Scott Yu-Jan's 19 Essential Productivity, Filming, and Making Tools for Content Creation in 2025

Summary:

Scott Yu-Jan presents his top 19 tools for content creation in 2025, categorized into Productivity, Filming, and Making. The tools range from innovative iPhone accessories to professional camera gear and 3D printing equipment. He also discusses upcoming changes to his YouTube channel membership perks for 2026.

A detailed look at the CW&T Time Since Launch timer, showing its long-term counting functionality. [ 00:04:40 ]

Introduction to Essential Tools for Full-Time Content Creation [00:00:00]

Scott Yu-Jan shares his favorite tools and investments that have significantly impacted his workflow since he quit his job to become a full-time content creator. He emphasizes that while fancy gear helps, it's not essential for starting a creative journey. The video organizes tools into three categories: productivity, filmmaking, and making, listing them from least to most expensive.

Productivity Tools [00:00:46]

This section details five tools that enhanced Scott's daily productivity.

1. iPhone Charger and Dock [00:01:00]

Mounted to the side of his monitor.
- Used during FaceTime calls.
- Keeps the iPhone charged in both portrait and landscape modes.
- Can be easily unplugged and tucked behind the monitor for a clean setup.
  
  An iPhone mounted to a monitor with a charger, showing how it can be tucked away. [ 00:01:10 ]

2. Keychron Keyboard [00:01:19]

A non-low-profile keyboard with a metal finish and a programmable knob.
- The knob can adjust volume and, with a modifier key, screen brightness.
- Customizations were made to enhance its feel and functionality.
  
  A hand turning a knob on a white mechanical keyboard, demonstrating its customization. [ 00:01:50 ]

3. Logitech MXM 4 Mouse [00:01:56]

An upgrade from the previous model, offering two key improvements.
- Smoother plastic finish: Replaced the old rubbery coating, making it easier to clean and less prone to getting dirty.
- Haptic feedback: Provides a subtle click when the cursor moves between monitors, enhancing the user experience.
  
  Two Logitech mice side-by-side, comparing the design and finish of the older and newer models. [ 00:02:10 ]

4. CW&T Time Since Launch Timer [00:04:11]

A unique timepiece that continuously counts up from a specific moment.
- Scott started the timer on his last day at his previous job, marking the beginning of his full-time content creation.
- It serves as a constant reminder of his accomplishments and the time dedicated to his new journey.
- Boasts an impressive battery life of 150+ years, with theoretical potential for millions of years with battery replacements.
  
  The CW&T Time Since Launch timer held up, showing the elapsed time in days, hours, minutes, and seconds. [ 00:04:40 ]

Filming Tools [00:05:24]

This category covers Scott's gear for filmmaking, ranging from iPhone accessories to professional camera equipment.

5. MagSafe Portable Batteries [00:05:38]

Evolution of MagSafe battery designs over the years.
- Started with 5,000 mAh batteries, then slimmer versions, and even thinner ones from Xiaomi.
- Caution regarding advertised capacity: Some slimmer batteries claimed 5,000 mAh but were actually rated for 3,000 mAh.
  
  A series of increasingly slim MagSafe portable batteries being compared on a table next to an iPhone. [ 00:06:09 ]

6. iPhone MagSafe Tripods [00:06:29]

Different designs focusing on portability and versatility.
- Ulanzi MagSafe Tripod: Features a MagSafe ring that doubles as a carabiner for easy carrying. It's taller and more rigid than other compact designs.
  
  A person demonstrating the Ulanzi MagSafe tripod, showing its carabiner feature. [ 00:06:39 ]
- Quick-release Tripod: A large, spring-loaded MagSafe tripod that sets up quickly and extends to a considerable height while remaining compact for travel. It's lightweight due to its plastic construction, though its durability is yet to be fully tested.
  
  A person extending a tall, spring-loaded MagSafe tripod for their iPhone, demonstrating its quick setup. [ 00:07:09 ]

7. iPhone POV Neck Rig [00:07:44]

A hands-free neck mount for capturing point-of-view (POV) shots.
- Ideal for tasks requiring both hands, such as crafting or making videos.
  
