Quick Overview
- 1#1: Later - Visual social media calendar for planning, previewing, and scheduling posts across Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms.
- 2#2: Hootsuite - Comprehensive social media management platform with a drag-and-drop calendar for scheduling and team collaboration.
- 3#3: Buffer - User-friendly scheduling tool featuring a simple calendar view for planning posts on multiple social networks.
- 4#4: Planoly - Instagram-focused visual planner with grid previews and scheduling calendar for optimal feed aesthetics.
- 5#5: Loomly - Collaborative content calendar that streamlines idea generation, approval, and social media scheduling.
- 6#6: Sprout Social - Enterprise-grade platform with advanced publishing calendar, analytics, and cross-platform scheduling.
- 7#7: Agorapulse - Social media scheduler with an intuitive calendar, queue management, and team workflow features.
- 8#8: CoSchedule - Marketing calendar integrating social media scheduling, content planning, and automation.
- 9#9: SocialPilot - Affordable bulk scheduling tool with a calendar interface for teams managing multiple accounts.
- 10#10: Sendible - White-label social media dashboard with customizable calendars and client reporting features.
Tools were selected based on key metrics: cross-platform functionality, collaboration features, ease of use (intuitive design and workflow efficiency), and long-term value (pricing, analytics, and scalability), ensuring a balanced representation of industry-leading solutions.
Comparison Table
Explore the landscape of social media calendar software with our comparison table, featuring tools like Later, Hootsuite, Buffer, Planoly, Loomly, and more. This guide outlines key features, strengths, and ideal use cases to simplify content planning and scheduling, helping you identify the best fit for your goals, whether visual platform focus, multi-channel management, or small business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Later Visual social media calendar for planning, previewing, and scheduling posts across Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Hootsuite Comprehensive social media management platform with a drag-and-drop calendar for scheduling and team collaboration. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | Buffer User-friendly scheduling tool featuring a simple calendar view for planning posts on multiple social networks. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Planoly Instagram-focused visual planner with grid previews and scheduling calendar for optimal feed aesthetics. | creative_suite | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Loomly Collaborative content calendar that streamlines idea generation, approval, and social media scheduling. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Sprout Social Enterprise-grade platform with advanced publishing calendar, analytics, and cross-platform scheduling. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Agorapulse Social media scheduler with an intuitive calendar, queue management, and team workflow features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | CoSchedule Marketing calendar integrating social media scheduling, content planning, and automation. | other | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | SocialPilot Affordable bulk scheduling tool with a calendar interface for teams managing multiple accounts. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | Sendible White-label social media dashboard with customizable calendars and client reporting features. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
Visual social media calendar for planning, previewing, and scheduling posts across Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms.
Comprehensive social media management platform with a drag-and-drop calendar for scheduling and team collaboration.
User-friendly scheduling tool featuring a simple calendar view for planning posts on multiple social networks.
Instagram-focused visual planner with grid previews and scheduling calendar for optimal feed aesthetics.
Collaborative content calendar that streamlines idea generation, approval, and social media scheduling.
Enterprise-grade platform with advanced publishing calendar, analytics, and cross-platform scheduling.
Social media scheduler with an intuitive calendar, queue management, and team workflow features.
Marketing calendar integrating social media scheduling, content planning, and automation.
Affordable bulk scheduling tool with a calendar interface for teams managing multiple accounts.
White-label social media dashboard with customizable calendars and client reporting features.
Later
specializedVisual social media calendar for planning, previewing, and scheduling posts across Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms.
Visual Planner – drag-and-drop calendar for real-time feed previews across profiles
Later is a leading social media scheduling platform designed for visual content planning across major networks like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Twitter. It features a drag-and-drop visual calendar that allows users to preview their feed in real-time before publishing, along with tools for analytics, hashtag suggestions, and auto-posting. Additionally, Later offers Linkin.bio for customizable link-in-bio pages and influencer collaboration features, making it a comprehensive solution for content creators and marketers.
Pros
- Intuitive visual calendar for feed previewing
- Broad multi-platform support with auto-publishing
- Powerful analytics and best-time-to-post suggestions
Cons
- Advanced features locked behind higher tiers
- Limited automation for Stories on some platforms
- Occasional glitches with large media libraries
Best For
Visual-first social media managers, influencers, and agencies prioritizing Instagram and Pinterest aesthetics.
Pricing
Free plan (1 social set, limited posts); Starter ($18/mo), Growth ($40/mo), Advanced ($80/mo) billed annually.
Hootsuite
enterpriseComprehensive social media management platform with a drag-and-drop calendar for scheduling and team collaboration.
