Comparison of Later and Sprout Social in Social Media Management Tools
Later and Sprout Social are two well-regarded tools in the realm of social media management, each designed to help businesses and individuals streamline their online presence.
Main Purposes:
- Later: Primarily focuses on visual content scheduling and planning for platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. It offers an intuitive visual calendar for easy management of posts.
- Sprout Social: A more comprehensive solution that offers social media scheduling, analytics, and engagement tools across multiple platforms, catering to brands that require in-depth reporting and customer interaction capabilities.
Common User Considerations: Users typically select these tools based on their specific needs—be it simplicity in post scheduling or advanced analytics and social listening features. The choice often hinges on the scale of their social media efforts and the depth of engagement they seek with their audience.
Primary Comparison Aspects:
- Features: Later excels in visual content scheduling while Sprout Social is rich in analytics, engagement, and team collaboration tools.
- Pricing: Later tends to be more affordable, particularly for smaller businesses or individuals, whereas Sprout Social typically attracts larger enterprises with more complex needs, reflected in its higher pricing tier.
- Ease of Use: Later offers a user-friendly interface ideal for beginners, while Sprout Social’s robust functionalities may require a steeper learning curve but provide extensive capabilities for seasoned users.
This comparison will assist users in making informed decisions based on their specific requirements and preferences within social media management.
Later VS Sprout Social: Which tool is the most popular?
| Tool | Number of Reviews | Average Rating | Positive Reviews | Neutral Reviews | Negative Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Later | 20 | 2.98 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| Sprout Social | 27 | 2.19 | 8 | 0 | 19 |
Later has a total of 20 reviews with an average rating of 2.98, indicating a more positive reception with an equal number of positive and negative reviews. In contrast, Sprout Social has a higher number of reviews at 27, but its average rating of 2.19 suggests a less favorable opinion from users, with a significant majority of negative reviews (19 out of 27). Therefore, Later is the more popular tool based on user ratings and a more balanced reception, while Sprout Social is the least favored among the two.
Later and Sprout Social: Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature/Aspect | Ahrefs | SEMrush |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Features | – Site Explorer – Keyword Explorer – Backlink Checker – Content Explorer – Rank Tracker |
– Keyword Research – Site Audit – Position Tracking – Content Analyzer – Marketing Insights |
| Target Audience | – SEO professionals – Digital marketers – Agencies focusing on content marketing and backlink analysis |
– Digital marketers – SEO experts – Content marketers – Social media marketers and PPC specialists |
| Main Advantages | – Robust backlink analysis – Comprehensive keyword data – Intuitive user interface – Constantly updated index |
– All-in-one digital marketing tool – Extensive competitor analysis – Wide array of tools for SEO and PPC – Integrated social media management |
| Core Value Proposition | Focused on providing in-depth SEO insights, particularly strengths in backlink profiles and organic keyword rankings. Ideal for users prioritizing content strategy and link-building efforts. | Offers a holistic view of digital marketing, making it easier to manage all aspects of online presence through an extensive range of tools for SEO, PPC, and social media marketing. |
| Ideal Use Cases | – Conducting comprehensive link audits – Developing effective content strategies – Tracking backlinks and organic rankings – Keyword planning for SEO campaigns |
– Managing and optimizing PPC campaigns – Conducting competitive analysis for market positioning – Comprehensive content analytics and SEO tracking – Social media metrics and management |
Most liked vs most disliked features of Later and Sprout Social
| Feature/Aspect | Later | Sprout Social |
|---|---|---|
| Most Liked Features | – User-friendly and intuitive interface | – Responsive and helpful customer service |
| – Ability to schedule posts across multiple platforms | – User-friendly interface | |
| – Robust analytics options for tracking engagement and performance metrics | – Effective tools for social media management | |
| – Direct posting to Instagram without push notifications | – Reliable service, indicating consistency and dependability | |
| – Centralized storage for media and content | – Satisfaction with the service meeting customers’ needs effectively | |
| Most Disliked Features | – Perceived high pricing may be a barrier for new or budget-conscious users | – Discrepancy between personal experience and general negative consensus, causing confusion |
| – Collaboration challenges due to the need for interaction around placeholder images | – Confusion regarding the brand’s green logo and its effectiveness | |
| – Platform primarily geared towards Instagram; users desire better support for Facebook and Twitter | – Occasional system crashes affecting data submissions | |
| – Need for improved bulk upload features and larger file support | – Unspecified negative experiences contributing to perceived dissatisfaction | |
| – Uneven feature development across social media platforms | – Negative feedback from others influencing perception negatively |
Key Features of Later vs Sprout Social
Key Features of Later and Sprout Social
Later
-
Visual Content Calendar
- Benefit: Users can easily plan and visualize their social media posts across different platforms. This layout allows for better organization and planning, helping users maintain a consistent posting schedule.
- Unique Aspect: The drag-and-drop functionality provides a user-friendly interface for adjusting post timing and content.
-
Scheduling
- Benefit: Later allows users to schedule posts for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. This feature ensures that content is shared at optimal times for engagement without the need for manual posting.
