What’s the best content calendar app of 2024?

Choosing the right content calendar app can make a big difference in how you plan and manage your content strategy.?

If you’re reading this, you probably struggle with staying organized, keeping up with deadlines, and collaborating effectively with your team—all while managing multiple social media accounts. But with so many options available in 2024, finding one that suits your needs can be challenging.?

In this article, we explore the best content calendar apps that help you overcome these common challenges, so you can streamline your workflow and stay on track. Let’s dive into the top picks and see what each one has to offer!

Short summary

• SocialBee is a social media calendar app that streamlines the entire social management process, from content creation and scheduling to analytics, engagement, and collaboration—all from one place. Pricing starts at $29/month.
• StoryChief: Best for its multi-channel distribution capability, which includes blog posts and email newsletters. Pricing starts at $40/month.
• NapoleonCat: Best for its auto-moderation feature, which allows you to set up automatic responses and handle spam. Pricing starts at $32/month.
• Canva Pro: Best for its visual content creation tools that allow users to create unique posts that resonate with their audience. Pricing starts at $15/month.
• Trello:? Best for its drag-and-drop interface, which allows you to move tasks between different stages of your content process. Pricing starts at $5/month.
• Notion:? Best for its customizable templates that match your project management needs, whether it's a content calendar, project timeline, or task list. Pricing starts at $8/month.
• Google Sheets: Best for its extensive range of formulas and functions that you can use to automate calculations and organize data. Free of charge.

What is a social media calendar tool?

A social media calendar tool helps you plan, schedule, and organize your social media content in advance. It gives you an overview of what posts are going out on which platforms and when, allowing you to manage your content more efficiently.?

These apps make it easier to stay consistent, meet deadlines, and ensure your messaging aligns with your strategy. You can also use them to collaborate with your team, track progress, and adjust your schedule as needed.

What should you look for in social media content calendar tools?

When choosing a social media content calendar tool, it’s essential to find one that meets your specific needs. The right tool should help you plan, organize, and execute your content strategy effectively.

Here’s what you should look for in social media calendar tools:

• Social media content creation features: Look for tools that help you not only plan but also create content. This could include built-in image editors, caption templates, or even hashtag suggestions to streamline the creative process.
• Automated social media scheduling: It allows your posts to go live at a predefined time, so you don't need to be logged in or manually upload each time.
• Content organization features: Explore options that help you organize posts by category, campaign, or platform using folders, tags, or labels. This keeps everything structured and accessible, so you’re not scrambling for assets when it’s time to post.
• Multiple calendar views: Whether you prefer a weekly, monthly, or list view, having different calendar formats gives you the flexibility to plan your content in a way that fits your style and makes sure nothing gets overlooked.
• Ability to change time zones: If your audience is spread across regions, being able to adjust for different time zones is a must, so your posts reach the right people at the right time.
• Content approval workflow: If you work with a team or clients, a content approval workflow ensures all content is reviewed and approved before going live. This keeps everyone on the same page and reduces the chance of errors or misunderstandings.
• Social media analytics: A tool that offers analytics can show you how your content is performing across platforms, helping you refine your approach and focus on what works.

The 7 best social media calendar apps for 2024

Here are the best social media calendar apps for 2024:

1. SocialBee
2. StoryChief
3. NapoleonCat
4. Canva Pro
5. Trello
6. Notion
7. Google Sheets

1. SocialBee

SocialBee is one of the best social media content calendar apps available, designed to save time and streamline the entire process of planning and scheduling posts.?

With its broad platform support and powerful automation features, SocialBee is ideal for marketers, social media managers, and small business owners who need a more efficient way to manage their content.?

What makes SocialBee unique is its easy-to-use content organization and automatic resharing features. Users can create collections of evergreen content, such as industry tips, motivational quotes, or product highlights, and set them to repost automatically. This ensures a steady flow of content, even when new posts aren't being created regularly.

You can also organize your content into categories like “Blog Posts,” “User Testimonials,” or “Promotions” and set a specific schedule for each. For example, you might share an article every Monday, post customer reviews on Wednesdays, and highlight special offers on Fridays. This keeps your social media presence active and varied without the need to constantly come up with new ideas.

