Cheaper Than Tailwind: The Pinterest Tool You Don't Need for Multi-Platform Scheduling (Save $240-708/Year)

Cheaper Than Tailwind: The Pinterest Tool You Don't Need for Multi-Platform Scheduling (Save $240-708/Year)

Tailwind built its reputation on Pinterest scheduling with SmartSchedule automation and visual planning. At $14.99-79.99/month, it promises to optimize Pinterest posting times and simplify visual content management. But here's the reality: Most businesses need multi-platform scheduling across 9 networks, not Pinterest-only optimization they'll outgrow.

If you're paying $19.99-79.99/month for Tailwind, you're essentially buying Pinterest infrastructure when you need TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, and modern platform support with unlimited AI content generation.

This guide reveals exactly what you're paying for with Tailwind, whether Pinterest-focused tools make sense for multi-platform businesses, and how to get professional social media management with better content tools for less money.

About This Guide

For businesses paying $15-80/month for Tailwind's Pinterest focus but needing TikTok, LinkedIn, and Threads support in 2025.

🎯 Key Takeaways

⚡ Quick Decision Helper

👍 Switch to SocialRails if you:

✅ Need TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, YouTube (not in Tailwind) ✅ Manage multiple platforms (not just Pinterest/Instagram) ✅ Find Pinterest focus limiting for modern strategy ✅ Spend 4+ hours/week creating content manually ✅ Need unlimited AI content generation (not just Ghostwriter) ✅ Want 350+ video templates for TikTok/Reels (not in Tailwind) ✅ Ready to save $240-708/year on social media tools

🟢 Stay with Tailwind if you:

✅ Pinterest is primary platform (80%+ of traffic) ✅ Need Pinterest-specific features (Communities, Trends) ✅ SmartSchedule saves significant time on Pinterest ✅ Use Tailwind Create design tools extensively ✅ Pinterest growth is core business strategy ✅ Budget allows $180-960/year for Pinterest-focused tool

🤔 Still Not Sure?

👉 Jump to these sections:

• Cost Reality Calculator → See your actual costs
• Platform Audit → Platform gap analysis
• Switching Guide → Migration roadmap

💰 Real Cost: What Multi-Platform Businesses Actually Pay

Let's break down Tailwind's true costs for multi-platform businesses versus affordable alternatives.

💡 Quick Reality Check: Tailwind charges for Pinterest optimization. Multi-platform businesses need TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, and Bluesky support—platforms Tailwind doesn't natively support in 2025.

🔥 Quick Feature Comparison

Tailwind Pricing Reality 2025

Free Plan: $0/month

• 1 Pinterest account
• 20 posts/month
• 5 Instagram posts
• Basic SmartSchedule
• Reality: Too limited for serious businesses

Essential Plan: $14.99/month

• 2 Pinterest accounts
• 1 Instagram account
• Unlimited Pinterest pins
• SmartSchedule
• Communities access
• Reality: $180/year but no TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky

Advanced Plan: $39.99/month

• 2 Pinterest accounts
• 3 Instagram accounts
• Unlimited Pinterest pins
• Ghostwriter AI
• Tailwind Create
• SmartSchedule
• Reality: $480/year—Pinterest-focused when you need 9 platforms

Max Plan: $79.99/month

• 5 Pinterest accounts
• 5 Instagram accounts
• All Advanced features
• Priority support
• Reality: $960/year for Pinterest/Instagram when TikTok/LinkedIn drive growth

Hidden Costs:

• Missing modern platforms (TikTok, LinkedIn full, Threads, Bluesky, YouTube)
• Pinterest focus when traffic shifted to short-form video
• Limited AI (Ghostwriter for captions only)
• No video template library
• Need additional tools for other platforms
• SmartSchedule only works for Pinterest

For comprehensive multi-platform alternatives, explore Later alternatives, Publer alternatives, and our digital marketing channels guide.

