoyr?ref=jeffsu.org) \- I started off using free plugins I found online (Ryan Nangle links to some free ones in his YouTube videos), but quickly realized paid ones like those from MotionVFX really make a HUGE difference in both time-savings and production value.

## Thumbnails

- [Canva](https://partner.canva.com/jeffsu?ref=jeffsu.org) \- Surprisingly easy to use. I used the free version for the first 5-6 videos then decided to purchase the Pro version because I wanted to use my own color scheme and their "PRO" elements. You can check out [my Canva tutorial here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XqSMu9KVY0&ref=jeffsu.org).
- [Pixelmator Pro](https://www.pixelmator.com/pro/?ref=jeffsu.org) \- I regret not using this sooner because it's so much more powerful than Canva. Get this only if you enjoy experimenting and creating thumbnails since it's a lot more complicated than Canva but well worth the effort.

## Newsletter and Website

- [Testimonials.to](https://testimonial.to/?via=jeff-su&ref=jeffsu.org) \- The best testimonials tool I've come across (to give you an idea of what they do, check out my [Wall of Love](https://testimonial.to/jeff-su/all?ref=jeffsu.org)). Every creator who is serious about making money online needs to use Testimonials.to (or a similar app). They make capturing, organizing, and presenting testimonials SO easy.
- [Ghost](https://ghost.org/?via=jeff46&ref=jeffsu.org) \- This website (www.jeffsu.org) is hosted on Ghost. I also rely on this platform to publish newsletters and grow my paid community. Super user-friendly and I can't say enough good things about their support team.
- [Haunted Themes](https://geni.us/hauntedthemes?ref=jeffsu.org) \- They're a Ghost-approved agency and they're the ones who put this website together. I can't recommend Cristi enough; he's professional, reliable, and always happy to answer my extremely basic questions.

## Domain Hosting

- [NameCheap](https://namecheap.pxf.io/VyD2BE?ref=jeffsu.org) \- What sold me is their amazing support. They literally give you step-by-step instructions for any questions you might have, so I'll probably be sticking with them forever.

## Music

- [Epidemic Sound](https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/22h547?ref=jeffsu.org) \- Been using them since Ali recommended the platform in his Skillshare course and it's been great so far. I particularly like how they recommend me music similar to the tracks I've been using, so I don't have to spend hours going through tracks and picking ones that "go" with my videos.

## Video Editing Tutorials

- [Ali Abdaal's Video Editing Course](https://skl.sh/3GJSN1k?ref=jeffsu.org) on Skillshare - The 3 hour 16 minute course that arguably changed my life. Ali does an excellent job going over all the basics of editing videos on Final Cut Pro. Highly recommend for beginners.
- [Serge M's YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@serge.morgotch/videos?ref=jeffsu.org) \- Super underrated channel that provides step-by-step tutorials on tips and tricks for Final Cut Pro.
- [Dylan John's YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@DylanJohnYT?ref=jeffsu.org) \- An absolute beast at video editing. He's paid by MotionVFX to edit their tutorial videos (so you know he's legit). His tutorials are easy to follow and super fast-paced.
- [Ryan Nangle](https://www.youtube.com/@RyanNangle?ref=jeffsu.org) \- Awesome Final Cut Pro tutorials. He stands out because he shares a lot of the plugins he creates for free.