| Tool | Best For | Starting Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffer | Simple scheduling & affordability | £6/month | Easy scheduling, AI suggestions, supports Threads & Bluesky |
| Hootsuite | Managing X & large campaigns | £49/month | Advanced analytics, social listening, AI content planner |
| Vista Social | Affordable, all-in-one solution | £15/month | AI assistance, team collaboration, support new platforms |
| Planable | Visual content & approval workflows | £11/month | Visual calendar, team workflows, great for Reels & TikTok |
| Ocoya | AI content creation & quick scheduling | £9/month | AI-generated posts, pre-made templates, easy scheduling |
| Sprout Social | Customer engagement & deep insights | £89/month | Sentiment analysis, detailed reporting, strong customer support |
A Whole New World of Social Media in 2025
Love it or loathe it, social media has kept us all on our toes these past two years!
With X (formerly known as Twitter) making significant changes, Threads swooping in with some fresh vibes it’s safe to say the world of social media keeps getting more interesting.
Whether you’re a brand looking to keep up, or want to grow your social media presence, adapting to these new platforms is a must!
How AI is Making Social Media Management a Breeze
Let’s face it... AI is like the magic wand we didn’t know we needed.
In 2025, AI is the behind-the-scenes hero, helping businesses save time and boost engagement. AI makes social media management easier than ever, from suggesting the perfect time to schedule social media posts to drafting captions that feel just right.
With AI tools helping you plan and manage your content, you’ll have more time to focus on what you do best—creating fabulous content that makes your audience swoon!
Why You Need a Social Media Management Tool in Your Life
Think of a social media management tool as your new BFF—always there to make life easier, streamline your work, and help you shine online.
Here’s why you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one:
- Effortlessly Engage Across Multiple Platforms: Managing different social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X, LinkedIn, Threads, and even newcomers like Mastodon can be time-consuming. But with the right social media management software, you can keep all those balls in the air without breaking a sweat. Schedule posts, respond to messages, and keep your content consistent—no more juggling multiple social media profiles!
- Automation That Saves Your Sanity: Imagine not having to post every piece of content manually. Dreamy, right? These social media management tools handle all the repetitive stuff like scheduling posts, cross-posting to multiple channels, and even generating content ideas using AI. More time for brainstorming that next big social media strategy? Yes, please!
- All Your Insights in One Place: It’s no longer a guessing game to figure out what’s working and what’s not. With marketing just as much about metrics as it is about messaging, we love paying attention to the analytics!With all your engagement metrics in one place, social media management apps help you see what your audience loves (and maybe what they don’t) and adjust your strategy to keep those likes and comments rolling in.
- Time-Saving for Everyone: Whether you’re a solopreneur building your brand or a social team managing multiple social media accounts, these tools help you spend less time on the nitty-gritty so you can focus on the creative stuff. Hello, more time for content ideas and coffee breaks!
Don’t Want to Use a Social Media Management Tool? Let Youbee Media Handle It!
Not everyone has the time (or desire!) to learn a new social media management tool, and that’s totally okay. If the idea of scheduling posts, tracking analytics, or juggling multiple platforms sounds like too much to add to your plate, Youbee Media's marketing consultancy is here to take care of it all for you!
Our team of social media experts can manage your social media accounts from start to finish. We handle everything from planning and creating engaging content to scheduling posts, responding to followers, and analysing the data to keep your social media strategy on point. You’ll get all the benefits of a professional social media presence without the hassle of learning new software or keeping up with the latest platform changes.
At Youbee Media, we make sure your brand stays active and vibrant on the platforms that matter most to your audience—whether that’s TikTok, Instagram, X, or even newer options like Threads and Mastodon. Plus, we’ll tailor a custom strategy just for you, ensuring that your unique voice shines through in every post and you're always working towards your business goals.
Ready to take your social media to the next level without lifting a finger? Reach out to us at Youbee Media or join one of our marketing workshops, and let’s chat about how we can help you stay ahead of the game!
The Best Social Media Management Tools in 2025 (Because Who Has Time to Test Them All?)
With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry—we’ve rounded up the best social media management platforms that’ll help you manage your socials like a pro:
Best for Straightforward Social Media Scheduling
Buffer
Buffer (Web, iOS, Android) is our top pick for a simple, no-fuss social media management tool perfect for scheduling social media posts.
Buffer's clean interface and user-friendly design make it easy for businesses to plan content across various social media accounts.