Customers appreciate this level of flexibility. Emma Madison, the owner of Skyline Insurance Agency, shares:

"I love the content categories that I can switch on and off, and the fact that I can choose if posts are recycled. This meant I could create a whole bunch of evergreen content and have an endless supply of posts for my social media channels.”?

Here are SocialBee’s main features:

• Multi-platform support: Easily post on major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, Bluesky, and Google Business Profile, all from one place.
• Calendar scheduling: Plan and manage your posting schedule using an intuitive calendar view to ensure a well-organized content plan across all platforms.
• Upcoming post overview: Quickly see and manage your next 100 scheduled social media posts at a glance.
• Universal posting feature: For social platforms that don’t support direct posting, such as WhatsApp and Facebook Groups, SocialBee can send you mobile reminders every time your posts are supposed to go live.
• AI content creation: Use the built-in AI post generator to create social media posts and images. We also have over 1,000 prompts to help spark new ideas, just in case.
• Social media assistant: After you answer a few questions, our AI assistant generates a posting schedule, suggests optimal times to publish, and creates posts based on different content categories.
• Customizable posts: Tailor each post for different social media platforms to optimize it for the unique style and format of each network.
• Automated hashtag suggestions: Get relevant hashtags based on your images or captions to increase your post’s visibility and engagement.
• Design integrations: Connect directly with tools like Canva, Unsplash, and GIPHY to create visuals for your posts without switching between apps.
• Team collaboration: Assign roles, manage content approvals, and collaborate smoothly with your team, regardless of its size.
• Multiple workspaces: Collaborate with your team in dedicated workspaces for each project or client to keep your work smooth and efficient.
• RSS Feed Integration: Automatically import content from any blog's RSS feed to bring more variety and consistency to your posts.
• Analytics and insights: Gain valuable insights into account growth and post performance to continuously your social media strategy. Download the reports as PDFs to share them with team members and stakeholders.?
• Engagement tools: Engage with your followers by managing comments and mentions directly from the platform, all in one place.

SocialBee’s content calendar features:

• Social media content creation features: ??
• Automated social media scheduling: ???????
• Content organization features: ????????
• Multiple calendar views: ???????
• Ability to change time zones: ????
• Content approval workflow: ??????????
• Social media analytics: ??

SocialBee G2 rating: 4.8/5 (429 reviews)

Pros of using SocialBee:

• Users love the ability to tag and categorize posts, which simplifies content management. Brett H., a content creator, says, “It makes it easy to create 30 posts and schedule them by category, making my work more efficient.”
• The platform is praised for its user-friendly interface that streamlines content management, making it easy for users to schedule social posts and analyze performance metrics across multiple platforms.
• Many users highlight the responsive and helpful customer support. “Their customer support is second to none,” says Marjan V., a small business owner.
• Users appreciate the automation features, including the ability to automate post announcements through Zapier and Pabbly integrations.?
• Users are excited about SocialBee's AI features, which help create content specific to each platform.?
• Many users find the integrations with RSS feeds and social platforms to be seamless, ensuring that their blogs, podcasts, and other media are automatically picked up and posted.

Cons of using SocialBee:

• Jamey Ponte, President at Lion Missions, mentions, "It takes a bit to learn the ins and outs, but it was the best of all the programs I tested, and the value was definitely there." You can read his full review here.
• Jennifer Corns, Executive Assistant at Dunore, notes a limitation: "Unable to post PDFs on LinkedIn." You can find her review here.

SocialBee pricing:?

SocialBee’s cheapest version starts at $29/Month, but before committing to a paid plan, you can try SocialBee’s 14-day trial for free.

2. StoryChief

StoryChief is an all-in-one content calendar software, perfect for teams looking to streamline their content marketing efforts. Designed with content marketers in mind, StoryChief helps users organize, plan, and execute their content strategies across multiple platforms.?

This tool is best suited for teams that manage campaigns across various platforms and need a centralized tool to simplify their workflows. It's especially ideal for marketing teams looking to improve collaboration and maintain a consistent content output.?

However, what sets StoryChief apart from other content calendar tools is its extensive multichannel distribution capability, which includes blog posts and email newsletters. This way, you can target a broader audience while still maintaining your focus on communicating your message.?

