Later and Tailwind are both visual-first social media scheduling tools, but they serve different creator profiles. Both emphasize Instagram and visual content, yet their feature sets, platform coverage, and pricing models diverge in meaningful ways. This comparison covers every angle to help you choose the right fit.
Later started as an Instagram scheduler and expanded to 8 platforms with a focus on grid aesthetics, Linkin.bio, and media management. Tailwind started as a Pinterest tool and remains laser-focused on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook with built-in design templates and e-commerce integrations. Two visual schedulers, two different platform bets — we compare which visual-first approach actually delivers more for creators in 2026. Comparing the full market? Browse all social media scheduling alternatives.
Later vs Tailwind at a Glance
| Category | Later | Tailwind |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $25/mo | Free (5 posts/mo, 3 accounts) |
| Free Plan | No | Yes (very limited) |
| Platforms Supported | 8 | 3 (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook) |
| Unlimited Scheduling | Scale plan ($110/mo) | Max plan ($99.99/mo) |
| AI Tools | AI credits (limited on Starter) | Ghostwriter AI, Tailwind Create |
| AI Image Generation | No | No |
| Design Tools | No | Tailwind Create (templates) |
| Link in Bio | Linkin.bio | Smart.bio |
| Team Collaboration | Growth+ (limited users) | Max plan (up to 5 users) |
| Approval Workflows | No | No |
| Analytics | All plans | Basic (paid plans) |
| G2 Rating | 4.5/5 (347 reviews) | 4.3/5 (141 reviews) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 1.3/5 (329 reviews) | 3.5/5 (302 reviews) |
| Best For | Instagram/TikTok creators | Pinterest-focused creators and e-commerce sellers |
Later Overview
Later is a visual-first social media scheduling platform originally built around Instagram. It has since expanded to support other platforms but its core strengths remain in visual content planning, grid previews, and its popular Linkin.bio tool.
Later supports 8 platforms: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and Threads.
Key features include a visual content calendar with drag-and-drop, Instagram grid preview for aesthetic planning, Linkin.bio (link-in-bio landing page builder), AI-powered caption and hashtag suggestions (credit-based), best time to post recommendations, a media library with labels and notes, content collection from UGC and brand mentions, and analytics on all plans.
Later's Starter plan costs $25/month for 1 Social Set with 30 posts per profile and 5 AI credits. The Growth plan at $50/month adds 2 Social Sets, multi-user access, and unlimited AI credits. The Scale plan at $110/month includes 6 Social Sets and unlimited posts with team workflow features.
Later is popular with Instagram and TikTok creators, influencers, and small businesses that prioritize visual content. Read real user reviews of Later from G2 and Trustpilot.
Tailwind Overview
Tailwind is a social media scheduling and design platform purpose-built for Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. It focuses on visual content creation and optimization for discovery-driven platforms, with e-commerce integrations that Later does not offer.
Key features include SmartSchedule for optimal posting times, Ghostwriter AI for captions and descriptions, Tailwind Create (a design tool with customizable templates), Tailwind Communities for collaborative content sharing, Smart.bio (link-in-bio), SmartPin, SmartLoop for evergreen content resharing, Canva integration on paid plans, bulk uploads, and e-commerce integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, Squarespace, and WordPress. Browser extensions and a mobile app are included.
Tailwind's pricing is tiered with post limits. The Free plan allows 5 posts per month. Pro costs $29.99/month (introductory rate $24.99) for 150 posts, 3 accounts, and 1 user. Advanced is $54.99/month for 300 posts, 6 accounts, and 2 users. Max is $99.99/month for unlimited posts, 9 accounts, and 5 users.
Tailwind is best suited for Pinterest-focused creators, e-commerce sellers on Pinterest, and visual content marketers. Read real user reviews of Tailwind from G2 and Trustpilot.
Pricing Comparison
Later Pricing
See the full Later pricing breakdown for details.
| Plan | Price | Social Sets | Posts per Profile | AI Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $25/mo | 1 | 30/profile | 5 |
| Growth | $50/mo | 2 | 180/profile | Unlimited |
| Scale | $110/mo | 6 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Later's pricing scales with Social Sets and post limits. Unlimited posts require the $110/month Scale plan. AI credits are limited to 5 on the Starter plan.
Tailwind Pricing
See the full Tailwind pricing breakdown for details.
| Plan | Price | Posts/Month | Accounts | Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/mo | 5 | 3 (1 per platform) | 1 |
| Pro | $29.99/mo | 150 | 3 | 1 |
| Advanced | $54.99/mo | 300 | 6 | 2 |
| Max | $99.99/mo | Unlimited | 9 | 5 |
Tailwind offers introductory pricing ($24.99, $49.99, $94.99) that renews at the standard rates above. Post limits apply on all plans except Max.
All Tailwind plans are limited to Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook — no additional platforms are available regardless of plan tier.
