Looking for Later alternatives? You’re not alone. While Later built its reputation as an Instagram-first scheduler, recent changes have left many users searching for options – whether it’s the discontinued free plan, the decision to drop X/Twitter support in 2025, or the locked social inbox features that require expensive upgrades.
This guide breaks down 12 Later alternatives organized by who they’re best for. Whether you’re an Instagram creator needing unlimited posts, a multi-platform marketer who can’t live without Twitter, or a small team watching every dollar, there’s a better fit here.
Why People Leave Later
Later works well for Instagram-focused scheduling, but several limitations push users toward alternatives to Later:
- No free plan – Later discontinued its free tier, offering only a 14-day trial. Competitors like Buffer and Metricool still offer genuinely free plans.
- X/Twitter dropped in 2025 – If you manage Twitter alongside Instagram, Later no longer supports it. Period.
- Post limits on Starter – Just 30 posts per month per profile at $25/month feels restrictive compared to alternatives offering 200+ posts at similar prices.
- Social inbox requires Growth plan – Want to reply to comments and DMs from one dashboard? That’s $50/month minimum.
- Per-social-set pricing – Later’s pricing model charges per “social set” (up to 8 profiles), which gets expensive fast for agencies managing multiple brands.
Quick Comparison: Later Alternatives at a Glance
| Tool | Free Plan | Starting Price | X/Twitter | Posts/Month | Social Inbox |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Later | No (14-day trial) | $25/mo | Dropped | 30/profile | $50/mo+ |
| Viraly | Yes | $19/mo | Yes | 200-unlimited | All plans |
| Buffer | Yes | $6/channel | Yes | Unlimited | Paid add-on |
| Metricool | Yes (20 posts) | $22/mo | $5 add-on | Unlimited | All plans |
| Planoly | Yes (1 profile) | $16/mo | Yes | 30-unlimited | $43/mo+ |
| Publer | Yes (3 accounts) | $5/account | Paid plans | Varies | No |
| Hootsuite | No | $99/mo | Yes | Unlimited | All plans |
| Sprout Social | No | $199/seat | Yes | Unlimited | All plans |
1. Viraly – Best Overall Later Alternative
Viraly is an alternative to Later that delivers what Later charges premium prices for – at a fraction of the cost. The free plan includes 3 profiles and 10 posts/month (compared to Later’s 14-day trial), and paid plans start at $19/month with 200 posts included.
Key advantages over Later:
- Free plan actually exists (not a trial)
- Social inbox included on all plans – not locked behind $50/month
- 11 platforms including X/Twitter, Bluesky, and Threads
- AI caption generation included
- No per-social-set pricing complexity
Other standout features:
- Content Recycler with AI-generated caption variations (3-10 per post)
- Link in Bio with 70+ themes, custom domains, and 1,400+ Google Fonts
- Idea Board Hub with AI idea generator and content templates
- Built-in Pintura photo/video editor for in-app media editing
- vrl.link URL shortener with click analytics and retargeting pixels
- Email collection forms with Mailchimp, Klaviyo, and HubSpot integrations
Limitations: Smaller company than enterprise players like Hootsuite. No social listening features. Free plan limited to 10 posts/month.
Pricing: Free ($0) | Influencer ($19/mo) | Business ($49/mo) | Agency ($99/mo)
Best for: Creators and small businesses who want Later’s visual scheduling approach without the pricing headaches.
2. Planoly – Closest Visual Experience to Later
Planoly offers the most similar experience if you love Later’s visual grid planner. It’s purpose-built for Instagram with drag-and-drop feed planning and visual story scheduling.
Key advantages over Later:
- Free plan available (1 social profile)
- Visual feed planner with grid preview
- StoriesEdit for professional story creation
- Lower entry price at $16/month
Other standout features:
- StoriesEdit app with 300+ designer templates for Instagram Stories
- Creator Store for selling digital products, 1:1 sessions, and livestreams
- Auto-DMs triggered by Instagram comments with specific keywords
- Built-in CRM for email automation and audience management
- AI Caption Writer with 7 tone personas (witty, professional, casual, etc.)
Limitations: Still Instagram-focused, so limited value for multi-platform marketers. Starter plan caps at 30 posts/month like Later.
Pricing: Free ($0) | Starter ($16/mo) | Growth ($28/mo) | Pro ($43/mo)
Best for: Visual-first Instagram creators who prioritize feed aesthetics above all else.