  A person wearing an iPhone neck rig to capture a point-of-view shot while working. [ 00:07:49 ]

8. iPhone External SSD for ProRes Log [00:08:01]

Allows recording high-quality ProRes Log footage without filling up iPhone storage.
- Versatile mounting: Can be tucked behind the iPhone or mounted on the side with a MagSafe battery.
- Case compatibility: The SSD's silicone case can be removed for a perfect fit with an iPhone case.
  
  An external SSD attached to the back of an iPhone, demonstrating its compact and integrated design. [ 00:08:19 ]

9. DJI Pocket 3 [00:08:48]

A compact camera praised for its stability and portability during travel.
- Lightweight case: Protects the camera and screen, preventing accidental power-on in a bag.
- Recommended to wait for the rumored Pocket 4 release.
  
  An iPhone, a DJI Pocket 3, and a Sony camera laid out, illustrating the different camera types in Scott's setup. [ 00:08:49 ]

10. DJI Mic 3 and Sony Adapter [00:09:21]

Wireless microphones compatible with both the DJI Pocket 3 and Sony FX3.
- Seamless integration with Pocket 3: Built-in receiver in the Pocket 3 eliminates the need for additional receivers or cables.
- Sony Hot Shoe Adapter: Allows the DJI Mic 3 receiver to connect directly to the Sony FX3's hot shoe interface, providing wireless audio without cables for the main camera.
- Offers convenient setup and audio monitoring during recording.
  
  A DJI Mic 3 receiver attached to the hot shoe of a Sony camera, showing the integrated audio setup. [ 00:10:49 ]

11. Sony FX3 Main Camera [00:09:37]

Scott's primary camera for 99% of his YouTube content.
- Side-mounted quick-release plate: Enables rapid switching between horizontal and vertical filming orientations.
  
  A close-up of the Sony FX3 camera, showing a quick-release plate attached to its side for versatile mounting. [ 00:09:49 ]

12. Edelkrone Ecosystem [00:11:00]

A comprehensive set of motorized camera movement tools.
- Includes a V2 dolly, motorized tripod, slider, and head plus.
- Advanced motion control: Capable of complex camera pans, tilting movements, object tracking, switching between targets, and long time-lapses.
- While there's a learning curve, the system becomes intuitive after a week or two of use, allowing for cinematic shots difficult for solo filmmakers.
  
  A camera mounted on an Edelkrone slider and tripod, set up to capture a tracking shot across a desk. [ 00:11:38 ]

Making Tools [00:12:00]

This section focuses on tools Scott uses for design and 3D printing.

13. 3D Printable Radius Gauge [00:12:16]

A practical tool for accurately measuring the roundovers (radii) of objects.
- Easily 3D printable (STL file linked in description).
- Aids in perfectly matching design dimensions.
  
  A person holding a fan-like radius gauge, demonstrating how it can be used to measure curves on objects. [ 00:12:38 ]

14. Bambu Lab H2D 3D Printer [00:12:48]

Scott's preferred 3D printer, also capable of laser cutting.
- Features an exhaust fan port at the back, which Scott connects to his window for improved ventilation.
- Allows for dabbling in laser cutting, similar to college experiences.
- Given as a gift to fellow creator, Overwork.
  
  A Bambu Lab H2D 3D printer in action, highlighting its enclosed design. [ 00:11:58 ]

15. Dyson Big and Quiet Air Purifier [00:13:23]

An advanced air purifier acquired to maintain air quality while 3D printing and working from home.
- Designed for large spaces, providing strong air circulation and quiet performance.
- Despite its high cost and some controversial reviews, Scott personally finds it effective, noticing a difference in air quality even when cooking from afar.
- Addresses the need for clean air when windows cannot be opened due to external noise affecting filming.
  
  The Dyson Big and Quiet Air Purifier, shown in a living space, being interacted with. [ 00:13:28 ]

YouTube Channel Membership Updates for 2026 [00:14:49]

Scott announces changes to his YouTube channel membership perks.

The credits section for members has become too long, negatively impacting video watch time and YouTube's recommendation algorithm.
Many members join primarily for 3D print files and do not prioritize seeing their names in the credits.
To address this, starting in 2026, credits will be removed as a perk from the second-tier membership.
A new, dedicated membership tier will be created specifically for those who wish to have their names included in the video credits.