Social media automation refers to the use of software or tools to automate repetitive tasks and streamline social media workflows. This can include scheduling posts in advance, automating responses to comments and messages, and triggering actions based on specific events or user behavior.

There are several types of social media automation tools available, including:

• Social media scheduling tools, which allow users to schedule posts in advance and publish them automatically at a specific time.
• Social media automation bots, which can respond to comments and direct messages automatically, based on pre-defined rules or keywords.
• Social media monitoring tools, which automatically track mentions of a brand or keywords across multiple platforms and send alerts when they are detected.
• Social media analytics tools, which automatically track performance data and send reports on metrics such as engagement, reach, and conversions.
• Social media automation platforms like Zappier, IFTTT and Integromat, which allow users to create custom workflows and automate repetitive tasks across different platforms and tools. 

While social media automation can save time and effort, it is important to use it responsibly and in a way that aligns with the company’s social media strategy. Automation should not replace human interaction and engagement, but rather enhance it. Social media managers should also monitor and analyze the performance of automated actions regularly to ensure that they are achieving the desired results.