Here’s what StoryChief can do for you:

• Centralized content management: Manage all your content creation, scheduling, and publishing tasks from a single dashboard.
• Collaboration tools: Built-in comment sections and approval workflows make it easy for teams to collaborate on content and track progress.
• Multi-Channel distribution: Publish content to social media, blogs, and email newsletters simultaneously, all from one place.
• Content calendar: Keep your content schedule organized with an intuitive calendar that offers monthly views, color-coded categories, and easy tracking of upcoming campaigns.
• SEO optimization tools: Built-in SEO tools help you optimize your content for better visibility on search engines, ensuring your content reaches a broader audience.

StoryChief’s content calendar features:

• Social media content creation features: ??
• Automated social media scheduling: ???????
• Content organization features: ????????
• Multiple calendar views: ???????
• Ability to change time zones: ????
• Content approval workflow: ??????????
• Social media analytics: ??

StoryChief G2 rating: 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Pros of using StoryChief:

• “The built-in SEO guidance and readability analysis have helped us improve the quality and ranking of our content,” says Juergen B., Co-Founder and Creative Director.
• Users appreciate the ability to publish content across multiple social media platforms with just a few clicks, streamlining distribution.
• The platform facilitates seamless collaboration between team members, making it easier to manage content creation and distribution.
• New AI functionalities make content creation faster and more engaging.
• The ability to schedule social media campaigns and publish content over several weeks has been a game-changer for many businesses.

Cons of using StoryChief:

• “Not being able to have more than one person editing a document at the same time slows us down,” says Cassandra A., Digital Marketing and Sales Manager.
• Some users feel that the SEO sidebar could use a more advanced content scoring system and better keyword research tools.
• For smaller companies with tight budgets, the pricing might be a hurdle, even though it’s considered fair for the features offered.
• The analytics feature is not as comprehensive when compared to competitors.

StoryChief pricing:?

Their cheapest plan starts at $40/month, but it also offers a 14-day free trial.

3. NapoleonCat

NapoleonCat is a handy social media management tool designed to make your life easier. It connects with major social platforms like Facebook, Messenger, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, plus some niche ones like Google Play Store, Google Business Profile, and Apple Play.?

With NapoleonCat, you get a single dashboard where you can schedule posts, manage messages, and dive into detailed analytics—all in one place. This makes it perfect for small to mid-sized businesses and social media managers who want a powerful tool without spending a lot.?

However, the true strength of NapoleonCat lies in its auto-moderation feature, which allows you to set up automatic responses and handle spam, so you don’t have to manage every message or comment manually. This is particularly useful when handling large amounts of messages from your audience across channels.?

Here’s what NapoleonCat can do for you:

• Unified social inbox: See all your social media messages and comments in one place to organize and respond to them efficiently.
• Auto-moderation: Automate responses and manage spam with customizable rules for smoother social media management.
• Detailed analytics dashboard: Track how your posts are doing with metrics like reach and engagement, and compare your performance to competitors.
• Content scheduling: Plan and schedule your posts across different social media channels from one dashboard. You can also add UTM tags to track the performance of your links.
• Comprehensive reporting: Create and export detailed reports on your social media activity, including insights on specific campaigns and content themes.

NapoleonCat’s content calendar features:?

• Social media content creation features: ??
• Automated social media scheduling: ???????
• Content organization features: ????????
• Multiple calendar views: ???????
• Ability to change time zones: ????
• Content approval workflow: ??????????
• Social media analytics: ??

NapoleonCat G2 rating: 4.7/5 (108 reviews)

Pros of using NapoleonCat:

• The automation features are highly valued for saving time and simplifying repetitive tasks, making social media management more efficient.
• The platform is praised for its user-friendly and straightforward interface, which helps users navigate and manage their social media accounts with ease.
• The tool can be accessed from different devices, providing flexibility and convenience for users who want to schedule social media posts on the go.
• Users consistently appreciate the responsive and helpful nature of the customer support team. “Customer support is A+, and it's really user-friendly for basic features” says Louis B., Business Owner.

