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Looking to automate your socials? Discover the best social media automation tools for 2024, including Sked Social, Sendible, and Buffer.
In the ever-evolving world of social media, staying ahead of the curve requires innovation, creativity, and a cutting-edge social media toolkit. Social media automation tools have become essential for marketers, agencies, and brands looking to streamline their workflows and maximize their online impact. But, with so many options available, how do you choose the best social media automation software for your needs?
In this blog, we'll guide you through the best automated social media tools for 2024 to streamlining your social media publishing. We'll explore their key features, pros and cons, and why these tools might be right for you. Whether you're managing multiple social media accounts or looking to enhance your social media strategy, these tools will help you save time, increase engagement, and drive results.
What to look for in the best social media automation software
Selecting the right social media automation software is crucial for effective social media marketing. The best social media marketing automation tools should offer a blend of powerful features, user-friendly interfaces, and reliable performance. Here’s what to consider when choosing the right tool for your social media automation needs:
Key features
- Auto-posting: The ability to schedule and auto post to social media across multiple platforms is a must-have. A social media auto poster should allow you to automate social media posts easily, ensuring your content is consistently published without manual intervention.
- Multi-channel publishing: The best social media automation tools should support multi-channel publishing, allowing you to manage social media posts across various platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn from a single dashboard.
- Approval workflows: For teams, having an approval workflow is essential. This feature ensures that all content is reviewed and approved before going live, maintaining quality and brand consistency.
- Engagement: Social media is all about interaction. Tools that help you manage social media messages, respond to comments, and engage with your audience can significantly enhance your social media strategy.
- Analytics and reporting: Robust analytics and reporting features allow you to track the performance of your social media campaigns, providing insights that can help refine your strategies.
Our picks for 2024’s best social media automation tools
Sked Social. Best social media automation tool for brands and agencies
Sendible. Best social media automation tool for smaller teams
Buffer. Best free social media automation tool for beginners
Other platforms to consider
Collaborate effortlessly, save time and spend less
Why settle for a lackluster social media management tool when you could be using Sked Social? With unlimited collaborator access, streamlined approvals and advanced auto-post technology that lets you schedule to all major platforms, Sked Social offers everything you need.
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1. Sked Social
Sked Social is a powerhouse designed to meet the needs of brands and agencies seeking top-tier social automation. With a focus on streamlining workflows, Sked Social offers a comprehensive suite of auto posting tools for scheduling, publishing, and analyzing content across multiple platforms. Its robust auto posting software ensures that your social media presence is consistently engaging and up-to-date without the hassle of manual management. Sked Social’s advanced analytics and direct publishing capabilities, particularly for Instagram Stories, make it a standout choice for teams that demand efficiency and precision in their social media strategy.
Best for
Sked Social is ideal for brands and agencies that require a comprehensive social media management solution with powerful automation features to optimize their content strategy across multiple platforms.
Key features
- Automatically schedules and posts your social media content across multiple platforms seamlessly.
- Streamlines your workflow by allowing you to schedule content for multiple channels in one go.
- Offers advanced approval workflows that enhance collaboration and ensure consistent brand messaging.
- Integrates robust social media analytics to help you track and optimize your performance.
- Directly publishes to Instagram Stories, making it easier to engage your audience in real time.
Pros
- Provides a comprehensive feature set that meets the diverse needs of social media managers.
- User-friendly interface that simplifies the process, even for beginners.
- Exceptional customer support that ensures any issues are resolved promptly.
- Delivers advanced analytics and reporting tools to optimize your social media strategy.
Cons
- Pricing might be on the higher side for smaller businesses with limited budgets.
- Limited integration options with niche platforms, which could be a drawback for specialized needs.
