How to Use a Free Pinterest Scheduler for Automating Pins

If you create pins for Pinterest, whether for yourself, a business, or a client, you already know how time-consuming it can be to stay consistent. Between designing eye-catching pins, writing engaging descriptions, and posting at the right time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly how you can use a free Pinterest scheduler, what tools to try, and smart tips to keep your Pinterest game strong and stress-free.

Why Automate? Understanding Your Pinterest Scheduling Options

When it comes to posting on Pinterest, you’ve got two main choices: manual pinning or using a scheduler. If you’re managing multiple boards, creating content regularly, or running Pinterest for clients, knowing every aspect of each option can help you make smarter decisions.

Manual vs. Automated Scheduling

Manually pinning content gives you full control, perfect for those who enjoy a hands-on approach. It also means logging in each time to post, which can quickly eat up your day.

And if you miss a post, your consistency drops, which is something Pinterest's algorithm doesn’t favor.

With automated scheduling, you can plan your content in advance and let the tool handle the posting for you. This saves time and ensures your posting remains consistent, which is key for maximizing reach.

Plus, depending on the tool, you can gain valuable insights into your performance.

Native Pinterest Scheduler: What It Offers (and What It Doesn’t)

Pinterest does have its built-in scheduler, and it’s okay for basic needs. Pins can be scheduled up to two weeks earlier, though each pin must be scheduled individually. There’s no bulk upload, recurring pins, or advanced analytics. It might do the job if you're only pinning a few times a week. But for anything more demanding, it quickly becomes limiting.

You can’t schedule multiple boards at once, there’s no visual calendar, and you’ll find yourself manually uploading repeatedly, which defeats the whole purpose of “scheduling.”

Third-Party Tools: A Smarter Way to Schedule

Third-party Pinterest scheduler tools like PinMaker, Later, or Buffer offer features that Pinterest’s native scheduler simply doesn’t. Think bulk uploads, smart scheduling (based on your audience’s activity), content recycling, and even hashtag suggestions.

Most of these tools offer a visual calendar, which allows you to plan your content at your convenience in advance and view everything in one convenient location.

If you manage multiple accounts or boards, these tools are a game-changer. Some even offer free plans with limited features, perfect if you’re just starting or testing.

How to Schedule Pins on Pinterest

If you're just getting started and want to try scheduling directly through Pinterest, here’s how to do it using their built-in scheduler.

Step 1: Create Your Pin

Head over to your Pinterest account and click on the Create button, then select Create Pin. Upload your image or video, add your title, description, destination link, and choose the board where you want it to be saved.

Step 2: Click on “Publish at a Later Date”

Once your pin details are ready, scroll down and toggle on the option that says “Publish at a later date.” This unlocks the scheduling feature.

Step 3: Choose Date and Time

Pick the exact date and time you want your pin to go live. Remember, Pinterest only allows you to schedule pins up to 2 weeks in advance, and only one pin at a time—so it’s not ideal for bulk planning.

Step 4: Hit “Schedule”

Once everything looks good, click the Schedule button, and you’re done! Your pin will automatically be published at the time you selected. You can also view or edit scheduled pins under the “Created” tab in your profile.

Setting Up a Business Account for Analytics

If you’re using Pinterest to promote products, manage content for clients, or grow your influence as a creator, switching to a Pinterest Business account is a smart move. It gives you access to helpful features like analytics, ad tools, and, of course, the built-in pin scheduler.

Here’s how to set up your business account step-by-step:

1. Head over to pinterest.com, and if you're already logged into a personal account, log out first.
2. Once you're on the homepage, click “Sign up” in the top-right corner.
3. Select “Create a business account.”
4. Fill up the details, like your email, create a password, and your age, then click “Create an account.”

Note: Pinterest no longer allows you to link a personal and business account during setup. If you’ve previously linked them, they’ll stay connected unless you manually unlink them.

From there, Pinterest will guide you through a few quick steps:

• Build your profile: Add your business name, website (if you have one), and choose a profile picture.
• Describe your business: Select your business type, industry, and your role.
• Advertising preferences: Choose whether or not you're interested in running ads (you can always change this later).

