How to Schedule LinkedIn Posts: Complete Guide (2026)
Learn how to schedule LinkedIn posts using native tools and third-party apps. Step-by-step guide with best times to post and free scheduling tools.
To schedule LinkedIn posts, click the clock icon (🕒) in the post creation window, select your date and time, and click "Schedule." LinkedIn's native scheduler allows you to schedule posts up to 90 days in advance for both personal profiles and company pages. This LinkedIn scheduler feature is completely free and works on desktop and mobile.
For advanced scheduling needs like bulk scheduling, recurring posts, or managing multiple accounts, third-party LinkedIn schedulers like Buffer, Planable, and Hootsuite provide additional functionality.
Key Takeaways
- LinkedIn native scheduler: Click the clock icon in the post window to schedule posts up to 90 days ahead—completely free for all users
- Best scheduling times: According to Sprout Social's 2026 data, schedule for Tuesday-Thursday, 9 AM-1 PM in your target audience's timezone for maximum engagement
- LinkedIn scheduler limitations: The native tool doesn't support polls, events, bulk scheduling, recurring posts, or multiple account management
- Third-party LinkedIn schedulers: Buffer, Planable, Hootsuite, and SocialBee offer advanced features including content calendars, team collaboration, and AI-powered optimal timing
- Post-schedule engagement: According to Richard van Der Bloom's algorithm research, failing to engage with comments within the first hour can reduce your reach by up to 20%
- Inbound strategy integration: Consistent posting through scheduling builds LinkedIn authority that attracts qualified leads
How to Schedule Posts on LinkedIn (Native Method)
LinkedIn's built-in post scheduler is free, reliable, and works identically for personal profiles and company pages. The LinkedIn scheduler feature launched in 2022 and has become essential for maintaining consistent LinkedIn content strategies. Here's how to use it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Start a new post Click "Start a post" at the top of your LinkedIn homepage or company page.
Step 2: Write your content Compose your post, add images, documents, or videos as needed.
Step 3: Click the schedule icon Look for the clock icon (🕒) labeled "Schedule for later" at the bottom of the post window.
Step 4: Set your date and time Choose when you want your post to go live. You can schedule up to 90 days in the future.
Step 5: Confirm scheduling Click "Next," then "Schedule" to confirm. Your post is now queued.
How to View and Edit Scheduled Posts
- Go to your profile or company page
- Click "Posts & Activity" or "View all posts"
- Select the "Scheduled" tab to see pending posts
- Click any scheduled post to edit or delete it
LinkedIn Native Scheduler Limitations
According to Buffer's 2026 guide, LinkedIn's native scheduler has several limitations:
| Feature | Native Scheduler | Third-Party Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum scheduling window | 90 days | Unlimited |
| Bulk scheduling | No | Yes |
| Recurring posts | No | Yes |
| Schedule polls | No | Some tools |
| Schedule events | No | No |
| Multiple accounts | No | Yes |
| Content calendar view | No | Yes |
| Best time suggestions | No | Yes |
| Team collaboration | No | Yes |
What You Cannot Schedule Natively
LinkedIn's native scheduler doesn't support:
- Polls - Must be posted in real-time
- Events - Cannot be scheduled
- Job posts - Requires real-time posting
- Group posts - No scheduling for LinkedIn Groups
- Service posts - Must post immediately
Best Times to Schedule LinkedIn Posts
According to Horlio's analysis of 40,000+ high-engagement posts, the optimal posting times are:
Peak Engagement Windows
| Day | Best Times | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9 AM - 1 PM | Mid-week professional peak |
| Wednesday | 9 AM - 1 PM | Highest overall engagement |
| Thursday | 9 AM - 1 PM | Still strong mid-week |
| Monday | 10 AM - 12 PM | Slower start, picks up by lunch |
| Friday | 9 AM - 11 AM | Morning only, drops after lunch |
Time Zone Considerations
Schedule posts for when your target audience is active, not your local time:
- B2B professionals: Schedule for business hours in their timezone
- Global audience: Consider multiple posts for different regions
- Use LinkedIn analytics: Check when your followers are most active
Best Free LinkedIn Scheduling Tools
If you need features beyond LinkedIn's native scheduler, these tools offer free plans:
1. Buffer
According to Buffer's LinkedIn page, they offer:
- Free plan with limited posts
- Simple interface
- Multiple platform support
- Analytics included
2. Planable
Planable provides:
- Free tier available
- Visual content calendar
- Team collaboration features
- No scheduling time limits
3. SocialBee
SocialBee offers:
- 14-day free trial
- AI-assisted content creation
- Inbox management
- Category-based scheduling
4. Simplified
According to Simplified's website, their Free Forever plan includes:
- Basic scheduling functionality
- Multi-platform support
- No credit card required
Is It Safe to Use Third-Party Scheduling Tools?
Yes. According to LinkedIn's official business blog, reputable third-party scheduling tools are safe and allowed.
