What is Jetpack Social?

Jetpack Social is part of the Jetpack suite created by Automattic, designed to help WordPress users push their content straight to social media without leaving their dashboard. It integrates with platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter (X), letting you schedule posts or share instantly.

For years, users leaned on the free plan because it allowed broad sharing without any limits. That convenience made it a favorite for casual bloggers who wanted to keep things simple and for businesses who preferred not to juggle multiple third-party scheduling tools.

Details of the New Paid Plan

The biggest update is that the free plan is now capped at 30 shares per month. Once you reach that number, posting stops unless you upgrade.

The paid plan adds more power and removes restrictions. Here’s what comes with it:

• Unlimited shares: No limits on how many times you post each month.
• Advanced scheduling tools: Better calendar features to organize when and where content goes live.
• Enhanced analytics: Insights into how posts perform across your connected social platforms.
• Priority support: Faster help from the Jetpack team if you run into issues.

This positions Jetpack Social alongside professional tools like Buffer and Hootsuite, where free users get basic access while advanced users unlock full functionality by subscribing.

Why Jetpack Made This Change

The move to add a paid plan makes sense in today’s digital space. Running a tool like Jetpack Social requires constant updates, security measures, and feature upgrades. These improvements cost money, and limiting the free plan creates a path for sustainable growth.

There’s also the competitive angle. Jetpack is no longer just an optional convenience for WordPress—it’s trying to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with established scheduling platforms. By adding analytics and unlimited sharing, it delivers value that matches what other paid tools already provide.

Impact on Users

The change affects different groups in different ways:

• Casual bloggers: Thirty shares a month is usually enough for hobbyists or small personal blogs. If you only post a handful of articles monthly, you won’t feel the pinch.
• Small businesses: For companies posting daily across multiple social platforms, the 30-share cap is tight. Reaching the limit could happen within a week, making the paid plan the better fit.
• Agencies and professionals: For anyone handling multiple sites or client accounts, the free plan no longer works. Unlimited shares and analytics in the paid plan are almost a necessity.

The update mostly challenges users who were comfortable with unlimited free posting. Adjusting budgets or posting strategies will now be part of the decision-making process.

Alternatives to Jetpack Social

Jetpack Social isn’t the only scheduling tool available. Several other options give users flexibility depending on their needs:

• Buffer: Streamlined scheduling with analytics and integrations across multiple platforms.
• Hootsuite: Geared for larger teams with collaboration tools and advanced reporting features.
• SocialPilot: A budget-friendly choice for agencies needing bulk scheduling and multiple client accounts.
• Later: Popular with Instagram and other visual-first platforms, offering strong calendar and content planning features.

While these tools have broader features, Jetpack’s real advantage is its integration inside WordPress. If convenience is your priority, it’s hard to beat having everything in one place.

Tips for Making the Most of the Free Plan

If you’re sticking with the free version, managing the 30-share cap wisely is key. Here are some approaches:

• Prioritize important content: Use shares for posts most likely to bring engagement, traffic, or conversions.
• Leverage evergreen content: Focus on sharing content that stays relevant for months or years, ensuring long-term value.
• Supplement with manual posting: Post less critical updates directly on social platforms to save your Jetpack shares.
• Mix with other tools: Combine Jetpack’s free plan with free features from Buffer or other apps to extend your reach.
• Plan your schedule: Create a content calendar so you don’t waste shares and can spread them evenly throughout the month.

By being intentional, you can stretch the free plan without sacrificing too much visibility.

Conclusion

Jetpack Social’s shift to a paid model with a 30-share cap on the free plan signals a big change for WordPress users. The free plan still works well for casual bloggers, but businesses and agencies that rely on frequent posting will find themselves needing to upgrade.

This move is part of a larger trend among SaaS tools—offering limited free versions while encouraging users with higher demands to invest in premium features. Whether you stick with Jetpack’s free plan, pay for the upgrade, or explore alternatives depends on how much you publish and how important automated posting is to your workflow.

Key Takeaway: The free version is fine for occasional posting, but the paid plan is better for anyone serious about social scheduling. Unlimited shares, advanced scheduling, and analytics make upgrading worthwhile, especially if you’re running a business or managing multiple accounts.

FAQs

Can I keep using Jetpack Social for free?

Yes, you can, but you’re limited to 30 shares per month with the free plan.

Does the paid plan allow multiple social accounts?

Yes, the paid plan supports multiple accounts, giving you more flexibility across platforms.

How does the analytics feature work?

Analytics in the paid plan let you track performance, showing which posts drive the most engagement.

Is Jetpack Social good for agencies?

Yes, but only with the paid version. The free cap is too restrictive for agencies managing multiple clients.

What’s the best strategy for the free plan?

Focus your shares on your strongest posts, use evergreen content, and fill gaps with manual posting to make the most of the 30-share limit.