Once that’s done, you’ll land on your Pinterest Business dashboard.

Limitations of Native Scheduling

Pinterest’s built-in scheduler is simple and free, but it does have some drawbacks:

• No bulk upload: You’ll need to upload and schedule each pin individually, which can be time-consuming.
• Limited flexibility: No ability to shuffle, drag-and-drop, or rearrange scheduled pins like you can with third-party tools.
• No performance analytics for scheduled pins: You’ll need to wait until the pin is live to get any metrics.
• No evergreen scheduling: You can’t automatically repin content at set intervals, a feature many third-party schedulers offer.

Free Third-Party Pinterest Schedulers

These tools offer various features that help you manage your content more effectively, allowing you to plan, schedule, and track your pins with ease.

Here’s a breakdown of PinMaker and four other top scheduling tools that can help streamline your Pinterest strategy.

1. PinMaker

PinMaker is a great option for anyone looking for an intuitive and powerful Pinterest scheduler. It lets you schedule several pins, monitor your content's performance, and manage multiple Pinterest accounts from a single platform.

It’s especially helpful for influencers, businesses, or agencies that need to stay consistent without spending too much time manually posting.

Key Features:

• Automatic Scheduling: Set your pins to post at optimal times for maximum engagement.
• Bulk Pin Upload: Upload and schedule multiple pins at once for more efficient planning.
• Bulk Pin Generation: Create multiple pins in batches to save time and streamline content creation.
• Analytics: Track the performance of your pins and adjust your strategy based on insights.
• Multiple Account Management: Easily manage multiple Pinterest accounts from one dashboard.

2. Tailwind

Tailwind is a well-known Pinterest scheduling tool that offers both scheduling and performance analytics. With its free plan, you can schedule up to 100 pins per month. Tailwind's SmartLoop feature helps you automatically recycle your top-performing content for consistent engagement.

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Key Features:

• Bulk Scheduling: Schedule up to 100 pins per month, perfect for high-volume users.
• SmartLoop: Automatically reshare your best-performing pins to keep your content active.
• Optimal Timing: Tailwind suggests the best times to post based on your audience’s engagement.
• Hashtag Recommendations: Get suggestions on hashtags to increase your pin’s visibility.
• Detailed Analytics: Access insights to track your pin performance and improve your strategy.

3. Buffer

Buffer is a versatile social media management tool that supports multiple platforms, including Pinterest. The free version allows you to schedule up to 10 posts per account, making it a great option for small businesses or influencers with fewer posts. Buffer’s simple interface makes it easy to schedule pins and track engagement.

Key Features:

• Multi-Platform Scheduling: Manage all your social media accounts from one dashboard, including Pinterest.
• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easily schedule pins by dragging them into your content calendar.
• Post Performance Tracking: Monitor your pins’ performance with basic analytics.
• Custom Scheduling: Set specific times for your pins to go live for consistent posting.
• Free Plan Limitations: The free plan supports up to 10 posts per social account, which works well for low-volume users.

4. Hootsuite

Hootsuite is a popular social media scheduling tool that supports Pinterest and many other platforms. With Hootsuite, you can schedule posts in bulk, track analytics, and monitor engagement all in one place. It’s ideal for users who manage several accounts across multiple platforms.

Key Features:

• Multi-Platform Integration: Schedule and manage posts for Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
• Basic Analytics: Track engagement and performance to refine your social media strategy.
• Bulk Scheduling: Upload and schedule multiple pins at once for maximum efficiency.
• Free Plan Limitations: The free version allows scheduling for one account per platform, which may not be enough for larger businesses or influencers.
• Post Customization: Schedule posts for specific times to align with your content calendar.

5. Zoho Social

Zoho Social offers a free plan for Pinterest scheduling, though it’s more basic compared to its paid version. With Zoho Social, you can schedule posts, track performance, and manage multiple accounts. It's ideal for small businesses or users who also need to manage content on other social platforms.

Key Features:

• Multi-Account Management: Manage multiple Pinterest accounts from a single dashboard.
• Post Scheduling: Easily schedule your pins and set them to post at the most strategic times.
• Basic Analytics: Track engagement to refine your Pinterest strategy.
• Free Plan Limitations: The free plan allows scheduling up to 10 posts at a time.
• Social Media Integration: Manage your Pinterest content alongside other social media accounts.

