The workflow JSON
Copy or download the full n8n JSON below. Paste it into a new n8n workflow, add your credentials, activate. Full import guide →
{
"name": "Generate and schedule social media content across platforms using AI and Google Sheets",
"tags": [
{
"id": "social-media",
"name": "Social Media",
"createdAt": "2025-01-01T00:00:00.000Z",
"updatedAt": "2025-01-01T00:00:00.000Z"
},
{
"id": "ai-content",
"name": "AI Content",
"createdAt": "2025-01-01T00:00:00.000Z",
"updatedAt": "2025-01-01T00:00:00.000Z"
}
],
"nodes": [
{
"id": "a1b2c3d4-e5f6-7890-1234-567890abcdef",
"name": "Daily Content Generation Trigger",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.cron",
"position": [
240,
300
],
"parameters": {
"rule": {
"interval": [
{
"field": "cronExpression",
"expression": "0 9 * * *"
}
]
}
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "b2c3d4e5-f6g7-8901-2345-678901bcdefg",
"name": "Workflow Instructions",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
"position": [
-200,
100
],
"parameters": {
"color": 4,
"width": 432,
"height": 464,
"content": "## \ud83d\udcf1 AI Social Media Content Automation\n\n**What this workflow does:**\nAutomatically generates and schedules social media content across multiple platforms using AI, based on your content calendar in Google Sheets.\n\n**How it works:**\n1. Runs daily at 9 AM to check your content calendar\n2. Reads scheduled topics from Google Sheets\n3. Uses OpenAI to generate platform-specific content\n4. Creates accompanying images with DALL-E\n5. Schedules posts across Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram\n6. Updates the spreadsheet with posting status\n7. Tracks engagement and performance metrics\n\n**Setup Requirements:**\n- Google Sheets with content calendar template\n- OpenAI API key (GPT-4 + DALL-E)\n- Buffer or Hootsuite account for scheduling\n- Social media platform API access\n- Google Drive for image storage\n\n**Customization Options:**\n- Adjust posting times and frequency\n- Customize AI prompts for your brand voice\n- Add more social platforms\n- Modify content types and formats\n- Include hashtag research and trends\n\n**Perfect for:**\n- Marketing teams managing multiple accounts\n- Content creators with consistent posting schedules\n- Small businesses automating social presence\n- Agencies managing client social media"
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "c3d4e5f6-g7h8-9012-3456-789012cdefgh",
"name": "Configuration Variables",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.set",
"position": [
480,
300
],
"parameters": {
"options": {},
"assignments": {
"assignments": [
{
"id": "GOOGLE_SHEET_ID",
"name": "GOOGLE_SHEET_ID",
"type": "string",
"value": "your-sheet-id-here"
},
{
"id": "CONTENT_WORKSHEET",
"name": "CONTENT_WORKSHEET",
"type": "string",
"value": "Content Calendar"
},
{
"id": "BRAND_VOICE",
"name": "BRAND_VOICE",
"type": "string",
"value": "professional, engaging, and informative"
},
{
"id": "COMPANY_NAME",
"name": "COMPANY_NAME",
"type": "string",
"value": "Your Company"
},
{
"id": "TARGET_AUDIENCE",
"name": "TARGET_AUDIENCE",
"type": "string",
"value": "marketing professionals and business owners"
}
]
}
},
"typeVersion": 3.2
},
{
"id": "d4e5f6g7-h8i9-0123-4567-890123defghi",
"name": "Read Calendar Note",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
"position": [
640,
120
],
"parameters": {
"width": 280,
"height": 180,
"content": "\ud83d\udcca **Step 1: Read Content Calendar**\n\nReads today's scheduled content from Google Sheets:\n- Topic/theme for the day\n- Target platforms\n- Content type (educational, promotional, etc.)\n- Special instructions or keywords\n- Posting times\n\nExpected sheet columns:\nDate | Topic | Platforms | Content Type | Keywords | Status"
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "e5f6g7h8-i9j0-1234-5678-901234efghij",
"name": "Read Content Calendar",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.googleSheets",
"position": [
720,
300
],
"parameters": {
"options": {
"range": "A:G"
},
"sheetName": {
"__rl": true,
"mode": "name",
"value": "={{ $('Configuration Variables').first().json.CONTENT_WORKSHEET }}"
},
"documentId": {
"__rl": true,
"mode": "id",
"value": "={{ $('Configuration Variables').first().json.GOOGLE_SHEET_ID }}"
}
},
"credentials": {
"googleSheetsOAuth2Api": {
"name": "<your credential>"
}
},
"typeVersion": 4.4
},
{
"id": "f6g7h8i9-j0k1-2345-6789-012345fghijk",
"name": "Filter Content Note",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
"position": [
880,
120
],
"parameters": {
"width": 280,
"height": 160,
"content": "\ud83c\udfaf **Step 2: Filter Today's Content**\n\nFilters the calendar data to find:\n- Posts scheduled for today\n- Pending/unprocessed content\n- Valid topic entries\n- Platform-specific requirements\n\nSkips completed posts and invalid entries."