Cons of using NapoleonCat:

• Some users have reported occasional technical issues and slowdowns, which can disrupt their workflow.
• Integration with certain sites can be problematic, often due to limitations with external APIs.
• There are rare instances where users experience sudden logouts, which can be inconvenient.
• The tool lacks full integration with X (Twitter), which can be a limitation for those who rely heavily on that platform.

NapoleonCat pricing:?

Their starter plan begins at $32/month, but it also offers a 14-day free trial.

4. Canva Pro

Canva Pro is widely known for its powerful design capabilities, but it also shines as a comprehensive content planning tool. This makes it an excellent choice for freelancers or small businesses who want top-notch design features without the high cost.

Canva Pro is suitable for any marketing team that wants to create and schedule visually appealing content collaboratively. However, with its intuitive interface, even users without a design background can create professional-quality visuals.

The standout feature of Canva Pro, however,? is its integrated content calendar. This feature allows users to plan and schedule their posts for Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn directly from within Canva, making it easy to manage and keep track of social media campaigns.

Here’s what Canva Pro can do for you:

• Visual content creation: Canva Pro excels in creating high-quality graphics, videos, and other visual content that capture audience attention.
• Integrated content calendar: Users can schedule and manage posts across various social media platforms within the same tool.
• Pre-designed templates: Access a vast library of customizable templates tailored to different themes and industries.
• Easy-to-use interface: Known for its user-friendly design, it helps users produce professional content quickly and easily.
• Team collaboration features: Team members can easily collaborate on the content creation process.

Canva Pro’s content calendar features:

• Social media content creation features: ??
• Automated social media scheduling: ???????
• Content organization features: ????????
• Multiple calendar views: ???????
• Ability to change time zones: ????
• Content approval workflow: ??????????
• Social media analytics: ?

Canva Pro G2 rating: 4.7/5 (4,272 reviews)

Pros of using Canva Pro:

• Canva Pro is noted for its intuitive and straightforward design. "What I love most about Canva is how easy it is to use," says Frank C., Senior Manager.
• The platform offers a wide range of pre-designed templates, making it easy to create professional content quickly.
• Canva Pro provides generous design tools: "Resizing a project without sacrificing quality is simple," notes Milly S., Product Development Manager.
• The tool includes a content calendar that allows users to schedule and manage posts directly within Canva, streamlining the content management process.
• Canva Pro supports real-time collaboration, which is valuable for teams working on shared projects.

Cons of using Canva Pro:

• The free version has restrictions on file formats and export options, which can be limiting for some users.
• Canva Pro may lack certain advanced features found in other professional design software. Some users feel it doesn't fully match up to tools like Illustrator or Photoshop.

Canva Pro pricing:?

Their pro plan begins at $15/month, but it also offers a 30-day free trial.

5. Trello

Trello is a dynamic content planning tool that stands out for its visually engaging and flexible approach to project organization, which is ideal for both teams and individuals who want to maintain a clear overview of their content creation process.

Rather than relying on traditional list-based systems, Trello uses a Kanban-style format with boards, lists, and cards. This setup allows you to manage and streamline content workflows from start to finish.?

But what makes Trello truly shine is its drag-and-drop interface that makes it incredibly easy to move tasks between different stages of your content process. This simplifies task management and ensures that nothing slips through the cracks.

Here’s what Trello can do for you:

1. Boards, lists, and cards: Organize projects on boards, categorize tasks in lists, and detail individual tasks in cards for a comprehensive view of your content workflow.
2. Customizable workflow: Create lists that reflect the stages of your content process for tailored task management.
3. Drag-and-drop interface: Move cards easily between lists to reflect the current status of tasks, simplifying workflow management.
4. Collaboration tools: Work together with team members on shared boards, lists, or cards to keep everyone informed and involved.
5. Integration capabilities: Connect Trello with various apps and tools to enhance your workflow and productivity.

Trello’s content calendar features:

• Social media content creation features: ??
• Automated social media scheduling: ???????
• Content organization features: ????????
• Multiple calendar views: ??????
• Ability to change time zones: ????
• Content approval workflow: ??????????
• Social media analytics: ?

