The Social Manager's Tech Stack

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Over the next year, Roku predicts that 100% of the streaming audience will see ads. For growth marketers in 2026, CTV will remain an important “safe space” as AI creates widespread disruption in the search and social channels. Plus, easier access to self-serve CTV ad buying tools and targeting options will lead to a surge in locally-targeted streaming campaigns.

Read our guide to find out why growth marketers should make sure CTV is part of their 2026 media mix.

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My Pick: Vista Social

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Vista is hands down the best smm tool in terms of features per dollar. It has single-handedly replaced every tool that I use for publishing, reporting, listening, link-in-bio, and advocacy.

My Pick: Canva

Everyone knows the word Canva for a reason. It's cliche to recommend them, but tbh I use it multiple times per day.

My Pick: Abacus.AI

Idk what they're doing or how they're doing it, but you can use any of the big name LLMs for less than the price you'd pay for one individually.

My Pick: PodcastVideos.com

Technically this isn't an online tool. It's a podcast studio in NW Arkansas. They've put way more money into cameras, mics, and environment than I could ever afford. It's underrated to have a spot where you can pay an affordable price and have someone else set everything up and press record.

My Pick: Ideogram

They've got an ability to create and set a custom color palette so every image has your brand vibe without a logo. 10/10

My Pick: beehiiv

No shade on other platforms, but with the hiiv, you actually own your audience. Other platforms let you rent space from them by taking a cut of whatever you make. I don't dig that.

My Pick: Vizard.ai

I've tried Riverside and Opus for this and just wasn't getting what I wanted. I've heard that Opus has gotten loads better since I last used it, but lately Vizard has been crushing it for me.

My Pick: StoryBrand AI

Like any good marketer, I'm a big fan of Donald Miller and his StoryBrand framework. Their AI tool is unbelievable at walking you through their process and creating the assets for you.

My Pick: Google DeepMind Veo3

It ain't perfect, but it's pretty darn good and beats anything I've ever used by a country mile.

My Pick: Creatify AI

I just started using this, but so far I've been blown away. I'm a big fan of the phrase "volume always wins" and this tool seems like it makes volume incredibly easy. Tbd on whether I'll use it on the long term, but so far so good.

My Pick: Memelord Technologies

Be smart. Don't get sued. Even if you don't actually use all (or even any) of the memes, Jason Levin’s email that tells you what's trending and why is invaluable. On the software side, he's created a Canva for memes that's absolutely dope. Again... be smart. Don't get sued.

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P.S. - If you have a tool you swear by that I didn't mention, reply and tell me about it. I'm always looking for hidden gems.