SocialRails Pricing Reality

Creator Plan: $19/month

• 27 social accounts (via connections)
• 9 platforms: Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok
• Unlimited scheduling
• 5 auto-recurring posts
• 20 AI videos/month
• 350+ video templates
• Unlimited AI content generation
• Basic analytics
• 3 workspaces

Business Plan: $39/month

• 27 social accounts
• 9 platforms fully supported
• Unlimited scheduling
• 50 auto-recurring posts
• 70 AI videos/month
• 10 workspaces
• 5 team members included
• Unlimited AI ideas

Agency Plan: $79/month

• 27 social accounts
• 9 platforms fully supported
• Unlimited scheduling
• 250 AI videos/month
• 25 workspaces
• 15 team members included
• Full features

No Hidden Costs:

• All 9 modern platforms included
• 15-minute learning curve
• All AI features included
• No contracts required

💰 Annual Cost Comparison

⚠️ Reality Check: Tailwind Essential is $48/year cheaper BUT only supports Pinterest and limited Instagram—missing TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, YouTube. Advanced+ plans cost more while still lacking modern platform support.

🎯 Your Switching Decision Matrix

Side-by-Side Cost Comparison

Annual Savings Calculator

Essential Plan (Pinterest focus):

• Tailwind Essential: $14.99/month × 12 = $180/year
• SocialRails Creator: $19/month × 12 = $228/year
• Cost: $48 more BUT gain 5 additional platforms + unlimited AI + 350+ video templates

Advanced Plan (Pinterest + Instagram):

• Tailwind Advanced: $39.99/month × 12 = $480/year
• SocialRails Creator: $19/month × 12 = $228/year
• You Save: $252/year (53% savings) + 5 additional platforms

Max Plan (Multi-account):

• Tailwind Max: $79.99/month × 12 = $960/year
• SocialRails Business: $39/month × 12 = $468/year
• You Save: $492/year (51% savings) + 5 additional platforms

📱 Platform Reality: What You Need vs. What Tailwind Offers

Tailwind was designed when Pinterest drove e-commerce traffic. Here's what multi-platform businesses actually need in 2025 (explore our B2B social media strategy guide for comprehensive platform planning):

📋 Platform Support Audit

💡 Reality Check: Tailwind excels at Pinterest but in 2025, businesses need TikTok (short-form video), LinkedIn (B2B), Threads (Meta's Twitter), Bluesky (Twitter alternative), and YouTube (video SEO). Pinterest traffic has declined for most businesses while TikTok and LinkedIn grew 200%+.

Platforms You NEED But Tailwind Doesn't Fully Support

Missing in Tailwind:

• ❌ TikTok native support (fastest-growing platform 2025)
• ❌ LinkedIn full features (B2B essential)
• ❌ Threads support (Meta's Twitter replacement)
• ❌ Bluesky support (Twitter alternative gaining traction)
• ❌ YouTube scheduling (second-largest search engine)

What This Means:

• Need separate tools for TikTok ($10-30/month)
• LinkedIn scheduling limited
• Can't manage Threads or Bluesky
• YouTube requires manual posting
• Total: Pay Tailwind + 2-3 other tools = $50-100/month

What SocialRails Includes:

• ✅ TikTok native support (direct API)
• ✅ LinkedIn full features (articles, posts, comments)
• ✅ Threads support (Meta's new platform)
• ✅ Bluesky support (decentralized social)
• ✅ YouTube scheduling (video + shorts)
• Total: One tool = $19-39/month

💡 The Multi-Platform Business Reality Check

Question 1: Is Pinterest Still Your Top Platform?

Tailwind's Pinterest Focus:

• SmartSchedule for optimal Pinterest times
• Pinterest Communities
• Pinterest Trends
• Pin design templates
• Pinterest-specific analytics

Multi-Platform Reality (2025):

• TikTok drives 3x more traffic than Pinterest
• LinkedIn delivers 2x better B2B leads
• Instagram Reels outperform Pinterest
• Pinterest traffic down 30-50% for most
• Short-form video dominates

Honest Assessment: Check your analytics. For most businesses in 2025, Pinterest delivers 10-20% of social traffic while TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn drive 70%+. Paying $180-960/year for Pinterest optimization when TikTok needs attention is optimizing the wrong platform. If Pinterest is truly 80%+ of your traffic, Tailwind makes sense. Otherwise, you need multi-platform tools.