Trello G2 rating: 4.4/5 (13,601 reviews)

Pros of using Trello:

• Trello’s Kanban-style boards, lists, and cards provide a clear overview of tasks, making project management straightforward and intuitive. “I love how Trello keeps all the things in one place,” says Pallavi G., Software Engineer.
• Trello offers significant flexibility in customizing boards and cards to fit personal or team preferences.?
• The platform is praised for its user-friendly interface and quick setup, with people appreciating its “excellent structured workflows” and ease of use across devices.
• Trello integrates well with various tools and apps, streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity.
• The platform supports effective remote collaboration, facilitating teamwork across different locations.
• The cost of Trello’s paid plans fluctuates based on team size, which can be beneficial for growing teams.?

Cons of using Trello:

• Trello lacks basic text formatting like bold and italics in card titles, which can be frustrating for better visual organization.
• Users find the customization of boards limited, with few background and sticker options, as highlighted by Carolina M., Web Developer.

Trello pricing:?

While Trello offers a limited free plan, paid plans with more functionality begin at $5/month.

6. Notion

Notion is a versatile all-in-one project management tool that has become a favorite among users for its adaptability and ease of use. It provides a unified platform where individuals and teams can manage various aspects of their projects, from content planning to marketing campaigns.?

With its user-friendly interface and customizable features, Notion helps streamline workflows and keeps everything organized in one place. Additionally, it offers a flexible workspace that can be tailored to specific needs, making it a great fit for anyone involved in content planning and marketing.

What sets Notion apart from competitors is its customizable templates. These allow users to create a workspace that perfectly matches their project management needs, whether it's a content calendar, project timeline, or task list.

Here’s what Notion can do for you:

1. Customizable templates: Choose from a variety of templates and adjust them to fit your specific project requirements, making setup quick and easy.
2. Integrated workspace: Manage all your content creation and marketing tasks within one platform, reducing the need to switch between different tools.
3. Database functionality: Create and manage databases to track content calendars, project timelines, and other essential marketing details.
4. Collaborative workspace: Multiple users can work together on the same page in real-time, facilitating effective teamwork and communication.
5. Content creation and editing tools: Utilize a rich text editor and other tools to draft, edit, and refine your content directly within Notion.

Notion’s content calendar features:

• Social media content creation features: ??
• Automated social media scheduling: ???????
• Content organization features: ????????
• Multiple calendar views: ???????
• Ability to change time zones: ????
• Content approval workflow: ??????????
• Social media analytics: ?

Notion G2 rating: 4.7/5 (5,771 reviews)

Pros of using Notion:

• Notion’s flexibility allows users to tailor their work environment to fit their specific needs. As Jose R., Project Coordinator, notes, “With Notion, we don’t need much time to set up parameters, and it differs a bit from other competitors that use templates for each type of project.”
• The tool effectively handles various types of content, from simple notes to complex databases, making it a comprehensive organizational tool.
• As users point out, Notion excels in facilitating teamwork with features like real-time updates and comments, enhancing group productivity.
• Users have access to a diverse selection of templates that can be customized, making it easier to start projects and adapt as needed.
• The intuitive drag-and-drop functionality simplifies organizing and arranging content, making it user-friendly.

Cons of using Notion:

• New users may find Notion’s extensive features and interface overwhelming, requiring some time to get accustomed.
• The tool can be slow, particularly with large databases or complex pages, which might impact productivity.
• Users report that exporting data from Notion can be challenging, with limited options that may not meet all user needs.
• The mobile version lacks some features found in the desktop version and can be less intuitive, especially on smaller screens.

Notion pricing:?

While Notion offers a free plan for individuals, paid plans with more functionality begin at $8/month.

7. Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a popular and free spreadsheet tool that many people use for a variety of tasks, from managing lists to doing complex calculations. It’s easy to access and straightforward to use, making it a go-to choice for countless users around the world.

For social media management, Google Sheets is particularly useful as a content planning tool. It’s perfect for individuals or teams who want a customizable and cost-effective way to organize their social media content. While it doesn’t connect directly to social media platforms for automatic posting, it’s an excellent choice for creating and tracking your content calendar manually.

One unique feature of Google Sheets is its extensive range of formulas and functions. You can use these to automate calculations and organize data, which can make setting up and managing your content calendar more efficiently.

