As WordPress powers over 43% of all websites, more users are exploring innovative formats to engage their audience.
One such format that stands out is the vertical timeline layout that became popular from Facebook‘s timeline profiles.
![Timeline Popularity Stats]
According to a recent survey, over 68% users felt more informed when following timeline structured content.
So if you want to transform your WordPress site and highlight milestones beautifully, then this comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to add a Facebook-style timeline plugin.
Let‘s first understand…
Why Should You Add a Timeline in WordPress
Here are 3 compelling reasons to showcase your content as a timeline:
- Improves storytelling with chronological order
- Easy to track progress (events, fitness goals etc.)
- Captivating visual format
Having convinced you about the timeline advantage, let us now compare popular timeline solutions in WordPress:
WordPress Timeline Solutions Comparison
| Features | Timeline Plugin | Timeline Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customization | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cost | Free/$ | $$ |
👉 Tip: Plugins give you more flexibility without changing themes
While themes like Timeline Pro offer great built-in timelines, plugins can add this functionality to any existing WordPress site.
Let‘s look at how to do exactly that…
Step-by-Step Guide to Add Facebook Timeline in WordPress
For quick and easy setup, we recommend using the Timeline Express plugin:
![timeline express plugin]
With over 20,000+ active installs and stellar 5 star rating, Timeline Express is the most popular timeline solution.
Here is how to set it up in under 5 minutes:
1. Install Timeline Express Plugin
In WordPress dashboard:
- Go to Plugins > Add New
- Search for "Timeline Express"
- Install the plugin + Activate
2. Configure Timeline
In Timeline Express Settings:
- Give your timeline a Title
- Select "Facebook" style
- Set Content Source as Posts/Pages/CPT
![Timeline Express Backend Config]
Customize options like:
- Date format
- Color schemes
- Thumbnail size
- Order etc.
3. Embed Timeline Anywhere!
Each created timeline has a shortcode.
To display it on any post, page or text widget:
👉 Simply insert the shortcode
Example:
[timeline_express id=5]That‘s it! Your stunning vertical timeline is now ready.
![WordPress Facebook Timeline Final]
With the plugin taking care of all the design elements, you can focus on creating captivating content.
Next, let‘s explore how to fine-tune it further…
Customizing Your Timelines (Pro Tips)
While Timeline Express makes it effortless to create elegant timelines out-of-the-box, you can customize them further:
Modify Timeline Elements
🔧 Change colors, fonts, spacing etc. via Style settings
Extend Styling
🎨 Override styles using Custom CSS option
Integrate with Page Builders
✨ Use native widgets to embed in Elementor, Divi, Gutenberg etc.
By spending a little more time…
Include Multimedia
📷 Set custom thumbnail images + embed video/audio with plugins
Display Specific Categories
🔎 Show only certain categories or custom taxonomies
Enhance Performance
⚡️ Optimize images, enable caching etc.
Still have questions on setting up the perfect timeline?
Check our timeline customization video course 👇
[Insert Video Embed]Now over to you – how do you plan to use timelines creatively on your WordPress site?
Let me know if you have any other questions in comments!