- Unique Aspect: Specifically strong in Instagram scheduling, including support for auto-publishing and visual content previews.
-
Linkin.bio Feature
- Benefit: This feature allows users to create a mini-website linked to their Instagram bio, guiding followers to different posts or external content effortlessly.
- Unique Aspect: This feature enhances the utility of Instagram accounts, which traditionally face limitations on clickable links.
-
Media Library
- Benefit: A central repository for all images and videos that can be reused in various posts. This helps streamline content creation and ensures consistency in branding.
- Unique Aspect: The ability to categorize and tag media makes it easy to organize assets for quick access.
-
Analytics
- Benefit: Insightful performance metrics help users understand engagement trends, optimal posting times, and follower growth patterns to refine their social media strategies.
- Unique Aspect: Simple and visually-driven reports that cater to users who prefer intuitive data representation.
Sprout Social
-
Social Media Publishing
- Benefit: Users can draft, schedule, and publish content across multiple channels. This feature ensures a cohesive presence across various social media platforms with the ability to tailor posts for each.
- Unique Aspect: Advanced publishing options, including queuing and optimized posting time suggestions based on audience engagement patterns.
-
Engagement Tools
- Benefit: Sprout Social provides robust tools for managing social interactions, allowing users to respond to messages, comments, and mentions from a single inbox. This streamlines communication and fosters engagement.
- Unique Aspect: The Smart Inbox feature aggregates all social interactions across platforms, ensuring users never miss a message or comment.
-
Analytics & Reporting
- Benefit: Comprehensive analytics tools provide insights into audience engagement, post performance, and overall brand sentiment. This helps users adjust strategies based on solid data.
- Unique Aspect: Customizable reports that can showcase various metrics suited to specific business goals or campaigns.
-
Social Listening
- Benefit: Track brand mentions, industry keywords, and competitor activities. This helps organizations stay informed about market trends and customer sentiments.
- Unique Aspect: Powerful sentiment analysis tools that help users gauge public perception and respond strategically.
-
Collaboration Tools
- Benefit: Teams can work simultaneously on campaigns, share feedback, and leverage different skill sets—making Sprout Social suitable for larger organizations with multiple contributors.
- Unique Aspect: Integrated workflow and approval processes that enhance team collaboration and reduce the chances of errors.
Conclusion
Both Later and Sprout Social offer a range of features that cater to different aspects of social media management. Later excels in visual scheduling and Instagram-focused tools, making it ideal for brands emphasizing visual content. In contrast, Sprout Social shines with its comprehensive engagement capabilities and advanced analytics, making it suitable for organizations needing in-depth insights and team collaboration. Each tool has unique aspects that provide specific benefits, allowing users to select the right tool based on their needs.
Later vs Sprout Social Pricing Comparison
Pricing Comparison: Later vs. Sprout Social
| Feature/Category | Later | Sprout Social |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | 14-day free trial | 30-day free trial |
| Monthly Pricing | ||
| – Starter | $18/month for 1 Profile | $249/month for the Standard plan |
| – Growth | $40/month for 3 Profiles | $399/month for the Professional plan |
| – Advanced | $80/month for 6 Profiles | $499/month for the Advanced plan |
| Annual Pricing | ||
| – Starter | $15/month when billed annually ($180/year) | $249/month when billed annually ($2,988/year) |
| – Growth | $33/month when billed annually ($396/year) | $399/month when billed annually ($4,788/year) |
| – Advanced | $67/month when billed annually ($804/year) | $499/month when billed annually ($5,988/year) |
| Key Features | ||
| – Number of Posts | 30 posts/month for Starter | 5 social profiles for Standard |
| – Image and Video Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| – Analytics | Basic analytics for Starter | Advanced analytics for all tiers |
| – Additional Features | – Linkin.bio integration | – Social listening and monitoring |
| – Instagram Stories scheduling | – CRM features | |
| – Max Users | 1 user for starter, additional users at extra cost | 1 user for Standard, additional users at extra cost |
| Main Differentiators | Focused on visual content scheduling, Instagram-centric | Comprehensive social media management with robust analytics and CRM |
| Support | Email and in-app support | Email, chat, and phone support |
| Discounts | None mentioned | 10% discount for annual billing |
This table provides a clear breakdown of the pricing tiers for Later and Sprout Social, showcasing their respective features, offerings, and any available discounts or free trials.
