How to schedule posts with Buffer, Hootsuite, and more

If you're tired of publishing against the clock, the tools of programming of social networks change your life: They save time, keep your brand active and improve results. without having to be glued to the screen. In 2025, companies and professionals will rely on applications to manage social networks such as Buffer, Hootsuite, HubSpot or Metricool to schedule, automate and measure accurately.

The data supports this: there are teams that report up to 40% more engagement and savings of 6 hours per week thanks to automation; in addition, those who program regularly manage to record 82% increase in social media ROIIn this guide, I'll tell you how to schedule posts with tools like Buffer or Hootsuite, what benefits they provide, how they work, which platforms to use according to your case and what you should look for to make the right choice.

What programming tools are and how they work

 

A social media scheduler is a software that allows you to create content in advance and schedule it so they're automatically published on the date and time you choose. The beauty of it is that you can manage multiple accounts and platforms simultaneously from a single dashboard.

Most of these tools connect to networks through their API. This technical "conversation" happens in the background, so you don't need to know code: You link your profiles, write, choose the date and time, and that's it. The typical process is: 1) connect accounts; 2) create the content and adapt it by network; 3) click "Schedule for later" and choose a time; 4) in some cases (such as Stories from Instagram) complete via push notification at checkout.

There are peculiarities: on YouTube, for example, you import the video into the tool, mark it as Private and programs when it will go publicEverything is centralized in a calendar for planning by day, week, or month.

Key benefits of scheduling posts

The benefits touch productivity and results. The best solutions allow time blocking and batch work, reducing errors by integrating approval and pre-publication flows.

• Real time savings: With visual calendars, it's easy to drag, drop, and rearrange. There are teams that report 75% reduction in manual time when they centralize their operations.
• Unified multi-channel management: program for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest or even Mastodon from a single panel and keep the message consistency.
• Analysis and best hours: Detailed metrics dashboards (reach, clicks, conversions) and suggestions for optimal schedules by audience to improve performance.
• Integration with CRM and marketing: Connecting social networks with email campaigns, segmentation and sales helps to measure real impact on business.
• efficient collaboration: task assignment, reviews and approvals to work as a team without chaos, all centralized.

Bulk Programming: How to Save Big Time

Bulk scheduling allows you to upload multiple posts at once using a CSV. Tools like Hootsuite allow you to upload up to 350 posts in one batch. It's ideal for asset-heavy campaigns or monthly calendars.

1. Prepare a CSV with date, time, text, links, and if applicable, multimedia. Some platforms offer templates so as not to fail in the format.
2. Import the file into your trusted tool and assign social profiles to whom each post is directed.
3. Review, adjust if necessary, and confirm the programming. Everything is visible on the calendar to move or edit in seconds.

Network programming trends in 2025

Automation is evolving rapidly. You'll see three clear lines: behavioral personalization, contextual automation and automatic format adaptation.

• Behavioral Personalization: interaction patterns are analyzed to decide what to publish and to which segment in every moment.
• Contextual Automation: Some systems adjust timings according to news, viral spikes or weather that may affect performance.
• Format adaptation: the same content can reformat to post, story, reel, or carousel automatically, optimizing each version.

Featured tools and what each one offers

There are many options. Below is a broad overview with strengths, features, and prices shared by various sources. Choose according to your networks, equipment and budget.

Hootsuite

Leading platform for publishing, collaborating, listening, and measuring across multiple networks (Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok). It offers AutoSchedule, bulk scheduling by CSV, visual calendar, unified inbox, content library, integrations (Canva, Asana, Zendesk, etc.), and advanced analytics. Reference prices: 30 day trial and plans from around $99/month In some sources, others cite Pro plans starting at €49/month or USD 49/month at earlier times (varies by country and date).

buffer

Very easy to use, ideal for beginners and for creators or SMEs. Supports Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok, Mastodon and Google Business Profile. Highlights its Buffer Queue (fill in the blank below) and simple statistics. Free plan with 10 posts per channel; payments from 5-6 USD/month per channel. It has an engagement module (Buffer Reply) with filters by sentiment and IA to speed up responses.

