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How to switch from Buffer to AuthoredUp in 2026

A step-by-step migration from Buffer to AuthoredUp, including what you give up.

10 min read
7 steps
beginner

You are considering moving from Buffer to AuthoredUp in 2026. If LinkedIn is one of many social channels you manage on a tight budget, stay with Buffer. If LinkedIn is your primary channel, and you need better formatting and draft management, AuthoredUp is your next step.

The tools

What actually changes: Buffer versus AuthoredUp in daily work

Do
Dont
Label
AuthoredUp: Rich, native support
Buffer: Basic
LinkedIn Text Formatting
AuthoredUp: No native builder, requires external creation
Buffer: No native support
Carousel Posts
AuthoredUp: Advanced draft system
Buffer: Simple queue
Draft Management
AuthoredUp: LinkedIn only
Buffer: Yes
Multi-Platform Scheduling
AuthoredUp: No built-in AI
Buffer: Some plans
AI Writing Assistant
AuthoredUp: LinkedIn-specific post performance
Buffer: Basic multi-platform
Analytics
Your move

The migration itself: A step-by-step guide

1

Review current Buffer schedule

Note upcoming posts, especially LinkedIn-specific ones. You lose visibility of these posts in AuthoredUp.

2

Export Buffer analytics

Download any historical data you need. AuthoredUp will not import this data.

3

Create AuthoredUp account

Sign up and connect your LinkedIn profile. You will have two active schedulers for a short period.

4

Transfer drafts manually

Copy and paste any unfinished LinkedIn drafts from Buffer to AuthoredUp. There is no automated draft import.

5

Re-create recurring posts

If you have evergreen content, set it up in AuthoredUp. Buffer's recurring schedule does not transfer.

6

Pause Buffer for LinkedIn

Turn off LinkedIn scheduling in Buffer. Accidental double-posts can happen if not careful.

7

Test AuthoredUp scheduling

Schedule a test post to confirm it works. Potential missed posts can occur if not tested.

The trade-offs

What you give up when you move to AuthoredUp

Know what you lose

Switching tools means trade-offs. AuthoredUp focuses purely on LinkedIn power users. You will lose the multi-platform scheduling ease of Buffer. You will not have built-in AI writing or a carousel builder. Managing other social channels will require a separate tool or manual effort. Your overall social media workflow might become more fragmented.

The budget

What it costs to move: Price tiers and hidden fees

The sticker price is only one part of the equation. Consider the time you spend learning a new tool and moving your content.

Do
Dont
Label
Free: $0/mo (3 channels)
Essentials: $6/mo per channel
Buffer
Team: $12/mo per channel
Buffer
Basic: $19.95/mo
Pro: $39.95/mo
AuthoredUp
AuthoredUp: 2-4 hours (draft transfer, learning UI, setup)
Buffer: 0 hours
Switching Cost (Time)
Your data

Before you cancel: What to export from Buffer

Data to export

FAQs

Common questions about the Buffer to AuthoredUp migration

Can I run both during the switch?

Yes, but pause LinkedIn scheduling in Buffer first. This avoids duplicate posts.

Will my past LinkedIn posts transfer?

No, AuthoredUp focuses on future posts. You will need to export historical data from Buffer.

What about my team access?

You will need to re-invite team members and set permissions within AuthoredUp.

How do I handle other social media channels?

AuthoredUp is LinkedIn-only. You will need a different tool or manual process for other platforms.

Next steps

Ready to make the switch?