12 Best Social Media Scheduling Tools (Tested & Compared)
We tested 30+ social media scheduling tools and narrowed it down to the 12 best. Compare features, pricing, and find the right scheduler for your needs.
The best social media scheduling tools let you plan, create, and auto-publish content across Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and YouTube from one dashboard—saving 10+ hours weekly while maintaining consistent posting. A good social media scheduler helps you schedule posts in advance and manage all your accounts from one place.
If you're juggling multiple social media accounts, you know the pain: logging into 5 different apps, copying captions, reformatting images, and trying to remember what you posted where. Miss a day and your engagement drops. Post at the wrong time and nobody sees it. You need social media scheduling software that makes it easy to schedule posts across all platforms.
According to Sprout Social's 2024 research, marketers who use scheduling software are 3x more likely to report successful social media strategies than those who post manually. The right social media scheduler doesn't just save time—it transforms how you approach content.
But with dozens of scheduling tools on the market, how do you choose the best social media scheduling software? We tested 30+ social media schedulers over 6 months, evaluating features, pricing, ease of use, and platform support. Here are the 12 best social media scheduling tools to schedule posts and grow your presence.
TL;DR: Quick Picks
- Best overall: PostEverywhere — AI-powered, all platforms, best value
- Best for beginners: Buffer — Simple interface, generous free plan
- Best for agencies: Sprout Social — Client management, advanced analytics
- Best for visual brands: Later — Instagram-first, visual planning
- Best for enterprises: Hootsuite — Scalable, extensive integrations
- Best free option: Buffer (free tier) or native platform tools
Table of Contents
- What to Look for in a Social Media Scheduling Tool
- The 12 Best Social Media Scheduling Tools
- Social Media Scheduling Tools Comparison
- How to Choose the Best Social Media Scheduling Tool
- Social Media Scheduling Tools FAQs
What to Look for in a Social Media Scheduling Tool
Before diving into the list, here's what separates great scheduling tools from mediocre ones:
Platform Support
The best social media scheduling tools support all major platforms:
- Instagram (feed, Stories, Reels)
- TikTok (videos, direct publishing)
- LinkedIn (profiles, company pages)
- Facebook (pages, groups)
- X/Twitter (posts, threads)
- YouTube (videos, Shorts)
Some tools excel on specific platforms. If you're Instagram-focused, a tool with strong visual planning matters more than LinkedIn features.
Core Features to Evaluate
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Visual calendar | See all scheduled content at a glance |
| Bulk scheduling | Upload 10-50 posts at once |
| Cross-posting | Publish to multiple platforms simultaneously |
| Best-time suggestions | AI recommends optimal posting times |
| Media library | Store and organize images/videos |
| Team collaboration | Roles, approvals, workflows |
| Analytics | Track performance across platforms |
| AI assistance | Caption generation, hashtag suggestions |
Pricing Considerations
Social media scheduling tools typically charge based on:
- Number of social profiles connected
- Number of team members
- Number of scheduled posts per month
- Advanced features (analytics, AI, white-label)
Most tools offer free trials. Test 2-3 before committing.
The 12 Best Social Media Scheduling Tools
1. PostEverywhere — Best Overall
PostEverywhere is an AI-powered social media scheduler built for creators, small businesses, and marketing teams who want powerful features without enterprise pricing.
Platforms supported: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube
Key features:
- Visual content calendar with drag-and-drop scheduling
- AI caption generator for all platforms
- Cross-platform publishing — post everywhere at once
- Bulk upload and batch scheduling
- Smart scheduling with best-time recommendations
- Hashtag research and suggestions
- UTM link builder for campaign tracking
Pricing: Starts at $19/month (7-day free trial)
Pros:
- All platforms in one dashboard
- AI-powered content suggestions
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Excellent value for features included
- Fast customer support
Cons:
- Newer platform (less brand recognition than legacy tools)
- Advanced analytics in higher tiers
Best for: Creators, small businesses, and teams wanting modern features at fair pricing.
Try PostEverywhere free: Start your 7-day trial — no credit card required →
2. Buffer — Best for Beginners
Buffer is one of the original social media scheduling tools, known for its clean interface and simplicity.
Platforms supported: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Pinterest, Mastodon
Key features:
- Simple, distraction-free scheduler
- Browser extension for easy sharing
- Basic analytics
- Link-in-bio tool (Start Page)
- AI assistant for captions
Pricing: Free (3 channels, 10 posts/channel); Essentials $6/channel/month
Pros:
- Generous free plan
- Extremely easy to learn
- Clean, minimal interface
- Good for solo creators
Cons:
- Limited features compared to competitors
- Analytics are basic
- No bulk upload on free plan
- Per-channel pricing adds up quickly
Best for: Beginners and solo creators who want simplicity over power features.
