At the 2025 Webby Awards, Mashable took to the red carpet with a pressing inquiry for digital creators: What’s the one app you simply can’t do without? The responses were as varied as the creators themselves, but some notable trends quickly surfaced.

To start: mobile editing reigns supreme. Whether it’s CapCut, Snapseed, Lightroom, or Canva, creators concur that exceptional content begins with solid editing. While raw footage may have its charm, in today’s rapid digital landscape, refined, attention-grabbing posts are the benchmark.

Inspiration and organization also featured prominently on the list of essentials. Pinterest emerged as a favorite for visual mood-boarding, while the unassuming Notes app received accolades as a vital tool for capturing ideas and keeping track of to-do lists. Creator Caleb Simpson, celebrated for his viral rent interviews, put it succinctly: “You need to write your thoughts down and ensure you have your to-do list.”

Mental well-being made the list as well. From unwinding with Block Puzzle to achieving tranquility with the Calm app, creators highlighted the significance of taking a digital pause to rejuvenate.

And naturally, any discussion about content creation wouldn’t be complete without the mention of TikTok. Three of the 12 creators identified it as their preferred app — because where else can you watch, trend, and achieve virality all at once?

Here’s what each creator claimed they cannot live without:

– The Rizzler (@itztherizzler): TikTok
– Jake Shane (@octopusslover8): Calm
– Jools Lebron (@joolieannie): CapCut
– Achieng Agutu (@noordinarynoire): Lightroom
– Logan (@logagm): TikTok
– Michelladonna (@michelladonna): CapCut
– Lana Rae (@lanaslifeee): Pinterest
– Caleb Simpson (@calebwsimpson): Notes
– Kamie Crawford (@kamiecrawford): Canva
– Miss PepperMint (@peppermint247): Snapseed
– Cliff Tan (@dearmodern): TikTok
– Chris Klemen (@chrisklemens): Block Puzzle

Regardless of your creative approach or workflow, there exists an app that suits — and it’s highly likely that your favorite creator is already utilizing it.