Why Third-Party Tools Are Safe
- Official API: All reputable tools use LinkedIn's official API
- Terms compliance: API usage ensures compliance with LinkedIn's terms
- No automation penalties: Scheduling is not considered automation abuse
What to Avoid
- Tools that automate engagement (likes, comments)
- Services that send automated connection requests
- Any tool not using LinkedIn's official API
Tips for Effective LinkedIn Post Scheduling
1. Engage After Posting (Critical for the Algorithm)
According to Richard van Der Bloom's research, not engaging after posting can cost you up to 20% of your reach. The LinkedIn algorithm favors reciprocity and rewards creators who engage with their audience.
After your scheduled post goes live:
- Respond to comments within the first hour (this signals value to LinkedIn)
- Like relevant comments to boost engagement signals
- Ask follow-up questions to encourage discussion
- Tag relevant connections to expand reach (see our how to tag guide)
2. Batch Your Content Creation
Creating content in batches and scheduling saves time while maintaining a consistent LinkedIn posting frequency:
- Weekly batches: Create all posts for the week in one session
- Theme days: Assign content types to specific days (see high-engagement post examples)
- Content calendar: Plan topics 2-4 weeks ahead using our LinkedIn content strategy guide
3. Test Different Times
According to SocialPilot's guide:
"The best times to post on LinkedIn in 2025 are weekdays, especially mid-morning (9-11 AM) and lunch hours (12-2 PM), with Tuesday-Thursday being strongest."
Test your specific audience by scheduling posts at different times and tracking results.
4. Don't Over-Schedule
Consistency matters more than volume:
- Daily posting: 1 post per day maximum for most users
- Company pages: 3-5 posts per week is effective
- Quality over quantity: One valuable post beats three mediocre ones
How to Schedule LinkedIn Posts on Mobile
LinkedIn's mobile app also supports native scheduling:
iOS and Android Steps
- Open the LinkedIn app
- Tap the "+" or "Post" button
- Create your content
- Tap the clock icon at the bottom
- Select your date and time
- Tap "Schedule"
The mobile scheduler has the same capabilities and limitations as desktop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a post on LinkedIn?
To schedule a LinkedIn post, click "Start a post" on your homepage, write your content, then click the clock icon (🕒) labeled "Schedule for later" at the bottom. Select your preferred date and time (up to 90 days ahead), then click "Schedule." Your post will automatically publish at the scheduled time. For a complete posting guide, see our how to post on LinkedIn tutorial.
What is the best LinkedIn scheduler in 2026?
The best LinkedIn scheduler depends on your needs. For basic scheduling, LinkedIn's native scheduler is free and reliable. For advanced features, Buffer offers the best free plan with analytics, Hootsuite excels at team collaboration, and Planable provides the best visual content calendar. All reputable schedulers use LinkedIn's official API and are safe to use.
Can I schedule LinkedIn posts for free?
Yes, you can schedule LinkedIn posts completely free using LinkedIn's native scheduler. Click the clock icon in the post window to schedule up to 90 days ahead. Third-party tools like Buffer and Planable also offer free tiers. No premium subscription is required to use LinkedIn's built-in scheduling feature.
Does scheduling LinkedIn posts hurt my engagement?
No, scheduled LinkedIn posts receive the same algorithmic treatment as real-time posts. According to Richard van Der Bloom's research, the key factor is engagement after posting—not engaging with comments within the first hour can reduce reach by up to 20%. Plan to be available when your scheduled post goes live. Learn more in our LinkedIn algorithm guide.
What is the best time to schedule LinkedIn posts?
According to Sprout Social's 2026 research, the best times to schedule LinkedIn posts are Tuesday through Thursday between 9 AM and 1 PM in your target audience's timezone. Wednesday typically shows the highest engagement. For data-driven timing specific to your industry, see our comprehensive best time to post on LinkedIn guide.
Can I schedule LinkedIn polls and events?
No, LinkedIn's native scheduler does not support polls or events—these must be posted in real-time. Some third-party schedulers like SocialBee are adding poll support, but event scheduling remains unavailable across all tools. If polls are part of your LinkedIn content strategy, plan to post them manually.
How many LinkedIn posts should I schedule per week?
According to LinkedIn's official recommendations, posting 2-5 times per week is optimal for engagement. For personal profiles, 1 post per day maximum avoids audience fatigue. For company pages, 3-5 posts per week maintains visibility without overwhelming followers. Consistency matters more than volume—see our guide on how often to post on LinkedIn.
Is it safe to use third-party LinkedIn schedulers?
Yes, reputable third-party LinkedIn schedulers are safe because they use LinkedIn's official Marketing API. According to LinkedIn's official business blog, tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, and Planable are compliant with their terms of service. Only avoid tools that automate engagement (likes, comments) or connection requests—these violate LinkedIn's policies. Learn more about LinkedIn automation safety.
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