Automating Social Media: My Journey to Building an n8n Auto-Publishing System

I remember a time when I’d painstakingly upload videos to my social media accounts, one by one. The tedious nature of this routine slowly started to drain my enthusiasm for content creation. I knew there had to be a better way to manage my social media presence and maximize my reach—after all, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram blowing up, I wanted my videos to get noticed.

So, I took a leap and decided to build an automation system using n8n, an incredible no-code automation tool. This journey has not only saved me hours of work, but it has also been a game changer for my online presence. Today, I want to share this experience with you, especially if you’re looking to grow your social media reach without burning out.

The Spark

The first step came when I created some compelling POV videos using AI. These videos started getting tens of millions of views, and I found myself wondering, “What if I could get these videos in front of more eyes without spending all day on my phone?”

With that question in mind, I began exploring automation solutions. I wanted a tool that could connect to all nine of the major social media platforms, and fortunately, I stumbled upon Blut, a service that integrates seamlessly with these platforms. What’s even better? Unlike other platforms that charge hefty monthly fees, Blut offers a generous free trial to get you started.

Setting Up the Workflow

Here’s how I went about it:

1. Input Section: I created a Google Sheet where I could list all my videos. Each row in the sheet contained a video link and metadata like captions and publishing status.

2. Configuration with Blut: In n8n, I set up nodes that would connect to Blut and determine which accounts to post to. This setup was simplified by using dynamic values within n8n to read from my Google Sheet.

3. The Publishing Process: I programmed the workflow to trigger based on a schedule—daily at midnight, in my case. This way, I could let the automation do the heavy lifting while I focused on creating more content.

Automating Social Media Across Multiple Platforms

Setting up the specific social media nodes was surprisingly straightforward. Once I got the first one (Instagram) configured, I was able to copy and tweak it for the others (YouTube, TikTok, etc.). Each platform has its quirks, but once you understand the fundamentals, it becomes a repeatable process.

Most importantly, I made sure to update my Google Sheets once a video was published, so the system wouldn’t try to publish the same video multiple times.

What I Learned Along the Way

• Trial and Error: Not every video format is accepted by every platform. While I enjoyed learning about the quirks of each platform, it required patience and troubleshooting.
• Keep it Simple: The system works best when streamlined. Overcomplicating your setup can lead to confusion.
• Regular Checks: I’ve learned the importance of regularly checking that the workflow is running smoothly. Sometimes, even small changes in the source media can create hiccups in the posting process.

What I’d Do If I Started Today

If I were to start this journey again, I would:

1. Focus on Fewer Platforms: Initially, I’d concentrate on the two or three platforms that resonate most with my audience.
2. Invest Time in Learning: I’d spend more time getting to know n8n and Blut from the get-go. Understanding these tools from the jump would have saved me troubleshooting time later.
3. Engage with Communities: I’d reach out to other users of these platforms and automation tools to share insights and tips—there’s great value in community support.

Reflecting on the Experience

Now, I can publish my videos across nine platforms with just the push of a button. My followers are growing, and I have time to focus on creating even more compelling content.

If you’re considering exploring automation in your own life, I encourage you to take the plunge. The skills you’ll gain are not just relevant for your personal projects; they’re in high demand in our increasingly digital world.

Automation has transformed my workflow, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.

If you’re curious about building systems that save you from burnout and free up your time, I created something that might help. It’s a small online course called Automation by RoboNuggets, where I share the exact tools and workflows I wish I knew earlier. You can check it out here, only if it feels right for you.

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or tips of your own, feel free to share in the comments. Let’s learn and grow together!