Price Verdict
Tailwind offers better value for Pinterest-focused users. Tailwind Pro at $29.99/month provides 150 posts and design tools, while Later Starter at $25/month gives just 30 posts per profile with only 5 AI credits. For unlimited posts, Tailwind Max ($99.99/mo with 5 users) undercuts Later Scale ($110/mo with limited users). However, Later supports 8 platforms versus Tailwind's 3, so the value equation shifts if you post to X/Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, or YouTube.
Feature Comparison
We tested both tools across five core categories relevant to visual content creators.
Scheduling & Publishing
| Feature | Later | Tailwind |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Scheduling | Scale plan ($110/mo) | Max plan ($99.99/mo) |
| Content Calendar | Yes (visual drag-and-drop) | Yes |
| Instagram Grid Preview | Yes (core feature) | No |
| Smart Scheduling | Best time to post (Growth+) | SmartSchedule (optimal times) |
| Post Recycling | No | SmartLoop (evergreen resharing) |
| Media Library | Yes (labels, notes) | Yes |
| Bulk Uploads | No | Yes |
Winner: Depends on platform. Later wins for Instagram with its grid preview and best time to post features. Tailwind wins for Pinterest with SmartSchedule, SmartLoop for evergreen content, and bulk uploads. Neither tool offers approval workflows.
AI Tools
| Feature | Later | Tailwind |
|---|---|---|
| AI Caption Generation | Yes (credit-based on Starter) | Ghostwriter AI |
| AI Hashtag Suggestions | Yes | No |
| AI Design Tool | No | Tailwind Create (templates) |
| AI Image Generation | No | No |
| AI Credits System | Yes (5 on Starter, unlimited Growth+) | No (included) |
Winner: Tailwind. Tailwind's Ghostwriter AI has no credit restrictions on paid plans, and Tailwind Create adds built-in design generation that Later lacks entirely. Later's 5-credit limit on the Starter plan is a significant restriction for users who rely on AI assistance.
Analytics & Reporting
| Feature | Later | Tailwind |
|---|---|---|
| Post Analytics | All plans | Paid plans |
| Best Time to Post | Growth+ | SmartSchedule |
| Audience Insights | Yes | No |
| Linkin.bio Analytics | Yes | N/A |
| Export Options | Yes | No |
Winner: Later. Analytics are included on all Later plans with post performance, audience insights, and Linkin.bio tracking. Tailwind's analytics are basic with no audience insights, no export options, and limited to 3 platforms.
Team Collaboration
| Feature | Later | Tailwind |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-User Access | Growth+ | Advanced+ (2-5 users) |
| Approval Workflows | No | No |
| Content Communities | No | Tailwind Communities |
| Max Team Size | Plan-dependent | 5 users (Max plan) |
| User Permissions | Growth+ | No |
Winner: Tie. Neither tool excels at team collaboration. Later offers user permissions on Growth+ plans. Tailwind offers Communities for collaborative sharing but caps users at 5. Neither provides approval workflows — a significant gap for teams.
Platform Support
| Platform | Later | Tailwind |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
| X/Twitter | Yes | No |
| Yes | No | |
| TikTok | Yes | No |
| YouTube | Yes | No |
| Threads | Yes | No |
Winner: Later. Later supports 8 platforms versus Tailwind's 3. If your strategy extends beyond Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook, Later gives you significantly more reach including X/Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Threads.
What Real Users Say
We examined ratings on G2 and Trustpilot to understand how real users feel about each platform.
Later Reviews
G2: 4.5/5 (347 reviews) — Users appreciate the visual content calendar, Instagram grid preview, and Linkin.bio tool. Common complaints include limited AI credits on lower plans, post limits, and occasional auto-publishing bugs.
Trustpilot: 1.3/5 (329 reviews) — Very low rating with widespread complaints about billing issues, unexpected charges after trial periods, difficult cancellation, and unresponsive customer support.
Tailwind Reviews
G2: 4.3/5 (141 reviews) — Users praise Tailwind's Pinterest scheduling, SmartSchedule, and design tools. Some reviewers note the limited platform support and post limits on lower plans.
Trustpilot: 3.5/5 (302 reviews) — A moderate rating with users appreciating Pinterest features. Some complaints about renewal pricing being higher than introductory rates and occasional scheduling issues.
Review Verdict
Later leads on G2 with a 4.5 rating versus Tailwind's 4.3, though both have relatively small review samples. On Trustpilot, the gap is dramatic: Tailwind's 3.5/5 (302 reviews) far exceeds Later's 1.3/5 (329 reviews). Later's extremely low Trustpilot score points to serious billing and cancellation problems. Tailwind's moderate Trustpilot rating suggests a more transparent billing experience, though not without its own issues around renewal pricing.
Both tools serve visual-first creators, but the review patterns highlight different pain points. Later users who love the tool praise its Instagram features but those who leave negative reviews consistently cite billing surprises. Tailwind users appreciate Pinterest-specific tools but sometimes wish for broader platform support. For prospective buyers, the Trustpilot difference is worth weighing when evaluating long-term reliability.
Who Should Use Later?
