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Hootsuite vs Meta Business Suite: do you need to pay to schedule posts?

At a glance

If you only post to Facebook and Instagram, Meta Business Suite is free and covers scheduling. Hootsuite starts at $99 (Standard, up to 10 social accounts) and adds TikTok, YouTube, a shared inbox and listening. Pay for Hootsuite only when you manage many platforms or a team.

Quick verdict

  • Choose Meta Business Suite if your audience is on Instagram and Facebook and you work alone.
  • Choose Hootsuite if you also post to TikTok and YouTube, or need approvals and a team inbox.
  • Test first: Hootsuite's 14-day trial needs no card and does not convert automatically.

Side-by-side comparison

DetailMeta Business SuiteHootsuite
PriceFree (our tool data)Standard from $99, Professional $199, Advanced up to $399 (Hootsuite FAQ)
Free planFree toolNo. 14-day trial, no card
PlatformsMeta's own apps (Facebook, Instagram)YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and others
Social accountsNot checked: Meta's page needs loginStandard: up to 10. Professional and up: unlimited
Team featuresNot checked this monthPer-seat pricing, approvals on Advanced
Best forSolo Instagram and Facebook creatorsTeams and brands on many platforms

Which one for Reels, TikTok and Shorts?

Reels are the only short-form format that Meta Business Suite covers, since it is Meta's tool. If you cross-post the same vertical video to TikTok and YouTube Shorts, you need a tool that connects to those too. Hootsuite lists YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. At $99 or more, it is priced for brands. Solo creators who post to 3 platforms often pick cheaper tools such as Buffer or Metricool.

How to choose

  1. Post only on Instagram and Facebook? Use Meta Business Suite.
  2. Need TikTok and YouTube too, on a budget? Compare cheaper schedulers first.
  3. Run a team or agency? Try Hootsuite for 14 days.

Common questions

Is Meta Business Suite free?

Yes, it is listed as free in our tool data. Meta's product page asks for a login, so we could not re-check it this month.

Is Hootsuite worth it for one creator?

Usually not. It starts at $99 and is priced per user seat, which suits teams.

Can Meta Business Suite post to TikTok?

It is Meta's tool for Meta apps. For TikTok, use a scheduler that lists TikTok, such as Hootsuite.

Related: Hootsuite review, Meta Business Suite review, Buffer vs Hootsuite, Hootsuite vs Metricool, Hootsuite alternatives.

Sources: hootsuite.com/plans, business.facebook.com. Meta Business Suite pages show a login wall, so Meta details are from our tool data. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.