3. Hootsuite — Best for Enterprises
Hootsuite is one of the oldest and most comprehensive social media management platforms, designed for large teams and enterprises.
Platforms supported: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, Pinterest, and 20+ others
Key features:
- Unified inbox for all messages
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Social listening
- Ad management integration
- Team workflows and approvals
- Extensive app integrations
Pricing: Professional $99/month (1 user, 10 profiles); Team $249/month
Pros:
- Extremely comprehensive
- Handles high-volume posting
- Strong enterprise security
- Extensive integrations
- Social listening included
Cons:
- Expensive for small teams
- Interface can feel overwhelming
- Steep learning curve
- Free plan discontinued
Best for: Enterprises and large teams with complex social media operations.
4. Sprout Social — Best for Agencies
Sprout Social is a premium social media management platform focused on analytics, reporting, and client management.
Platforms supported: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, Pinterest, WhatsApp
Key features:
- Industry-leading analytics
- Social listening and monitoring
- CRM integration
- Client reporting (white-label)
- Team collaboration tools
- Unified smart inbox
Pricing: Standard $249/user/month; Professional $399/user/month
Pros:
- Best-in-class analytics
- Excellent client reporting
- Strong team collaboration
- Premium customer support
- Regular feature updates
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Per-seat pricing adds up fast
- Overkill for small teams
- Steep learning curve
Best for: Agencies managing multiple clients and teams needing advanced analytics.
5. Later — Best for Visual Brands
Later started as an Instagram scheduler and remains the go-to choice for visual-first brands and creators.
Platforms supported: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Pinterest
Key features:
- Visual content calendar (drag-and-drop grid)
- Instagram feed preview
- Linkin.bio (link-in-bio tool)
- User-generated content discovery
- Best time to post suggestions
- Media library with labels
Pricing: Free (1 profile, 5 posts/month); Starter $25/month
Pros:
- Beautiful visual planning
- Instagram feed preview
- Strong for visual content
- Good UGC tools
- Linkin.bio included
Cons:
- Instagram-centric (other platforms feel secondary)
- Limited analytics on lower tiers
- No unified inbox
- TikTok features less robust
Best for: Visual brands, Instagram-focused creators, and e-commerce businesses.
6. Planoly — Best for Instagram Aesthetic
Planoly is another visual-first scheduler designed for Instagram creators who care deeply about feed aesthetics.
Platforms supported: Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, X, Facebook
Key features:
- Visual feed planner
- Drag-and-drop grid
- Story scheduling
- Shopable posts integration
- Analytics dashboard
- Content calendar
Pricing: Free (1 profile, 30 uploads/month); Starter $16/month
Pros:
- Excellent Instagram grid preview
- Clean, visual interface
- Story planning
- Good for e-commerce
Cons:
- Limited platform support
- Basic analytics
- No LinkedIn support
- Per-profile pricing
Best for: Instagram creators and small businesses focused on visual aesthetics.
7. Loomly — Best for Content Approval Workflows
Loomly is designed for teams that need structured content approval workflows and collaboration features.
Platforms supported: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Pinterest, YouTube, Google Business
Key features:
- Content approval workflows
- Post ideas and inspiration
- Hashtag suggestions
- Asset library
- Team collaboration
- Custom approval chains
Pricing: Base $42/month (2 users, 10 profiles)
Pros:
- Excellent approval workflows
- Good for teams
- Content inspiration features
- Clean interface
- Reasonable pricing for teams
Cons:
- Less intuitive than Buffer/Later
- Analytics could be stronger
- Mobile app needs improvement
- No AI caption generation
Best for: Teams with formal content approval processes.
8. SocialBee — Best for Content Categories
SocialBee uses a category-based approach to content scheduling, helping you maintain balanced content mixes.
Platforms supported: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Pinterest, Google Business
Key features:
- Category-based scheduling
- Content recycling (evergreen posts)
- Canva integration
- AI caption generator
- RSS feed automation
- Team workspaces
Pricing: Bootstrap $29/month (5 profiles); Accelerate $49/month
Pros:
- Unique category approach
- Good for evergreen content
- Canva integration
- Reasonable pricing
- Content recycling
Cons:
- Learning curve for category system
- Interface less polished
- Limited analytics
- No YouTube support
Best for: Content marketers who want organized, category-based scheduling.
