Mastodon Scheduled Posts (built-in) vs Postiz
Self-host pick — both replace Buffer (Social media scheduling + analytics).
Both Mastodon Scheduled Posts (built-in) and Postiz self-host as a replacement for Buffer (Social media scheduling + analytics). Pick Mastodon Scheduled Posts (built-in) if you want the lighter footprint — 0min if you already run Mastodon, free — uses your existing mastodon instance. Pick Postiz if you need creators and small agencies who want a Buffer-shaped UI (calendar + composer + queue) under their own domain — 30min docker-compose (Next.js + Postgres + Redis + workers) and $10/mo vps for the stack; oauth credentials per platform are free but you register apps yourself.
| Mastodon Scheduled Posts (built-in)open-source | Postizopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Setup time | 0min if you already run Mastodon | 30min docker-compose (Next.js + Postgres + Redis + workers) |
| Monthly cost | Free — uses your existing Mastodon instance. | $10/mo VPS for the stack; OAuth credentials per platform are free but you register apps yourself. |
| GitHub | mastodon/mastodon | gitroomhq/postiz-app |
| Replaces | Buffer + 1 other | Buffer |
Good fit for
Mastodon Scheduled Posts (built-in)
Fediverse-first creators whose audience is on Mastodon/Bluesky and who want zero extra infrastructure.
Weak at:Single-channel — won't post to Instagram, LinkedIn, or X without bridges; per-channel formatting is missing.
Postiz
Creators and small agencies who want a Buffer-shaped UI (calendar + composer + queue) under their own domain.
Weak at:OAuth approval friction — you need to register developer apps on each platform (Meta, X, LinkedIn) which can take a week for Instagram review.
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli buffer prints Buffer's self-host options including both —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Which is easier to self-host, Mastodon Scheduled Posts (built-in) or Postiz?
Mastodon Scheduled Posts (built-in): 0min if you already run Mastodon. Postiz: 30min docker-compose (Next.js + Postgres + Redis + workers).
What does each cost to run?
Mastodon Scheduled Posts (built-in): Free — uses your existing Mastodon instance.. Postiz: $10/mo VPS for the stack; OAuth credentials per platform are free but you register apps yourself.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do Mastodon Scheduled Posts (built-in) and Postiz replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Buffer.