What it does
Buffer provides social publishing, content organization, comment management and analytics. Its supported channels include Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, Mastodon and other social platforms. Free connects three channels with ten queued posts per channel; paid plans charge for each connected channel.
Buffer counts each connected social account as a channel. For example, three clients with both Instagram and Facebook use six channels. Paid plans charge for every connected channel, including those previously used on Free.
Connections differ in what they can publish. Instagram personal profiles use a reminder to finish posting in the native app; LinkedIn profiles support automatic publishing. This matters when scheduling an event announcement across several networks.
| Plan | Price for one channel, USD | People | Scheduled posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0; up to 3 channels | 1 | 10 per channel at a time |
| Essentials | $60 per year | 1 | Up to 5,000 per channel under fair use |
| Team | $120 per year | Unlimited | Up to 5,000 per channel under fair use |
A published Free post releases its queue slot. Team adds access controls and approvals. Paid plans have a 14-day trial; without payment details, the account returns to Free afterward.
Create a Buffer account and confirm your email through the verification message. Verification is needed before inviting teammates, publishing a Start Page or generating an API token. If you disconnect a social channel, remove its billing slot too: the reduction takes effect at your next billing date.
Strengths
- Publishing, comment handling and analytics share a workflow
- API access supports external publishing and reporting connections
Watch out for
- Instagram personal profiles use notification publishing rather than automatic posting
- Paid plans charge for all connected channels, including those previously on Free
Best for
- Small teams maintaining several social publishing channels
Sources
- Buffer: Social media management for everyone (Oct 25, 2026)
- Pricing | Buffer (Oct 27, 2026)
- Verifying your Buffer email address and logins (Oct 27, 2026)
- Your bill, taxes, and VAT explained | Buffer (Oct 27, 2026)