- No free plan
- Free trial14 days, no card
Hootsuite vs Meta Business Suite: do you need to pay to schedule posts?
At a glance
- Free option listed
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
| Detail | Meta Business Suite | Hootsuite |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (our tool data) | Standard from $99, Professional $199, Advanced up to $399 (Hootsuite FAQ) |
| Free plan | Free tool | No. 14-day trial, no card |
| Platforms | Meta's own apps (Facebook, Instagram) | YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and others |
| Social accounts | Not checked: Meta's page needs login | Standard: up to 10. Professional and up: unlimited |
| Team features | Not checked this month | Per-seat pricing, approvals on Advanced |
| Best for | Solo Instagram and Facebook creators | Teams 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
- Post only on Instagram and Facebook? Use Meta Business Suite.
- Need TikTok and YouTube too, on a budget? Compare cheaper schedulers first.
- 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.