3. Buffer – Simple Multi-Platform Scheduling
Buffer is an alternative to Later that offers what Later dropped – X/Twitter support – plus 13 other platforms including LinkedIn, TikTok, Mastodon, and Bluesky. The per-channel pricing ($6/channel) works well if you manage just a few accounts.
Key advantages over Later:
- Genuine free plan (3 channels, 30 scheduled posts)
- 14 platforms vs Later’s 8
- X/Twitter fully supported
- Clean, minimal interface
- Start Page (link-in-bio) included free
Other standout features:
- Start Page link-in-bio with email collection on free plan
- Ideas/Create space with board view for content brainstorming
- Content feeds (RSS) for discovering and curating content
- Browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Opera
- AI Assistant unlimited on all plans including free tier
Limitations: Basic analytics. Per-channel pricing adds up fast for agencies (10 channels = $60/month).
Pricing: Free ($0) | Essentials ($6/channel/mo) | Team ($12/channel/mo)
Best for: Solopreneurs and small teams who need simple scheduling across multiple platforms without complexity.
4. Metricool – Most Free Posts for Multi-Platform
Metricool is an alternative to Later that offers 20 free posts/month for 1 brand – 20 scheduled posts per month for 1 brand. The paid plans include unlimited posts and robust analytics that rival dedicated tools.
Key advantages over Later:
- 20 free posts/month for 1 brand (Later: 0)
- Advanced analytics included on all plans
- Competitor analysis features
- Google Business Profile support
- Unified inbox on all plans
Other standout features:
- Ads management for Meta, Google, and TikTok in one dashboard
- Competitor analysis tracking up to 100 competitor profiles
- Twitch analytics (unique among social media schedulers)
- SmartLinks link-in-bio with 6 premium themes
- Autolists for evergreen content recycling (up to 200 posts)
- Looker Studio connector for custom reporting
Limitations: X/Twitter requires $5/month add-on. Interface can feel cluttered with all the analytics features.
Pricing: Free ($0) | Starter ($22/mo) | Advanced ($54/mo) | Enterprise (custom)
Best for: Data-driven marketers who want analytics alongside scheduling without paying for separate tools.
5. Publer – Most Platforms at Lowest Cost
Publer supports 14+ platforms – including Telegram, Mastodon, Bluesky, and WordPress – at just $4-10 per account monthly. The direct Instagram connection (no Facebook Business Manager required) is a standout feature.
Key advantages over Later:
- 14+ platforms vs Later’s 8
- $4/account/month on annual plans
- LinkedIn PDF carousel support
- AI Assist with GPT-4 and DALL-E 3
- Bulk CSV upload (500 posts)
- First comment scheduling
Other standout features:
- Direct Instagram connection without requiring Facebook Business Manager
- LinkedIn PDF carousel support for up to 100 pages
- AI Assist with DALL-E 3 for AI image generation
- Spintax support for creating post variations automatically
- Automatic watermarking for brand protection
- Bulk CSV upload supporting 500 posts at once
Limitations: X/Twitter requires paid plan. No social inbox. Analytics only on Business plan.
Pricing: Free ($0) | Professional ($5/account) | Business ($10/account)
Best for: Budget-conscious users managing many accounts across diverse platforms.
6. SocialBee – Content Categories That Keep Your Feed Fresh
SocialBee solves the content fatigue problem with category-based scheduling. If you’re tired of manually scheduling the same content repeatedly, SocialBee’s system automatically cycles through your evergreen content. Set up content buckets, define posting schedules per category, and let automation handle the rest.
Key advantages over Later:
- Content categories for organized, automated posting
- Evergreen content recycling built-in
- Post variations to avoid repetition
- 9 platforms including X/Twitter
- AI content generation included
Other standout features:
- Content categories with FIFO ordering for systematic posting
- Post variations that cycle multiple versions of the same content
- AI Copilot that creates a content strategy from your website URL
- DALL-E 3 integration for AI-generated images
- Migration tool for importing from other schedulers
- Concierge services for hands-off content management
Limitations: No free plan. Starting at $29/month, it’s pricier than basic schedulers. Interface has a learning curve.
Pricing: Bootstrap ($29/mo) | Accelerate ($49/mo) | Pro ($99/mo)
Best for: Marketers with established content libraries who want to maximize reach without constant manual scheduling.