Visual Planner calendar with AI-powered content suggestions and optimal send times
Hootsuite is a robust social media management platform that excels in scheduling and organizing posts via its visual content calendar across multiple networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more. It provides tools for team collaboration, content approval workflows, and performance analytics to optimize social strategies. As a top-tier solution ranked #2, it streamlines calendar-based planning for efficient multi-channel publishing.
Pros
- Supports 20+ social platforms with seamless scheduling
- Powerful visual calendar and drag-and-drop planning
- Built-in analytics and team collaboration tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Higher pricing limits accessibility for solopreneurs
- Interface can feel cluttered with advanced features
Best For
Mid-sized teams and agencies managing multiple social accounts who need advanced calendar planning and collaboration.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month (Professional, billed annually); Team at $249/month; Enterprise custom pricing; 30-day free trial.
Buffer
specializedUser-friendly scheduling tool featuring a simple calendar view for planning posts on multiple social networks.
Drag-and-drop visual calendar with smart queue for automated, optimal scheduling
Buffer is a streamlined social media management platform focused on scheduling and planning content across major networks like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Its visual calendar allows users to drag-and-drop posts, preview schedules, and optimize posting times using smart queues and best-time suggestions. The tool also provides analytics for performance tracking and supports team collaboration for efficient content calendars.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop calendar for easy planning
- Supports scheduling across 10+ social platforms
- Built-in analytics and best-time-to-post suggestions
Cons
- Pricing scales per social channel, which adds up for heavy users
- Lacks advanced monitoring or inbox features
- Free plan limited to 3 channels with basic functionality
Best For
Small teams and solo creators who need simple, visual scheduling without complex social listening tools.
Pricing
Free (3 channels, 10 posts/month); Essentials $6/channel/month; Team $12/channel/month; Agency $120+/month (billed annually).
Planoly
creative_suiteInstagram-focused visual planner with grid previews and scheduling calendar for optimal feed aesthetics.
Real-time Instagram feed preview in the visual calendar
Planoly is a visual social media planning and scheduling tool focused on Instagram, Pinterest, and other platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google Business. It features a drag-and-drop calendar that previews your Instagram grid, stories, and reels in real-time, along with content libraries, team collaboration, and basic analytics. Ideal for creators and small teams, it simplifies content curation and posting without needing third-party approvals for Instagram.
Pros
- Intuitive visual planner with real-time Instagram grid previews
- Supports scheduling across 7+ social platforms
- Generous free plan with core scheduling features
Cons
- Advanced analytics limited to higher tiers
- Instagram-centric with fewer deep integrations for other platforms
- Team features and unlimited scheduling require paid plans
Best For
Instagram-focused influencers, small businesses, and content creators who prioritize visual planning and ease of use.
Pricing
Free plan available; Pro starts at $15/user/month (annual), Business at $35/user/month, Enterprise custom.
Loomly
specializedCollaborative content calendar that streamlines idea generation, approval, and social media scheduling.
Universal post previews that show exactly how content will appear on each social platform before publishing
Loomly is a robust social media calendar and management platform designed for teams to plan, collaborate on, and schedule posts across major networks like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more. Its drag-and-drop calendar provides a visual overview of content schedules, while built-in tools for approvals, comments, and previews streamline workflows. Loomly also offers analytics, content libraries, hashtag managers, and post ideas to optimize social strategies.
Pros
- Intuitive visual calendar with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Strong collaboration tools including approvals and comments
- Accurate post previews for every platform
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with more profiles and users
- Limited free trial and no forever-free plan
- Analytics depth lags behind enterprise competitors
Best For
Marketing teams and agencies handling multiple social accounts that prioritize collaboration and visual planning.
Pricing
Starts at $32/month (billed annually) for Base plan (3 profiles, 2 users); scales to $166/month for Advanced (30 profiles, 10 users); custom Enterprise pricing.
Sprout Social
enterpriseEnterprise-grade platform with advanced publishing calendar, analytics, and cross-platform scheduling.
ViralPost® which analyzes audience data to automatically recommend and execute optimal posting times for maximum engagement.
Sprout Social is a comprehensive social media management platform featuring a robust social media calendar for planning, scheduling, and publishing content across major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Its calendar offers visual timelines, drag-and-drop scheduling, content queues, and approval workflows to streamline team collaboration. Beyond basic scheduling, it integrates engagement tools, analytics, and listening capabilities for a holistic approach to social media strategy.
Pros
- Intuitive visual calendar with drag-and-drop and color-coding for easy planning
- Advanced scheduling options like ViralPost for optimal timing and evergreen queues
- Seamless team collaboration with workflows, permissions, and asset libraries
Cons
- Premium pricing starts high, limiting accessibility for small teams or solopreneurs
- Feature-rich interface can feel overwhelming for users needing only basic calendar functionality
- No free plan; trial is limited and requires credit card
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise teams seeking an all-in-one social media platform with enterprise-grade calendar and analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $249/user/month (Standard), $399 (Professional), $499 (Advanced); annual billing required, custom Enterprise plans available.