Customers say
- "I’ve been using Sked for managing multiple accounts, and I’m particularly impressed with the reporting feature. The ability to download reports with just one click is incredibly convenient and helps me stay on track with account performance effortlessly. It's a huge time-saver and makes managing various accounts much more efficient.”—Source
- “I like how Sked is always evolving to keep up with each platform. Reporting and analytics is solid and generates reports I send directly to my clients. I also love how helpful the team is when it comes to personalized support. Approvals process is also a godsend!”—Source
- “Sked has been fantastic for our company in managing our social media and Google presence. It has also reduced our time spent with manual processes, allowing us to serve our clients better and giving them more value so we can keep our fees conservative and put our focus on high-value business development opportunities.”—Source
Cost
Sked Social starts at $25/month with a 7-day free trial available.
2. Sendible
Sendible is a versatile social media automation tool that shines in helping small teams streamline their social media efforts. Its automatic posting software is designed to be cost-effective and easy to use, making it an ideal solution for businesses that need essential features without the high price tag.
Sendible’s core strengths lie in its multi-channel publishing capabilities and basic analytics, allowing teams to manage their social media accounts efficiently. The platform also offers social media monitoring tools, helping businesses stay on top of their online presence without missing a beat.
While Sendible covers the basics well, Sked Social offers more robust analytics and advanced content planning tools, making it a stronger choice for teams that need more in-depth automation and visual content strategies.
Best for
Sendible is best for smaller teams and businesses that require basic social media automation tools without needing advanced features.
Key features
- Automates your social media posting to save time and maintain a consistent online presence.
- Supports multi-channel publishing, allowing you to manage all your accounts from one place.
- Offers social media monitoring to keep track of brand mentions and engagement.
- Provides basic analytics to help you gauge your social media performance.
- Enables content scheduling so you can plan and execute your campaigns efficiently.
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface that requires minimal training, perfect for busy teams.
- Offers affordable pricing plans, making it accessible for smaller businesses.
- Strong customer support that provides timely assistance whenever needed.
Cons
- Limited advanced features may not meet the needs of more complex social media strategies.
- Basic reporting capabilities may not provide the in-depth insights required by some users.
Customers say
- “Sendible has made my work so much easier by allowing me to schedule content and helping me organize tasks.”—Source
- “Sendible helps us to manage all our social media accounts from one dashboard. The ease of creating and scheduling social media is really easy.”—Source
- “When posting it does not always display as I would like, compared to posting direct on the social media account.”—Source
Cost
Sendible’s pricing starts at $29/month, with a 14-day free trial available.
3. Buffer
Buffer is a popular social media automation tool, particularly for those new to the process. It offers a clean and intuitive interface, making it accessible for beginners and small businesses looking to ease into social media management.
One of Buffer’s standout features is its free plan, which provides essential tools like scheduling and basic analytics. This makes it an excellent starting point for small businesses or individuals who want to experiment with social media automation without any financial commitment.
However, when it comes to more advanced features and multi-platform support, Sked Social provides a more comprehensive solution, especially for growing teams that need scalability.
Best for
Buffer is ideal for beginners or small businesses seeking a straightforward tool to automate their social media posts.
Key features
- Simple scheduling tool that makes it easy to plan and post your content.
- Basic analytics features to help you monitor your social media engagement.
- Supports publishing across multiple social media channels from a single dashboard.
- Includes link shortening and tracking, adding convenience to your content management.
Pros
- Offers a free plan, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
- Intuitive user interface ensures ease of use, even for beginners.
- Supports all major social networks, providing flexibility for multi-platform strategies.
Cons
- The free plan comes with limited features, which might not be sufficient for growing businesses.
- Basic analytics and reporting may fall short for those needing detailed insights.
Customers say
- “Buffer allows me to schedule posts in advance, saving time and effort spent on posting manually every time.”—Source
- “I can easily add my social media channels in just a few steps and schedule posts on all my tracks with one click.”—Source
- “The scheduling tends to be unreliable; many times a post will miss its schedule and the user doesn't find out until later.”—Source
Cost
Buffer offers a free plan, with paid plans starting at $15/month.
4. Sprout Social
Sprout Social is a comprehensive social media management platform favored by larger businesses and enterprises. Known for its powerful automation features, it offers a wide array of tools that cater to more advanced needs.