Pros and Cons of Using Third-Party Scheduling Tools

These tools can definitely make your life easier, especially if you're managing multiple accounts or posting consistently, but they’re not perfect. Let’s break it down:

Pros

1. Bulk Scheduling Saves Time: Instead of uploading one pin at a time (like with Pinterest’s native scheduler), most third-party tools let you bulk upload and schedule multiple pins at once, freeing you up for other creative or strategic work. PinMaker, for example, allows you to schedule pins in advance. It makes you ideal if you want to stay consistent without constant manual posting.
2. Smart Scheduling Features: Many tools analyze your audience activity and suggest optimal times to post. Some even auto-schedule pins when your followers are most active.
3. Analytics & Insights: Third-party schedulers often come with detailed analytics dashboards, allowing you to track pin performance, engagement, click-through rates, and more—all in one place.
4. Multi-Platform Support: If you’re also posting on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, some tools let you manage everything from a single dashboard. That’s a big plus for service providers handling multiple clients.
5. Better Visual Planning: Tools like Later and Planable offer a drag-and-drop calendar or grid view. This helps you plan how your pins will look on your profile and maintain a visually consistent brand.

Cons

1. Learning Curve: Some tools come with a lot of features,which can be overwhelming at first. You might need to spend some time figuring out how things work, especially with advanced features.
2. Free Plans Have Limits: Most third-party tools offer free versions, but they typically come with limits on the number of scheduled posts, accounts, or features.
3. Pinterest API Restrictions: All third-party tools must follow Pinterest’s API rules, which sometimes limit certain actions (like resharing old pins or tagging specific content types). So not every Pinterest feature is supported natively.

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Create, Customize, and Schedule Free with PinMaker

PinMaker has everything you need to plan, design, and automate your pinning strategy, without the overwhelm. Whether you're a solo creator, a Pinterest VA, or a business managing multiple boards, PinMaker gives you powerful features in a user-friendly interface:

What You Can Do with PinMaker:

• Schedule up to 10 pins per day on the free plan, perfect for consistent daily posting without manually logging in.
• Bulk upload pins in advance, so you can batch a week or month’s worth of content in one sitting
• Use ready-to-customize templates that match Pinterest’s ideal image specs and aesthetic.
• Add your brand logo and fonts using the built-in Logo Generator to keep your pins looking sharp and consistent.
• Save hours with the AI Pinterest Hashtag Generator, which suggests smart, relevant hashtags to boost your reach.
• Easily manage content across multiple boards and accounts, ideal for agencies or Pinterest managers handling client work.

PinMaker is designed to help you focus on creativity and strategy, not on repetitive posting tasks. It's intuitive enough for beginners, yet powerful enough for advanced Pinterest users who need to manage content at scale.

Start free scheduling now with PinMaker!

FAQs

1. Do I need a Pinterest business account to use scheduling tools?

A: Yes, most schedulers, both Pinterest's native tool and third-party platforms require you to have a Pinterest business account. It's free and gives you access to analytics, ads, and scheduling features.

2. Can I schedule pins directly within Pinterest?

A: Yes, Pinterest has a native scheduler that lets you schedule pins up to two weeks in advance. However, it lacks bulk uploading and other advanced features that third-party tools provide.

3. Are free Pinterest schedulers safe to use?

A: Absolutely, just make sure you’re using Pinterest-approved partners like PinMaker, Later, Tailwind, or Buffer. These tools follow Pinterest’s API guidelines and won’t compromise your account.

4. Will scheduled pins perform the same as manually posted ones?

Yes! Pinterest doesn’t penalize scheduled content. As long as your pins are optimized (good visuals, relevant keywords, proper hashtags), scheduled pins can perform just as well—or even better—thanks to consistent posting.

5. Why should I consider using PinMaker for Pinterest scheduling?

A: PinMaker offers more than just basic scheduling, it’s a full creative suite for Pinterest users. With ready-to-use templates which you can customize as per your business requirements, bulk scheduling, and many more tools, it helps you create eye-catching, branded pins without any design experience.