Agorapulse
specializedSocial media scheduler with an intuitive calendar, queue management, and team workflow features.
Visual Content Calendar with queues, recurring posts, and multi-step approval workflows
Agorapulse is a robust social media management platform with a strong emphasis on content calendaring, allowing users to plan, schedule, and visualize posts across major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and more. Its calendar view supports drag-and-drop scheduling, content queues, and team approvals for streamlined workflows. Beyond calendaring, it includes a unified inbox for engagement, detailed reporting, and analytics to track performance.
Pros
- Intuitive visual calendar with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Unified inbox for efficient engagement and monitoring
- Strong team collaboration and approval workflows
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter small teams or solopreneurs
- Limited advanced automation features compared to top competitors
- No native content creation or design tools
Best For
Mid-sized teams and agencies managing multiple social accounts who prioritize scheduling, engagement, and reporting in one dashboard.
Pricing
Starts at $79/user/month (Pro plan) billed annually, up to $199/user/month (Advanced), with custom Enterprise pricing; 30-day free trial available.
CoSchedule
otherMarketing calendar integrating social media scheduling, content planning, and automation.
The unified Marketing Calendar that drag-and-drops social posts alongside emails and blog content
CoSchedule is a comprehensive marketing calendar platform designed primarily for social media scheduling and content planning across multiple networks like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. It features a visual drag-and-drop calendar that integrates social posts with blog publishing, email campaigns, and team workflows for streamlined management. The tool also includes analytics, best-time-to-post suggestions, and evergreen content recycling via ReQueue, making it ideal for organized marketing teams.
Pros
- Visual drag-and-drop calendar for easy planning
- ReQueue for automatic evergreen content recycling
- Integrations with WordPress, Google Analytics, and more
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with users and features
- Steeper learning curve for non-marketing teams
- Limited customization in reporting compared to competitors
Best For
Marketing teams and agencies needing an all-in-one calendar for social media, content, and campaign coordination.
Pricing
Starts at $29/user/month (billed annually) for basic features, up to enterprise plans with custom pricing.
SocialPilot
specializedAffordable bulk scheduling tool with a calendar interface for teams managing multiple accounts.
White-label client dashboards with approval workflows for seamless agency-client collaboration
SocialPilot is a robust social media management platform designed for scheduling, publishing, and analyzing content across major networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and more. It features a visual content calendar for planning posts, bulk scheduling capabilities, team collaboration tools, and customizable reporting. Agencies particularly benefit from its white-label client dashboards and approval workflows, making it efficient for multi-account management.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with strong value for agencies and teams
- Supports 10+ social platforms with bulk scheduling and RSS feeds
- Intuitive visual calendar and excellent 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Analytics are solid but lack depth of enterprise-level tools
- No built-in content creation or advanced video editing features
- Some integrations are limited compared to top competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized agencies and marketing teams managing multiple client social accounts efficiently.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Professional plan for 10 accounts), up to $200+/month (Agency plan for 100+ accounts); annual billing saves 20%, 14-day free trial.
Sendible
enterpriseWhite-label social media dashboard with customizable calendars and client reporting features.
White-label client dashboards with automated, customizable reports directly from the calendar insights
Sendible is a comprehensive social media management platform with a powerful content calendar designed for planning, scheduling, and publishing posts across major networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more. It features a visual drag-and-drop calendar interface that supports team collaboration, content approvals, and recurring posts for efficient workflow management. Beyond scheduling, it offers analytics, custom reporting, and agency-specific tools like white-label dashboards to streamline multi-client operations.
Pros
- Visual drag-and-drop content calendar with bulk scheduling
- Robust team collaboration and approval workflows
- Agency-focused white-label reporting and client management
Cons
- Higher starting price for small teams
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Limited free plan or long-term trial options
Best For
Social media agencies and mid-sized teams handling multiple clients who need collaborative calendars and customizable client reports.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Essentials, 3 profiles), $89/month (Creator, 10 profiles), up to $199+/month (Pro, 40+ profiles); 14-day free trial, annual billing discounts.
Conclusion
After examining the top 10 social media calendar tools, Later leads as the top choice, standing out with its visual planning and seamless scheduling across Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms. Hootsuite follows as a robust option, offering a comprehensive management platform with drag-and-drop tools and team collaboration features, while Buffer impresses for its user-friendly interface and simplicity in managing multiple social networks. Each tool caters to distinct needs, ensuring there’s a strong fit for various users.
Don’t miss the chance to boost your social media efficiency—try the top-ranked tool, Later, and unlock smoother planning, scheduling, and content that connects with your audience effortlessly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison