Free Social Media Calendar Template
Generate a customizable social media content calendar and download it as a CSV file. Plan posts across multiple platforms with optimal posting times and US holiday markers built in.
Configure Your Calendar
Social Media Calendar Tips
Follow the 80/20 Rule
80% of your posts should inform, educate, or entertain your audience. Only 20% should directly promote your products or services. This keeps followers engaged without feeling sold to.
Batch Create Content
Use your calendar to batch-create content for the week or month ahead. Dedicate one day to writing captions, one to creating visuals, and one to scheduling. This saves hours compared to posting daily.
Leverage Holiday Content
This calendar includes US holiday markers in the Notes column. Plan themed content around holidays at least 1-2 weeks in advance for maximum impact and reach.
Match Content to Platform Strengths
Each platform has different strengths. Use Instagram for visuals, LinkedIn for thought leadership, TikTok for short-form video, and X for real-time conversation. Adapt your content type accordingly.
Track and Adjust
Use the Status column to track which posts are Draft, Scheduled, Published, or need revisions. Review performance weekly and adjust your content mix based on what resonates with your audience.
Maintain Consistent Posting
Consistency matters more than frequency. It is better to post 3 times per week reliably than to post daily for a week and then disappear. Pick a schedule you can sustain long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this social media calendar template really free?
Yes, completely free with no sign-up required. You can generate and download as many calendars as you want. There are no hidden fees, no watermarks, and no usage limits. The CSV file is yours to keep and customize.
What can I do with the CSV file?
Open the CSV in Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, Apple Numbers, or any spreadsheet application. From there you can add your own captions, assign team members, add image links, color-code by status, and customize the calendar to fit your exact workflow.
How are the "Best Posting Times" determined?
The posting times are based on aggregated engagement data from studies by Sprout Social, HubSpot, and Buffer covering millions of social media posts. Each platform has different peak engagement windows, and the calendar assigns the most effective times for each platform.
Can I use this for a team or clients?
Absolutely. The CSV format makes it easy to share with team members or clients via Google Sheets or any cloud-based spreadsheet. You can add columns for assignees, approval status, or client notes. Many agencies use this template as a starting point for client content plans.
Why does the calendar include US holidays?
Holiday and seasonal content consistently outperforms regular posts. The calendar flags major US holidays in the Notes column so you can plan themed content in advance. If you are outside the US, you can easily modify the Notes column in your spreadsheet.
How many posts should I schedule per week?
It depends on your resources and audience. For most small businesses, 3-5 posts per week is a sustainable pace that keeps your audience engaged. Larger teams or creators may benefit from daily or twice-daily posting. Start conservatively and increase as you build your content workflow.