If Later is on your radar, see our best alternatives to Later for more options. Also compare Later against Buffer, Hootsuite, Metricool, and Sendible.
- Instagram and TikTok creators who prioritize visual grid planning
- Influencers who need a built-in Link in Bio tool (Linkin.bio)
- Creators who want analytics included on every plan
- Users who need best time to post recommendations based on audience data
- Content marketers who post across X/Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube
- Users who want a media library with UGC collection and labeling
Who Should Use Tailwind?
If you are considering Tailwind, also explore our Tailwind alternatives page and see how Tailwind compares to Buffer, Hootsuite, Sprout Social, and Metricool.
- Pinterest-first marketers who need SmartSchedule and SmartLoop optimization
- E-commerce sellers on Shopify, WooCommerce, or Squarespace using Pinterest
- Visual creators who want built-in design tools (Tailwind Create)
- Users who value Tailwind Communities for collaborative content sharing
- Small businesses that only post on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook
- Creators who want a free tier to test Pinterest scheduling before committing
Unlimited Posts, More Platforms, No Credit Caps
Later limits posts and AI credits. Tailwind covers only 3 platforms. PostPlanify gives you unlimited scheduling across 9 platforms, unlimited AI captions, AI image generation, and Canva integration starting at $19/month — no post caps, no credit systems, no platform restrictions.
| Feature | Later | Tailwind | PostPlanify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $25/mo | Free (5 posts/mo) | $19/mo |
| Unlimited Scheduling | $110/mo (Scale) | $99.99/mo (Max) | All paid plans |
| AI Caption Generation | Yes (credit-based) | Ghostwriter AI | Yes (unlimited) |
| AI Image Generation | No | No | Yes |
| Canva Integration | No | Yes (paid plans) | Yes |
| Google Drive Import | No | No | Yes |
| Approval Workflows | No | No | $99/mo (Premium) |
| Analytics | All plans | Paid plans | $99/mo (Premium) |
| Platforms Supported | 8 | 3 | 9 |
PostPlanify's $19/month Starter plan includes unlimited scheduling, AI captions, AI image generation, and Canva integration — with no post caps like Later and no 3-platform restriction like Tailwind. The $99/month Premium plan adds unlimited accounts, unlimited team members, approval workflows, and analytics. You get the visual focus of both tools with broader platform support and zero artificial limits.
Whether you are outgrowing Later's credit system or need more platforms than Tailwind's 3, PostPlanify offers a clear path forward without artificial restrictions. See all plans on the PostPlanify pricing page. Start your free trial today.
Try PostPlanify free for 7 days
FAQ
Is Later or Tailwind better for Instagram?
Later is better for Instagram-specific features with its grid preview, Linkin.bio, and UGC content collection. Tailwind supports Instagram but focuses more on Pinterest optimization. If Instagram is your primary platform, Later has the edge.
Is Later or Tailwind better for Pinterest?
Tailwind is significantly better for Pinterest. SmartSchedule, SmartLoop for evergreen resharing, SmartPin, and Tailwind Communities are purpose-built for Pinterest growth. Later supports Pinterest but treats it as one of many channels without specialized optimization features.
Which tool has better design features?
Tailwind wins with Tailwind Create, a built-in design tool that generates social media graphics from templates. Later has no design capabilities. If creating visuals is part of your workflow, Tailwind has a clear advantage.
Do both tools have link-in-bio features?
Yes. Later offers Linkin.bio, a customizable landing page builder linked from your Instagram bio. Tailwind offers Smart.bio with similar functionality. Both tools support link-in-bio, so this is not a differentiator.
Which is cheaper for unlimited scheduling?
Tailwind Max at $99.99/month with 5 users is slightly cheaper than Later Scale at $110/month. However, Later Scale covers 8 platforms while Tailwind Max covers 3. The cost per platform covered favors Later.
Does either tool offer approval workflows?
No. Neither Later nor Tailwind offers approval workflows on any plan. This is a significant gap for both tools. If your team needs structured content review and approvals, a tool like PostPlanify, Buffer, or Sendible would be a better fit.
Which has better user reviews?
Later leads on G2 (4.5/5 vs 4.3/5) but Tailwind leads significantly on Trustpilot (3.5/5 vs 1.3/5). Later's extremely low Trustpilot score reflects recurring billing complaints and cancellation difficulties. Overall, Tailwind appears to have more consistent user satisfaction across both review platforms.
Can I use both Later and Tailwind together?
Yes. Some creators use Later for Instagram grid planning and Linkin.bio while using Tailwind for Pinterest-specific scheduling and SmartLoop. This adds cost but lets you leverage each tool's platform-specific strengths. If both platforms drive significant traffic for your business, the dual-tool approach may be worth it.
Does Tailwind have a media library like Later?
Tailwind supports bulk uploads and media storage, but it does not offer Later's media library features like labels, notes, and UGC content collection. Later's media library is designed for organizing and categorizing visual assets, which is particularly useful for creators managing large content libraries. Tailwind focuses more on design creation through Tailwind Create than on media organization.