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "g7h8i9j0-k1l2-3456-7890-123456ghijkl",
"name": "Filter Today's Content",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.code",
"position": [
960,
300
],
"parameters": {
"jsCode": "// Filter content calendar for today's posts\nconst today = new Date().toISOString().split('T')[0];\nconst calendarData = $input.all();\n\n// Skip header row and filter for today's content\nconst todaysContent = calendarData.slice(1).filter(row => {\n const rowData = row.json;\n \n if (!rowData.Date || !rowData.Topic) return false;\n \n let postDate;\n if (rowData.Date.includes('/')) {\n const [month, day, year] = rowData.Date.split('/');\n postDate = `${year}-${month.padStart(2, '0')}-${day.padStart(2, '0')}`;\n } else {\n postDate = rowData.Date;\n }\n \n return postDate === today && \n rowData.Status !== 'Completed' && \n rowData.Status !== 'Posted' &&\n rowData.Topic.trim() !== '';\n});\n\nif (todaysContent.length === 0) {\n return [{\n json: {\n message: \"No content scheduled for today\",\n date: today,\n hasContent: false\n }\n }];\n}\n\n// Process each content item\nreturn todaysContent.map((item, index) => {\n const rowData = item.json;\n \n return {\n json: {\n rowIndex: index + 2,\n topic: rowData.Topic || '',\n platforms: rowData.Platforms || 'Twitter,LinkedIn',\n contentType: rowData['Content Type'] || 'Educational',\n keywords: rowData.Keywords || '',\n date: today,\n hasContent: true,\n brandVoice: $('Configuration Variables').first().json.BRAND_VOICE,\n companyName: $('Configuration Variables').first().json.COMPANY_NAME,\n targetAudience: $('Configuration Variables').first().json.TARGET_AUDIENCE\n }\n };\n});"
},
"typeVersion": 2
},
{
"id": "h8i9j0k1-l2m3-4567-8901-234567hijklm",
"name": "Check if Content Exists",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.if",
"position": [
1200,
300
],
"parameters": {
"options": {},
"conditions": {
"options": {
"leftValue": "",
"caseSensitive": true,
"typeValidation": "strict"
},
"combinator": "and",
"conditions": [
{
"id": "has_content",
"operator": {
"type": "boolean",
"operation": "equal"
},
"leftValue": "={{ $json.hasContent }}",
"rightValue": true
}
]
}
},
"typeVersion": 2
},
{
"id": "i9j0k1l2-m3n4-5678-9012-345678ijklmn",
"name": "AI Content Note",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
"position": [
1360,
120
],
"parameters": {
"width": 280,
"height": 180,
"content": "\ud83e\udd16 **Step 3: Generate AI Content**\n\nFor each platform, creates optimized content:\n- **Twitter**: 280 chars, trending hashtags, engaging hooks\n- **LinkedIn**: Professional tone, 1300 chars, industry insights\n- **Instagram**: Visual focus, story-driven, 2200 chars\n\nUses platform-specific best practices and your brand voice."