9. CoSchedule — Best for Marketing Teams
CoSchedule goes beyond social scheduling to offer a full marketing calendar for teams managing blogs, email, and social together.
Platforms supported: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Pinterest
Key features:
- Marketing calendar (not just social)
- Blog integration
- Email marketing sync
- Team workflows
- ReQueue (auto-rescheduling)
- Headline analyzer
Pricing: Free calendar; Social Calendar $29/user/month; Marketing Suite custom pricing
Pros:
- Full marketing calendar
- Great for content marketers
- Blog/email integration
- ReQueue automation
- Headline analyzer tool
Cons:
- Limited platform support (no TikTok, YouTube)
- Per-user pricing
- Overkill if you only need social
- Enterprise features locked behind high tiers
Best for: Marketing teams managing social alongside blogs and email campaigns.
10. Sendible — Best for White-Label Agencies
Sendible is built for agencies that need white-label dashboards and client management at scale.
Platforms supported: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, Google Business
Key features:
- White-label dashboard
- Client management
- Unified inbox
- Content suggestions
- Custom reporting
- Team collaboration
Pricing: Creator $29/month; Traction $89/month; White Label $240/month
Pros:
- True white-label option
- Good agency features
- Reasonable pricing
- Solid platform support
- Client management
Cons:
- Interface feels dated
- Analytics less robust than Sprout
- Mobile app needs work
- Bulk upload limitations
Best for: Agencies wanting white-label client dashboards.
11. Metricool — Best for Analytics Focus
Metricool combines scheduling with robust analytics and competitor tracking at budget-friendly prices.
Platforms supported: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, Pinterest, Twitch
Key features:
- Advanced analytics dashboard
- Competitor analysis
- Hashtag tracking
- Best time to post
- Link-in-bio tool
- Ad analytics
Pricing: Free (1 brand, 50 posts/month); Pro $22/month
Pros:
- Excellent analytics for the price
- Competitor tracking
- Good free plan
- Affordable paid tiers
- Twitch support (unique)
Cons:
- Interface less intuitive
- Bulk upload limited
- Customer support slower
- Fewer integrations
Best for: Data-driven marketers who want analytics without Sprout's price tag.
Compare: PostEverywhere vs Metricool
12. Publer — Best Budget Option
Publer offers solid scheduling features at some of the lowest prices in the market.
Platforms supported: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, Pinterest, Google Business, Telegram
Key features:
- Visual calendar
- Bulk scheduling
- Auto-scheduling
- Watermark on images
- Browser extension
- Analytics
Pricing: Free (3 profiles, 10 posts/day); Professional $12/month
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Good platform coverage
- Bulk scheduling included
- Decent free plan
- Telegram support (unique)
Cons:
- Interface less polished
- Limited analytics
- Smaller company (support concerns)
- Fewer advanced features
Best for: Budget-conscious creators who need basic scheduling across many platforms.
Social Media Scheduling Tools Comparison
| Tool | Starting Price | Best For | Platforms | AI Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PostEverywhere | $19/mo | Overall value | 6 | ✅ Yes |
| Buffer | Free / $6/ch | Beginners | 7 | ✅ Yes |
| Hootsuite | $99/mo | Enterprises | 20+ | ✅ Yes |
| Sprout Social | $249/user | Agencies | 8 | ✅ Yes |
| Later | Free / $25/mo | Visual brands | 6 | ❌ Limited |
| Planoly | Free / $16/mo | Instagram aesthetic | 5 | ❌ No |
| Loomly | $42/mo | Approval workflows | 8 | ❌ No |
| SocialBee | $29/mo | Content categories | 7 | ✅ Yes |
| CoSchedule | $29/user | Marketing teams | 5 | ❌ Limited |
| Sendible | $29/mo | White-label agencies | 7 | ❌ No |
| Metricool | Free / $22/mo | Analytics focus | 8 | ❌ Limited |
| Publer | Free / $12/mo | Budget option | 9 | ❌ No |
How to Choose the Best Social Media Scheduling Tool
By Team Size
| Team Size | Recommended Tools |
|---|---|
| Solo creator | Buffer, PostEverywhere, Later |
| Small team (2-5) | PostEverywhere, Loomly, SocialBee |
| Agency | Sprout Social, Sendible, Hootsuite |
| Enterprise | Hootsuite, Sprout Social |
By Primary Platform
| Platform Focus | Best Tools |
|---|---|
| Instagram-first | Later, Planoly, PostEverywhere |
| TikTok-first | PostEverywhere, Metricool |
| LinkedIn-first | PostEverywhere, Buffer, Hootsuite |
| Multi-platform | PostEverywhere, Hootsuite, Buffer |
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Free | Buffer (free tier), Metricool (free), native platform tools |
| Under $25/mo | PostEverywhere, Publer, Metricool Pro |
| $25-100/mo | PostEverywhere, Later, Loomly, SocialBee |
| $100+/mo | Hootsuite, Sprout Social |
By Feature Priority
| Priority | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Simplicity | Buffer |
| Visual planning | Later, Planoly |
| AI features | PostEverywhere, Buffer |
| Analytics | Sprout Social, Metricool |
| Team workflows | Loomly, Sprout Social |
| Value for money | PostEverywhere, SocialBee |
Social Media Scheduling Tools FAQs
What is the best social media scheduling tool overall?
