5 Best Planoly Alternatives for Visual Content Planning

Struggling with Planoly’s limits?

While it helped pioneer the Instagram grid planner space, Planoly now feels too narrow for creators and marketers juggling multiple platforms, teams, and workflows. If you’ve been wishing for stronger automation, cross-platform scheduling, or deeper analytics, you’re not alone.

This guide cuts through the clutter.

We’ve rounded up the top 5 Planoly alternatives that offer better visual social media scheduling, stronger automation, and wider platform support, all to help you grow smarter, not harder.

Why Are Users Searching for Planoly Alternatives?

Planoly was one of the first tools to offer a visual content calendar that lets you drag and drop posts to preview your Instagram feed planner. It also has basic support for Pinterest scheduling and Instagram Stories. But over time, many users have hit its limits.

Here’s why users are exploring Planoly alternatives:

• Need for stronger automation and bulk scheduling
• Finding Planoly too focused only on visuals, not strategy

• Want support for TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube

• Looking for better analytics and content performance tracking
• Needing more team collaboration features

If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. In fact, according to Statista, over 5 billion people use social media in 2025, and marketers now manage more than four platforms on average. So tools need to keep up.

That’s why many people are now seeking better tools. If you want something that’s easier, faster, and works across more platforms, you’re in the right place.

5 Best Planoly Alternatives for Visual Content Planning

Here are the 5 best Planoly alternatives for visual content planning, so you can find the one that fits your needs best.

1. SocialBu – Best Planoly Alternative

How does SocialBu support Instagram Visual Planning and Automation?

If you’re looking for flexible and affordable Planoly alternatives, SocialBu might just be your secret weapon. It’s an all-in-one social media management platform designed to handle everything, from content scheduling to automation and engagement, in one easy-to-use dashboard.

For Instagram, SocialBu delivers:

• A drag-and-drop visual content calendar with real-time post previews

• Instagram Story scheduling with reminder notifications

• Post recycling, so you can recycle your posts and reuse them.

• Built-in hashtag suggestions and post timing based on best engagement

If you’re mapping out a perfectly aligned feed or batch-scheduling stories and reels, SocialBu helps you maintain a consistent, on-brand visual strategy.

Does it offer Better Content Automation and Cross-platform Publishing than Planoly?

Yes, and this is where SocialBu leads the Planoly alternatives pack.

While Planoly mainly targets Instagram and Pinterest, SocialBu supports:

• Cross-platform publishing to Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and X (formerly Twitter)

• Custom automation workflows (e.g., auto-reply to Instagram DMs, Post Recycling, repost top-performing posts)
• Evergreen content recycling ensures your best content continues to drive engagement.

This makes it an excellent fit for anyone managing multiple brands, accounts, or platforms from a single location.

Is SocialBu a Good Choice for Creators and Small Teams?

Absolutely. SocialBu is especially useful for:

• Freelancers and solo creators who want a low-cost, high-value tool
• Small businesses and coaches looking to save time and stay organized
• Agencies or teams that need multi-user access and automation
• Anyone tired of juggling multiple tools for scheduling and audience engagement

It’s:

• Budget-friendly (starts free, with paid plans that are more affordable than Planoly)
• Simple to navigate, with a clean and intuitive dashboard
• Packed with features that support content planning, posting, and performance tracking

Quick Recap – Why SocialBu Stands Out

If you want a visual planner, an Instagram story scheduler, and a multi-platform automation tool, without breaking the bank. SocialBu might be the smartest Planoly alternative switch you’ll make this year.

2. Metricool – Planoly Alternative

How does Metricool support Instagram Visual Planning and Automation?

Metricool, another planoly alternative, is much more than just a visual social media scheduler. It’s a powerful analytics and planning platform that covers all your bases, especially if you’re serious about performance tracking and analysis.

Key Features

• A drag-and-drop Instagram grid planner for cohesive feed design
• Auto-publishing for Reels, Carousels, Stories, and image posts
• A dynamic visual content calendar that works across platforms
• In-depth performance reports (engagement, reach, top content)

Think of it as a hybrid of a visual planner and a strategy dashboard, great if you want to go beyond just scheduling.

Does it offer Better Automation and Analytics than Planoly?

Definitely, while Planoly is primarily visual-focused, Metricool offers advanced analytics, competitor tracking, and detailed insights. It even lets you track the performance of paid ads alongside organic content.

If you’re exploring other options too, check out this list of powerful Metricool alternatives to find the best fit for your social media needs.

Key Automation features include:

• Cross-platform publishing (Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, X, LinkedIn)

• Competitor analysis for Instagram and TikTok
• Smart link-in-bio feature for Instagram profiles

Best For

• Great for agencies managing multiple clients
• Built for creators who want more profound insight into their performance
• Perfect for teams thanks to collaborative workflows and client reports

3. Later

How does Later support Instagram visual planning and automation?

Later is one of the OGs when it comes to Instagram grid planners and a great Planoly alternative. It’s built for visuals and excels especially in drag-and-drop feed design.

Key Features

• Visual planner with post previews
• Scheduled Stories and Reels

• First-comment hashtag scheduling
• Best time to post suggestions
• Linkin.bio tool for clickable Instagram feeds

Later is made for creators who want their feed to look amazing and stay consistent.

Does it Offer better Platform Support and Visual planning than Planoly?