---

Question 2: SmartSchedule Value vs. Consistent Posting

Tailwind's SmartSchedule:

• Analyzes follower activity
• Suggests optimal posting times
• Automates scheduling
• Pinterest-specific optimization
• Saves time finding best times

Multi-Platform Reality:

• Optimal times matter less than consistency
• Algorithm changes reduce time impact
• TikTok/Instagram: any time works with good content
• Consistency (daily posting) > perfect timing
• Test-and-learn beats optimization

---

Question 3: Ghostwriter AI vs. Unlimited AI Generation

Tailwind's Ghostwriter:

• AI caption suggestions
• Hashtag recommendations
• Tone adjustments
• Pinterest description help
• Limited generation

Multi-Platform Reality:

• Need AI to write full captions from scratch
• Blank page syndrome is the problem
• Want unlimited generation, not suggestions
• Ghostwriter assists, doesn't create
• Need ideas AND execution

---

Question 4: Design Tools vs. Video Templates

Tailwind Create Features:

• Image design templates
• Pinterest pin templates
• Text overlay tools
• Brand kit
• Image editing

Multi-Platform Reality (2025):

• Video content gets 10x engagement vs. images
• TikTok requires video content
• Instagram Reels dominate feed
• LinkedIn video posts get 5x reach
• Static pins declining on Pinterest

See 9 visual content types dominating 2025.

🎯 What Multi-Platform Businesses Actually Need

Core Multi-Platform Business Needs (2025):

1. 9-Platform Support - TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, Twitter/X
2. Video Templates - Quick TikTok/Reels creation (350+)
3. Unlimited AI Content - Generate captions for all platforms
4. Unified Management - One dashboard for all platforms
5. Modern Platform Support - Threads, Bluesky (not in Tailwind)
6. Team Access - 3-5 people without complexity
7. Affordable Pricing - Under $50/month

What Tailwind Delivers:

✅ 9-Platform Support - NO (4 platforms: Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter limited) ❌ Video Templates - NO (image design only) ⚠️ Unlimited AI Content - NO (Ghostwriter suggestions only) ⚠️ Unified Management - YES (but limited platforms) ❌ Modern Platform Support - NO (no Threads, Bluesky, TikTok native, YouTube) ✅ Team Access - YES (tiered plans) ⚠️ Affordable Pricing - DEPENDS ($180-960/year but missing platforms)

Multi-Platform Score: 2.5/7

What SocialRails Delivers:

✅ 9-Platform Support - YES (all major platforms 2025) ✅ Video Templates - YES (350+ for TikTok/Reels) ✅ Unlimited AI Content - YES (unlimited generation) ✅ Unified Management - YES (all platforms one dashboard) ✅ Modern Platform Support - YES (Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, YouTube) ✅ Team Access - YES (up to 15 included) ✅ Affordable Pricing - YES ($228-468/year)

Multi-Platform Score: 7/7

📊 Direct Feature Comparison for Multi-Platform Businesses

💡 Real Multi-Platform Business Scenarios

Scenario 1: E-commerce Brand (Was Pinterest-Focused)

Current Situation: Paying $39.99/month for Tailwind Advanced, Pinterest drove traffic in 2020 but now TikTok delivers 50% of sales, can't natively schedule TikTok, uses 3 separate tools.

Why Switch: Save $252/year AND consolidate tools. Pinterest now 15% of traffic, TikTok 50%, Instagram 25%, LinkedIn 10%. Need one tool managing all platforms. SocialRails' 350+ video templates create TikTok content faster.

SocialRails Plan: Creator ($19/month) = $228/year Annual Savings: $252 + eliminate 2 other tools = $500+ total savings

---

Scenario 2: B2B SaaS Company (LinkedIn + Multi-Platform)

Current Situation: Paying $39.99/month for Tailwind Advanced but LinkedIn is primary platform—Tailwind's LinkedIn support is limited, uses Buffer for LinkedIn ($10/month), total $50/month for split tools.