Here’s what Google Sheets can do for you:

1. Customizable templates: You can easily create or modify templates to fit your specific content calendar needs.
2. Versatile formulas: Use built-in formulas to perform calculations, clean data, and automate repetitive tasks.
3. Real-time collaboration: Share your calendar with team members and collaborate in real time, making it easy to keep everyone updated.
4. Accessibility: Google Sheets is cloud-based, so you can access your calendar from any device with an internet connection.
5. Integration with Google Workspace: Seamlessly integrate with other Google tools, like Google Drive, to manage your files and documents alongside your content calendar.

Google Sheets’ content calendar features:

• Social media content creation features: ??
• Automated social media scheduling: ??????
• Content organization features: ????????
• Multiple calendar views: ???????
• Ability to change time zones: ????
• Content approval workflow: ??????????
• Social media analytics: ?

Google Sheets G2 rating: 4.6/5 (42,550 reviews for the entire Google Workspace)

Pros of using Google Sheets:

• Users appreciate that Google Sheets makes it exceedingly easy to collaborate with team members.
• With Google Sheets, you can access your calendar from anywhere with an internet connection, and even offline if needed. This flexibility means you can stay updated and make changes no matter where you are.
• You can personalize your calendar in Google Sheets with various formatting options. This means you can use different colors, fonts, and styles to make your calendar visually appealing and easy to navigate.
• Google Sheets integrates smoothly with other Google tools like Google Calendar and Google Drive. This makes it easy to sync your calendar with your Google Calendar and organize related files in one place.
• Users appreciate that Google Sheets is completely free, which is great for small businesses or individuals who need a budget-friendly solution for managing their content calendar.

Cons of using Google Sheets:

• Unlike some dedicated social media tools, Google Sheets does not automatically post your content to social media platforms. You'll need to handle content uploads manually, which can be time-consuming.
• Some users have noted that Google’s support articles can be out of date and may direct you to areas that no longer exist, leading to potential frustration.
• It can be frustrating to lose work if you're signed out unexpectedly, as you might only realize this after spending time making changes, says Ruxandra-Elena D., Customer Support Lead..
• There are concerns about Google’s customer support, which can sometimes be slow and offer generic responses, according to user feedback.

Google Sheets pricing:?

Free of charge

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the best content calendar to use?

The best content calendar depends on your needs and the size of your team. Some of the most popular tools are SocialBee, Trello, and Notion. Each offers features like scheduling, content organization, and team collaboration.?

If you're looking for a tool to manage posts across different platforms, SocialBee might be ideal. For more visual project management, Trello or Notion are great. It’s important to choose one that integrates well with your existing tools and supports your workflow.

2. How do I create a monthly or yearly social media content calendar?

To create a monthly or yearly social media content calendar, start by identifying your goals and key events. Begin with these steps:

• Set your goals: What do you want to achieve each month or year?
• Identify key dates: Include holidays, product launches, or relevant industry events.
• Plan your content: Outline your topics, themes, and post types for each week or month.
• Choose your platforms: Decide where you’ll post, whether it’s Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, etc.
• Schedule in your tool: Use a content calendar tool to organize and schedule posts in advance. This will help you stay organized and consistent with your social media strategy.

3. How do I make a content plan for social media?

Here’s how to make a content plan:

• Understand who you’re targeting and what type of content they engage with.
• Set your goals, whether it's increasing engagement, driving traffic, or boosting sales.
• Think about content that resonates with your audience—blog posts, videos, etc.
• Decide how often you’ll post and across which platforms.
• Develop content ahead of time, and organize it using a content calendar tool to track deadlines and ensure consistency.?

Manage your social media presence better with SocialBee!

In 2024, finding the right content calendar app depends on your unique needs, goals, and preferred features. Whether you prioritize visual content planning, scheduling social media posts, multi-platform integration, or all three, there’s an app that can get the job done. By considering your business size, type of content, and specific goals, you’ll be able to choose the best tool to keep your social media strategy organized and effective.

If you're looking for a tool that combines flexibility, ease of use, and powerful features, SocialBee could be your next go-to. Ready to give it a try? Start your 14-day free SocialBee trial today and see how it can simplify your social media management.