Later focuses primarily on Instagram, but also supports TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and X. What makes it stand out is its visual-first approach; it’s sleek, intuitive, and user-friendly. Although it may not be as automation-heavy as SocialBu or Metricool, Later delivers a beautifully designed experience if Instagram is your primary platform.

Check out this curated list Later Alternatives

Best For

Later is perfect for:

• Instagram influencers
• Content creators with a strong visual brand
• Small teams and businesses focused on aesthetic marketing

4. Loomly

How does Loomly support Instagram Visual Planning and Team Collaboration?

Loomly is also a good Planoly alternative, built for collaboration and approvals, making it a top pick for teams. While it’s not as visually focused as Planoly, it still supports:

• Scheduled Instagram posts (including Carousels & Reels)
• Great if you are a Solo worker

• Visual content calendar with team workflow steps
• Post previews before publishing
• Commenting and approval system for team feedback

Key Features

Yes. Loomly shines with its:

• Built-in approval workflows
• Assignable roles and permissions
• Calendar-based planning with status tracking (draft → pending → approved)

Think of Loomly as a social media project manager, great for structured teams.

Looking for more collaborative tools like Loomly? Browse this list of top-rated Loomly alternatives perfect for teams and structured workflows.

Best For

• Marketing teams and agencies need structure.
• Brands with multi-step content approvals.
• Freelancers working with multiple stakeholders.

5. Tailwind

-How does Tailwind support Pinterest and Instagram scheduling?

Tailwind is still the gold standard for Pinterest marketing software, and it’s improved a lot for Instagram, too.

Key Features

• Smart Pinterest scheduling (optimized for time and boards)

• Instagram feed preview and post planner
• Tailwind Create: Design posts in-app
• Hashtag finder and scheduling assistant

-Is it Better than Planoly for Pinterest?

Absolutely. While Planoly supports Pinterest, Tailwind is specifically built for it.

With Tailwind, you can:

• Schedule Pins in batches
• Use SmartLoop to recycle top-performing Pins
• Join Tailwind Communities for increased reach

Pro Tip: Use Tailwind Create to turn your blog content into scroll-stopping Pins and Instagram posts quickly.

Best For

Yes, if Pinterest is part of your traffic strategy, Tailwind is a must. Ideal for:

• E-commerce brands promoting products
• Bloggers and coaches driving traffic
• DIYers, creators, and pinners needing automation

Want to Find your Perfect Fit? Think About:

• Do you need analytics or just scheduling?
• Is Pinterest or Instagram your main focus?
• Are you working solo or as part of a team?

Whatever your workflow, there’s a better Planoly alternative out there.

Which Visual Content Planner Is Best for You?

We’ll wrap up with quick recommendations based on your needs:

• Best for creators: Later or SocialBu
• Best for Instagram + Pinterest: Tailwind
• Best for all-in-one marketing: Metricool or CoSchedule
• Best for team workflows: Loomly

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right tool depends on the type of content you create, where you post it, and the level of control you want. Planoly is still great for basic Instagram visual planning, but if Planoly isn’t quite cutting it for you anymore, you’re not alone, and the good news is, there are some awesome Planoly alternatives out there.

From SocialBu’s smart automation to Metricool’s powerful analytics, or Later’s clean visual planner, each one brings something different to the table. It ultimately comes down to what matters most to you: saving time, growing faster, or maintaining your content’s visual appeal.

Whatever your needs, there’s a better fit waiting to help you level up your content game.

FAQs

Q: What are the best Instagram grid planners besides Planoly?

Some of the best Planoly alternatives for grid planning are SocialBu, Later, and Metricool. They let you preview your Instagram feed and arrange your posts using a drag-and-drop Instagram grid planner.

Q: Which tools offer better visual content scheduling?

SocialBu and Metricool are excellent for scheduling visual content across Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and other platforms. They go beyond visuals and also assist with automation.

Q: Are there more affordable Planoly alternatives?

Yes! SocialBu offers a free plan and cheaper paid options than Planoly. It’s one of the most budget-friendly tools with solid Instagram marketing platform features.

Q: What are the top competitors for Instagram story planning?

Later, SocialBu and Metricool all support Instagram story planning, with features such as reminders, auto-posting, and best-time-to-post suggestions.

Q: Which tools provide better Pinterest scheduling?

Tailwind remains the top tool for Pinterest scheduling, offering innovative features such as SmartLoop and bulk Pin uploads. It’s better than Planoly if Pinterest marketing is a big part of your strategy.

Q: Do any alternatives offer better visual planning features?

Yes, Later and SocialBu offer excellent social media visual planning tools, including grid previews, post calendars, and cross-platform scheduling, all in one place.

Q: What are the best Planoly alternatives for Instagram marketing?

For serious Instagram marketing, try Metricool (for analytics), SocialBu (for automation), or Later (for visuals). Each is a great Instagram business tool depending on your needs.

Q; Which competitors have better grid preview features?

Later is known for its sleek Instagram feed planner, and SocialBu also has strong grid preview tools to keep your feed looking on-brand and cohesive.

Q; Are there tools with better Instagram analytics?

Metricool stands out with detailed insights on reach, engagement, and top-performing content. It’s great if you’re looking for better Instagram growth tools.

Q: What alternatives work better for visual brands?

If visuals are your top priority, Later and Tailwind are ideal options. Both focus on visual content, grid design, and easy planning, suitable for brands with a strong visual content strategy.