Later

Highly visual approach (IG, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter and Pinterest), grid planner and feed preview. Allows drag and drop to calendar, crop videos and images to specific formats, and features Linkin.bio. Plans starting at approx. 40 USD/month; There is a 14-day trial and posting limits on entry-level plans.

Sprout Social

Powerful and premium solution for large teams, with programming, high-level analytics, listening, complex approval, and unified inbox. Supports Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and WhatsApp. Dispose of Optimal Send Times (ViralPost). Prices quoted: 30-day trials and plans starting at $89 USD/month (Standard) in some lists, and $249/month in others (depending on edition/date).

HubSpot (Marketing Hub Network Manager)

In addition to CRM and marketing automation, it offers a network module to create, schedule, and measure on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter, connected to campaigns, audiences, and sales. Advantages: CRM integration, visual calendar, interaction analytics, and segmentation. Available on Marketing Hub Pro and Enterprise plans.

Canva Pro (Developer)

In addition to design creation, its Pro version includes programming and publishing for Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn, with interaction metrics within your panel. Integrated templates and simple editing to speed up your visual production.

MetaBusiness Suite

Free, native to Facebook and Instagram (posts, Stories, ads). With mobile and desktop apps. When scheduling Stories, you won't have all the editing features from IG (some advanced stickers), but also text, clippings and certain stickers.

XPro (formerly TweetDeck)

Native manager for multiple X/Twitter accounts. Allows schedule tweets and threads, view columns and manage up to many accounts from one dashboard. It is free with your account and very agile for intensive Twitter users.

Tailwind

It was born for Pinterest and is still going strong there: custom calendars, intervals, and multi-boards. It also works with Instagram and Facebook. Note: For use with Facebook, in some cases you need an Instagram account Linked. Integrate with Hootsuite via the Tailwind app for Pinterest.

RSS Autopublisher

Automatically publish your content RSS feeds on LinkedIn, X and Facebook. Perfect if you have a blog or podcast with regular updates and want shoot links effortless.

airtable

It is not a native direct publisher, but it works for manage workflows, goals, tasks, and calendars. With Airtable Automations you can generate triggers that publish on X or Facebook. And, via the Airtable Automations app for Hootsuite, turn him into a full-fledged programmer for Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Facebook and X.

KAWO

Specific to Chinese networks: WeChat, Weibo, Kuaishou and Douyin. It offers a calendar, scheduling, and recommendations for the best times. There's a KAWO app for Hootsuite to monitor your work. WeChat and Weibo along with the rest of your channels.

meet edgar

Ideal for entrepreneurs and SMEs: helps to recirculate evergreen content and fill in the gaps when there's no news. Publish to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. It lacks advanced features for large organizations, but performs very well in evergreen.

Shopify Facebook & Instagram Auto Post (Post Studio)

If you have a store on Shopify, this app creates a calendar that publishes products (new or random) at fixed times daily or specific days on Instagram, Facebook, X and Pinterest. Integrates well with eCommerce and maintains consistency without inventing content.

If you are looking for advanced eCommerce integrations, Hootsuite has Shopview for Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce and Magento to unify your operations.

Mailchimp

Known for the email marketing, also connects to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to create and program posts, and even link them to an email blast to get out synchronized at the same moment.

Metricool

Very complete for management, programming and analytics, with reports in PDF and PPT, bio link management, mention tracking, keywords, and hashtags. Supports Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, LinkedIn, Google Business Profile, Facebook Ads, and Google Ads. Plans starting at 14 € / month and free version.

sociallix

Simple and economical option (Android), with calendar and analytics. Free basic and plans from $9,99/year. Manage Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Ideal for getting started with low cost.

SocialOomph

Allows publication on networks and blogs, search for Keyword, post saving and repurposing, bulk uploading, and auto-publishing from RSS. Works with Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Reddit, Twitter, Shopify, Tumblr, and WordPress. It has a limited free version and plans starting at $15/month.

Postcron

It facilitates the bulk image upload, add automatic watermarks, manage multiple accounts and take advantage of a content gallery. Supports Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and TikTok. Plans starting at $8/month with proof.

Brandwatch

Powerful suite with modules of social management, listening and analysis for audience and trend research. Integrates teams and clients into the platform. Supports Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Reddit. Price per quote.