For most users, PostEverywhere offers the best combination of features, platform support, and value. It includes AI caption generation, cross-platform publishing, visual calendar, and smart scheduling—all at a fraction of enterprise tool pricing. For absolute beginners on a tight budget, Buffer's free plan is a solid starting point.
Are social media scheduling tools worth it?
Yes. According to CoSchedule research, marketers who use scheduling software to schedule posts are 3x more likely to report success. The time savings alone (10-15 hours/week for active posters) justify the cost. Even free social media scheduler tools like Buffer or native platform schedulers provide significant value.
Do scheduling tools hurt engagement?
No. Social media algorithms don't penalize scheduled posts—they only care about engagement signals (likes, comments, shares) and posting consistency. In fact, scheduling often improves engagement because you can post at optimal times consistently. Learn more in our guide on how to schedule social media posts.
What's the best free social media scheduling tool?
Buffer's free plan (3 channels, 10 posts per channel) is the most functional free option. Metricool's free tier (50 posts/month) offers good analytics. For single-platform use, native tools (Meta Business Suite, TikTok Studio, LinkedIn) are completely free with no post limits.
Can I schedule posts to all platforms from one tool?
Yes. Social media scheduling software like PostEverywhere, Hootsuite, and Buffer let you schedule posts and publish to Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and YouTube simultaneously—with platform-specific customizations. This is called cross-posting or multi-platform publishing.
What's the difference between scheduling software and social media management tools?
Social media scheduling software focuses on content planning and auto-publishing—helping you schedule posts in advance. Management tools include scheduling plus social listening, inbox management, analytics, and team collaboration. Tools like Hootsuite and Sprout Social are full management platforms; Buffer and Later are primarily social media schedulers. PostEverywhere bridges both with scheduling, AI content, and analytics.
How many posts should I schedule per week?
Most platforms reward consistency. Aim for:
- Instagram: 3-7 feed posts, 1-3 Reels, daily Stories
- TikTok: 3-7 videos
- LinkedIn: 3-5 posts
- Facebook: 3-5 posts
- X: 5-15 posts
- YouTube: 1-3 videos
See our guide on best times to schedule social media posts.
Can I schedule Instagram Reels and TikTok videos?
Yes. Most modern scheduling tools support Reels and TikTok video scheduling with direct auto-publishing. Check that your chosen tool supports "auto-publish" (not just "notification to post") for these formats. PostEverywhere, Later, and Buffer all support Reels auto-publishing.
What's the best scheduling tool for TikTok?
TikTok scheduling requires direct API access, which not all tools have. PostEverywhere, Metricool, and Later offer true TikTok auto-publishing. Some tools only send notifications reminding you to post manually. See our TikTok scheduler for details.
How do I switch from one scheduling tool to another?
- Export your scheduled posts from your current tool (most allow CSV export)
- Sign up for your new tool and connect accounts
- Re-upload or recreate your scheduled content
- Let existing scheduled posts publish, then cancel old subscription
- Allow 1-2 weeks of overlap to ensure smooth transition
Next Steps
Ready to pick your social media scheduling tool?
- Start with your needs: List platforms you use, team size, and must-have features
- Try 2-3 tools: Use free trials to test workflows
- Evaluate after 1 week: Which feels most natural?
- Commit and optimize: Master one tool rather than switching constantly
Our recommendation: Try PostEverywhere free for 7 days. It covers all major platforms, includes AI features, and offers the best value for growing teams.
Related guides:
- How to Schedule Social Media Posts — Step-by-step for each platform
- What Is Social Media Scheduling? — Fundamentals and best practices
- How to Post Across All Platforms — Cross-posting strategies
Platform-specific schedulers:
Jamie Partridge
Founder & CEO of PostEverywhere
Jamie Partridge is the Founder & CEO of PostEverywhere. He writes about social media strategy, publishing workflows, and analytics that help brands grow faster with less effort.