Putting a countdown clock on a Facebook post can be a great way to build anticipation and engagement for an upcoming event, product launch, or other milestone. While Facebook doesn’t have a built-in countdown clock feature, there are a few different methods users can use to add a ticking countdown clock to their Facebook posts and pages.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the most popular options for adding a countdown timer to Facebook, including:
- Using third-party countdown clock apps and tools
- Embedding a countdown clock created in HTML, Javascript or Flash
- Creating countdown graphics to upload as images or GIFs
- Using the Scheduled Posting feature to time the release of countdown posts
Read on to see the pros, cons and step-by-step instructions for each method.
Using Third-Party Countdown Apps and Tools
One of the easiest ways to add a functional countdown clock to Facebook is by using a third-party countdown app or tool. Here are some of the top options:
Timer Tab
Timer Tab is a free Facebook app that lets you add a countdown clock tab to your Facebook page. Users who visit your page can click on the tab to view the countdown.
To use Timer Tab:
- Go to the Timer Tab website and click “Add Timer.”
- Choose your page from the dropdown menu and enter your Facebook login info when prompted.
- Customize your countdown clock by setting the date, time, timezone and visual settings.
- Click “Add timer” and the app will create a countdown clock tab on your page.
The countdown clock will automatically appear on your page, dynamically updating as the target date and time approach.
Social Snowflake
Social Snowflake is another countdown app for Facebook. Like Timer Tab, it adds a tab with a real-time countdown clock. The app offers additional customization options for colors, fonts and graphics.
Pricing starts at $9.99/month for basic features.
Wishpond
Wishpond is a more robust online marketing suite that includes landing page and countdown timer creation. Wishpond’s countdown timer tool lets you make Facebook posts, images, videos or landing pages featuring an animated, graphical countdown clock.
Wishpond starts at $49/month for core features.
Promo.com
Promo.com is an animated video maker that includes templates for countdown videos. Users can customize the length, text, colors and more. Output options include video, GIF or image files that can be downloaded and uploaded to Facebook.
Subscription plans start at $27/month.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use without any coding skills
- Countdown displays automatically and stays synced in real-time
- Add visual interest and interactivity to your page
- Many customization options for colors, fonts, styles
Cons
- Must drive users to your page tab to view countdown clock
- Monthly costs for some tools and apps
- Limited design options with basic free versions
- Countdown limited to page/tab rather than specific posts
Embedding HTML, JavaScript or Flash Countdown Clocks
For more flexibility and options to embed countdowns directly into individual Facebook posts, you can use HTML, JavaScript or Flash countdown clocks.
Here are some options:
HTML/JavaScript countdown clocks
HTML and JavaScript countdown scripts allow you to embed a dynamic countdown clock into any website or online post. To add one to Facebook:
- Get embed code for the countdown script of your choice. Some options include:
- W3Schools JavaScript Countdown
- Free Countdown Timer Scripts
- jQuery Countdown Plugin
- Paste the embed code into your Facebook status update box the same way you would insert an iframe video or other content.
- The countdown clock will appear live when you preview or post the update.
Adobe Flash countdown timers
Adobe Flash allows you to create animated, interactive countdown clocks. You can embed Flash countdowns into Facebook too:
- Use Adobe Animate CC to create your countdown timer Flash file.
- Upload the .SWF file to a website page and grab the embed code.
- Paste the embed code into your Facebook post box to add the animated countdown clock.
Note that Flash content requires users to have the Flash browser plugin installed to view it.
Pros
- Display countdown directly in timeline posts
- Customize and brand to match your graphics
- Animated clocks can be more visually appealing
Cons
- Require web development and coding skills
- Must update code manually for each new countdown campaign
- Not supported on all mobile devices
- Flash content doesn’t display on iOS
Uploading Countdown Graphics
If you don’t want an automated countdown, another option is to create static countdown graphics to upload into your Facebook posts. Some ideas:
- Design countdown images or animated GIFs in Photoshop, Canva or other graphic apps.
- Create a set of images with decreasing numbers day-by-day.
- Use online GIF makers to turn images into short animated countdowns.
- Generate videos with countdown text animations and sound effects using video editors.
Then, simply upload your countdown image or video files to scheduled Facebook posts leading up to your target date.
Here are some free easy-to-use tools for creating countdown graphics:
| Tool | Details |
|---|---|
| Canva | Online graphic design app with templates for social media images, posts and videos. Free version available. |
| GIMP | Free open-source image editing software similar to Photoshop. Allows layers, custom graphics, animation frames and more. |
| Blender | Open-source 3D modeling and animation program. Can create animated countdown videos. |
| Giphy | Tool for making short animated GIFs from video clips and images. |
Pros
- Completely customized designs and graphics
- Animated GIFs bring creativity and motion
- Easily tailored for different social platforms
Cons
- Time consuming to manually update images/videos
- Lack of real-time functionality
- Graphics skills and design software required
Scheduling Facebook Posts with Countdowns
You can also take advantage of Facebook’s built-in post scheduling system to create a pseudo countdown.
To do it:
- Decide how long you want your countdown to run (ex: 10 days)
- Space out posts with decreasing numbers over the days leading up to your target date/time
- Use Facebook’s publishing tools to schedule posts in advance
- As scheduled time approaches, posts will automatically update statuses with your countdown
This takes more effort than auto-updating apps and embed code. But it lets you customize your countdown messaging around each post.
Pros
- Works natively within Facebook’s tools
- Flexibility with verbiage around each countdown post
- Can tie messaging to different stages of the countdown
Cons
- Time-intensive to craft individual posts
- Hard to reschedule if dates change
- Not a real-time functional countdown
Conclusion
Adding a countdown clock to your Facebook posts can build excitement and keep fans engaged in the run-up to your event or launch. While Facebook doesn’t have built-in countdown features, third-party apps make it easy to add functional countdowns. Or, get creative by embedding custom graphics and videos or leveraging scheduled posting to mimic a countdown.
Consider your timeframe, target audience, design preferences and technical skills to choose the best countdown option for your Facebook marketing goals. With the right strategy, a countdown clock can help boost online buzz and anticipation for your next big milestone.