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 universally good. Although you can keep track of all your accounts in one place, you may also leave yourself vulnerable to numerous potential security risks.

Let’s look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of using third-party apps with social media platforms, starting with the key benefits.

1. Control Multiple Social Media Accounts

One of the main reasons I use third-party apps is to look at all of my social media accounts without going onto the app. And while I manage my accounts with Buffer as a creator, you can still use this tool as an ordinary person. Apps of this kind integrate with Instagram, X, and numerous other platforms.

When you use tools like Buffer and Hootsuite, you can often see your feeds within one interface. As a result, it’s much easier to interact with others without switching between multiple apps. If you do this on your computer, you might find that the interfaces don’t drag you in. As a result, you may spend less time on social media than would otherwise be the case.

2. Access to New Features

While social media apps have significantly increased their offerings over the years, they still aren’t perfect. If you need additional features, you should consider integrating your social media accounts with third-party apps.

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

3. Schedule Posts Regardless of Your Account Type

Some apps, such as Instagram, have built-in schedulers. However, this is not the case for every tool. I’ve found myself going to post one thing online and getting sucked into a rabbit hole, which is annoying every single time. If you’re the same, I recommend using a third-party tool to stop this from happening.

Even if the app you use does have a scheduler, I still recommend incorporating a third-party alternative to avoid overconsumption. Yes, resetting the Instagram algorithm (or any other app) might work—but third-party tools are an alternative.

4. They Make Completing Tasks Easier

Third-party tools also make it much easier to complete several tasks. For example, when I integrate Canva with my social media apps, I can quickly post any designs I’ve created without needing to open a new app. As a result, it’s much easier to post and then move on with my life.

It’s also possible to find some third-party tools to see who unfollowed you on X and other platforms. However, due to API changes, this has become more challenging on Instagram.

Another thing I like about third-party tools is that I can quickly cross-post elsewhere. Some tools let you post directly to others, but this isn’t always the case. And in those instances when it isn’t, knowing how to use third-party apps for this is very helpful.

While I think that third-party apps can enhance your social media experience, I don’t think they’re always perfect. They have some huge drawbacks that you need to consider when looking at different platforms.

1. Potential Security Risks

Not all third-party apps are a security breach waiting to happen, but you do need to be aware of the potential dangers that you might encounter. You’re giving another app access to your account, which means that you must trust the developer. Otherwise, you’re leaving yourself open to hacking and other dangers.

Since you’re granting access to your account, you also need to remember that your password won’t necessarily stop a cyberattack. For this reason, you shouldn’t use Instagram follower-tracking apps and similar tools.

Always do extensive research before integrating any third-party app with your social media account. I also strongly recommend only using official tools that you can absolutely trust.

2. Many Free Versions Are Limited

When you sign up for a trustworthy 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 you have to upgrade.

In some cases, you may only be able to see how many people unfollowed you up to a certain amount. You can always upgrade if you feel like you’re getting good value for money, but understanding that these tools don’t come completely for free is also essential. I’d also argue that unless it’s an official app or service, having only a free plan is a red flag.

3. The Platform Might Make the Extension Incompatible

When you use an in-app feature on social media, you can guarantee that you’ll always be able to use it. The only exception is if the platform discontinues the tool, as we’ve seen with the likes of IGTV in the past.

This, however, is not the case with third-party apps. You always run the risk of a social media tool changing its API and making your extension or app incompatible. We saw this in 2023 when Reddit changed its API, which caused mass outrage and resulted in some major subreddits going dark for a period of time.

If you choose to use third-party apps on social media, it’s important that you understand this risk. Knowing what you can do as an alternative if the worst happens is also a good idea.

If you need better accessibility features, third-party apps can help you access the features you need. This is the case with Reddit as one prime example. Tools like Instagram also have accessibility features, so it’s worth starting with those and then getting a third-party app if needed.

You should also think about using third-party apps for your social media accounts if you need additional features that aren’t on the platform. Scheduling is one example, but you can also use tools that allow you to preview your feed.

Another great reason to use third-party apps with your social media accounts is to view everything in a single interface. Even with a free plan, you can use various social media feed apps. Some might limit you based on accounts, views, etc., so it’s worth trying different tools until you find the right one for you. But always make sure to stick to reputable apps that have a track record of safety and aren’t fronts for harvesting your data and credentials.