5 Budget-Friendly Software to Create Media Assets for Your Live Stream

Creating visually appealing content is a crucial component of running a successful live stream, but it can be challenging to find software that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Fortunately, there are several budget-friendly software options available that can help you create high-quality media assets for your live stream. 

We’ll examine the top five options— Canva, Pixlr, Davinci Resolve, GIMP, and Visme—and discuss the benefits of each one. Let's dive in and start exploring how to elevate your live stream with these affordable software options.

1) Canva: Affordable graphic design tool

Canva is an online graphic design tool that can be used to create everything from social media posts to presentations to, you guessed it, media assets for your live stream! 

The app and desktop platform includes ready-to-use templates and is free to use. They have a media-kit feature that allows you to customize and organize your media assets with ease. Even though you can upgrade to a premium membership, it is entirely free to use and the free version is still packed with amazing features. Canva also provides a large variety of tools to allow creators the flexibility to create almost anything their heart desires. 

Pros:
+ Versatile tools
+ User friendly
+ Provides social media templates
+ Variety of templates
+ Integrated stock photography search-up

Cons:
- Strong canva style
- Steep paywall
- Cannot create unique elements
- Intellectual property belongs to Canva
- Limited export settings

With live commerce, your brand can focus on your customers in a way that ecommerce can’t quite capture. You can showcase the products you know they are interested in, answer their questions live, and bring them into an interactive experience akin to the one-on-one in-person shopping they are used to. 

One of the many benefits of in-person, brick-and-mortar shopping is the ability to try things on, test products, and ask questions in the moment. Live shopping is a great chance to bridge the gap between traditional commerce and ecommerce—you can solve their problems in real time and give them an up-close-and-personal look at your products.

When you create content, keep your ideal customer in mind. Aim to help, entertain, and educate them every time you go live.

2) Pixlr: Cost-effective photo editing

For creators and brands who are looking to enhance or edit their own images versus creating graphics, Pixlr is a top-notch, affordable software. 

Pixlr is a powerful photo editing software that offers various features, including photo retouching, color correction, and cropping. It has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for beginners to use. Pixlr also offers both free and paid plans, with the free plan offering basic editing tools, while the paid plans offer additional features such as advanced retouching and batch processing.

Pros:
+ Free version available with a good range of basic editing tools
+ Easy-to-use interface
+ Works on both desktop and mobile devices
+ Supports various file formats

Cons:
- Limited features in the free version
- Limited support for more advanced editing techniques
- May require internet connection to access all features

3) Davinci Resolve: Advanced video editing software

Creating video assets to add to a live stream can be extremely effective. Whether it is a countdown video that plays before you go live or a video that highlights certain product features, Davinci Resolve is a tool that can help even the most novice video editors look like pros. 

Davinci Resolve is a professional video editing software that is available in a free version. It offers various features, including color correction, audio editing, and special effects. The free version has most of the features of the paid version, and it is an excellent option for users who are just starting with video editing.

Pros:
+ Offers a free version with many professional-level features
+ Powerful color grading tools
+ Supports a wide range of video file formats
+ Advanced audio editing features

Cons:
- High system requirements for advanced features
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Requires a powerful computer to work effectively

4) GIMP: Open-source Image editing tool

If you don't have the time—or the budget—to master Adobe Photoshop but you still need to be able to edit your images professionally, then GIMP might be the tool for you. 

GIMP is a free and open-source image editing software that is an excellent alternative to Adobe Photoshop. It offers various features, including layers, masks, and filters. GIMP's interface may be a little intimidating for beginners, but it has an active community of users who create tutorials and offer support. Unlike Pixlr which runs in the browser, GIMP is a downloadable software that makes it much easier to draw without lag. 

Pros:
+ Free and open-source software
+ Offers many advanced editing features
+ Highly customizable interface
+ Supports a wide range of file formats

Cons:
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- May be overwhelming for users who are used to simpler interfaces
- May require some technical expertise to install and set up

5) Visme: A design platform

If you're looking to break away from the look and feel of Canva, Visme is another great option for creating a variety of static images and graphics that can be used in your live stream. 

Visme is a cloud-based design platform that offers a wide range of features, including infographics, presentations, and social media graphics. It has a user-friendly interface and various templates that users can customize to their liking. The free plan offers limited features, while the paid plans start at $25 per month and offer additional features, such as analytics and branding options. 

Pros:
+ User-friendly interface
+ Offers a wide range of templates and design elements
+ Supports multiple file formats
+ Good range of features for creating infographics, presentations, & social media graphics

Cons:
- Limited features in the free version
- Some features may be more limited than other design software
- Relatively expensive compared to other budget-friendly design software

Creating high-quality media assets for a live stream doesn't have to be costly. These  budget-friendly options offer a wide range of features that can help you create engaging and professional media assets. 

Canva is incredibly user friendly with a variety of free features that make it possible to create assets exclusively with the free version. Pixlr and GIMP are both excellent options for photo editing, with Pixlr being more beginner-friendly and GIMP offering more advanced features. Davinci Resolve is a great option for video editing and post-production, but it requires a more powerful computer to work effectively. Visme is a good option for creating presentations and infographics, but it is more expensive than other budget-friendly design software.

You can use these incredibly powerful, affordable tools to level up your next live stream. And with Stage TEN, you can effortlessly layer these media assets into your live stream or live shopping event. 

If you’re ready to create your live shopping event, Stage TEN is here to help! Create a live stream, add audience interactions, and monetize it all in one place.
Livestream e-commerce with Stage TEN gives you the power to not only sell your products live but also allows you to truly interact with your audience. Using live polling, voting, and pulling comments directly onto your live stream, your customers will feel like they are actively participating in your event… because they are!


If you’re ready to go live with your brand today, let’s partner!