7. RecurPost – Set It and Forget It
RecurPost pioneered content recycling with its evergreen library system. Store your best-performing content in libraries that automatically republish on schedule – perfect for maintaining consistent posting without daily effort.
Key advantages over Later:
- True evergreen content recycling
- 10 platforms including Bluesky and Threads
- Instagram DM automation for lead capture
- Social inbox included
- White-label reports for agencies
Other standout features:
- Evergreen content libraries with seasonal organization (winter, holiday, etc.)
- Instagram DM automation triggered by post comments
- White-label reports with custom branding and logos
- Free AI tools website with hashtag and bio generators
- Google Calendar sync for content planning
Limitations: No free plan. Interface feels dated. Some users report posting reliability issues.
Pricing: Starter ($9/mo) | Personal ($25/mo) | Agency ($79/mo)
Best for: Small businesses with evergreen content who want consistent posting with minimal ongoing effort.
8. Tailwind – The Pinterest Specialist
Tailwind is purpose-built for Pinterest. As Pinterest’s longest-standing partner (since 2012), it offers SmartSchedule, interval pinning across boards, and Tailwind Communities for organic reach. If Pinterest drives significant traffic to your business, this is the specialist tool.
Key advantages over Later:
- SmartSchedule finds optimal Pinterest posting times
- Interval pinning across multiple boards
- Tailwind Communities for engagement
- Tailwind Create for auto-generated designs
- Free forever plan available
Other standout features:
- SmartSchedule analyzes your audience for optimal Pinterest timing
- Interval pinning distributes pins across boards over time
- 20,000+ Tailwind Communities for organic reach and engagement
- Tailwind Create with Shopify/WooCommerce sync for product pins
- Smart.bio link-in-bio free forever
- Pinterest Keyword Finder for content optimization
Limitations: Only supports 3 platforms (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook). No Twitter, LinkedIn, or TikTok. No social inbox. Just 5 posts/month on free plan.
Pricing: Free ($0) | Pro ($30/mo) | Advanced ($55/mo) | Max ($100/mo)
Best for: Pinterest-first marketers, bloggers, and e-commerce brands where Pinterest drives meaningful traffic.
9. Sendible – Agency White-Label Solution
Sendible delivers what agencies need: white-label dashboards, custom branding, and robust approval workflows. The unified inbox keeps all client interactions organized in one place.
Key advantages over Later:
- White-label client dashboards
- Unified inbox for all platforms
- Multi-level approval workflows
- 9 platforms including Google Business Profile
- Client management features built-in
Other standout features:
- Client Connect for secure, one-click profile onboarding
- White-label dashboards with custom domain and branding
- Profile Lists to post to 50 profiles simultaneously
- Smart Queues for evergreen content recycling
- Custom tags for prefilled brand specs and hashtag groups
Limitations: No free plan. Starts at $29/month. Some advanced features require higher tiers.
Pricing: Creator ($29/mo) | Traction ($89/mo) | White Label ($240/mo) | White Label+ ($750/mo)
Best for: Agencies needing white-label reporting and client-facing dashboards.
10. Agorapulse – Social Inbox Champion
Agorapulse puts engagement first. If Later’s locked social inbox frustrated you, Agorapulse delivers an industry-leading unified inbox that handles comments, mentions, and DMs across all platforms with team assignment, labels, and saved replies.
Key advantages over Later:
- Industry-leading social inbox
- Team assignment and collaboration
- Inbox Assistant for auto-moderation
- ROI reporting for social media
- Competitor analysis included
Other standout features:
- ROI tracking connecting social posts directly to conversions
- Inbox Assistant with automated moderation rules
- Employee Advocacy platform for team amplification
- Collision detection prevents duplicate responses from team members
- ChatGPT and Claude MCP integration for AI-powered responses
Limitations: Expensive at $99/user/month. X/Twitter is a paid add-on. No free plan.
Pricing: Standard ($99/user/mo) | Professional ($149/user/mo) | Advanced ($199/user/mo)
Best for: Teams prioritizing community management and engagement over publishing volume.
11. Hootsuite – Enterprise-Ready Platform
Hootsuite delivers enterprise-grade features for larger organizations needing governance, compliance, and advanced analytics. The OwlyWriter AI and social listening capabilities go far beyond Later’s feature set.