It’s especially great for those who want to streamline things without bells and whistles.
Buffer Pros:
- Effortless scheduling for multiple social media profiles, including Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
- Free plan available with a decent allowance for small businesses—up to 3 social accounts and 10 posts per account.
- Per-channel pricing that keeps costs manageable for smaller businesses, starting at just £6/month per social media account.
Buffer Cons:
- Pricing and feature changes over time can make it tricky to keep track of what you’re getting.
- It doesn’t support direct responses to X (Twitter) posts, which may limit engagement options for some users.
Buffer has been around for a while, constantly evolving to meet the needs of today’s social media landscape. It supports major social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Mastodon, and Google Business Profile.
It’s a great choice if you’re focused on scheduling social media posts and keeping up with your audience’s engagement.
Their Essentials plan starts at £6/month per social media channel and offers detailed analytics, engagement tools, and up to 2,000 queued posts per profile—perfect for those who need more than the basics.
Do you need to collaborate with a team?
The Team plan lets you add additional users for £12/month per social channel, making it a scalable option for growing businesses.
Buffer also includes a handy link-in-bio feature called Start Page, which allows you to create a mini website showcasing your latest posts, products, or content.
It’s a great way to drive traffic from your Instagram or TikTok profile straight to your website or shop.
And yes, Buffer’s joined the AI wave too! Its AI Assistant can generate post ideas, rephrase drafts, and help you brainstorm fresh content.
It’s not always perfect, but it can give you a good starting point when you’re struggling with inspiration.
Best for Managing X (Twitter) and Large-Scale Campaigns
Hootsuite:
Hootsuite (Web, iOS, Android) is the go-to social media management software for businesses running big campaigns and managing multiple social media accounts.
With a robust set of features, including advanced analytics, social listening, and integration with over 20 social media platforms, Hootsuite helps brands maintain a solid social media presence across the board.
Hootsuite Pros:
- Extensive analytics and reporting features that let you track everything from engagement metrics to follower growth.
- Social listening tools to keep tabs on trends, keywords, and brand mentions.
- An AI-powered content planner that helps you post at the best times for maximum reach.
Hootsuite Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other social media management tools, starting at £49/month.
- A bit of a learning curve for beginners due to its comprehensive feature set.
Hootsuite is all about depth. It supports major social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and of course, X (Twitter).
It’s particularly great if you need to analyse your social media strategy in detail, offering insights into what’s working, what’s not, and how to fine-tune your content.
Their plans start at £49/month, which may be steep, but the value comes from features like customisable dashboards, API access, and advanced data visualisations.
For brands running large-scale social media campaigns or managing multiple social media profiles, Hootsuite is the powerhouse tool that won’t let you down.
Best for Affordable, Comprehensive Social Media Management
Vista Social
Vista Social (Web, iOS, Android) is an all-in-one social media management platform that offers many features at a lower price point, making it a great option for those looking to maximise their investment.
From scheduling posts to providing deep insights, Vista Social is perfect for agencies or small businesses looking to stay competitive without breaking the bank.
Vista Social Pros:
- Affordable pricing with a free plan that includes essential tools for managing social media accounts.
- AI Assistant to help generate posts and suggest improvements, perfect for when you’re stuck on what to say.
- Supports a wide range of newer social media platforms like Threads, Mastodon, and TikTok.
Vista Social Cons:
- The interface can initially feel a little overwhelming due to its many features.
- While it covers many platforms, its analytics aren’t as deep as some premium tools like Hootsuite.
Vista Social’s Starter plan begins at just £15/month, making it accessible for small businesses and agencies alike.
It supports a wide range of platforms, so you can manage multiple social media profiles in one place. Plus, it’s got great collaboration tools, making it easy to work with teammates or clients on social media campaigns.
Vista Social is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a social media management tool that balances affordability with a rich feature set.
Best for Visual Content Collaboration
Planable
Planable (Web, iOS, Android) is ideal for brands and creative teams focusing on visual storytelling.
Thanks to its intuitive visual content calendar, it makes content planning, approvals, and collaboration feel seamless.
If you’re managing lots of visual content on Instagram or TikTok, Planable makes it easy to get everyone on the same page.
Planable Pros:
- Visual calendar that shows a clear, organised view of all upcoming posts.
- Great for teams, with built-in approval workflows and easy commenting.
- Strong support for TikTok and Instagram Reels, making them a favourite for brands focused on video.
