I would really like to be able to make some manips in which the main point is the narration. I suck at editing images. What are some programs or websites that are good for slapping an image on a canvas or something so I can have some blank space for putting words on the side of the image for reading?

I don't know of any sites, but I recommend GIMP if you're starting out with image manipulation. I only used it to combine pictures, so YMMV.

My go to for extremely simple editing of photos when I'm on the go without access to Photoshop is pixlr.com/
Most alternatives online will be slightly less feature rich than a desktop software like GIMP or Photoshop but on the plus side the user interface of Pixlr is quiet a bit simpler and easier to use so might be a good beginner alternative if you are just looking to import images, expand the sides a little and then add text.

ever tried using photopea, as far as i know it's exactly like Photoshop but you can acess it in your browser

I second GIMP, but I hear firealpaca and paint dot net are decent as well. Inkscape also comes to mind, but I know next to nothing about it other than some people like it for niche stuff.