---
title: Write and publish a post
description: Use Create Post to pick channels, write your caption, add media and a first comment, preview it, and publish, schedule or save a draft.
---

# Write and publish a post

## Before you start

Connect at least one channel. Without one, **Create Post** shows **Connect a channel to start posting** and a **Connect accounts** button. See [Connect a social channel](/help/channels/connect).

## Write your post

1. Click **Create Post** at the top of the left menu.
2. **Pick your channels.** Click each channel you want to post to, or click a [channel group](/help/channels/groups) to select several at once. Pick channels **before** adding media — each platform allows a different number of files.
3. **Write your caption** in the text box. The counter under it shows how many characters you have left on the strictest selected platform. Hover over it to see every platform.
4. **Add media (optional).** Click the add tile under **Media** to pick files from your library or upload new ones. See [Add images, video or a PDF](/help/posts/media).
5. **Add a first comment (optional).** Click **Add first comment**. It is posted as a comment right after the post, on the platforms that support it.
6. **Check the preview** on the right. With several platforms, switch between them at the top of the preview.
7. **Choose when it goes out** and click the button — see below.

## Publish, schedule or save

| Button | What happens |
|---|---|
| **Post Now** | Publishes right away. This is the default when no date is picked. |
| **Schedule Post** | Shows instead of Post Now once you pick a date and time. Publishes at that time. |
| **Save as Draft** | Saves the post without publishing. Drafts do not count toward your monthly limit. |
| **Cancel** | Leaves without saving. |

After publishing or scheduling, you land on the **Posts** page. For every way to pick a time, see [Choose when a post goes out](/help/posts/when-to-publish).

## Why the buttons are grey

The buttons stay disabled until:

- the caption is not empty — **even a draft needs some text**
- at least one channel is selected
- the post fits every selected platform's rules. A message explains what to fix, for example **Only 4 images per post — 6 attached.**

**Post Now** and **Schedule Post** are also disabled when you have used all your posts for the month. You can still save drafts.

## Send different text to each channel

When you select two or more channels, tabs appear above the caption. See [Different text for each channel](/help/posts/per-channel-text).

## Get back unsaved work

The composer saves your work in this browser as you type. If you leave and come back to **Create Post**, you see **Restore your unsaved draft?** Click **Restore draft** to continue, or **Discard**.

- This only works in the same browser, for up to 7 days.
- Platform settings, like a YouTube title, are not saved this way.
- Click **Restore draft** or **Discard** before you start typing, or the old draft is replaced.