Planable Cons:
- Not as robust when it comes to analytics or engagement tracking.
- Limited support for less visual platforms like LinkedIn.
Planable’s basic plan starts at £11/month and offers everything you need for smooth collaboration and content approval.
It’s perfect for marketing teams that need to collaborate on crafting the perfect social media posts and getting them approved quickly.
With Planable, you can manage multiple social media accounts while ensuring that everyone is aligned on content. This makes it a must-have for agencies or brands that focus heavily on visual content.
Best for AI-Powered Content Creation and Scheduling
Ocoya
With AI-driven tools, Ocoya (Web, iOS, Android) makes creating social media posts a breeze.
If you’re a small business looking to keep your social media presence active without spending hours on each post, Ocoya is a dream come true.
It’s all about helping you get professional-looking content out the door fast.
Ocoya Pros:
- AI content generation for quick, catchy posts and beautiful templates.
- Automated hashtag suggestions to help boost post visibility.
- A simple interface makes it easy for anyone to jump in and start scheduling.
Ocoya Cons:
- Limited when it comes to in-depth analytics or reporting.
- Not ideal for larger teams or those who need robust collaboration features.
Starting at £9/month, Ocoya gives small businesses the power to produce scroll-stopping content quickly.
It’s especially useful for Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, where engaging visuals and hashtags make all the difference.
Whether you need a quick caption idea or want to create branded templates, Ocoya’s AI tools make it easy to keep your social media channels active with minimal effort.
Best for Customer Engagement and Deep Insights
Sprout Social
Sprout Social (Web, iOS, Android) is premium social media management software that excels at customer engagement.
It allows you to stay on top of conversations with followers, analyse your social performance, and respond to customers directly from the platform.
Sprout Social Pros:
- Comprehensive reporting features and audience insights.
- Sentiment analysis to help gauge how your followers feel about your brand.
- Excellent customer support and onboarding for new users.
Sprout Social Cons:
- Higher cost, starting at £89/month.
- May offer more features than small businesses need.
Sprout Social is perfect for brands that see social media as a key part of their customer service and engagement strategy.
It supports a range of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, with features designed to deepen your connection with followers.
Sprout Social’s detailed insights and customer engagement capabilities make it worth the price tag for businesses looking to invest in a tool that does it all.
Side-by-Side Comparison of the Best Social Media Management Tools (Because a Girl Loves Her Options)
| Tool | Best For | Pricing | Key Features | Platform Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffer | Easy Scheduling & Affordability | From £6/month | AI post suggestions, Threads integration | X, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky |
| Hootsuite | Big Campaigns & Deep Analytics | From £49/month | Social listening, AI-driven planners | X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram |
| Vista Social | All-in-One at a Great Price | From £15/month | AI assistant, team collaboration | X, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn |
| Planable | Visual Content & Team Collaboration | From £11/month | Visual calendar, team approval workflows | Instagram, TikTok, Facebook |
| Ocoya | AI-Driven Content Creation | From £9/month | AI templates, content generation | Instagram, X, TikTok, Facebook |
| Sprout Social | Customer Engagement & Deep Insights | From £89/month | Sentiment analysis, detailed reporting | X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook |
How to Choose the Right Social Media Management Tool for You
With so many fab options to choose from, how do you choose the one that’s just right? Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Know Your Goals: Are you all about engaging with your community, or is scheduling social media posts and consistency your top priority? Pick a social media management tool that fits your focus.
- Platform Preferences: Where does your audience hang out the most—TikTok? Threads? Make sure your tool supports those social media channels.
- Test Before You Commit: Most social media management tools offer free trials, so play around with a few before you settle down.
- Think Long-Term: Make sure your tool can grow with you as your brand takes off and you expand your social media accounts.
What’s Trending in Social Media Management in 2025?
- Generative AI is the Star: Think captions that write themselves and smart content ideas that keep your social media posts fresh.
- Decentralised Platforms Are a Thing: Say hello to Mastodon, Threads, and Bluesky—platforms that give users more control and keep things cosy.
- Short-Form Video Rules: TikTok and Instagram Reels are still the queens of engagement, shaping social media strategies across other platforms.
- Privacy is a Big Deal: With tighter regulations, social media management software must adapt to keep user data safe while offering great features.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect social media management tool is like finding the perfect handbag—it needs to be stylish and functional!
Take the time to try a few, find the one that feels right, and watch your social media game reach new heights.



