Our verdict
Being tested. An editor is using Hootsuite hands-on; the verdict and score appear here once they sign it off.
What it does
Hootsuite manages social media for businesses: schedule posts across networks, answer comments and messages in one inbox, track mentions of your brand and report on results. Its OwlyWriter AI drafts captions and post ideas.
Hootsuite is a Canadian company, and it suits marketing teams and agencies handling several accounts.
Why use it
- Scheduling, an inbox and reports in one tool.
- OwlyWriter AI drafts captions and ideas.
- Team features for approvals and shared work.
How it works
- Start a free trial and connect your social accounts.
- Plan posts in the calendar, using OwlyWriter AI if you like.
- Answer comments and messages from the shared inbox.
- Review the reports, and adjust what you post.
How hard is it to use?
Intermediate Some set-up, or a little practice, to get good results.
Scheduling is simple, but the full tool has a lot to learn, which is why we rate it Intermediate.
What it costs
Paid plans; free trial. Paid plans only (Standard, Professional and Advanced), after a 14-day free trial with no card needed. OwlyWriter AI comes with every plan.
Prices change often, so check Hootsuite’s own site before you pay.
Watch out for
- It costs more than simpler schedulers, so check you need the extra features.
- Check AI-written captions before they go out.
Your data
Hootsuite can post and read messages for your accounts. Check its privacy policy, and remove access for people who leave.
We haven’t confirmed that Hootsuite can keep your data in the UK, so check where it keeps your data before you share anything private or about other people.