ReelTempo vs a social media agency or freelancer
Choose an agency or freelancer if you want someone else to run your social media, including filming and replying to people, and you have the budget for it. Choose ReelTempo if you can film your own business and want reels made from that footage, which you review and post yourself. They do different amounts of the job.
Updated 8 October 2026
What an agency or freelancer can do
Agencies and freelancers vary a lot, so what you get depends on what you agree with them. Depending on the arrangement, a person or team might film at your venue, edit reels, write captions, post for you, answer comments and messages, plan what to post and when, and run paid ads.
The real advantage is judgement. A good person gets to know your business, notices what is working and brings ideas you would not have had. They can also cover platforms and tasks beyond Instagram and Facebook reels.
What ReelTempo does
ReelTempo covers one part of that job: turning footage you have filmed into finished reels. You upload your phone videos and photos. It finds the moments worth using, cuts a short reel to music, puts words on screen and drafts a caption. You review every reel, change any words or swap a shot, then post it on Instagram or Facebook.
On Studio you can post an approved reel with one button and have reels made ahead to a weekly number. Growth, which is opening soon, will post approved reels on schedule and can promote them as ads on your own Meta account. Nothing is posted without your approval on any plan.
ReelTempo does not film for you, reply to comments, manage messages, take bookings, plan a content calendar or post to TikTok or YouTube.
Side by side
| Agency or freelancer | ReelTempo |
|---|---|
| Can film for you, if agreed. | Uses only footage you upload. |
| A person makes the creative choices. | It makes the cut and drafts the words. You approve or change them. |
| Can reply to comments and messages, if agreed. | Does not reply to comments or manage messages. |
| Cost depends on the scope you agree. | A monthly plan per business, from A$29. Free to try. |
| Can cover any platform they work on. | Instagram and Facebook only. |
Who should choose an agency or freelancer
An agency or freelancer is the better choice for many businesses. It suits you if:
- You do not want to touch your social media at all, including filming.
- You want someone to answer comments and messages for you.
- You need content beyond reels, such as photography, design or work on other platforms.
- You value an outside person's ideas and want someone to plan your posting.
- You have a budget for ongoing help and would rather spend money than time.
A good agency or freelancer who knows your business can do things a tool cannot. If you have found one and can afford them, that is a sound choice.
Who should choose ReelTempo
ReelTempo suits owners who are happy to film on their phone and approve each reel, but do not have the time or skill to edit regularly. You stay in charge of what goes out, and you can post as often as your plan allows without briefing anyone. On Studio it shows plays and reach for the reels you post. It does not promise a number of views, followers or visits.
What to ask an agency or freelancer
What this work costs depends on what you agree, so ask for a written quote and compare like with like. Useful questions:
- How many reels or posts a month does the price include?
- Who films? If you visit, how often, and does that cost extra?
- Do I approve every post before it goes out?
- Is replying to comments and messages included?
- Is paid ad spend included in the fee, or on top of it?
- Who owns the footage and the finished reels if we stop working together?
- What is the minimum term, and how much notice do I need to give?
- How will you report results, and which numbers will you show me?
The answers tell you what you are paying for. You can also use both: an agency for occasional shoots, and ReelTempo to turn that footage into reels between visits.
Sources: this page names no agency or freelancer and states no prices for their work. ReelTempo details are from How ReelTempo works and Pricing (checked 8 October 2026).
See what your own footage can do
Before you brief anyone, make a reel from the videos you already have.
No credit card required.