The platform excels in its advanced analytics and social listening tools, making it a go-to for businesses that require deep insights and robust engagement tools. Sprout Social also supports team collaboration, which is essential for larger organizations with multiple stakeholders.
For smaller teams or businesses with tighter budgets, Sked Social provides a more cost-effective alternative with a gentler learning curve and more accessible pricing.
Best for
Sprout Social is best suited for larger businesses and enterprises that need advanced features and detailed analytics.
Key features
- Offers advanced analytics to offer deep insights into your social media performance.
- Automates social media posting and supports multi-channel publishing for streamlined management.
- Features social listening tools that help you stay on top of trends and brand mentions.
- Includes team collaboration features, making it easy for your team to work together effectively.
Pros
- Strong analytics capabilities that allow for detailed performance tracking and optimization.
- Comprehensive feature set that covers all aspects of social media management.
- Excellent customer support that ensures any issues are quickly resolved.
Cons
- Expensive pricing may make this tool inaccessible for smaller businesses with tighter budgets.
- The platform has a steeper learning curve, which may require more time to fully master.
Customers say
- “Sprout Social was a great addition to our social media workflow. It was easy to get our accounts set up and running.”—Source
- “I find Sprout incredibly user-friendly, especially when setting up listening and keywords. It's intuitive and straightforward, making it easy to navigate and manage social media interactions and analytics.”—Source
- “I feel like Sprout Social is a bit behind the curve in things that other scheduling software offers, especially auto scheduling, and just little details for each platform that could be customized.”—Source
Cost
Sprout Social’s platform starts at $99/month.
5. Hootsuite
Hootsuite is one of the most recognizable names in social media automation, offering a robust suite of tools that cater to businesses of all sizes. Its extensive integrations and user-friendly interface make it a staple for many social media managers.
The platform supports scheduling posts, multi-channel publishing, and social media monitoring, allowing businesses to manage their entire social media strategy in one place. Hootsuite’s strong industry reputation and wide range of features have made it a trusted tool for years.
While Hootsuite is a reliable option, its pricing can be a barrier for smaller teams. For those looking for a more affordable solution with comparable features, Sked Social offers a compelling alternative.
Best for
Hootsuite is well-suited for businesses of all sizes that need a reliable, all-in-one social media automation tool.
Key features
- Offers content scheduling tools that simplify planning and posting across various platforms.
- Supports multi-channel publishing, making it easy to manage all your social media accounts in one place.
- Provides social media monitoring to keep track of engagement, mentions, and trends.
- Includes basic analytics to evaluate your social media performance.
Pros
- Wide range of integrations with other tools to enhance social media management capabilities.
- User-friendly interface that allows for quick and easy navigation, even for beginners.
- Strong reputation for quality and trusted by businesses of all sizes for reliable performance.
Cons
- Pricing can be high, especially for smaller teams with limited budgets.
- Basic reporting features may not offer the depth of insights needed for advanced strategies.
Customers say
- “Hootsuite makes managing multiple social media accounts a breeze. I can schedule posts, track engagement, and analyze performance all in one place.”—Source
- “HootSuite is incredibly user-friendly, making it easy to manage multiple social media accounts from a single dashboard.”—Source
- “Deliverability issues make scheduling and publishing questionable. Additionally, analytics are not always accurate.”—Source
Cost
Hootsuite’s packages start at $19/month.
6. SocialPilot
SocialPilot is a budget-friendly social media automation tool designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers essential features like multi-channel publishing and basic analytics, making it a solid choice for teams that need to manage social media on a tight budget.
SocialPilot’s strengths lie in its affordability and ease of use. The platform’s straightforward interface and reliable customer support make it accessible to teams without a dedicated social media expert. It also includes content curation tools, adding extra value for businesses looking to keep their feeds fresh.
However, if your business requires more advanced features and detailed analytics, Sked Social provides a more comprehensive solution at a slightly higher price point.