Key advantages over Later:
- Social listening and monitoring
- OwlyWriter AI for content generation
- Advanced team permissions and workflows
- 10+ platforms with full support
- Enterprise security and compliance
Other standout features:
- Talkwalker-powered social listening with Blue Silk AI
- OwlyWriter AI for generating captions, repurposing content, and hashtag suggestions
- Hootsuite Amplify for employee advocacy programs
- DM automation with 7-10 reply variations per trigger
- Streams dashboard with 20 boards and 10 streams each
- 100+ app integrations including Salesforce, Shopify, and Canva
Limitations: No free plan. Starts at $99/month. Interface can feel overwhelming. Recent pricing increases frustrated many users.
Pricing: Professional ($99/mo) | Team ($249/mo) | Enterprise (custom)
Best for: Organizations needing social listening, compliance features, and enterprise support.
12. Sprout Social – Premium Analytics and Reporting
Sprout Social delivers unmatched analytics for data-driven teams. Custom reports, competitor benchmarking, and ROI tracking justify the premium pricing if data drives your social strategy.
Key advantages over Later:
- Industry-leading analytics and reporting
- Competitor and sentiment analysis
- Employee advocacy tools
- Review management across platforms
- CRM integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot)
Other standout features:
- ViralPost analyzes 2.7 billion engagements to find optimal posting times
- Smart Inbox with collision detection for team coordination
- Bot Builder for creating automated chatbot responses
- Asset Library for centralized brand content management
- Employee Advocacy (Bambu) with EMV (earned media value) tracking
Limitations: Expensive at $199/seat minimum. Per-seat pricing adds up for teams. No free plan.
Pricing: Standard ($199/seat/mo) | Professional ($299/seat/mo) | Advanced ($399/seat/mo) | Enterprise ($499/seat/mo)
Best for: Data-focused enterprises needing comprehensive analytics and executive reporting.
Later Alternatives: Detailed Pricing Comparison
Here’s what alternatives to Later actually cost when scaling beyond the basics:
| Tool | 5 Profiles | 15 Profiles | Unlimited Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Later | $25/mo (1 social set) | $110/mo (6 social sets) | $110/mo (Scale only) |
| Viraly | $19/mo | $49/mo | $99/mo |
| Buffer | $30/mo | $90/mo | All paid plans |
| Metricool | $22/mo | $54/mo | All paid plans |
| SocialBee | $29/mo | $49/mo | All plans |
| Publer | $20/mo | $54/mo | Enterprise only |
| Hootsuite | $99/mo | $249/mo | All plans |
| Sprout Social | $199/seat | $299/seat | All plans |
Platform Support: Later Alternatives Compared
Later dropped X/Twitter in 2025. Here’s which alternatives to Later still support the platforms you need:
| Platform | Later | Viraly | Buffer | Metricool | Hootsuite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| TikTok | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| X/Twitter | No | Yes | Yes | Add-on | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| YouTube | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Threads | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluesky | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Google Business | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Switching to a Later Alternative
Switching from Later to one of these Later alternatives is easier than you might think. Here’s a helpful checklist once you make the move:
- Export your content calendar – Most tools (including Later) let you export scheduled posts. Download your queue before canceling.
- Disconnect social accounts from Later – This prevents scheduling conflicts when you connect to a new tool.
- Connect accounts to your new tool – Instagram Business accounts reconnect in minutes. Have your Facebook login ready.
- Import or recreate your content – Some tools offer CSV import. Others require manual recreation (usually takes 30-60 minutes for a month’s content).
- Test before committing – Use free trials to ensure the new tool fits your workflow before canceling Later.
Later Alternatives: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Later have a free plan?
No. Later discontinued its free plan and now offers only a 14-day free trial. After the trial ends, you must choose a paid plan starting at $25/month. For a genuinely free scheduler, Metricool offers 20 posts/month for 1 brand at no cost, Buffer provides 3 channels with 30 scheduled posts, and Publer has a free plan with 3 social accounts.
Why did Later drop X/Twitter support?
Later removed X/Twitter support in 2025 following API pricing changes that made it economically unfeasible for many third-party tools. If you need X/Twitter scheduling, alternatives like Buffer, SocialBee, and Viraly continue to support the platform at no extra charge.
How much does Later cost?
