What is a Social Media Content Calendar?

A content calendar is a schedule that plans out what you'll post on social media, when you'll post it, and which platforms you'll use. Think of it as a roadmap for your social media content—it shows exactly what's coming up so you're never scrambling for last-minute ideas.

This planning tool helps maintain consistent posting, coordinate across multiple platforms, and ensure your content aligns with business goals and important dates.

What's Included in a Content Calendar:

A typical content calendar contains:

• Posting dates and times
• Content type (photo, video, carousel, etc.)
• Caption drafts or key messages
• Hashtags to use
• Which platforms each post will appear on
• Visuals or attachments needed
• Any paid promotion plans
• Some teams also track goals, approvals, or performance metrics directly in their calendar.

Why Are Content Calendars Important?

Content calendars are essential for building a consistent and strategic presence on social media. They help you stay organized by allowing you to plan posts in advance, align content with key dates or campaigns, and ensure your messaging remains cohesive across all platforms. By mapping out your content ahead of time, you can save hours of last-minute scrambling, reduce stress, and maintain a steady publishing rhythm.

Want to build your own? Check out our blog on the 4 steps for creating a social media content calendar (plus a free template)