Head to head

ContentCal vs SocialBu

vs

ContentCal was a well-liked UK content calendar built around planning and approvals. Adobe bought it in December 2021, closed the standalone product on 31 March 2023, and rolled its features into Adobe Express, so it's here for the record rather than as a tool you can buy.

From
Custom
Free plan

SocialBu is an affordable, automation-leaning scheduler covering twelve networks. Alongside the usual scheduling it does RSS auto-posting, webhooks, and auto-replies, plus AI content, a social inbox, and listening on the higher plans.

From
$16 /mo
Free plan

Bottom line

ContentCal and SocialBu both cover the basics; the right one comes down to how you post.

Features compared

FeatureContentCalSocialBu
AI captionsNot assessedYes
Basic analyticsYesYes
Advanced reportsNot assessedYes
Bulk uploadNot assessedYes
Evergreen recyclingNot assessedPartial
Team rolesYesYes
ApprovalsYesYes
Link in bioNot assessedNot assessed

Platforms compared

NetworkContentCalSocialBu
InstagramAutoAuto
FacebookAutoAuto
X (Twitter)AutoAuto
LinkedInAutoAuto
TikTokReminderAuto
PinterestAutoAuto
YouTubeNoAuto
ThreadsNoAuto
BlueskyNoAuto
Google BusinessAutoAuto
MastodonNoAuto
RedditNoAuto

Pricing

ContentCal

  • ContentCal was acquired by Adobe in December 2021 and the standalone product closed on 31 March 2023. You can no longer buy it.
  • Its content calendar and scheduling features were folded into Adobe Express as the Content Scheduler, which is reviewed separately.
  • When it ran, ContentCal sold flat monthly plans (a Pro tier and a larger Company tier); those plans no longer exist, so no current pricing applies.

SocialBu

Free

Free
Seats
1
Accounts
3
Scheduled posts
10
  • 3 social accounts
  • 10 lifetime posts
  • For trying SocialBu out

Standard

$19 /mo

$16/mo billed annually

Seats
4
Accounts
12
Scheduled posts
800
  • $19/mo, $16 on annual
  • 12 social accounts, up to 4 team members, 800 posts a month
  • Automations, bulk import, visual calendar, AI content

Super

Popular
$59 /mo

$49/mo billed annually

Seats
8
Accounts
30
Scheduled posts
Unlimited
  • $59/mo, $49 on annual
  • 30 social accounts, up to 8 team members, unlimited posts
  • Adds analytics, approval workflows, social listening, more automations and AI

Supreme

$199 /mo

$166/mo billed annually

Seats
20
Accounts
150
Scheduled posts
Unlimited
  • $199/mo, $166 on annual
  • 150 social accounts, up to 20 team members
  • 400 automations, advanced reporting, more listening and AI credits
  • Flat, quota-bundled plans by social accounts and team members, plus a free plan (3 accounts, 10 lifetime posts).
  • Annual billing is about 16% cheaper. Every paid plan has a 7-day trial.
  • AI content credits, automations, and listening streams are metered and scale with the plan (for example listening starts on Super).
  • Custom plans are available for agencies and large teams.
  • Prices are USD, read off the live pricing page.

Pros and cons

ContentCal

  • Clean, approachable content calendar and content hub
  • Strong, simple approval workflows
  • Good team and client collaboration
  • Discontinued on 31 March 2023; no longer sold
  • Folded into Adobe Express, with a different shape and focus
  • Existing comparisons that still list it are out of date

SocialBu

  • Real automation: RSS, webhooks, and auto-replies
  • AI content and image generation plus a social inbox with reviews
  • Twelve networks, including Reddit, Mastodon, and Bluesky
  • Affordable, with a free plan and a clear annual discount
  • Listening and richer automations are on the higher plans
  • Recycling is automation-based, not a category engine
  • Lightly documented company
  • Standard caps monthly posts at 800

ContentCal vs SocialBu: FAQ

Is ContentCal or SocialBu cheaper?
SocialBu starts at $16 per month, while ContentCal is quoted custom, so SocialBu is the one with a public entry price.
Does ContentCal or SocialBu have a free plan?
SocialBu has a free plan; ContentCal does not.
Which is better, ContentCal or SocialBu?
ContentCal is the stronger pick for most people, while SocialBu is the better fit for small businesses and agencies who want scheduling plus automation. We don't score them; the right call comes down to how you post.