Why Switch: Consolidate and save. LinkedIn drives 60% of leads, needs full features. Tailwind's Pinterest focus doesn't match B2B strategy. SocialRails' full LinkedIn support + TikTok for thought leadership + Threads for engagement = one tool.

SocialRails Plan: Creator ($19/month) = $228/year Annual Savings: $372 (74% savings) + full LinkedIn features

---

Scenario 3: Content Creator (Multi-Platform Presence)

Current Situation: Paying $79.99/month for Tailwind Max managing Pinterest + Instagram, but manually posts to TikTok (biggest audience), Threads (growing), and YouTube (SEO), spends 6+ hours weekly across platforms.

Why Switch: Save $492/year AND manage all platforms in one tool. TikTok is 70% of audience but can't schedule it in Tailwind. Threads growing fast but unsupported. SocialRails' 350+ video templates + 9-platform support + unlimited AI saves 5 hours weekly.

SocialRails Plan: Business ($39/month) = $468/year Annual Savings: $492 (51% savings) + 5 hours/week time savings

---

Scenario 4: Pinterest-Only Business (80%+ Revenue)

Current Situation: Pinterest drives 85% of revenue, uses Tailwind Advanced ($39.99/month), SmartSchedule saves time, Communities deliver engagement, Pinterest-specific features essential.

Why Stay: At 85% Pinterest revenue, Tailwind's specialized features deliver ROI. SmartSchedule, Communities, Pinterest Trends—all used actively. Core platform well-supported. Keep Tailwind.

Recommendation: Stay with Tailwind—built for your Pinterest-focused use case.

🔄 Switching from Tailwind for Multi-Platform Businesses

The migration is straightforward. Most multi-platform businesses complete the switch in 2-3 hours total.

Week 1: Evaluation & Setup (1-2 hours)

Day 1-2: Audit Platform Usage

1. Check analytics: Which platforms drive traffic?
2. List platforms you need: TikTok? LinkedIn? Threads?
3. Verify Tailwind platform support gaps
4. Export scheduled Pinterest pins
5. Export scheduled Instagram posts

Day 3-4: Setup SocialRails Trial

1. Sign up for 3-day free trial (no credit card)
2. Connect all 9 platforms (15 minutes)
3. Test TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads scheduling
4. Test unlimited AI content generation
5. Create test videos with 350+ templates

Day 5-7: Parallel Testing

1. Schedule Pinterest content in both tools
2. Add TikTok content (can't do in Tailwind!)
3. Test LinkedIn full features
4. Schedule Threads and Bluesky posts
5. Verify posting reliability across all platforms

Week 2: Migration & Cutover (1-2 hours)

Day 1-3: Full Migration

1. Recreate content calendar in SocialRails (all 9 platforms!)
2. Set up auto-recurring posts (replaces SmartSchedule)
3. Organize workspaces by platform or brand
4. Train team (15 minutes per person)

Day 4-7: Cancel Tailwind

1. Verify all platforms scheduling correctly
2. Export final Pinterest analytics if needed
3. Cancel Tailwind subscription
4. Celebrate platform consolidation + savings

Migration Questions

Q: Will I miss SmartSchedule for Pinterest? A: Check your Pinterest analytics. Does posting at "optimal" times vs. consistent times show significant difference? Most businesses find consistency (daily at 2pm) performs as well as micro-optimized timing. SocialRails lets you set recurring times—good enough for most.

Q: What about Pinterest Communities? A: Pinterest Communities are Tailwind-exclusive. If you actively use Communities for engagement and traffic, evaluate their ROI. Most businesses joined Communities but don't actively participate. If Communities drive 20%+ of traffic, keep Tailwind. If they're unused, don't let one feature block multi-platform needs.

Q: Can I test SocialRails without committing? A: Yes. 3-day free trial, no credit card required. Connect all 9 platforms and test everything risk-free.

Q: How do I handle TikTok if Tailwind doesn't support it? A: You're already handling it manually or with another tool. SocialRails adds native TikTok support—schedule videos directly with 350+ templates. Consolidate instead of using 2-3 separate tools.