Best for
SocialPilot is best for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an affordable, easy-to-use social media automation tool.
Key features
- Supports multi-channel publishing, allowing you to post content across different platforms efficiently.
- Includes content curation tools, helping you discover and share relevant content with your audience.
- Provides basic analytics to track your social media performance and optimize your strategy.
- Offers team collaboration features to streamline the process of managing social media efforts.
Pros
- Affordable pricing makes it a great option for small to medium-sized businesses on a budget.
- Simple user interface that makes the platform easy to navigate, even for those new to social media management.
- Good customer support that provides prompt assistance when needed.
Cons
- Limited advanced features may not meet the needs of more sophisticated social media strategies.
- Basic analytics and reporting may not provide the detailed insights required by some users.
Customers say
- “Compared to high-end tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social, SocialPilot lacks some advanced functionalities.”—Source
- “SocialPilot is a sleek and organized tool that makes it very easy for social media managers to create and edit posts for multiple social media accounts on all major platforms.”—Source
- “Social Pilot is easy to set up and easy to use.”—Source
Cost
SocialPilot starts at $25.50/month.
7. Agorapulse
Agorapulse is a powerful social media management tool designed for efficiency and simplicity. Trusted by over 31,000 social media managers, it offers a comprehensive suite to manage all aspects of social media in one place
One of Agorapulse’s standout features is its unified inbox, which centralizes all your social media messages, making it easy to manage conversations across platforms. The platform also excels in robust scheduling and reporting, providing valuable insights into your social media performance.
For businesses seeking more advanced automation features and visual content planning, Sked Social offers a more in-depth solution, particularly for brands focusing on Instagram and visual content strategies.
Best for
Agorapulse is best for social media managers and teams who need a straightforward tool to manage and automate your social media interactions and content.
Key features
- Unified social media inbox that centralizes all your messages, simplifying conversation management.
- Provides powerful reporting and analytics tools to track and improve your social media performance.
- Offers competitor analysis tools, helping you stay ahead in your industry’s social media landscape.
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface that simplifies managing and automating your social media efforts.
- Comprehensive inbox management that centralizes communication across all your social media platforms.
- Strong reporting features that provide valuable insights into your social media performance.
Cons
- Limited visual content planning tools may be a drawback for businesses with a strong visual focus.
- Fewer automation capabilities compared to competitors, which may limit efficiency.
- Pricing might be higher than what smaller teams are willing to invest.
Customers say
- “Agorapulse is incredibly intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for me to schedule posts, engage with our audience, and track performance across multiple platforms.”—Source
- “I like that Agorapulse has the full social media management suite included in the base packages, without too many add-ons or hidden fees.”—Source
- “The reports only go back 2 months with the "basic" fee structure which is comparable to other, more useful tools.”—Source
Cost
Agorapulse’s plans start at $99/month, with options for teams of various sizes.
8. Tailwind
Tailwind is a smart visual marketing tool tailored for Pinterest and Instagram, designed to help businesses expand their reach and boost engagement on these visually-driven platforms. With its user-friendly interface and robust scheduling tools, Tailwind empowers businesses to maintain a consistent and impactful online presence.
Tailwind excels at automating Pinterest and Instagram scheduling, simplifying the process of posting content at optimal times for maximum engagement. The drag-and-drop calendar and smart scheduling features are particularly useful for businesses aiming to streamline their content strategy.
While Tailwind is a standout for Pinterest and Instagram automation, Sked Social offers a broader spectrum of automation capabilities, including advanced analytics and support for multiple platforms. This makes Sked Social a more versatile choice for businesses looking to manage all their social media channels efficiently.
Best for
Tailwind is ideal for businesses and influencers focused on growing their presence on Pinterest and Instagram, offering specialized tools for these platforms.
Key features
- SmartSchedule feature ensures content is posted at optimal times for maximum engagement.
- Focuses on Pinterest and Instagram content creation, helping you grow your presence on these platforms.