Support Options Comparison: Later vs Sprout Social
| Support Option | Later | Sprout Social |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | Available during business hours. | Available 24/7 for all subscription tiers. |
| Phone Support | Not available. | Available for premium and enterprise users. |
| Documentation | Comprehensive help center with articles on various topics. | Extensive knowledge base covering features and troubleshooting. |
| Additional Resources | Offers tutorials and guides through blog and help center. | Provides webinars, tutorials, and educational resources including a learning center. |
Unique Features of Later Vs Sprout Social
| Brand | Unique Features | Added Value | Deciding Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Later | Visual Content Calendar | Enables users to visually plan and schedule posts through a drag-and-drop interface, enhancing the aesthetics of the feed and ensuring cohesive branding. | Particularly useful for marketers and brands focusing on Instagram and visual platforms. |
| Linkin.bio | Allows users to create a customizable landing page for Instagram users, transforming bio links into accessible funnels for various content. | Drives traffic and conversions from Instagram, maximizing the platform’s potential for businesses. | |
| Hashtag Suggestions | Provides hashtag suggestions based on the user’s content, helping improve post reach and engagement by utilizing effective hashtags. | Streamlines the hashtag research process for users, ensuring better performance on social media. | |
| Story Scheduling | Facilitates the scheduling of Stories on Instagram, which is a feature not widely supported by many social media management tools. | Ensures consistent engagement and visibility on Stories, leveraging one of the most engaging formats. | |
| Analytics on Best Posting Times | Offers insights into the optimal times to post based on audience engagement metrics, helping to improve post visibility. | Increases the likelihood of engagement with strategic timing, essential for brands in competitive spaces. | |
| Sprout Social | Smart Inbox | Aggregates all messages from various platforms into one streamlined inbox, enhancing responsiveness and organization for community management. | Improves customer engagement through quick replies across different platforms, reducing response time. |
| Social Listening | Monitors brand mentions and related conversations across social media, allowing brands to understand consumer sentiment and industry trends. | Provides valuable insights for strategy adjustment and real-time engagement with key conversations. | |
| Report Builder | Customizable reporting enables users to generate tailored reports for various stakeholders, showcasing performance metrics that matter to their objectives. | Increases transparency and enables teams to present data-driven insights effectively to decision-makers. | |
| Polling and Surveys | Feature to conduct polls and surveys directly on social media, facilitating engagement and gathering audience insights efficiently. | Enhances interaction with followers while obtaining feedback, aiding in product/service improvements. | |
| Tasking and Collaboration | Built-in tools facilitate team collaboration on social media posts, allowing users to assign tasks and manage workflows within the platform. | Promotes teamwork and accountability, crucial for agencies and larger organizations with multiple contributors. |
Most frequently asked questions about Later vs Sprout Social
What are the primary features of Sprout Social?
Sprout Social is praised for its robust set of features that include comprehensive analytics, social listening tools, and a powerful reporting system. Users have highlighted its ability to manage multiple accounts efficiently, stating, ‘The analytics provided by Sprout are top-notch and help us measure our social impact effectively.’
How does Later compare in terms of scheduling posts?
Later excels in visual content scheduling, making it particularly popular among Instagram users. One user mentioned, ‘The drag-and-drop calendar makes it so easy to plan our posts visually, which is perfect for our brand’s aesthetic.’ While Sprout Social also offers scheduling, Later’s focus on visuals gives it an edge for Insta-centric strategies.
Which tool offers better analytics and reporting?
Sprout Social is often considered superior in analytics and reporting capabilities. Users appreciate the depth of insights available, with one reviewer noting, ‘The reports are customizable and provide meaningful data that help adjust our strategies.’ Later, while functional, does not match the extensive analytics of Sprout.
Is the interface of Sprout Social user-friendly?
Users generally find Sprout Social’s interface intuitive, stating, ‘Navigating through the platform is straightforward, even for beginners.’ This ease of use is a significant factor for teams that need to onboard new staff quickly.
What about Later's interface and usability?
Later’s interface is also praised for its simplicity, especially for visual planning. A user commented, ‘I love how I can see my entire feed at a glance, which helps in maintaining a cohesive look for our posts.’ However, some users found the depth of features in Sprout Social to be more appealing if they require advanced functionalities.
Which platform is better for customer support?
Sprout Social receives high marks for customer service. Users report prompt responses, with one saying, ‘Their support team is always available and genuinely helpful.’ Later offers support as well, but experiences vary, with some users noting response times could be improved.
Do Sprout Social and Later offer social listening capabilities?
Sprout Social is known for its advanced social listening features, allowing brands to monitor their online presence effectively. Users emphasized that this allows ‘brands to engage with the audience meaningfully.’ Later, on the other hand, lacks this functionality, focusing more on the scheduling aspect.
Which tool is more suitable for large teams and enterprises?
Sprout Social is often recommended for larger teams and enterprises due to its collaborative features and robust analytics. One user stated, ‘It’s designed for teams; you can easily assign tasks and track performance collectively.’ Later is more suitable for small to medium businesses focusing primarily on visual content.
How do pricing plans compare between Sprout Social and Later?
Pricing for Sprout Social tends to be higher than Later, reflecting its extensive features. Users have noted, ‘You’re paying for the advanced analytics and team features, which can justify the cost if you’re serious about social media.’ Later provides a more budget-friendly option, especially for small businesses focused on Instagram.
Can you integrate other apps with these tools?
Sprout Social supports a wide array of integrations with various platforms, enhancing its functionality. A user reported, ‘The integrations make it an all-in-one tool that fits seamlessly into our workflow.’ Later also offers integrations, but it is relatively limited compared to Sprout Social’s offerings.