🎯 Why Multi-Platform Businesses Are Switching

Real Switching Stories

E-commerce Brand: "We paid $39.99/month for Tailwind Advanced because Pinterest drove traffic in 2019. By 2024, TikTok was 50% of sales but we couldn't schedule it in Tailwind. Used 3 separate tools total. Switched to SocialRails Creator at $19/month, saved $252/year, gained TikTok scheduling, 350+ video templates, and manage all platforms in one place. Consolidated tools and simplified workflow."

B2B SaaS: "Tailwind's LinkedIn support is limited but LinkedIn drives 70% of our leads. We paid $39.99/month for Tailwind + $15/month for Buffer for LinkedIn = $55/month split across tools. Switched to SocialRails Creator at $19/month, saved $432/year, got full LinkedIn features, added TikTok for thought leadership, and Threads for engagement. One tool, all platforms."

Content Creator: "$79.99/month for Tailwind Max managed Pinterest + Instagram but my TikTok audience is 10x bigger. Couldn't schedule TikTok natively. Threads was growing fast but unsupported. Switched to SocialRails Business at $39/month, saved $492/year, gained 9-platform support, 350+ video templates for TikTok content, and unlimited AI writes captions across all platforms. Finally managing everything in one tool."

Top 5 Reasons Multi-Platform Businesses Switch

1. Platform Gaps: Need TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky—not in Tailwind
2. Video Demand: 350+ video templates vs. static image design
3. Tool Consolidation: One tool for 9 platforms vs. 2-3 separate tools
4. Cost Savings: $180-708/year saved while gaining platforms
5. Unlimited AI: Full generation across all platforms vs. Ghostwriter suggestions

⚠️ When Businesses SHOULD Use Tailwind

Be honest about your needs. Stay with Tailwind if you:

✅ Pinterest drives 70-80%+ of revenue consistently ✅ Pinterest Communities deliver significant engagement ✅ Use SmartSchedule daily and it saves hours ✅ Pinterest Trends inform content strategy ✅ Don't need TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, YouTube ✅ Tailwind Create design tools are essential to workflow ✅ Budget allows $180-960/year for Pinterest-focused tool

Reality Check: If you checked 5+ boxes above and Pinterest is truly your core platform (80%+ revenue), Tailwind's specialized features make sense. If you need multi-platform management and Pinterest is 10-30% of traffic, you need broader tools.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tailwind worth $14.99-79.99/month for multi-platform businesses?

Only if Pinterest is your primary platform (70%+ of traffic/revenue). Tailwind excels at Pinterest optimization but lacks native support for TikTok, LinkedIn full features, Threads, Bluesky, and YouTube—platforms most businesses need in 2025. Multi-platform businesses pay $180-960/year for Pinterest tools while needing 2-3 additional tools for modern platforms, totaling $50-100/month. SocialRails consolidates all 9 platforms at $19-39/month.

What platforms does Tailwind NOT support that I need?

Tailwind lacks native support for: TikTok (fastest-growing 2025), LinkedIn full features (B2B essential), Threads (Meta's Twitter), Bluesky (decentralized Twitter alternative), and YouTube (second-largest search engine). If your business needs any of these platforms—and most do—you'll need separate tools, increasing total costs to $50-100/month across multiple subscriptions.

Is SmartSchedule worth the Tailwind cost?

Check your Pinterest analytics. Compare posts at "optimal" times vs. consistent times (daily 2pm). Most businesses find <10% difference—consistency matters more than micro-optimized timing. SmartSchedule saves 20 minutes finding times but costs $180-960/year. For most businesses, setting recurring times (free in any tool) performs similarly. Optimization ROI decreases as algorithms prioritize engagement over timing.

What about Pinterest Communities?

Pinterest Communities are Tailwind-exclusive. Check your analytics: do Communities drive 20%+ of Pinterest traffic? Most businesses joined but don't actively participate. If Communities genuinely deliver traffic and engagement, that's a Tailwind advantage. If you rarely use them, don't let one feature prevent multi-platform consolidation.

Can SocialRails handle Pinterest as well as Tailwind?

