By Valerie Doherty, IDLA Communication & Brand Manager
Let’s be real, AI is kind of everywhere right now. In fact, I recently attended a conference that had a heavy emphasis on using AI to enhance your production and help make everything more efficient. As you can see from the graphic above, it doesn’t always get it right, but it’s getting better, literally, every day. This list has the tools I discovered that are making everyday life easier and even more fun. Whether you’re creating graphics, editing videos, researching a project, or just curious about what AI can do, this list is for you.
Just a heads-up: Some of these tools are free, but others might have a premium (paid) version with extra features. Most let you try them out first, so you can see what’s worth it!
For Smart Thinking and Organization
- ChatGPT Projects – Keep all your AI stuff in one place. Super handy if you’re juggling lots of ideas.
- Perplexity – Think of it like a brainy search engine. It digs deeper to find better answers.
- Grok DeepSearch – Curious about what people online are saying about something? This tool finds it fast.
- ChatGPT Deep Research – Need a report? Just tell it how you want it to look. It’ll do the rest.
For Creative Magic
- Google ImageFX – Type a prompt and get exactly what you imagined. It’s kinda like magic.
- Midjourney – Make stunning images, but be really specific in your description. The more detail, the better!
- ChatGPT 4o Images – Want realistic and accurate images? This one finally delivers.
- Photoshop Generative Fill – Got a photo with missing pieces? This tool fills them in like they were always there.
- Napkin AI – Need to make a quick diagram? This is your go-to.
- Gamma – Whip up slide decks that actually look good, in minutes.
For Social and Content Creation
- aiCarousels – Turn one idea into an entire Instagram carousel.
- Castmagic – This tool multiplies your content. Seriously. One recording = tons of cool stuff.
- ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode – Stuck? Talk it out. This AI listens and helps you move forward.
- Sesame – It’s like talking to someone who gets your mood. AI with emotional intelligence.
For Video and Audio
- Runway – Turn still images into videos. It brings your pictures to life!
- OpenAI Sora – Add small animations to give your content that extra sparkle.
- CapCut – Edit your videos fast with this easy-to-use editor.
- Zencastr – All-in-one podcast studio. Record, edit, and share in one place.
- Enhanced Speech by Adobe – Make your voice sound crystal clear, like it was recorded in a pro studio.
- Suno – Create original music or soundtracks. Your content just got cooler.
- NotebookLM Audio Overview – Turns notes into a podcast-style audio summary. Great for quick reviews or study sessions.
For Automating All the Things
- n8n – Want AI to help with your automations? This tool makes it happen.
- Make – Freemium (that means some parts are free!) automation tool with AI built in. Easy to use, even for beginners.
So, whether you’re a content creator or just someone who loves exploring new tools, there’s something in this list for you. Try a few and see which ones become your favorites!