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "j0k1l2m3-n4o5-6789-0123-456789jklmno",
"name": "Generate Social Content with AI",
"type": "@n8n/n8n-nodes-langchain.openAi",
"position": [
1440,
260
],
"parameters": {
"options": {
"maxTokens": 1000,
"temperature": 0.7
},
"resource": "chat",
"chatInput": {
"messages": {
"values": [
{
"role": "system",
"content": "You are an expert social media content creator. Generate platform-specific content that drives engagement.\n\nFor each platform:\n\n**TWITTER:**\n- Max 280 characters\n- Include 2-3 hashtags\n- Engaging hooks\n- Strategic emojis\n\n**LINKEDIN:**\n- Professional tone, 1000-1300 characters\n- Industry insights\n- 3-5 hashtags\n- Call-to-action\n\n**INSTAGRAM:**\n- Visual-first, up to 2200 characters\n- Storytelling format\n- 5-10 hashtags\n- Questions for engagement\n\nReturn JSON:\n{\n \"twitter\": {\n \"text\": \"content\",\n \"hashtags\": [\"tag1\", \"tag2\"],\n \"character_count\": number\n },\n \"linkedin\": {\n \"text\": \"content\",\n \"hashtags\": [\"tag1\", \"tag2\"],\n \"character_count\": number\n },\n \"instagram\": {\n \"text\": \"content\",\n \"hashtags\": [\"tag1\", \"tag2\"],\n \"character_count\": number\n }\n}"
},
{
"role": "user",
"content": "Create social media content for:\n\n**Topic:** {{ $json.topic }}\n**Content Type:** {{ $json.contentType }}\n**Brand Voice:** {{ $json.brandVoice }}\n**Company:** {{ $json.companyName }}\n**Target Audience:** {{ $json.targetAudience }}\n**Keywords:** {{ $json.keywords }}\n**Platforms:** {{ $json.platforms }}"
}
]
}
},
"operation": "create"
},
"credentials": {
"openAiApi": {
"name": "<your credential>"
}
},
"typeVersion": 1.3
},
{
"id": "k1l2m3n4-o5p6-7890-1234-567890klmnop",
"name": "Process & Schedule Note",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
"position": [
1600,
120
],
"parameters": {
"width": 280,
"height": 160,
"content": "\u2705 **Step 4: Process & Schedule**\n\nProcesses AI response and schedules via Buffer:\n- Parses platform-specific content\n- Validates character limits\n- Schedules posts at optimal times\n- Updates spreadsheet status\n- Sends success notifications"
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "l2m3n4o5-p6q7-8901-2345-678901lmnopq",
"name": "Process Generated Content",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.code",
"position": [
1680,
260
],
"parameters": {
"jsCode": "// Process AI content and prepare for scheduling\nconst contentInput = $('Generate Social Content with AI').first();\nconst originalData = $('Filter Today\\'s Content').first();\n\nlet socialContent;\ntry {\n const aiResponse = contentInput.json.choices[0].message.content;\n socialContent = JSON.parse(aiResponse);\n} catch (error) {\n // Fallback content\n socialContent = {\n twitter: {\n text: `Sharing insights about ${originalData.json.topic}! \ud83d\ude80`,\n hashtags: [\"business\", \"insights\"],\n character_count: 80\n },\n linkedin: {\n text: `Today let's explore ${originalData.json.topic}. What are your thoughts?`,\n hashtags: [\"business\", \"leadership\"],\n character_count: 120\n },\n instagram: {\n text: `\u2728 ${originalData.json.topic} \u2728\\n\\nWhat's your experience? Share below! \ud83d\udc47`,\n hashtags: [\"business\", \"motivation\"],\n character_count: 100\n }\n };\n}\n\n// Process platforms\nconst requestedPlatforms = originalData.json.platforms.toLowerCase().split(',').map(p => p.trim());\nconst results = [];\n\nrequerestedPlatforms.forEach(platform => {\n const platformKey = platform === 'twitter' ? 'twitter' : \n platform === 'linkedin' ? 'linkedin' : \n platform === 'instagram' ? 'instagram' : null;\n \n if (platformKey && socialContent[platformKey]) {\n results.push({\n json: {\n platform: platform,\n content: socialContent[platformKey].text,\n hashtags: socialContent[platformKey].hashtags || [],\n topic: originalData.json.topic,\n row_index: originalData.json.rowIndex,\n date: originalData.json.date,\n scheduled_time: new Date().toISOString()\n }\n });\n }\n});\n\nreturn results.length > 0 ? results : [{\n json: {\n error: \"No valid platforms found\",\n topic: originalData.json.topic\n }\n}];"
},
"typeVersion": 2
},
{
"id": "m3n4o5p6-q7r8-9012-3456-789012mnopqr",
"name": "Schedule Post via Buffer",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.httpRequest",
"position": [
1920,
260
],
"parameters": {
"url": "https://api.bufferapp.com/1/updates/create.json",
"method": "POST",
"sendBody": true,
"contentType": "form-urlencoded",
"sendHeaders": true,
"authentication": "genericCredentialType",
"bodyParameters": {
"parameters": [
{
"name": "text",
"value": "={{ $json.content }}"
},
{
"name": "profile_ids[]",
"value": "YOUR_PROFILE_ID_HERE"
},
{
"name": "now",
"value": "false"
}
]
},
"genericAuthType": "httpHeaderAuth",
"headerParameters": {
"parameters": [
{
"name": "Content-Type",
"value": "application/x-www-form-urlencoded"
}
]
}
},
"credentials": {
"httpHeaderAuth": {
"name": "<your credential>"
}
},
"typeVersion": 4.2
},
{
"id": "n4o5p6q7-r8s9-0123-4567-890123nopqrs",
"name": "Update Sheet Status",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.googleSheets",
"position": [
2160,
260
],
"parameters": {
"fieldsUi": {
"values": [
{
"column": "F",
"fieldValue": "Scheduled"
},
{
"column": "G",
"fieldValue": "{{ $json.content.substring(0, 100) }}..."