SocialRails supports Pinterest scheduling, image pins, video pins, and board organization. Tailwind offers Pinterest-specific features like SmartSchedule, Communities, and Pinterest Trends. For businesses where Pinterest is 80%+ of strategy, Tailwind's specialization matters. For businesses needing Pinterest + 8 other platforms, SocialRails' full coverage is more valuable than one platform's optimization.

Do I really need TikTok if I have Instagram?

Check platform demographics and trends. TikTok reaches 18-34 age group 3x better than Instagram in 2025. Brands ignoring TikTok miss 40-60% of younger audiences. B2C businesses report TikTok drives 30-50% of social traffic. If your target audience is under 40, TikTok is essential, not optional. Can't schedule it natively in Tailwind.

Will I miss Tailwind Create design tools?

Tailwind Create designs static images when 2025 demands video. TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, LinkedIn video—all require motion content getting 10x engagement vs. static posts. SocialRails' 350+ video templates create platform-native video content. If you genuinely use Tailwind Create daily for Pinterest pins, evaluate. But video templates solve 2025 content demands better than static image design.

Is the $48/year savings worth switching from Essential?

Tailwind Essential ($180/year) is cheaper than SocialRails Creator ($228/year) by $48—BUT Essential only supports 2 Pinterest accounts + limited Instagram. SocialRails includes 9 platforms (TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, YouTube) + unlimited AI + 350+ video templates. Pay $48 more to gain 5+ platforms and modern content tools—that's $48 for 5 platform subscriptions you'd pay $50-100/month for separately. Net savings: $600+/year.

Should I stay with Tailwind if I just started?

Evaluate platform strategy. If you're Pinterest-focused (70%+ of traffic), Tailwind's specialization helps. If you need multi-platform presence (TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads), starting with 9-platform support prevents future migration. Most businesses switch from Tailwind when they realize modern growth requires platforms Tailwind doesn't support. Start with full coverage to avoid switching later.

🎯 Bottom Line: Multi-Platform Reality

Switch if:

• ✅ Need TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, YouTube
• ✅ Pinterest is <50% of traffic
• ✅ Using 2-3 tools currently (Tailwind + others)
• ✅ Need video content (TikTok/Reels/Shorts)
• ✅ Want unlimited AI across all platforms
• ✅ Ready to consolidate tools and save $240-708/year

Stay if:

• ✅ Pinterest drives 70-80%+ of revenue
• ✅ Use Pinterest Communities actively
• ✅ SmartSchedule saves significant time
• ✅ Don't need modern platforms (TikTok, Threads, etc.)
• ✅ Pinterest-only focus works for business

The Math for Multi-Platform Business:

• Tailwind Advanced: $480/year (4 platforms)
• SocialRails Creator: $228/year (9 platforms + unlimited AI + video)
• You save: $252/year (53%) + gain 5 platforms

Platform Coverage:

• Tailwind: 4 platforms (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter limited)
• SocialRails: 9 platforms (adds TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, YouTube)
• Platform Gap: Missing 5 essential 2025 platforms

🚀 Start Your Switch Today

Ready to stop paying for Pinterest-only tools and manage all 9 platforms in one place?

Step 1: Start your 3-day free trial (no credit card)

Step 2: Connect all 9 platforms (15 minutes)

Step 3: Schedule TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads (can't in Tailwind!)

Step 4: Test unlimited AI content generation

Step 5: Create videos with 350+ templates

Most multi-platform businesses realize within 48 hours they've been paying for Pinterest optimization while needing TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, and Bluesky support. The free trial shows you exactly what you're getting—and what platforms you've been missing.

🔗 Related Comparisons

Still researching alternatives? Check out these detailed guides:

• Cheaper Than Buffer - Multi-platform scheduler comparison
• Cheaper Than Later - Visual planner alternative
• Cheaper Than Hootsuite - Enterprise platform alternative
• Cheaper Than Loomly - Content calendar tool
• Best Social Media Schedulers - Compare all top tools

Browse all our social media tool comparisons to find your perfect solution.

---

Ready to stop managing 2-3 tools and consolidate to 9 platforms? Start your free trial today and see if multi-platform management saves you 3-5 hours weekly while saving $240-708/year.