Instagram remains one of the most widely-used social platforms, with over 2 billion monthly active users as of January 2023 [[1]]. Integrating Instagram into your WordPress website can help drive traffic from this hugely popular network.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll walk through how WordPress experts can easily add Instagram feeds or single posts to any widget area.
Why Instagram is Essential for WordPress Engagement
Here are three data-backed reasons to display Instagram content on your WordPress site:
1. Send More Traffic to Your Instagram Account
Over 63% of Instagram users say they have visited a website to purchase a product or service after seeing it on Instagram [[2]]. Adding Instagram feeds or posts helps send that traffic your way.
Visitors who engage with the Instagram content on your site are more likely to check out or even follow your Instagram profile. This is invaluable for driving real Instagram growth.
2. Build Trust and Credibility via Social Proof
Some 97% of consumers say social proof increases their trust in a business [[3]].showcasing Instagram engagement directly on your website leverages FOMO and the bandwagon effect.
Seeing your actual social engagement numbers helps convince visitors your brand is popular and reputable.
3. Keep Content Dynamic with New Visuals
An auto-updating Instagram feed pulls in fresh user-generated visuals whenever you add new posts. As over 100 million photos and videos are shared to Instagram daily [[4]], there‘s no shortage of content.
Give repeat visitors variety and regular visual updates effortlessly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Displaying Instagram in WordPress Sidebars
Now let‘s dive into the step-by-step process to add Instagram feeds or posts using core WordPress widgets and the Smash Balloon Instagram plugin.
Phase 1: Connect an Instagram Account
Start by installing and activating the Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed plugin. This free WordPress plugin lets you create customizable Instagram feeds.
After installing, navigate to Instagram Feed → Add New. Select the "User Timeline" feed type option, then proceed by clicking Next.
You‘ll then need to connect the Instagram account you want to display. Click the blue "Add Source" button, then log in with your Instagram username and password.
Expert Tip: If you want to auto-pull your avatar and bio, use an Instagram business account versus a personal account.
Phase 2: Create and Customize an Instagram Feed
Head over to Instagram Feed → All Feeds in your WP dashboard. Check the box next to the Instagram account you just connected, then click Next.
This will create a new Instagram feed pulling directly from your connected Instagram account. You‘ll instantly enter the customization dashboard.
When designing your Instagram feed, consider key elements like:
| Layout Format | Number of Photos |
| Color Schemes | Image Dimensions |
| Feed Header | Load More Button |
Take the time to tailor the precise look. I suggest showing more posts on desktop versus mobile. Once satisfied, click Save to preserve your Instagram feed design.
Phase 3: Display Your Feed in Sidebars
Navigate to Appearance → Widgets and search for "Instagram Feed." Locate the widget labeled "New Smash Balloon…" and drag this onto your target sidebar.
By default, the widget will showcase the Instagram feed you just customized above.
To display an alternate Instagram feed, input its unique shortcode into the widget‘s "Shortcode Settings" field.
Embed Specific Instagram Posts in Widgets
Beyond full feeds, you can embed singular Instagram posts in sidebars and other widget areas.
First, enable Instagram oEmbeds at Instagram → oEmbeds to reactivate Instagram embedding across WordPress.
Then, add a new Embed widget. Paste the post‘s Instagram URL into the widget‘s embed field, adjust dimensions if desired, then click Embed.
This allows you to handpick highlighted Instagram posts to showcase anywhere widget areas are available on your WordPress site.
Matching Your Brand for Seamless Integration
Once you‘ve added Instagram to sidebars or widget areas, you‘ll likely want to match the styling to fit your brand aesthetic.
Here are 4 key customization tips for seamless Instagram integration:
Use the Exact Hex Color Codes from your brand guide to style backgrounds, text, borders, buttons, etc.
Select Font Styles and Sizes that align with your brand guide for the best cohesion.
For single post embeds, dial in the ideal Image Dimensions so Instagram imagery blends perfectly into your theme.
Add Custom Bios or Headers that introduce or contextualize the Instagram content being shown.
Take time to intentionally customize the styling based on colors, fonts, and sizing specifically laid out in your formal brand style guide document.
This helps Instagram feeds and posts blend in seamlessly, as if they were meant to be there all along. The effect is visitors engaging more, following, and converting through your Instagram account.
Let‘s Recap – How to Show Instagram on WordPress Websites
Here‘s a quick overview of the step-by-step process:
- Install Smash Balloon Plugin (free version is fine)
- Connect Desired Instagram Account
- Create New Instagram Feed
- Deep Customize Feed Appearance
- Drag & Drop Widget to Sidebar
- Customize Styling for Your Brand
- Consider Embedding Specific Posts
- Drive Traffic to Instagram Profile!
Integrating Instagram is a surefire way to boost engagement. By following this guide, you‘ll soon have Instagram feeds or posts boosting your brand right from your WordPress sidebar or widgetized areas.
Let me know if any questions come up as you integrate Instagram into your WordPress website!
[[1]] Instagram by the Numbers: Stats, Demographics & Fun Facts. Omnicore Agency. https://www.omnicoreagency.com/instagram-statistics/ [[2]] Instagram Shopping Study. Launchmetrics. https://www.launchmetrics.com/resources/instagram-shopping-study [[3]] Annex Cloud. (2021, June 15). 50 Fascinating Social Media Statistics for 2021. https://adespresso.com/blog/social-media-statistics/ [[4]] Meeker, M. (2019). Internet Trends 2019. Bond Capital. https://bondcap.com/report/itr19/#view/121
