Hootsuite is one of the most recognized names in the world of social media management tools. Designed for individuals, businesses, and organizations who want to manage multiple social media accounts in one place, Hootsuite offers a range of features, from post scheduling to analytics and team collaboration. However, as with any premium service, pricing is a key factor when deciding whether or not Hootsuite is the right tool for your needs.
TL;DR: Hootsuite offers several pricing plans ranging from a free option with limited features to more comprehensive business-level subscriptions. The pricing depends on team size, the number of social accounts, and included features such as analytics, support, and collaboration tools. Paid plans start at $99 per month, and custom enterprise pricing is available. A 30-day free trial is available for both the Professional and Team plans.
Understanding Hootsuite’s Pricing Tiers
As of 2024, Hootsuite offers five main pricing tiers:
- Free Plan
- Professional Plan
- Team Plan
- Business Plan
- Enterprise Plan
Each plan comes with its own set of features, limits, and intended users. Let’s take a closer look at what each plan offers, who it’s designed for, and how much they cost.
Free Plan
Perfect for casual users or those just getting started with social media management, the Free Plan is fairly limited but gives a basic introduction to Hootsuite’s user interface and basic functions.
- Cost: Free
- Users: 1
- Social Accounts: 2
- Scheduled Messages: Up to 5
This is most suitable for personal use or very small operations wanting hands-on experience before upgrading to a paid plan.
Professional Plan
Hootsuite’s entry-level paid plan, the Professional tier targets solo entrepreneurs, influencers, and freelancers who need more automation and integration capabilities.
- Cost: $99/month
- Users: 1
- Social Accounts: 10
- Scheduling: Unlimited
- Additional Features: Access to messages in one inbox, in-depth reporting, and integration with third-party apps
This option provides significantly more freedom for those building their online presence and content schedules.
Team Plan
The Team plan is designed for small businesses or agencies with multiple content creators and client accounts. Collaboration features become more important at this level.
- Cost: $249/month
- Users: 3
- Social Accounts: 20
- Scheduling: Unlimited
- Additional Features: Team assignments, roles and permissions, and custom analytics
It’s an ideal solution for teams who value streamlined collaboration and structured task management.
Business Plan
This tier is for larger businesses and organizations that require high-level integrations, customer support, and collaborative features to manage many social channels and users.
- Cost: $739/month
- Users: 5
- Social Accounts: 35
- Scheduling: Unlimited
- Additional Features: Advanced analytics, approvals workflow, premium app integrations, and 24/7 support
If you have major marketing campaigns across several platforms, this plan is built for scale and security.
Enterprise Plan
The Enterprise tier is a custom-priced plan tailored for global brands, government entities, and large teams that require robust security, compliance, and integrations with numerous platforms.
- Cost: Custom Pricing (based on needs)
- Users: Custom
- Social Accounts: Custom
- Scheduling: Unlimited
- Additional Features: Single sign-on (SSO), custom onboarding, dedicated support teams, in-depth reporting, and API integrations
Interested businesses must contact Hootsuite’s sales team to get a personalized quote after a detailed discussion of their requirements.
Monthly vs. Annual Billing
Hootsuite offers discounts for users who choose to be billed annually rather than monthly. Choosing the annual payment option can save users up to 20% or more, making it significantly more cost-effective over time.
For example:
- Professional Plan: $99/month or $1,188/year (if paid monthly) vs. approximately $948/year (if paid annually)
- Team Plan: $249/month or $2,988/year vs. approximately $2,388/year with annual billing
Those planning to use Hootsuite long-term will find value in the annual pricing model.
Free Trial Availability
Both the Professional and Team plans offer a 30-day free trial, allowing users to explore the features and determine if the tool meets their needs before committing. No payment is required initially, but billing details are needed upon sign-up.
Hootsuite Add-Ons and Extra Costs
Beyond the base subscription fees, Hootsuite also offers additional paid services, which include:
- Boost add-ons: Paid social media advertising and post promotion
- Advanced analytics: Deeper customization and data exports
- Custom reporting templates: Especially useful for agencies and brands
- Training and Onboarding: Options for paid onboarding and Hootsuite Academy certification programs
These extras can significantly enhance the value of the Hootsuite experience but also impact your overall cost.
Pros and Cons of Hootsuite Pricing
Pros:
- Several well-defined pricing tiers for different needs
- Free tier for basic needs and evaluation
- Scalable plans with growing business needs
- Annual billing discounts
Cons:
- Relatively high entry cost at $99/month for fully-featured access
- Some important features only available in high-end plans
- Add-ons can make the platform more expensive
Conclusion
Hootsuite is a powerful all-in-one platform for managing social media efforts at any size, from solo content creators to global enterprises. However, with functionality comes cost, and it’s essential to understand the value each plan offers. Whether you’re just starting out or working on behalf of a large brand, there’s likely a Hootsuite pricing tier that fits your budget and goals. Knowing exactly what you’re paying for helps ensure you maximize the platform’s features while staying within budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Is there a free version of Hootsuite?
A: Yes, Hootsuite offers a Free Plan, which allows one user to manage 2 social accounts and schedule up to 5 messages. - Q: Can I cancel my Hootsuite subscription at any time?
A: Yes, monthly subscriptions can be cancelled at any time. Annual plans are non-refundable but will not auto-renew if cancelled before the term ends. - Q: Does Hootsuite offer a free trial?
A: Yes, the Professional and Team plans both offer a 30-day free trial. - Q: What happens if I go over the social account limit?
A: You will need to upgrade to the next pricing tier