Onlypult

Intuitive interface for posting and scheduling across multiple channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google My Business, YouTube, TikTok, Tumblr, WordPress, Telegram, VK, Odnoklassniki). Includes streaming multichannel, gallery scheduling, and previews. 7-day trial and plans starting at $25/month.

Facelift Cloud

Business-oriented: multi-channel publishing, integrated photo editor, task management and collaboration for teams. Supports Instagram, Xing, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and WhatsApp. 14-day trial and quote-based plans.

crowdfire

Focused on content curation and trends; adapts posts to each network's format and recommends schedules. Supports Twitter, Instagram, Facebook pages, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. It has a limited free version and payments starting at $7,48/month.

ContentStudio

All in one for scheduling on multiple platforms (IG, FB, X, LinkedIn, Pinterest…), content discovery, campaign automation, analytics, and approval workflows. 14-day trial; plans starting at $25/month.

Planoly

Focus on the Instagram visual planning with drag-and-drop grid. Simple to create and schedule, but more accurate in analytics. Plans from $14/month per channel.

CoSchedule

Marketing calendar with social integration (including Instagram). Powerful in collaboration and planning of campaigns. Plans from $15/month for five social profiles.

Trello

He doesn't publish himself, but he's perfect as a editorial calendar with lists, cards, and calendar views to coordinate campaigns and tasks. Free plan and payments starting from $5 USD/month per user.

Social Sked

Compared to Hootsuite, Sked shines in publishing capabilities and large-scale management; its initial curve is higher, but as it grows remains stable with filters and views.

FS Poster (WordPress)

Plugin to schedule and auto-publish in 15 networks, with no limit on accounts or posts. It offers a Lite version and single license for 65 USD with access to future updates.

How to choose the right tool

Before paying, define objectives and volume: do you only want schedule on IG and FB Or listen, collaborate, and report in depth? If you manage multiple profiles or campaigns, prioritize massive and analytical programming.

• Budget and scalability: Buffer or Crowdfire are accessible to start; Sprout or Brandwatch are premium for large teamsHootsuite balances power and variety of integrations.
• Easy to use: Postcron or Later are direct; if you need collaborative control and reporting, Metricool, Hootsuite or Brandwatch are better suited.
• Compatibility: TweetDeck/XPro is only good for Twitter; Onlypult and Tailwind excel in visual and Pinterest/IG. Check your priority channels.
• Key features: AI, healing, social listening, approvals, library, inbox… sort them by priority according to your workflow.

Recommendations by profile: individual creator (Buffer, Later, Postcron), small company (HubSpot Starter, Metricool, ContentStudio) and large agency/company (HubSpot Pro/Enterprise, Sprout Social, Hootsuite).

Technical errors to avoid

There are three classic pitfalls that bring down the best calendar: image formats, character limits and links.

• Image Formats: Not adjusting dimensions by network causes ugly cuts. Tools like HubSpot or Later adjust sizes automatically.
• Allowed characters: Every network has limits; exceeding them truncates the copy. Platforms often let you know when you go too far.
• UTM and shorteners: Some shorteners or parameters fail if not respected. Check that your tool keep the UTMs and measure clicks well.

Quick Start Guide: Scheduling in HubSpot (Step by Step)

If you're already using the HubSpot ecosystem, this will be a great fit for you: everything is connected with your campaigns, lists and CRM.

1. Access a Marketing > Social Networks.
2. press “Create a social media post” and choose accounts (FB, IG, LinkedIn, X).
3. Write or ask for help from Breeze (IA); add hashtags and mentions according to each network.
4. Goes up images or videos from your PC or library; you can generate designs in Canva/Adobe Express without leaving your home.
5. Decide whether to publish now or programs day and time; associate it with a campaign to maintain order.
6. Segment audience on FB/LinkedIn by location, language or position if you need it.
7. Preview, review and click “Schedule publication”. Useful example: preparing one piece for FB and another version for IG, both on Saturday at 10:00.

Case Study: Results That Matter

A team with limited resources chose to program with HubSpot and achieved plan weeks in advance, maintain multi-channel consistency, analyze what works and link networks with other actions of the marketing plan.

• +600% web traffic from social networks.
• Annual growth of 80% for three years.
• Less time spent on management and more strategic focus.