Later pricing starts at $25/month for the Starter plan (1 social set, 30 posts/profile). The Growth plan costs $50/month for social inbox access, and the Scale plan runs $110/month for unlimited posts. Annual billing saves 25%. Add-ons for extra social sets ($15/each) and users ($5/each) increase costs further.
What’s the best free Later alternative?
Metricool offers 20 scheduled posts per month for 1 brand on its free plan, plus analytics included. Buffer’s free plan gives you 3 channels with 30 posts in your queue. Viraly provides a free tier with 3 social accounts and 10 posts per month. Metricool provides a free tier with 1 brand and 20 posts per month.
Can I schedule Instagram posts without Later?
Yes. Most social media schedulers support Instagram Business and Creator accounts with auto-publishing. Buffer, Planoly, Metricool, Publer, and Viraly all offer Instagram scheduling with features like carousel posts, Reels, Stories, and first comment scheduling. Some offer visual grid planning similar to Later’s signature feature.
What platforms does Later support?
Later supports 8 platforms: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, LinkedIn, YouTube (Shorts only), Threads, and Snapchat. Later does NOT support X/Twitter (dropped in 2025), Bluesky, Mastodon, or Google Business Profile. If you need these platforms, consider Viraly (11 platforms), Buffer (14 platforms), or Publer (14+ platforms).
Is Later good for Instagram scheduling?
Later excels at Instagram visual planning. Its grid preview feature, drag-and-drop scheduling, and Link in Bio tool are genuinely useful for Instagram-focused creators. The main drawbacks are pricing (no free plan, 30 posts/month on Starter) and the social inbox being locked behind the $50/month Growth plan.
Which Later alternative is best for agencies?
Sendible offers the best agency features with white-label client dashboards, branded reports, and multi-level approval workflows starting at $29/month. For budget-conscious agencies, Viraly’s Agency plan ($99/month) includes 50 profiles and 15 team members with flat-rate pricing. SocialBee’s workspaces and RecurPost’s white-label reports are also worth considering.
What’s the best Later alternative for small businesses?
For small businesses watching costs, Buffer’s free plan (3 channels) or Metricool’s free tier (1 brand, 20 posts/month) are excellent starting points. When you need more capacity, Viraly ($19/month for 5 profiles, 200 posts) or RecurPost ($9/month with content recycling) offer strong value without the complexity of Later’s per-social-set pricing.
Which Later alternative has the best visual planner?
Planoly comes closest to Later’s visual grid planning experience. It was built specifically for Instagram aesthetics with drag-and-drop feed planning and visual story scheduling. Viraly and Buffer also offer visual planning features, though they’re designed as multi-platform tools rather than Instagram specialists.
How do I switch from Later to another scheduler?
Start by exporting your content calendar from Later (Settings > Export). Disconnect your social accounts from Later to prevent scheduling conflicts. Sign up for your new tool, connect your social accounts, and either import your content via CSV (if supported) or recreate your schedule. Test the new tool during a free trial before canceling Later.
Can I export my scheduled content from Later?
Yes. Later allows you to export your scheduled posts and calendar data. Go to Settings and look for export options. Keep in mind that media files may need to be downloaded separately, and not all tools support direct CSV import. Budget 30-60 minutes to migrate a month’s worth of content to a new platform.
What Later alternative is best for nonprofits?
Buffer offers 50% off for registered nonprofits. Later also provides 50% off annual Growth plans for nonprofits, though you’ll still pay $225/year. Metricool’s free plan (1 brand, 20 posts/month) may cover many nonprofit needs at no cost. Hootsuite and Sprout Social have nonprofit programs but require enterprise-level commitments.
Which Later Alternative Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your specific situation:
- Need X/Twitter? – Viraly, Buffer, or SocialBee
- Want a strong free plan? – Viraly (3 profiles, 10 posts), Metricool (1 brand, 20 posts), or Buffer (3 channels)
- Instagram visual planning focus? – Planoly
- Content recycling automation? – RecurPost or SocialBee
- Pinterest-first strategy? – Tailwind
- Agency with multiple clients? – Sendible (white-label) or Viraly (cost-effective)
- Enterprise with compliance needs? – Hootsuite or Sprout Social
- Best value overall? – Viraly ($19/mo for 5 profiles, 200 posts, social inbox)
Most users exploring Later alternatives find that tools like Viraly, Buffer, or Metricool deliver everything they need at lower prices – often with features Later charges premium rates for. Take advantage of free trials to find your fit before committing.