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To schedule Mastodon posts with Buffer, first connect an account on a Mastodon server that accepts sign-ups. In Buffer, select that channel, write your post, then add it to the channel’s next queue slot or choose a specific date and time. Buffer says scheduled posts publish automatically at the selected time.
How do I start scheduling my Mastodon posts?
- Join a Mastodon server. Create an account on a server (also called an instance) that is accepting new sign-ups. Your account is associated with that server.
- Connect Mastodon to Buffer. Add Mastodon as a channel in Buffer and authorize the account on its server. Buffer says it can connect to any server running Mastodon software. See Buffer’s Mastodon setup and support guide.
- Compose for the connected channel. In Buffer’s composer, select the Mastodon channel and draft the post. Add supported media or a link if needed.
- Choose how to schedule it. Add the post to the queue for the next open slot, or select a specific date and time. Buffer’s scheduling guide explains the composer options.
- Check the channel schedule. Buffer’s schedule uses recurring weekly time slots. Each connected channel has its own schedule and timezone, so confirm the timezone and slots before relying on a queued post. The channel schedule settings guide has the relevant controls.
Queue slot or exact date and time: which should you use?
| Scheduling choice | What happens | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Queue | Buffer places the post in the next open slot in that channel’s recurring schedule. | You want the next available time without choosing a timestamp. |
| Specific date and time | You set a custom publication time for that individual post. | The post needs to go out at a particular time. |
For either option, Buffer says it can publish automatically at the scheduled time. Queue placement follows the selected channel’s schedule and timezone; a custom time is set on the individual post.
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What can you publish to Mastodon through Buffer?
Buffer documents text posts, links, images, GIFs, and video. It also provides a Content Warning field in the composer. Poll creation through Buffer is not supported, according to its Mastodon support guide.
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Mastodon servers can have different character limits. Buffer says it reads the limit from the connected server when possible; if it cannot, it uses 500 characters as its default and fallback. Treat the composer’s displayed limit for your channel as the relevant one.
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- Adhesive backing attaches the PopGrip to your case or device. Will not stick to silicone,leather,waterproof,or highly textured cases. Works best with smooth,hard,plastic cases.
- Not compatible with wireless charging
- Printed top is swappable with other compatible PopGrip models. Just press flat,turn 90 degrees until you hear a click and remove to swap.
For Buffer to recognize a link, it must begin with http:// or https://. Buffer counts a link as 23 characters regardless of its length and discourages link shorteners.
Mentions and hashtags
Enter a full Mastodon address to mention someone, such as @bufferapp@mastodon.social. Buffer says it cannot autocomplete or verify usernames, so check the address before scheduling.
Hashtags can help people searching for a tag discover a post. Buffer’s guide says hashtags may contain letters, numbers, and underscores, but a hashtag cannot consist only of numbers.
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Buffer’s Mastodon help page documents threads of up to 25 sub-posts. It describes thread creation on the web; its mobile notes describe rescheduling or deleting threads created on the web. A newer general mobile scheduling page says thread creation is available in the iOS app and Android beta, so mobile composition support may depend on the app and its current version. If you need to create a thread on a phone, check the current app before planning around that feature. The Mastodon guide lists threads on Free, Essentials, and Team plans.
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- Adhesive backing attaches the PopGrip to your case or device. Will not stick to silicone,leather,waterproof,or highly textured cases. Works best with smooth,hard,plastic cases.
- Not compatible with wireless charging
- Printed top is swappable with other compatible PopGrip models. Just press flat,turn 90 degrees until you hear a click and remove to swap.
How many posts can I schedule to Mastodon?
Buffer’s pricing page displayed the following plan terms when checked on October 7, 2026. Prices and capacities can change; confirm them on Buffer’s pricing page before choosing a plan.
| Plan | Displayed capacity or price | Relevant detail |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Up to 3 channels and 10 scheduled posts per channel | Buffer’s Mastodon help page says one Mastodon thread can be scheduled at a time in each queue. Additional unscheduled threads can remain in Drafts. |
| Essentials | From $5 per channel per month with annual billing; annual total shown as $60 for one channel | Paid scheduled-post capacity is described as unlimited, subject to a fair-use cap of 5,000 posts per channel. |
| Team | From $10 per channel per month with annual billing; annual total shown as $120 for one channel | Paid scheduled-post capacity is described as unlimited, subject to a fair-use cap of 5,000 posts per channel. |
Buffer’s Mastodon guide also states a limit of 100 posts per 24 hours. The same guide says its Analyze “best time to post” feature is not available for Mastodon. Buffer says publishing and scheduling to Mastodon are available on new plans; customers on legacy plans are directed to contact Buffer about switching.
What to check before a scheduled post goes out
- Confirm the correct Mastodon channel is selected, especially if you have connected more than one account.
- Review the channel’s timezone and recurring queue slots before using the queue.
- Check the server-specific character limit shown in Buffer; the 500-character fallback applies only when Buffer cannot read the server’s limit.
- Verify full mention addresses, link prefixes, hashtags, media, and any Content Warning.
- If composing a thread on mobile, check current app support; Buffer’s help pages describe different mobile capabilities.
Buffer announced Mastodon scheduling on January 31, 2023, in a launch post by Product Marketing Manager Mike Eckstein: “Today we are rolling out support for Mastodon scheduling within Buffer.” That announcement dates the feature’s launch; current plan details and operational limits are described in Buffer’s support and pricing pages.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