Free options and tips for eCommerce

For e-commerce, it is best to start with MetaBusiness Suite (free for FB and IG), XPro/TweetDeck if your priority is Twitter or the free plan of buffer (10 posts per channel) to validate the method. Sprout Social and Hootsuite have tests and Trello fits as a content calendar. Caution: avoid apps unofficial ones that put your account at risk due to poor privacy management.

Tips that add up: define buyer person, use Facebook Mobile Studio to get inspired with editing apps, share photos of your team to humanize your brand, reuse content (reviews, blog quotes) and rely on Excel for shared calendars. The Trusted Shops Social Media Manager helps you create posts from customer reviews, and its partnership with Google allows show stars in ads if you collect reviews.

Specific planning for Instagram

On IG, aesthetics and consistency matter. You need to create posts, Stories and Reels with simple editing, discover the best times, schedule ahead, organize the grid, change the order of Instagram photos and measure well. Tools like Hootsuite and Talkwalker offer social listening to detect trends, hashtags and brand sentiment.

Top picks: Hootsuite (advanced scheduling, analytics, collaboration), Later (visual planning and calendar), Buffer (simplicity and auto-posting), Sprout Social (business and reporting), Planoly (grid), Tailwind (Instagram and Pinterest), and CoSchedule (marketing calendars). For free, MetaBusiness Suite centralizes FB+IG and the official Instagram app allows you to schedule up to 25 posts daily with a maximum of 75 days' notice.

Buffer vs Hootsuite vs Later: what you should know

• Supported platforms: Buffer covers FB, IG, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok, Mastodon and Google Business Profile; Hootsuite integrates FB, IG, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, WordPress, YouTube (among others); Later covers IG, Pinterest, X/Twitter, TikTok and LinkedIn.
• Programming: Buffer shines with Buffer Queue to fill the next gap. Hootsuite offers AutoSchedule and a Bulk Composer to upload up to 350 posts via CSV. Later stands out for its drag & drop very visual and format optimizations.
• Content curation: Buffer allows RSS feeds in your inbox; Hootsuite monitors them keywords and hashtags, with filters by location and demographics; Later suggests related hashtags and offers hashtag analytics and AI to generate ideas.
• Reports and dashboards: Buffer shows week in calendar and statistics by network (includes IG Stories data); Hootsuite allows customizable multi-channel reports and sort by region/demographics; Later reports by network and includes KPIs and demographics with Story views up to 3 months.
• Integrations: Buffer tops 30 (focused on creation); Hootsuite has a very extensive directory (Reddit, Vimeo, Canva, Asana, Spotify, etc.); Later, in general, lacks third-party integrations.
• Teamwork: Buffer offers basic permissions with approval; Hootsuite creates teams and organizations with complex workflows; Later is more geared toward SMEs and creators.
• Conversations: Buffer Reply manages comments with AI and brand earringsHootsuite has inbox, assignments, and bots/CRM; Later doesn't have a dedicated module.
• Library and links: Hootsuite stands out in library and reuse; all three offer link shorteners and metrics if you shorten within the platform.
• Free plans and prices: Buffer free (10 posts per channel), plans from 5-6 USD/month per channel; Hootsuite retired its free plan on 31/03/2023 and offers paid options (referrals from ~99 USD/month, with historical/territorial variations); Later limited free (10 per platform) and payments from 18-40 USD/month according to plan and date.

And on a large scale? Buffer is the Easier to use at first; Hootsuite and Sked Social, on the other hand, absorb the complexity better by manage more than 10 accounts without the interface becoming a mess. Hootsuite also integrates paid promotion to automatically boost posts upon exit.

Mini express comparison (5 market references)

To give you a quick snapshot (textual summary of tables seen in different sources): HubSpot (Marketing Hub) covers FB, IG, LinkedIn and X, in Spanish, with advanced analytics, ideal for comprehensive strategies; Buffer launches in $6/month and stands out for its ease; Hootsuite, from ~99 USD/month, is key for agencies and teams; XPro is free of charge and exclusive to Twitter; Later from $40/month fits into visual content.

As you can see, scheduling posts with tools like Buffer or Hootsuite not only frees up your time: It gives you method, coherence and dataIf you plan in batches, adjust with analytics, and choose the right suite based on your channels and team, your social presence will soar without the need for daily pressure.