- Includes a hashtag finder tool that optimizes your posts for greater reach and visibility.
Pros
- Strong focus on Pinterest and Instagram, making it a top choice for businesses active on these platforms.
- Easy-to-use scheduling tools that streamline your content planning and posting process.
- Community engagement features that help you connect with your audience and grow your reach.
Cons
- Only posts to Pinterest and Instagram, which may not be sufficient for businesses using multiple platforms.
- Limited analytics, which may not meet the needs of data-driven users.
- Limited automation capabilities for platforms outside Pinterest and Instagram
Customers say
- “It works well, saves time, and helps me get more views on Pinterest.”—Source
- “Tailwind has helped me to really up my pinterest game. The interface is easy to understand and flexible enough for beginners and pros alike.”—Source
- “Sometimes it's a bit slow or lags, especially during video uploads.”—Source
Cost
Tailwind offers plans starting at $12.99 per month, with pricing that scales based on the number of accounts managed.
9. Loomly
Loomly is an intuitive social media management tool that fosters team collaboration and streamlines social media efforts. Known for its clean interface and powerful content planning capabilities, Loomly makes it easy for teams to stay organized and on track with their social media campaigns.
The platform’s greatest strength lies in its user-friendly content calendar, which simplifies the planning and scheduling of posts across various platforms. Additionally, Loomly’s collaboration tools are highly effective, allowing teams to work together seamlessly on social media initiatives.
However, for businesses that require more advanced automation features and sophisticated visual content management, Sked Social offers a more comprehensive solution, especially for brands with a strong emphasis on Instagram.
Best for
Loomly is best suited for small to medium-sized teams that need a straightforward tool to manage their social media planning and collaboration.
Key features
- Collaborative content calendar that simplifies planning and scheduling posts across various platforms.
- Post preview feature allows you to see how your content will appear on different platforms before publishing.
- Supports automated publishing to ensure your posts go live at the right time without manual intervention.
Pros
- User-friendly interface that makes it easy for teams to plan, create, and manage content.
- Strong collaboration tools that foster teamwork and streamline social media management.
- Effective post preview feature that helps ensure your content looks great across all platforms.
Cons
- Limited automation options may not meet the needs of businesses looking for more advanced features.
- Basic analytics which may not provide in-depth insights.
- Lacks advanced visual content tools, which could be a drawback for brands with a strong visual focus.
Customers say
- “I love that Loomly makes it easy to create a single post and modify it for various platforms.”—Source
- “It's super easy to use, and I like we can categorize the posts. I like the calendar view as it allows me to see where there are gaps in our scheduling.”—Source
- “I don't like that Loomly doesn't support the various ad creation formats for Facebook— such as carousel ads.”—Source
Cost
Loomly offers plans starting at $26 per month, making it an affordable option for small teams.
Frequently asked questions
What is social media automation?
Social media automation is the process of using tools to schedule and manage social media posts across multiple platforms automatically, saving time and improving efficiency.
How can I automate social media posting?
To automate social media posting, use tools like Sked Social, Tailwind, or Agorapulse. These platforms allow you to schedule content in advance, manage multiple accounts, and analyze performance.
What are the best free social media automation tools?
The best free tools for social media automation include Buffer, Hootsuite, and Tailwind. These tools offer limited free plans, making them ideal for small businesses and individuals starting out.
What are the best social media automation tools for small businesses?
For small businesses, the best tools include Sked Social, Loomly, and Buffer. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and affordable pricing, making them ideal for smaller teams.
What are the best social media automation tools for enterprise and franchise brands?
For enterprise and franchise brands, tools like Sked Social, Sprout Social, and Agorapulse offer advanced features and robust analytics to manage large-scale social media campaigns effectively.
What are the best automation tools for social media agencies?
For social media agencies, Sked Social, Hootsuite, and Loomly are top choices. These platforms provide strong collaboration features, comprehensive scheduling, and advanced analytics, perfect for managing multiple clients.