Should you use third-party apps for social media platforms?

Third-party apps can improve your social media experience, but that doesn't mean they're a good fit everywhere. While you can keep track of all your accounts in one place, you can also leave yourself vulnerable to a number of potential security risks.

Advantages of Using Third Party Apps for Social Media Platforms

Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of using third-party apps with social media platforms, starting with the main benefits.

1. Control multiple social media accounts

One of the main reasons people use third-party apps is to see all their social media accounts without having to go into the app. And while other people manage their accounts with Buffer as creators, you can still use the tool as a regular person. Apps like this integrate with Instagram, X, and many other platforms.

When using tools like Buffer and Hootsuite, you can often view your feed in one interface, making it much easier to interact with others without having to switch between multiple apps. If you do this on a computer, you may find that the interfaces don't engage you, so you may spend less time on social media than you normally would.

2. Access new features

While social media apps have greatly increased their offerings over the years, they are still not perfect. If you need more features, you should consider integrating your social media accounts with third-party apps.

Should you use third-party apps for social media platforms? Picture 1

In some cases, using third-party apps can also improve accessibility. For example, while Reddit has some cool features, you can also access third-party tools like RedReader to improve your experience.

3. Schedule posts regardless of account type

Some apps, like Instagram, have built-in schedulers. However, this isn't true for all tools. If you post something online and get distracted by something else, you may want to use a third-party tool to prevent this from happening.

Should you use third-party apps for social media platforms? Picture 2

Even if the app you use has a scheduler, you should still incorporate a third-party alternative to avoid overuse. Yes, resetting the Instagram (or any other app) algorithm can be effective, but third-party tools are an alternative.

4. They make completing tasks easier

Third-party tools also make many tasks much easier. For example, integrating Canva with your social media apps allows you to quickly post any design you create without having to open a new app. This makes it much easier to post and move on.

Should you use third-party apps for social media platforms? Picture 3

You can also find some third-party tools to see who unfollowed you on X and other platforms, but due to API changes, this is more difficult on Instagram.

Another thing people like about third-party tools is the ability to quickly cross-post elsewhere. Some tools allow you to post directly to others, but not always. And in those cases where they don't, knowing how to use a third-party app for this purpose can be helpful.

Disadvantages of Using Third-Party Apps for Social Media Platforms

While third-party apps can enhance your social media experience, they aren't always perfect. They have some major drawbacks that you should consider when considering them.

1. Potential security risks

Not all third-party apps pose a security risk, but you should be aware of the potential risks you could be exposing yourself to. You're giving another app access to your account, which means you have to trust the developer. Otherwise, you're vulnerable to attacks and other risks.

Should you use third-party apps for social media platforms? Picture 4

Since you are granting access to your account, it is also important to remember that your password will not necessarily prevent a cyberattack. For this reason, you should not use Instagram follower tracking apps and similar tools.

Always do your research before integrating any third-party app with your social media account. Only use official tools that you can fully trust.

2. Many free versions are limited

When you sign up for a trusted third-party app, you'll often find a free plan. However, the features you get are limited. For example, many social media schedulers only let you schedule a certain number of posts before requiring you to upgrade.

In some cases, you can only see how many people have unfollowed you up to a certain number. You can always upgrade if you feel like you're getting good value for your money, but it's also important to understand that these tools aren't completely free. Unless it's an official app or service, only having a free plan is a red flag.

3. Platforms that may cause extensions to be incompatible

When you use an in-app feature on a social network, you can be assured that you will always be able to use it. The only exception is if the platform discontinues the tool, as we have seen with apps like IGTV in the past.

This is not the case with third-party apps, however. You always run the risk of the social media tool changing its API and making your extension or app incompatible. We saw this in 2023 when Reddit changed its API, causing a huge uproar and taking several major subreddits offline for a while.

If you choose to use third-party social media apps, it's important to understand the risks. It's also a good idea to know what you can do if the worst happens.

Micah Soto

Update 09 December 2024