Need to up your social media game but feeling overwhelmed by all the tools out there?
Two of the biggest names are Hootsuite and Later.
Both help you schedule posts and manage your accounts, but which one is the best fit for you in 2024?
In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between Hootsuite and Later, comparing their features, pricing, and ease of use. Let’s get started!
Hootsuite vs Later: Overview
We didn’t just read about these platforms; we got our hands dirty!
We spent weeks scheduling posts, analyzing data, and exploring every nook and cranny of Hootsuite and Later to bring you this detailed comparison.
Want to save time on social? Hootsuite helps you manage 35+ networks in one place. So, Go for it.
Pricing: It has a free plan. Paid plan starts at $99/month
Key Features:
- Bulk Scheduling
- Content Curation
- Analytics & Reporting
Visualize & Schedule Your Social Success. Take your social media to the next level with Later!
Pricing: You can try it for free. Paid plan starts at $16.67/month
Key Features:
- Visual Content Calendar
- Hashtag Suggestions
- Linkin. bio
What is Hootsuite?
Hootsuite is like the veteran in the social media management world.
It's been around forever, and tons of businesses rely on it. Why? Because it's powerful and packed with features to help you manage all your social stuff in one place.
Want to save time on social? Hootsuite helps you manage 35+ networks in one place. Give it a try!
Key Benefits
- Content Curation: Easily find and share relevant content from across the web. Keep your audience engaged!
- Team Collaboration: Assign tasks, approve posts, and manage permissions with ease. Teamwork makes the dream work!
- Advanced Analytics: Dive deep into your social media performance with detailed reports. Track your progress like a pro.
- Social Listening: Monitor brand mentions and industry trends. Stay ahead of the curve.
Pricing
- Professional: Starts at $99 per month. Unlimited post-scheduling, Custom analytics, and reports.
- Team: Starting at $249 per month, Link in bio tool, Suspend scheduled posts.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing, Content Library, Unlimited ad spend.
Pros
Cons
What is Later?
Later is like the cool, visual kid on the social media block.
It's known for its awesome visual planner and focus on Instagram, but it works with other platforms too. If you're all about making your social feed look amazing, Later is your new best friend.
Ready to save your 5 hours every week on social media? Later, it helped millions of brands do just that. See if it works for you with a free trial today.
Key Benefits
- Visual Content Calendar: Drag-and-drop posts for a picture-perfect feed.
- Linkin bio: Turn your Instagram feed into a clickable landing page.
- Hashtag Suggestions: Find the best hashtags to boost your reach.
- Instagram Stories Scheduling: Plan and schedule your Stories in advance.
Pricing
- Free: Great for individuals and small businesses, but limited features for 14 days.
- Starter: Starts at $16.67/month. Best for solopreneurs with basic scheduling and analytics.
- Growth: Starts at $30/month. Ideal for growing businesses with more features like Linkin bio and hashtag suggestions.
- Advanced: Starts at $53.33/month. Perfect for larger teams with advanced analytics and collaboration features.
Pros
Cons
Hootsuite vs Later: Feature Comparison
Let's get down to brass tacks and compare Hootsuite and Later feature by feature. This is where we see which social media management tool truly shines!
Supported Social Media Platforms
Both Hootsuite and Later support major social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.
Hootsuite supports a wider range of social media networks, including less common ones.
If you need to manage multiple social media accounts across various social media platforms, Hootsuite might be the better choice.
Scheduling and Publishing
Need to schedule social media posts in advance? Both platforms can do that, but differently.
Hootsuite offers more robust scheduling options, including bulk scheduling.
Later, it focuses on a visual content calendar, which is great for planning your Instagram feed. The best choice depends on your social media strategy.
Content Curation and Discovery
Hootsuite provides tools for content curation, allowing you to discover and share relevant content from across the web.
Later, it primarily focuses on reposting user-generated content.
Analytics and Reporting
Hootsuite offers comprehensive analytics and reporting features, giving you detailed insights into your social media efforts. Later's analytics are more basic.
If in-depth analytics are crucial to your social media strategies, Hootsuite is the winner.
Collaboration Tools
Hootsuite is designed for teams, offering features like task assignment and approval workflows. This makes it a great choice for businesses with multiple social media managers.
Later's collaboration features are more basic.
User-Generated Content
Later excels at leveraging user-generated content.
Its features make it easy to find, repost, and credit content created by your followers.
Hootsuite allows you to monitor mentions and engage with users but doesn't have the same focus on user-generated content.
Ease of Use
Later, it is generally considered more user-friendly. Its visual interface makes it easy to get started. Hootsuite can have a steeper learning curve.
Ultimately, the best social media management software for you depends on your specific needs.
Consider the number of social media channels you manage, your budget, and desired features.
What to Look for When Ch a Social Media Management Tool?
Choosing the right social media management tool can be a game-changer. Here are some extra factors to consider:
- Customer Support: What kind of support does the platform offer? Do they have helpful resources, responsive customer service, and a knowledgeable support team?
- Integrations: Does the platform integrate with other tools you use, like your CRM, email marketing platform, or analytics dashboards?
- Mobile App: Do you need to manage your social media on the go? Check if the platform has a mobile app that meets your needs.
- Security: How secure is the platform? Do they have strong security measures in place to protect your accounts and data?
- Scalability: Can the platform grow with your business? Will it still meet your needs as your social media presence expands?
By considering these factors, you can choose a social media management tool that helps you achieve your goals and streamline your workflow.
Final Verdict (Our Pick)
So, which platform takes the crown? It's a tough call, but we're leaning towards Hootsuite!
It's the more powerful of the two social media management tools, especially if you manage multiple social media platforms.
Hootsuite gives you more control over scheduling and offers in-depth analytics to track your social media performance.
While Later is great for visual planning and Instagram.
Hootsuite is better for managing a complex social media platform strategy across various networks.
We've tested both platforms extensively so that you can trust our judgment. If you're serious about social media, Hootsuite is the way to go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Hootsuite or Later to manage my TikTok account?
Yes! Both platforms support TikTok scheduling. Later, it focuses more on visual content for TikTok, while Hootsuite offers more in-depth analytics.
Which platform is better for small businesses with limited budgets?
Later is generally more affordable, with cheaper paid plans. Hootsuite can get pricey, especially if you need access for a team.
Do I need a separate tool for Instagram analytics if I use Hootsuite or Later?
Nope! Both platforms provide basic Instagram analytics, although Hootsuite's are more detailed.
Can I schedule stories with Hootsuite and Later?
Yes, you can schedule Instagram Stories with both platforms. Later makes it easy to visually plan your stories, while Hootsuite offers more scheduling flexibility.
Which platform is easier to learn?
Later is generally more user-friendly, with a simpler interface and intuitive features. Hootsuite has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive functionalities.
