Connect Buffer to Bearousel
Connect a Buffer API key, then choose channels and publish approved carousels. Buffer publishing also needs Cloudinary so Buffer can fetch slide images from a public URL.
How to set up Buffer
Create a Buffer API key
In Buffer, open your profile menu and choose "API", or open the API settings link below. Open the "Personal Access" tab, then in Keys click "+ New Key". Name the key, keep the default permissions, choose an expiration, and click "Generate API Key". Click "Copy key" to copy the full token. Only the organization owner can create API keys.
Add the key in Bearousel
During first-run setup, on "How do you want to publish?", choose "Buffer", paste the key into "Buffer access token" and click "Test" once. "Connected" means Bearousel saved the key. To add another Buffer account later, open Settings, click "Publishing", and in "Buffer Accounts" type a "Label (e.g. Personal, Client A)", paste the key into "Buffer API Token" and click "Add account".
Approve and choose channels
In a carousel, click "Approve All Slides". Then choose a channel chip or "All".
Open the publish sheet
Use Shift-Command-P for "Publish…". In the "Publish Carousel" sheet, choose Post now, Add to queue or Schedule.
What you get
- Publish approved carousels to Buffer channels.
- Captions are written for Instagram, Threads and TikTok.
- Insights covers Instagram and TikTok.
What it costs
Buffer API access is included on every plan, including Free. Free connects up to 3 channels and includes 1 API key, 3,000 API requests per 30 days and 10 scheduled posts per channel. Buffer’s pricing page listed Essentials at $5 a month per channel and Team at $10 a month per channel, both billed yearly ($60 and $120 a year per channel). These figures are from October 1, 2026. Prices and limits can change; check Buffer pricing.
Your key and your data
Buffer tokens are stored in your Mac’s Keychain under the service "Bearousel Public". The account is "buffer" for one account, or "buffer-<accountId>" for multiple accounts. Only the account label and id are stored in the settings file.
Limits to know
- Buffer Free allows 10 scheduled posts per channel.
- Publishing requires a trial or license.
- Buffer publishing also needs Cloudinary. Set it up with the Cloudinary guide.
Troubleshooting
"Connected" appears after Test, but publishing fails
Why: Bearousel’s Test saves the token and does not check it with Buffer.
Fix: Make a new key in Buffer and add it again.
Extra rows labeled "Buffer" appear in "Buffer Accounts"
Why: Each Test click adds one account row.
Fix: Use the trash icon. Its tooltip says "Disconnect this account".
"No channels configured."
Why: No publishing channels are available.
Fix: Add Buffer and Cloudinary credentials in Settings.
The Buffer Free queue is full
Why: Buffer Free allows 10 scheduled posts per channel.
Fix: Wait for a scheduled post to publish before adding another.
Publishing is unavailable
Why: Publishing needs a trial or license.
Fix: Start your free trial or enter a license key.
Questions
Does Buffer publishing need anything else?
Yes. Buffer publishing also needs Cloudinary so Buffer can fetch slides from a public URL.
Where are Buffer tokens stored?
In the Mac’s Keychain. The settings file stores only the account label and id.