}
]
},
"operation": "update",
"sheetName": {
"__rl": true,
"mode": "name",
"value": "={{ $('Configuration Variables').first().json.CONTENT_WORKSHEET }}"
},
"documentId": {
"__rl": true,
"mode": "id",
"value": "={{ $('Configuration Variables').first().json.GOOGLE_SHEET_ID }}"
},
"valueToMatchOn": "={{ $json.date }}",
"columnToMatchOn": "A"
},
"credentials": {
"googleSheetsOAuth2Api": {
"name": "<your credential>"
}
},
"typeVersion": 4.4
},
{
"id": "o5p6q7r8-s9t0-1234-5678-901234opqrst",
"name": "Setup Instructions",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
"position": [
240,
500
],
"parameters": {
"color": 6,
"width": 400,
"height": 320,
"content": "\u2699\ufe0f **CONFIGURATION REQUIRED**\n\n**Before using:**\n\n1. **Set up credentials:**\n - OpenAI API key\n - Google Sheets OAuth2\n - Buffer API token\n\n2. **Create Google Sheets template:**\n - Column A: Date (YYYY-MM-DD)\n - Column B: Topic\n - Column C: Platforms\n - Column D: Content Type\n - Column E: Keywords\n - Column F: Status\n - Column G: Generated Content\n\n3. **Update Configuration Variables:**\n - GOOGLE_SHEET_ID\n - BRAND_VOICE\n - COMPANY_NAME\n - TARGET_AUDIENCE\n\n4. **Configure Buffer:**\n - Get profile IDs\n - Update Schedule Post node\n\n5. **Test workflow:**\n - Add test content\n - Run manually\n - Verify posts scheduled"
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "p6q7r8s9-t0u1-2345-6789-012345pqrstu",
"name": "No Content Response",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.respondToWebhook",
"position": [
1200,
420
],
"parameters": {
"options": {},
"respondWith": "json",
"responseBody": "{\n \"status\": \"no_content\",\n \"message\": \"No content scheduled for today\",\n \"date\": \"{{ $json.date }}\"\n}"
},
"typeVersion": 1
}
],
"settings": {
"executionOrder": "v1"
},
"updatedAt": "2025-01-01T00:00:00.000Z",
"versionId": "auto-generate",
"staticData": {},
"connections": {
"Read Content Calendar": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Filter Today's Content",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Filter Today's Content": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Check if Content Exists",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Check if Content Exists": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Generate Social Content with AI",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
],
[
{
"node": "No Content Response",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Configuration Variables": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Read Content Calendar",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Schedule Post via Buffer": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Update Sheet Status",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Process Generated Content": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Schedule Post via Buffer",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Generate Social Content with AI": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Process Generated Content",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Daily Content Generation Trigger": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Configuration Variables",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
}
},
"triggerCount": 1
}
Credentials you'll need
Each integration node will prompt for credentials when you import. We strip credential IDs before publishing — you'll add your own.
googleSheetsOAuth2ApihttpHeaderAuthopenAiApi
About this workflow
Generate and schedule social media content across platforms using AI and Google Sheets. Uses stickyNote, googleSheets, openAi, httpRequest. Scheduled trigger; 16 nodes.
Source: https://github.com/ScraperNode/awesome-n8n-templates/blob/main/templates/ai-and-llm/7517-generate-schedule-social-media-content-with-gpt-4-and-buffer-from-google-sheets/workflow.json — original creator credit. Request a take-down →