The Buffer Alternative for API-first products

Buffer offers a public GraphQL API for Buffer account workflows. PostZen gives product teams a REST publishing API for their own app, AI agent, or automation system.

Start for Free View API Docs

No credit card required

// Simple API key authentication
fetch('https://api.postzen.dev/v1/posts', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    'Authorization': 'Bearer POSTZEN_API_KEY',
    'Content-Type': 'application/json'
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    platforms: ['instagram', 'twitter', 'linkedin'],
    content: 'Hello world!'
  })
})

Why Switch?

Why PostZen vs Buffer?

PostZen API

One REST API
Post and schedule across Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Threads, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, Bluesky, and Telegram.
Hosted account connections
Use /v1/connect/{platform} with account and profile APIs included.
Direct media upload
Presign media through /v1/media/presign before creating posts.
Flexible publishing modes
Use API keys, platform targets, custom content, drafts, publish-now, or scheduled posts.
SDKs, CLI, and MCP
Build with Node and Python SDKs, the PostZen CLI, or the MCP server for AI agents.
Connected-account pricing
First 2 accounts are free, then $6/account for accounts 3-10, $3/account for 11-100, and $1/account for 101-2,000.

Buffer

Free plan available
Includes 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts per channel, 1 API key, and 3,000 API requests per month.
Paid plans are channel-based
Essentials starts at $5/channel/month yearly; Team starts at $10/channel/month yearly.
Plan-based API limits
Current plans use 15-minute, 24-hour, and 30-day request limits.
GraphQL workspace model
The API centers on Buffer organizations, channels, posts, ideas, and queues.
Best for Buffer users
A strong fit when users already manage content inside Buffer.

Feature Comparison

Side By Side

Feature comparison between PostZen and Buffer
	PostZen	Buffer
Primary fit	Embed publishing in your app or agent workflow	Automate a Buffer account and Buffer queue
Starting price	First 2 connected accounts free; then $6/account for accounts 3-10, $3/account for 11-100, and $1/account for 101-2,000.	Free plan available; Essentials starts at $5/channel/month billed yearly
Free tier	2 connected accounts free, API included	3 channels and 10 scheduled posts per channel
API access	REST API included with PostZen account pricing	Included on current Buffer plans, including Free
API limits	Check current PostZen docs and account settings for active API limits	100 requests/15 min; 100, 250, or 500 requests/day by plan
Pricing unit	Connected social account	Channel
Media flow	Presign and upload media, then attach media URLs to /v1/posts	Built around Buffer publishing objects and queues
Telegram publishing	Channels and groups through a shared bot, with an access code instead of OAuth	Not supported as a Buffer channel
Best for users	Users publish through your product UI	Users already work in Buffer
Best for	SaaS, AI, and automation builders	Teams that want Buffer as the publishing workspace

At a glance

Which one is right for you?

Pick PostZen When

You are building social publishing into a SaaS, AI agent, internal tool, or automation product.
You want REST endpoints and platform targets instead of a GraphQL Buffer object model.
You want a pricing model based on connected accounts, starting with two free accounts.
You need to keep users inside your own product experience.

Pick Buffer When

Your team already uses Buffer as the main content calendar.
You want to automate Buffer queues, ideas, channels, and organization data.
You prefer Buffer-owned publishing workflows and plan-based API limits.

FAQ

Common questions

Does Buffer have a public API?

Yes. Buffer describes its API as a public GraphQL interface for Buffer account workflows. PostZen exposes REST publishing endpoints for product teams embedding social posting.

Can PostZen replace Buffer?

PostZen can replace Buffer for API-led publishing and scheduling workflows. Buffer's calendar, inbox, and content workspace remain outside PostZen's scope.

Why choose PostZen over Buffer for a SaaS product?

Choose PostZen when your users should publish from your UI and your backend needs simple REST calls for connect, media, and posts.

Which platforms does PostZen support?

PostZen supports Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Threads, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, Bluesky, Telegram for public marketing workflows.

Need embedded publishing instead of Buffer automation?

Start with PostZen if the publishing workflow belongs inside your product and your API should call platform account targets.

Start for Free